Vespaio
1610 S. Congress, 441-6100 Open Tuesday-Sunday, 5-10pm
I give Vespaio and bartender Tom Upthegrove the highest possible compliment — I never worry about whether they’ll get the drinks right. No matter how busy, frantic, or late it is, they always deliver a dependably perfect cocktail.
Opal Divine’s
700 W. Sixth, 477-3308Open daily, 11am-2am
This place is single-malt heaven. If you are a scotch drinker, and you haven’t been upstairs at Opal Divine’s, you are missing one of the best selections of single-malt whiskeys in Texas. Try to meet owner Michael Parker, a walking encyclopedia of all things scotch. And here’s a hint for margarita lovers — watch for something special at Opal Divine’s.
Reed’s Jazz & Supper Club
9901 Capital of TX Hwy. N., 342-7977 Open Monday-Thursday, 5-11pm; Friday-Saturday, 5pm-1am
Billy Strayhorn made mention of a way “to get the feel of life, from jazz and cocktails” in his song “Lush Life.” I think he would have felt good in Reed’s bar. Great jazz along with big, well-made cocktails add up to a special night.
The Four Seasons
98 San Jacinto Blvd., 478-4500 Open Sunday-Thursday, 2pm-1am; Friday, 2pm-2am; Saturday, 11-2am
You can’t beat the waterfront view, the luxuriously comfortable seats, and the great (free) bar snacks. Manager Philip Myers lives and breathes customer service. Plus, he keeps rye whiskey, which is a good enough reason to frequent this beautiful bar.
Club DeVille
900 Red River St., 457-0900 Open Tuesday-Saturday, 5pm-2am; Sunday-Monday, 7pm-2am
You walk into a dark bar, and after chatting up the bartender for, oh, about 10 seconds, you know you are destined for cocktail Valhalla. You also know the owners are serious. This is not a pickup joint, and there are no dancers, no food, and no sports. It’s a bar, and they will live or die based on how well they make drinks. You can also see the owners’ commitment, because they hire good bartenders who know what they are doing. Plus, sit outside, and you can hear the music from Stubb’s for free!
Star Bar
600 W. Sixth, 477-8550 Monday-Saturday, 4pm-2am; Sunday, 6pm-2am
This is an enjoyable place for a serious drink. Though it’s empty a good part of the day, after 5pm, the place fills with downtown workers on their way home. If you are a nonsmoker, you might want to sit outside — inside gets quite smoky. Later on, after dark, the outdoor courtyard around back is a nice, cool, and quiet hideaway. Star Bar serves good, quality liquor at fair prices. Uncommon drinks can throw the bartenders for a loop, but the more common libations come out well.
Cedar Street Courtyard
208 W. Fourth, 495-9669 Monday-Friday, 4pm-2am; Saturday-Sunday, 6pm-2am
Just step down the stairs of this warehouse-district mainstay, and you’ll immediately find the appeal that has brought Austinites back year after year. The outdoor courtyard complete with a stage and regular live music coupled with indoor bars on either side ensures somewhere to hang no matter your mood. Cedar Street calls itself the “King of Gin Joints,” so be sure to try some of their signature martinis.
Cedar Door
201 Brazos St., 473-3712 Daily, 3pm-2am
Since opening in 1975, the Cedar Door has moved four times, ending up in its current, and hopefully final, location at Brazos and Second. Stop in for a Mexican Martini, their specialty, or join them for the Bloody Mary Sundays, something we’ve all been in the need for. Check out their Web site at www.cedardooraustin.com for a full history of this Austin hot spot.
This article appears in June 27 • 2003.