Buxley the Ai Bandit says: I’ll be back soon. Just finishing up building a new Internet for the people by the people. Good luck Zuck, your stock gonna drop. BOYS LETS GO. Creator and ARTIST friendly. Ciao from Mexico. Be back soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Robert Hak
This became my go to place during a week long business trip. Definitely check out the live music on Tuesdays and the overall chill vibe. Staff were friendly and recognized me the second night I came in. Wrap around patios and plenty of seating make for a great night.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Stacey Arnold
Amazing staff, amazing music, and creative drinks! While it might be too late in the season, the wild turkey gravy back is a must have
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Logan
My partner and I had an amazing time here, Patrick provided great service, great conversation, great drink recommendations and perfect explanations of how the drinks would taste, the atmosphere and patio were very comfortable and welcoming. I will definitely be coming back and highly recommend this place to anyone nearby.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott Ryan
Half Step is one of those rare bars where you walk in for “one drink” and suddenly you’re deep in a conversation about bitters with a bartender who probably has a PhD in mixology. This place is a master class in doing everything with intention — the cocktails, the ambiance, even the neon sign has more personality than most bars on Rainey.
The drinks? Legit. Not “Instagram pretty but tastes like regret” — I mean the real deal. Balanced, thoughtful, and made by people who care about the craft. Their whiskey sour with egg white is still one of the best I’ve ever had, and the Irish whiskey coffee could probably convince a non-coffee drinker to turn their life around.
Inside, it’s cozy and intimate. Outside, it’s everything you want in Austin — chill vibe, great music, and just enough energy to make the night feel alive without being chaotic. And I’ve got to shout out the neon sign again: absolute icon. Whoever designed it deserves their own drink on the menu.
If you’re in Austin and don’t hit Half Step, that’s on you. This is the kind of bar that becomes the place you compare other bars to.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
Katya Krauchuk
I’ve never had such an unprofessional experience with a bartender. The guy with the long curly hair clearly thinks he’s way too cool for his actual job. When my boyfriend simply gestured to get his attention, the bartender mocked him by doing the same gesture back and saying that we “can’t call him over like that.” I’m sorry, but you’re working behind the bar your job is literally customer service. Instead of acting superior and disrespectful, maybe try doing the job you’re paid for. The attitude was completely unnecessary and ruined the experience for us. Definitely won’t be coming back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Neil Mcginnis
Cocktails here are impressive.. better than 90% of places in Austin. Not sure if they have food
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Flavio Arguello
Best cocktail bar in Austin
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Jóvan Howard
Still my favorite, even after my extended absence! Keep killing it yall!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lamonte Williams
JD at Half Step is the definition of mastery in motion. His presence behind the bar is calm, confident, and intentional — you feel like you’re in good hands from the moment he asks what you’d like. He reads people effortlessly and builds drinks that feel personal, not just mixed. The balance and flavor in every cocktail he makes show skill, but it’s the hospitality that makes the experience memorable. JD doesn’t just make drinks — he curates a moment. If you’re in Austin and appreciate craft done right, he’s someone you hope is behind the bar.
The drinks are very expensive and the bartender, Patrick, actually told me that the customer is not always right and tried to get me to order a drink that I didn’t want. I do not recommend going to a place that has this type of attitude.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 1
L Baker
This establishment open up their doors and hearts to a entire hotel near by that had a fire around midnight 10/23/25 . Thank you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
mardell coleman
Great staff, great cocktails, great atmosphere and super friendly patrons.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Scott Ross
Great vibe and yummy cocktails
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Lucas Boyd
Honestly, the best bar in Austin in my opinion. It has such old charm and character with live music, world class cocktails and tremendous people watching. This bar is a must go!
Buxley the Ai Bandit says: I’ll be back soon. Just finishing up building a new Internet for the people by the people. Good luck Zuck, your stock gonna drop. BOYS LETS GO. Creator and ARTIST friendly. Ciao from Mexico. Be back soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This became my go to place during a week long business trip. Definitely check out the live music on Tuesdays and the overall chill vibe. Staff were friendly and recognized me the second night I came in. Wrap around patios and plenty of seating make for a great night.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Amazing staff, amazing music, and creative drinks! While it might be too late in the season, the wild turkey gravy back is a must have
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
My partner and I had an amazing time here, Patrick provided great service, great conversation, great drink recommendations and perfect explanations of how the drinks would taste, the atmosphere and patio were very comfortable and welcoming. I will definitely be coming back and highly recommend this place to anyone nearby.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Half Step is one of those rare bars where you walk in for “one drink” and suddenly you’re deep in a conversation about bitters with a bartender who probably has a PhD in mixology. This place is a master class in doing everything with intention — the cocktails, the ambiance, even the neon sign has more personality than most bars on Rainey.
The drinks? Legit. Not “Instagram pretty but tastes like regret” — I mean the real deal. Balanced, thoughtful, and made by people who care about the craft. Their whiskey sour with egg white is still one of the best I’ve ever had, and the Irish whiskey coffee could probably convince a non-coffee drinker to turn their life around.
Inside, it’s cozy and intimate. Outside, it’s everything you want in Austin — chill vibe, great music, and just enough energy to make the night feel alive without being chaotic. And I’ve got to shout out the neon sign again: absolute icon. Whoever designed it deserves their own drink on the menu.
If you’re in Austin and don’t hit Half Step, that’s on you. This is the kind of bar that becomes the place you compare other bars to.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
I’ve never had such an unprofessional experience with a bartender. The guy with the long curly hair clearly thinks he’s way too cool for his actual job. When my boyfriend simply gestured to get his attention, the bartender mocked him by doing the same gesture back and saying that we “can’t call him over like that.”
I’m sorry, but you’re working behind the bar your job is literally customer service. Instead of acting superior and disrespectful, maybe try doing the job you’re paid for. The attitude was completely unnecessary and ruined the experience for us. Definitely won’t be coming back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Cocktails here are impressive.. better than 90% of places in Austin. Not sure if they have food
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Best cocktail bar in Austin
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Still my favorite, even after my extended absence! Keep killing it yall!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
JD at Half Step is the definition of mastery in motion. His presence behind the bar is calm, confident, and intentional — you feel like you’re in good hands from the moment he asks what you’d like. He reads people effortlessly and builds drinks that feel personal, not just mixed. The balance and flavor in every cocktail he makes show skill, but it’s the hospitality that makes the experience memorable. JD doesn’t just make drinks — he curates a moment. If you’re in Austin and appreciate craft done right, he’s someone you hope is behind the bar.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The drinks are very expensive and the bartender, Patrick, actually told me that the customer is not always right and tried to get me to order a drink that I didn’t want. I do not recommend going to a place that has this type of attitude.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 1
This establishment open up their doors and hearts to a entire hotel near by that had a fire around midnight 10/23/25 . Thank you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great staff, great cocktails, great atmosphere and super friendly patrons.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Great vibe and yummy cocktails
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Honestly, the best bar in Austin in my opinion. It has such old charm and character with live music, world class cocktails and tremendous people watching. This bar is a must go!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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