7 Best Rooftop Restaurants in Austin

Famous for its music and outstanding food, Austin in the state of Texas is a great city for gig lovers and gourmands. One of the best ways to see this vibrant city is from up high, preferably whilst enjoying some wonderful cuisine. So, if you are looking for an elevated experience, where you can enjoy delicious dishes with jaw-dropping views, here are some of the best rooftop restaurants in Austin.

7 Best Rooftop Restaurants in Austin, How do these rankings work?

1. The Upside

The Upside is located on the top of the East Austin Hotel. This rooftop bar, lounge and restaurant overlooks the hotel pool and East Sixth Street. As you take in the views, you can sip on creative cocktails which are inspired by the flavours of Latin America. For example, the Neon Chi Chi is made with blue curacao, pineapple, vanilla coconut cream, lime and rum. Yum! When it comes to food, you can order a wide variety of flavourful dishes including lamb kebabs, jackfruit banh mi, muhammara and citrus ceviche. Brunch on the rooftop is always a good time, and very popular too.

2. Upstairs at Caroline

If you are looking for a fun, laidback spot with some causal food and bar bites, then make your way to Upstairs at Caroline. Located in the heart of the Violet Crown City, you’ll find this rooftop on top of Caroline restaurant on 7th Street. Upstairs at Caroline is an ‘urban backyard party’ and the ideal spot to enjoy some games of Jenga, foosball and cornhole. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can chow down on terrific tacos, spicy ahi tuna, Mexican shrimp cocktail, salads, chips and dips. You can also cool down with refreshing beers and frozen margaritas.

3. P6 at The Line

Perched above the Line Hotel, P6 was once a rooftop parking garage. Nowadays, it is an intimate and charming rooftop restaurant with wonderful views of Town Lake and the iconic South Austin skyline. It is a great place for a date night. Order a whole host of the Mediterranean small plates from the menu – they are all delicious. The ‘Big Plate’ full of artisan cheese, meat and pate is perfect for sharing. Enjoy clinking a few glasses over the view and great vibes and relax and while away the night in the fab spot.

4. La Piscina

This lively poolside restaurant and bar is located on the 5th floor of the Austin Proper Hotel. The is a great place to go if you have a craving for Texas-inspired Mexican cuisine. Gather round and enjoy family-style platters, ceviches and table-top sizzling fajitas. You can also order fresh seafood grilled over a wood fire. Oh, and the tortillas are made in-house from an open comal. Also, if you see the Baja oysters on the menu, order them, they are a highlight. All of this deliciousness can be washed down with frozen margaritas, small-batch tequila and mezcal whilst taking in the cool city views. This rooftop restaurant is super popular in summer, so book in advance and in the winter you can still enjoy it as you’ll find heaters and cosy blankets.

5. Rules & Regs

Located on the 7th floor of the Fairmont Hotel with spectacular views that look out over Austin’s cityscape, Rules & Regs is the perfect weekend escape. Open Thursday to Sunday, you can enjoy light bites and bar nibbles each evening. However, if you are looking for something a bit more substantial, come here for the buzzing brunch. This takes place every Saturday and Sunday. The menus feature fresh Latin flavours with a taste of the tropics. Kick back, relax, soak up the vibes and enjoy tacos, enmoladas, tostadas, and churros French toast. These are served with upbeat tunes, tasty sips and incredible views of Austin’s cityscape.

6. Otopia

If you are looking for light evening bites with a side order of downtown views, then make your way to Otopia. You’ll find this rooftop on San Antonio Street in the Campus District. This is a cool local hangout where you can just relax and listen to the tunes, enjoy a sunset happy hour or fill up on tasty food. On the menu, you’ll find dishes like beef tataki, tuna wonton tacos, beef tartare, salmon poke, and moreish homemade chocolate chip cookies.

7. Edge Rooftop

The Edge Rooftop restaurant and lounge is on top of the Marriott Hotel. The rooftop overlooks the iconic Congress Ave and Lady Bird Lake, and the views are really special. Settle down on the comfy lounge furniture and order some of the wonderfully flavourful dishes from the menu. Choose from inspired bar bites and casual dishes, for instance, nachos and salsa, ahi tuna tacos, pulled brisket sliders, cheese and charcuterie boards and delicious ducle de leche cheesecake. You can sip margarita, cocktails and local brews whilst chilling out and taking in the views and vibes.