Ugly staff at 1/2 step. Horrible cocktails. I wouldn't recommend going to this place. They have very rude service. Overpriced. They don't allow pets at the bar. Take your business down the street. These guys don't deserve your dollars. read more

If it weren't on Rainey, I might go here more frequently. We hit the bar close to when it opened and it was shocking to see every other address on the street spilling out people with Half Step being a quiet oasis. It doesn't really fit the feel of the rest of the street. I'm hoping it's still not overwhelmed with drinkers the way the rest of the spots around it are, but the cocktails were good enough for me to think this is not the case. Unlike most of the bars around it, Half Step protects their patrons by separating the seating area from the bar. It makes it so you are not surrounded by standing people, which makes a space noisier and less comfortable. (I don't know about you, but I personally LOVE having a stranger's butt inches from my face!) Apparently there is a backyard and porch space that we never found, but I was quite content ensconced in our little booth. I knew things were going to be good when they had an option for the bartender to make something special for you. The Floradora was a solid winner as I always love ginger drinks. My brother-in-law wasn't as excited about one of the ingredients in it and told the bartender. He got a version without said ingredient and was really pleased! If your friends insist on Rainey, make them go here. At least you'll get an expertly crafted cocktail and maybe a respite from the madness! read more

Can't really go wrong on Rainey Street, and Half Step is no exception. Their cocktail menu has a nice assortment, and if you still don't find what you're looking for, you can ask the bartender for some suggestions, and they'll whip you up something. My girlfriend and I went last night to catch up with some old college friends (and make new ones), and Half Step was a great way to start the evening. I ordered a Gentleman's Buck, which is a bourbon-based without the dark burn that usually accompanies similar drinks, and she the Harry's Pick Me Up, which is a light, champagne-based drink similar to a classic French 75. The interior is dimly lit and is furnished with a long bar, a set of tables for 4, and several booths. For some odd reason, we decided to sit outside in the cold instead of inside, but even so, there were several heat lamps outside that make it bearable in chilly conditions. Somewhere towards the end of our time there, it seemed like they had live music going inside the house. I didn't bother to check it out, and it was a tad too loud, which I imagine would have made conversation inside difficult, but live music is (usually) a plus! The only real complaint I have is that it's a pretty hard establishment to find. The sign consists of an encircled 1/2, but is extremely small. If you've never been and you're meeting your friends there -- good luck. read more

So far one of my go to places while on rainy. Love the outdoor bar and the drinks are always top notch.

Very speakeasy These cocktails were crazy good Very mellow vibe read more

Recommended by my Austin friends as a good place for craft cocktails, albeit, supposedly overpriced. Sadly, my friends and I can't confirm how good this place is thanks to the dbag bouncer. It's hard enough having your wallet recently stolen so you can't use your driver's license as an ID and having to use a backup ID. I get that not all government issued id's may not be familiar to a bouncer at a local bar (e.g. Global Entry) or have expiration dates (Mass. State Id for non-drivers). What I don't need is a bouncer making me wait 20 minutes while he claims he's looking up Global Entry on his phone and lecturing about how it's not enough to know it's from the Department of Homeland Security. He needs to know WHICH part of DHS issued the ID because apparently DHS has recently absorbed a bunch of other departments. For a guy who knows so much about DHS, I'm surprised he's not familiar with all their programs and ID's. If he didn't want to accept the ID, that's fine - I'll just take my 12 other friends and go to other bars who are more than happy to accept our government issued IDs and are smart enough to realize that none of us are under 21. read more

Was in Austin a few weeks ago for a little weekend getaway with my BFF and we discovered Rainey street. I wasn't too fond of the whole "party in the streets" thing on Friday night, but we sucked it all up on Saturday night. Half Step was our second stop and the coolness factor is definitely there. This particular night was the night I broke my Old Fashion virginity and the mixologist at HS got me gooooood. It wasn't the best Old Fashion of the night, but it was the strongest; and the care my bartender put into making our drinks was "motherly yet forceful" (if that makes sense). There was a twist of this, a spritz of that and VOILA! A masterpiece was created. The vibe there is pretty cool though. No pretentious A-holes sitting to be seen. No overtly loud music that won't allow you talk to yourself (not that I do that) or the person next to you. Just one of many little houses on Rainey street with class that lets you just sit and enjoy some of the Austin glory. read more

I went Half Step for the first time last night for their 1st anniversary party. I left feeling sorry that I had never stopped by before! I was with a few friends that had been in the past, and they mentioned that the vibe is usually very intimate, making it a good date night spot. They feature Austin's own Circle Brewing Company on tap and have a lengthy list of craft cocktails. The best part about last night was the Canned Beets playing. I felt like I was in someone's house listening to a jam session. They play every Wednesday and I will definitely be back to see them again! read more

Completely different from anything on Rainey! This adorable bar has the most delicious handcrafted cocktails! Each one is perfection. Inside there are intimate booths and on Tuesday they had a live jazz band playing. It is dark with candles adding to the ambiance. There is also perfect people watch seating outside! This would be a perfect date night...complete w a tiny donuts food truck parked out front! read more

Their cocktails are pricey ($11 for most), but wow, they really know their stuff. Half Step puts a unique spin on classic cocktails. The bartenders are super knowledgeable and friendly. Instead of using ginger beer, they juice their own ginger and make a ginger/sugar blend for some of the cocktails. Yum!! Try the Floradora if you like gin and ginger, and the Prescription Julep for a nice cognac and rye. The great big outdoor space is lovely. read more

Great (and pricey) cocktails with a slick atmosphere. Bartenders are nice and versed in mixology. If you are planning to get wasted, not the best option for you, my friend. read more

See all

Definite Fan. Drinks are original. Drinks are good. Prices are good. Can't beat that. My friend and I commented on how it's an art form watching them make your drink. So not only do I get a pretty, delicious cocktail, BUT I get some entertainment. We sat outside after we ordered our drinks and there was corn hole available. We didn't play, but a great atmosphere to drink and have a good time. Not a great beer selection, but then again I don't think you come to Half Step for the beer. Also, don't expect your "average" 6th St liquor. No Captain Morgan. Great place for delicious drinks on Rainey. Definitely be back again! read more

This is a tiny bar on Rainey Street but had a great back patio/deck area. They had the game bags available to play and tons of picnic tables set up to sit, drink and chat with others. I had a cocktail the first night and loved it! I believe it was something gin based. When I went back the next day I had a beer on Nitro and it was good, but not as memorable as my cocktail. On their Yelp listing, it says they have happy hour from 2 pm - 2 am everyday. I think most days the happy hour starts at 4 pm, but when I showed the bartender how they advertised their hours on Yelp, he gave me the discount anyways. There is not a ton of room inside, so if you want to be indoors I would not recommend this bar. read more

Love Rainey Street in Austin. And especially love this place - low key and they play exceptionally good music (think old school like Burt Bacharach or Hawaiian slack key guitar tunes). We had a drink that is typically just featured on their happy hour menu. Unfortunately, the name escapes me but it had vodka, ginger beer, seltzer and was garnished with candied ginger (probably a little simple syrup thrown in there too). So good - and refreshing. I had to stop myself at three and OF COURSE transition to Lone Star beer (when in TX). We sat outside at one of their many picnic tables for a good few hours. They just had bar service on the patio, which suits me just fine. I'll likely hit up this place the next time I'm in Austin. It's perfect if you're looking for respite from busy Rainey Street. read more

This place is amazing. The menu has a space on it for "bartenders choice". You pick the alcohol and he asks a few questions before making you something. I had a drink called penicillin - a light scotch cocktail misted with islay single malt to add a smokiness to the nose, but was otherwise not smokey at all. Great suggestions and informed bartenders are hard to beat. We'll be back! read more

Great cocktail bar on Rainy St. As of now (9/24/14) they do still have about 15oz of Pappy 23 left. Just in case you are looking for some. read more

I love this place which is why I decided to have my wedding after party here.. only problem. They charged us a minimum drink fee, but the bartender was admittedly out of practice and couldnt keep up with demand. We ended up paying extra for the reserved space even though it wasn't really our fault that our additional bar tender didn't show up. My wedding guests waited in line and couldnt order drinks fast enough to pay off the minimum tab. A bunch of them ended up going to the main bar inside because the line at our satellite bar was so ridiculous. Dont recommend this place for special events but its great to just hang out with a few friends! read more

Coctails are pricey but good! Bartender choice coctails was great. It was fun watching bartender mix the drinks per his preference. read more

Half Step - Bartender Choice Coctail! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

On a Wednesday night we were high maintenance, and they made us amazing drinks. Both on the menu and "Bartenders choice". Other than the really loud live music after 10, I'd go back. read more

See all

Great live music, excellent bartenders, lots of indoor and outdoor seating, clean bathrooms, fabulous huge margaritas. What more could you want? read more

I LOVE half step. What a unique experience to witness the magic of true mixologists conjure up a delicious cocktail from ingredients you may have never heard of. The atmosphere is dark and low-key, giving you kind of a speak easy feel once inside. And if you can't choose off the menu, go with bartender's choice. It's absolutely worth the extra buck for a specialty drink made for your pallet. read more

Half Step - Mixology - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

The donuts were unreal. Nicest staff and so good! Love it For sure will be back Go Austin read more

Located in one of the many entertainment areas of Austin. This bar is conveniently located near the water. The bar is named for it's location is 1/2 of the address. We came in before it got busy the other day. Group of five of us look for seating to find reserved on the tables. The waitress or manager asked as we walked away how many people were drinking. We kindly responded five and were seated in reserved seating. I believe if you are a group they will get a table for you if available. The woman that provided us seating offered menu. The server approaches our table and discusses a few key points. We are fairly decisive and elect to try many of their artisan style beverages. We get water and drinks we ordered Cider Julep, and a Bartenders Choice. Took some time for beverages. Cider was calvados, cider, mint, and bitters. A drink unique in it's own. Drink was strong. Lots of character. Almost a licorice. Bartenders choice is your call of alcohol and the bartender will make something with it. We requested the Whiskey which came with Orange and mint. Drink was on the money. Ice cube garnish was pure clear ice cube. Clearest ice cube we had ever seen. No impurities. We finished our drinks and check was settled in a reasonable fashion. Good: strong beverages, unique crafted drinks and friendly staff. Bad: a little pricey but worth the drinks. Try this place early in the night as the neighborhood can get busy. A definite fan. I will be back when I come through town. read more

Trendy, upscale place to drink some crafty cocktails that don't break the bank. Bartenders were really friendly & creative. read more

Half Step - Georgia Mint Julep (left) & some other tasties - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

One of my favorite bars to hangout at when i visit. If i am not drinking one of their bourbons, wide variety, ever had Pappy? Yeah you know what i am talking about ;-) if you are feeling gutsy do a bartenders choice ($13 a drink) you pick a spirit and they do the rest! Its roulette with drinks! new favorite because of this is, The Wildest Redhead, it has scotch, cherry liquor and egg white with some others stuff I can't remember. If you get the munchies there are donuts out front which are delish! Can't go wrong with Maple Bacon Rum donut minis and some cocktails read more

When my husband and I visited Rainey Street last week, we spent most of our time there with a few friends at Half Step. They have a fantastic cocktail menu, and the bartenders are very knowledgeable. It has a much less bro-y atmosphere than some of the other places we passed by; it feels more intimate and sophisticated. I'd definitely return. read more

Went to this cute place after attending a play in Austin. The vibe was as to be expected (it's Austin) and the drinks were great. It was pricey, but that's what you get with trendy. Brought from food for near-by food trucks and had a great time with friends. read more

Half Step - Fancy Flora Dora. I don't like Gin, so they subbed it with vodka. Yummy! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Excellent cocktails, nice bartenders, beautiful and relaxed atmosphere. Couldn't have asked for more while in Austin. The Grapefruit Collins (gin, grapefruit, seltzer, lemon, sugar, peychaud's) is on point! read more

Half Step - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Enjoyed the "business in the back" craft cocktail with Hendricks gin. Delicious! They were preparing for Halloween and bar goers were casually scattered around the premise. I was surprised they carried Pappy Van Winkle, as I was leaving I saw two gentleman enjoying a celebratory toast. read more

George @ 1/2 step is a creative magician that loves his craft. Pumping out a late(r) night reviver and montecarlo to us after a few described likes and dislikes he easily found our new favorite, previously undiscovered cocktails. My GF and I embarked on a mission to find the best mixologist in Austin. Starting on 6th St Friday night we learned that if in fact there is a bar on the "dirty" strip that suits us we don't have the fortitude to literally wade through the over inebriated mobs to find it. I'm glad we pushed through and hit Rainey St. Saturday night. One by one we visited each bar on the street. Our first and last stop was @ 1/2 step. George was there to drop buckets of creative concoction into our chilled thankful glasses. read more

The Half Step was a Misstep for Us Nice room if you like it dimly lit. Walk up to the bar to order. Seat yourself. $23 for a margarita & a vodka rocks - ouch! Are we in Austin or Manhattan? read more

These guys are a Half Step to a great cocktail bar. Visited while waiting for a table at G'Raj Mahal - overall decent cocktails made with that fancy cubic/prismatic ice that we Millenials go ga-ga over, but if I'm paying $11 for a cocktail, I expect they use a bourbon better than Evan Williams. Even Bulleit would be acceptable. Bottom line- if you want to charge for a Violet Hour cocktail, give me a Violet Hour cocktail. read more

Absolutely loved this place... This is where you separate mixologists from bartenders... These guys were some of the best mixologists I've encountered! Keep it up! read more

Half Step - Old fashioned with Rye! Their ice cubes are awesome! Affects the taste in. Good way! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

What a great place to spend an evening. The night we were there, they had a surprisingly fantastic band. The majority is outdoors. There's space to dance if that's your thing. Also picnic tables to sit and chat. It's not so loud that you can't carry on a normal conversation, and you can always go around the porch to the front if you want less noise. read more

Awesome bartenders, amazing drinks. Ginger Paloma is my fav.

Great place for cocktails. The bar tenders are experienced and friendly. I brought 40 co workers in and everyone-had fun. The mixologist is considerate and wants to please. They also have an ice machine that creates the perfect clear cube. read more

Yikes! It took half an hour to get service at the bar and it wasn't even that busy. And we did, it was rather unfriendly with no sense of urgency. I would not recommend coming here, I'm not surprised that this was the only bar on Rainey St without a line to get in. read more

It sucks that I have to be writing this review. If I had left 5 minutes earlier last night, this would be a 5 star review. Mac and the band were killing it, the drinks were amazing, and the staff was friendly, that is until I encountered one of the bartenders. A little after 1:30am, a bearded bartender shouts out last call. I turn to my party and ask if anybody wants anything else and everyone decides they were content. I decided to order one shot of bourbon on the way out. The bartender said he would not serve me (despite telling me its last call 10 seconds prior) because I still had a beer in front of me. "Ok? Maybe it's a Texas thing" I think to myself. I ask if I chug my beer, will he serve me my drink, to which he agrees. So I chug my beer and request the shot again. Bearded bartender says "you've had enough" and just will not want to give me the last shot. I was blown away. I was coherent, albeit a little tipsy, and remember the entire encounter. I was not belligerent or acting drunk in any way, so I was confused by the bartenders actions. At this point, I don't even care about the shot anymore, and ask the bartender what I did to deserve this treatment. He gets very defensive and asks why I am being so hostile, to which I could only laugh. I could see this argument was not getting anywhere so I wished them good night and left. Some of the wait staff and bar help were outside as I was leaving, shook my hand, and apologized about bearded bartenders behavior. Clearly this wasn't the first time they had seen this side of him. As I said earlier, it's too bad that I have to be writing this. If you are looking for a bar with amazing atmosphere, down-home Blues music, and an inventive cocktail menu, look no further. Half Step had it all. But all it takes is one disrespectful employee to ruin a good night. read more

Great bar. Love how its probation style, and the bartenders are very informative. They are more than willing to walk you through the different options to create the perfect drink for you! read more

Some of the best cocktails in town. The bartenders are friendly and exceptionally talented. Never seen this level of volume with cocktaiks at this level! Live music on the weeknights is the best vibe for this street. read more