The Lake Travis-Westlake area has many bars and restaurants within its cities and lakeside communities. While not comprehensive, this guide provides a smattering of bars in the area where patrons can expect a unique experience, from a seemingly never-ending stream of live music to enjoying a breathtaking view and beyond.
1. Jules Design Bar
Jules Design Bar is part home decor store and part bar. Owner Julie Smith has 25 years of interior design experience. Jules features live music, design classes and a speakeasy lounge. The cocktail list includes a menu of Old-Fashioneds served in crystal barware.
Come in for:
the Jules, a specialty Old-Fashioned in a rosemary smoked glass
12700 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. T110, Bee Cave
512-906-0001
Hours: Tue.-Wed. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Thu.-Sat. 10 a.m.-10p.m., Sun. noon-8 p.m., closed Mon.
www.julesdesignbar.com
2. LT Corner Pub
As the name suggests, LT Corner Pub sits tucked away in the corner of the Lakeway Plaza on RM 620. It has a full bar and is one of the only Irish-themed pubs in the Lake Travis area. Its decor was inspired by pubs in Ireland and the U.K.
Come in for:
the selection of Irish whiskeys
1310 RM 620, Ste. B12, Lakeway
512-961-5674
Hours: Sun. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Mon. 3 p.m.-midnight, Tue. 11:30 a.m.-midnight, Wed.-Thu. 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m., Fri. 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
www.ltcornerpub.com
3. Oz. tap house
Employees at Oz. Tap House will point out the establishment is the first self-pour bar in Texas, meaning the customers pour their own drinks. As the name suggests, beer and wine is sold by the ounce, with prices varying. Customers only pay for what they pour.
Come in for:
the self-pour beer and wine wall featuring 40 selections on tap
10601 RM 2222, Ste. H, Austin
512-366-5007
Hours: Sun.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.,
Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
www.oztaphouse.com
4. Poodies Roadhouse
Tucked away in the Texas Hill Country is honky-tonk bar Poodies Roadhouse. The restaurant/bar features live music seven days a week and late-night food. Over the past 21 years, stars such as Willie Nelson have graced the stage. Poodies holds weekly events, including Sunday afternoon dancing.
Come in for:
the live music every night of the week
22308 W. Hwy. 71, Spicewood
512-264-0318
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.,
Sun. noon-2 a.m.
www.poodies.net
5. Sway
Sway is a modern Thai restaurant and bar. The West Lake Hills location features a rooftop patio with Austin skyline views. The bar menu includes a selection of beer, wine and specialty cocktails, featuring the Marigold Sunrise, referred to as the “brainchild of the restaurant” by marketing manager Sarah Karney.
Come in for:
the rooftop view of the Austin skyline
3437 Bee Caves Road, West Lake Hills
512-326-1999
Hours: Sun.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., brunch Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
www.swaythai.com
6. Table 620
Table 620 is one of the few places in the Lake Travis area where customers can belly up to a bar at the local grocery store. Most notably, it is the only full-service bar within an H-E-B in the Lake Travis area, and it features theme nights including Margarita Mondays and Tequila Tuesdays.
Come in for:
the pineapple/jalapeno-infused margarita
2000 S. RM 620, Lakeway
512-599-5860
Hours: Mon.-Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
www.heb.com
