What we love about the Historic Rainey Street District
It’s as clear as day why we’re big fans of Rainey.
When serial nightclub owner Bob Woody (also known as the Mayor of Austin’s Sixth Street) bought the last single-family home on Rainey Street this summer, it certainly solidified a message: Rainey is flooding with vibes. What was once a sleepy street dotted with single family homes is now a vibrant row of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, live music, food trucks, and nightlife. But fear not, Rainey Street has definitely not lost its charm; homey bungalows and fairy lights line the patios. This area embodies the ideal combination; giving you neighborhood feels and an itch to party all at the same time.
Rainey then and now: a shot of a quaint house at 96 Rainey Street in 1980 and present day in its current form — The Alibi.
The Alibi, pictured above, is the first bar on Rainey Street, and it’s a staple. It’s a solid hangout spot, where you can chill on the bench swings in the back or play Jenga outside with friends. It’s the perfect place to start your night (or day) off before you continue bar hopping on down the line.
While we’re on the subject of bars, tons of Rainey bungalows have been transformed into bustling bars, with drinks flowing, people dancing, and no shortage of live music — the kind of music that makes you want to join a flash mob, or break it down like how you would in the comfort of your bedroom when no one is watching. After all, Austin is the “Live Music Capital of the World,” boasting over 250 venues to see live music. Half Step is one of our favorite spots for live music. There’s an indoor and outdoor space, so you can pick your poison. Bands usually roll through playing jazz, soul, bluegrass, and blues. The cocktails definitely don’t disappoint, either. If you’re feeling bold, order “the bartender’s choice,” and let the bartender shake you up something special.
Another one of our favorite watering holes is Banger’s — it’s always booming. This sausage house and biergarten brags about having the largest craft tap wall in Texas. They say everything is bigger in Texas, so you can only imagine how vast the Banger’s selection is (over 100 brewskis), and what that does for beer fans. From the moment it opens, Bangers has a crowd, its communal picnic tables are full of people who crave beers and brunch — -just order their famous “Manmosa” (drink at your own risk). The Banger’s brats and sausages are tasty, too, almost transporting you to Oktoberfest in Munich, minus the lederhosen.
The food truck scene in Austin is not to be dismissed, and Rainey has a rotation of our favorites — there are taco trucks, pizza trucks, and even lobster trucks. If you happen to be strolling down Rainey when Happy Lobster is parked, you’ve hit the lotto. Started by three close friends who quit their office jobs to pursue their passion for tasty food, the Happy Lobster Truck made Texas a permanent destination after two trips to Austin for SXSW. You’ll definitely want to order a lobster roll, but be sure to get the fried lobster mac and cheese bites for dessert. Speaking of food trucks, another Rainey Street staple is G’raj Mahal, which started as a food truck, but then graduated to a larger restaurant serving Indian food. Like our other favorite Rainey spots, there’s a patio perfect for dining al fresco, and for people watching, more importantly. Definitely get your hands on the naan — it’s naan-negotiable.
Hotel Van Zandt is a swanky boutique hotel in the area, inspired by Austin’s vibrant music scene, as exemplified by the brass instrument light fixtures made of trumpets and horns that float along in the lobby. The musical touches don’t stop there — -there are notes of it everywhere. The hotel is named for country music legend, Townes Van Zandt, there’s a record player in the lobby bar, and accents of artwork shaped like birds made of vinyl. With views of Lady Bird Lake that could kill, this hotel is a hangout spot for sure. And did we mention the pool? Grab a drink and some food from the hotel’s restaurant, Geraldine’s, which serves upscale Texan food.
Other notable hotspots you won’t want to miss are Container Bar (nothing says “on trend” these days like places made out of shipping containers, am I right?) It’s a multi-tiered mecca for outdoor boozing, with a DJ and a scene that doesn’t make you question why Austin’s slogan is “Keep Austin Weird.” Clive Bar is another one of our favorites — it’s charming and versatile. There’s a huge patio (we’re sensing a theme here…) and games, like cornhole, that add some chill to the charm. Most importantly, though, is the quasi-secret shack outside that specializes in mezcal. Enter at your own risk.
One of our favorite things about Rainey is its prime location. Though it’s tucked away by Lady Bird Lake, it’s close to the action on Austin’s famous East 6th Street (less than a 20 minute walk), and a literal stone’s throw from Waller Beach to soak up all the nature you could ever ask for in a big city. Waller Beach is twenty-six acres of pure grass and park, dotted with wildlife, including some of the largest turtles in the lake (think twice before you use that plastic straw near this park). There are biking trails, boating, canoeing, and kayaking in case you feel compelled to burn off any of the booze you consumed during your inevitable Rainey bar crawl.
Austin is a multidimensional city, not only with a food scene that speaks to the foodies, but with an art scene that speaks to creatives as well. The Contemporary Austin-Jones Center features modern exhibitions with multiple mediums, including films in partnership with the Austin Film Society. The museum’s works aren’t just confined to the walls of the building. Throughout the city, the “Museum without Walls,” program features sculptures by famous artists, like world-renowned Ai Weiwei.
Rainey’s about as well-rounded as it gets — giving natives and visitors their fill of food, drinks, nightlife, culture, and nature. There’s certainly something for everyone in the city that keeps it weird.
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