Ultimate Singles Guide
Updated: June 09, 2009
Just because you're solo doesn't mean you have to be by yourself; there are too many places to hang with other bachelors and bachelorettes. So while you may be without a plus one now, you never know who you're going to meet at these hot singles spots in Austin.
On this page:To Find Your Punk Rock Family, For UT Students or Students of Life, For Two-Step Partners, To Meet Artsy East Side Hipsters, For Trendy Types, To Meet Austinites who eat Elite-ly, For Rockin' Types, For 30-Something Types.
To Find Your Punk Rock Family
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Room 710
Read Reviews710 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
Room 710 is a recent recipient of the gift of art from Shepard Fairey: The Misfits logo of a hooded skull now announces to all on Red River that this is a punk rock bar, not just any old dump with live music. Room 710 keeps it multi-generational with shows appealing to the older folks, like old-school Texas punk from The Dicks and happy hours with the amazing 1960s cover band Flashback, who can channel The Doors, The Beatles, The Who and Led Zepplin with startling accuracy. Younger barhoppers should not feel totally alienated as there are plenty of shows with currently popular and local bands, but punk rock revivalists will be most at home here.
For UT Students or Students of Life
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Cain and Abel's
Read Reviews2313 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705 (map)
Cain and Abel's is a college bar in a college town--expect to hear a lot of kvetching about classes, dorm-room gossip, obsessing over sporting events and to witness the occasional (read: hourly) random hook-up. Cain and Abel's is best left to UT students or those aged 25 and under.
For Two-Step Partners
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Rainbow Cattle Co
Read Reviews305 W Fifth St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
While Austin has no designated gayborhood as such, both the Warehouse and 6th Street entertainment districts are home to several alternative/gay bars, all of which are straight-friendly, too. The Rainbow Cattle Company is one of these such gay/straight-friendly alternative bars with such a richly varied calendar of events that we think everyone in the world who enjoys going out will find something to love. Where else can you play Wii, chill out to hip-hop or Latin music, two-step or line dance? 'Nuff said.
To Meet Artsy East Side Hipsters
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Shangri-La
Read Reviews1016 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702 (map)
While Shangri-La isn't the only bar on the East side that is hipster-sanctioned, it does have the biggest, most accommodating backyard patio which lends itself to table-hopping and mingling. The Sunday night Andouille beans and sausage gumbo and rice allow bar patrons to put away some free food, then put away some beers as they play pool, Ms. Pac-Man or the jukebox.
For Trendy Types
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Vespaio
Read Reviews1610 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 (map)
Still the place to see and be seen on weekends; scope out other singles in the crowded bar area.
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Kenichi
Read Reviews419 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
To Meet Austinites who eat Elite-ly
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Whole Foods Market
Write a review4006 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 (map)
Nothing against H.E.B. or Central Market, but Whole Foods is the best grocery store in which to scope out attractive singles of all kinds--politically active, professional, foodies, what have you. Everyone goes to Whole Foods and shopping there feels like more a scene than an errand. It goes without saying that the people-watching is exceptional, and during SXSW some bands eat here daily. Lingering in the bulk foods or supplements aisles and looking helpless might prompt a fellow shopper to offer unsolicited advice--take it, along with the digits.
For Rockin' Types
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Stubb's Bar-B-Q Restaurant
Read Reviews801 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
Live music and famous barbecue make this a favorite gathering place for Austinites.
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Continental Club
Read Reviews1315 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 (map)
A favorite South Congress spot for local music, inexpensive drinks and Austin history.
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Antone's Nightclub
Read Reviews213 W Fifth St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
Check out Austin's premiere blues club for a taste of history and a chance to hear up-and-coming acts.
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Speakeasy
Read Reviews412D Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
The convenient downtown location, drink specials and live music attract sexy young professionals.
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Shady Grove
Read Reviews1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704 (map)
Practically everyone in Austin makes their way to this patio for "Unplugged at the Grove."
For 30-Something Types
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Six
Read Reviews117 W Fourth St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
The cozy see-and-be-seen environment is perfect for sipping martinis and seeing who's out there.
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The Brown Bar
Read Reviews201 W Eighth St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
A Manhattan-style downtown lounge that pulls in a 30-something crowd with premium cocktails.
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Saba Blue Water Cafe
Read Reviews208D W 4th St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
Warehouse District favorite for sexy singles and a cheap happy hour.
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Roaring Fork Saloon
Read Reviews701 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
With a renowned happy hour and prime Congress Street location, prepare to rub elbows with Austin's finer young professionals at the Roaring Fork. Located almost in the shadow of the Capitol and close enough to the 6th Street entertainment district, the Roaring Fork is a good spot to begin the night or wind down the day.
