Bar Congress

Quick Information:

• Address: 200 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
• Phone: (512) 827 2760
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5PM-12AM
• Reservations: No
• WiFi: No
• Website: www.congressaustin.com/bar-congress 
• Twitter: @CongressAustin

Bar Congress is the best place to enjoy a cocktail downtown when you need a break from mayhem, music, heat, and food trucks. The  cozy space– about a dozen seats at the bar and a few small tables– can be accessed by a Congress Avenue entrance or through its sister restaurant, Second Bar + Kitchen. The bar has a small selection of beers, most local, and a notable wine list, but what makes Bar Congress worth a visit are the mixed drinks.

Hurricane Highball and a Backslide

There are an increasing number of locations in Austin to get a fine cocktail, but Bar Congress combines classic techniques and an attention to detail with unique flavors and house made ingredients to create beverages that are unrivaled in taste and quality.  Every time I read the ever evolving house cocktail menu I inevitably have questions. The bar staff is always extremely knowledgeable and friendly and always able to guide a thirsty patron to the right libation.

I would encourage a first time visitor to start by sampling a shift shot or two. These pre-mixed spirituous tasters give you the opportunity to sample some of the flavor combinations that characterize the menu. If you are at all peckish don’t miss out on the bar menu. Bar Congress shares a kitchen with Second Bar+Kitchen and the fries, kale chips, buffalo pickles, and other small plates are some of the best bar food in town.

No. 9 Dream – a zero-proof cocktail

This post is part of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance City Guide 2014