So, don’t get me wrong, it can be a nice time to grab one of those delicious pitchers of blackout juice at Shakespeare’s, or head out to old favorites like the Rooftop, but let’s be honest: these bars are old and tired. Disco music and a ratchet dance floor? No thanks. How about mixing up your normal Dirty Sixth hit list and venturing into a couple of new bars? There’s giant Jenga, pickle shots and playgrounds involved. Here’s a list of fun bars in Austin that are worth dodging those oldies for.

1. HandleBar

austin bars

Photo by Natalie Choy

Walk a block from Sixth to HandleBar for a change of pace. Known for their mustache paraphernalia, silly photo booth and rooftop playground with ring toss, cornhole and giant Jenga, there are a number of activities to keep you entertained. And once you’ve had a few drinks, check out the seesaw and rocking seahorse upstairs.
Location: 121 E. Fifth St.
Hours: Mon-Sat 2pm-2am, Sun 12pm-2am

2. Recess Arcade Bar

austin bars

Photo by Natalie Choy

Recess Arcade Bar is exactly what it sounds like: an arcade that serves hard liquor and beer. What more could you want?
Location: 222 E. Fifth St.
Hours: Mon-Fri 5pm, Sat-Sun 2pm-2am

3. Bar 96

austin bars

Photo by Natalie Choy

If you haven’t been to Rainey Street before, here’s my first recommendation. Bar 96 offers a relaxed atmosphere that advocates for the simple life: beer, cornhole, picnic tables and the Bimini ring game. What’s the Bimini ring game? You’ll have to go to find out.
Location: 96 Rainey St.
Hours: Mon-Fri 2pm-2am, Sat-Sun 11am-2am

4. Lucille Patio Lounge

austin bars

Photo by Natalie Choy

Another Rainey Street original, Lucille is easily one of my favorite bars in Austin. Not only does the bar host a killer ambiance, with twinkling lights in the trees and hammocks to swing in, there are conversation cards and checkers on the tables, and a small putt-putt hole in the back. Bonus: if you get hungry, head next door to the local favorite pub, Banger’s, for some tasty treats.
Address: 77 Rainey St.
Hours: Mon-Th 5pm-2am, Fri&Sat 4pm-2am, Sun 5pm-close

5. Kung Fu Saloon

austin bars

Photo courtesy of kungfusaloon.com

Feel like playin’  Pacman while having a beer? You’ve come to the right place. Kung Fu boasts several free activities including giant Jenga and always-free skeeball. There’s also a notorious pickle shot to try, if you dare.
Address: 510 Rio Grande St.
Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-2am, Sat-Sun 11am-2am