Whisler's

"The odds of bumping into a friend at this popular cocktail bar are very high on weekends for Austin locals. The bar has a vintage chic aesthetic, with a chandelier inside, old clawfoot bathtubs outside, and patinated mirrors. The cocktail bar has fancy drinks and punch, while the mezcaleria upstairs offers a more intimate setting. Need to soak up booze? There’s sliders and fries from food truck Golden Tiger." - Erin Russell

"Whisler’s is the place to be if you’re looking for imaginative cocktails that rotate seasonally, martinis, or a killer Old Fashioned. As for ambiance, there’s a lively East Sixth Street patio that is, thankfully, tented when it’s cold. But, for a more intimate experience, grab a corner table inside the dimly lit bar amongst the hundreds of twinkling candles and wafting scent of palo santo. Bargoers can enjoy drinks until 2 a.m. on Sundays." - Darcie Duttweiler

"If you live anywhere near East Austin and have been on a first date in the last five years, there's a good chance at least one of them was at Whisler's. This busy cocktail bar serves some of the best drinks on the East Side, in an old warehouse that feels like it belongs in Brooklyn. Grab an Old Fashioned, then make your way out to the massive patio where you can also get an excellent burger from Golden Tiger and kick off the conversation with whether or not smashburgers are overrated. " - chelsea bucklew, nicolai mccrary

"It’s no secret that the East Side gets busy on Friday and Saturday nights, but even the busiest bars in the area barely hold a candle to the crowds at Whisler’s, home to some of the best cocktails east of I-35. Fortunately, with two full bars—plus a rooftop mezcaleria—Whisler’s is equipped to handle whatever the city throws at it. It’s built into an old warehouse that feels more like it belongs in Brooklyn than across from a hotel in East Austin. Grab an Old Fashioned, then make your way out to the massive patio where you can also grab an excellent smashburger from Golden Tiger.  " - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion

"The East Austin bar whips up classic martinis naturally — just ask your bartender. But also, it’s another one of those cheaper martini happy hour specials. During Fridays this summer, the bar is offering 75 cent martinis during its happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas." - Nadia Chaudhury