All hail Tuesday jazz nights with the Michael Hale trio. Such a fun energy, love the vibe of the regulars as well and the music is always bumpin. Definitely loud inside but in my opinion it adds to the environment. read more

By far the cleanest, nicest bar that is on Rainey street. They make cocktails with fresh squeezed juices and some flavored syrups. They have indoor booth seating in a low light setting and some great outdoor seating as well. They have an indoor an outdoor bar which makes getting a drink super convenient for wherever you sit. While you're there, you can also play bean bag toss...just ask the outdoor bartenders! My boyfriend and I both misplaced things while we were there and Jeremy got them back to us, he was very polite and our hero! If you want to have a good, classy time with great drinks.. Half Step is your bar to go to! read more

Half Step - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Delicious and fun cocktails! Really loved this place and would definitely go here again. Great selection of happy hour choices.

We stopped in on a Sunday evening for a couple drinks. Only a few small groups were in the bar, but most of Rainey Street was pretty tame. Great motif if you want to just sit back with your group and chat. Bar is dimly lit and recorded jazz music was being played. They have live music Tues-Thurs. Drinks are hand crafted which attention to top quality ingredients. They serve beer and wine, but the true focus here is high quality spirits. As others have mentioned, the bartenders start with a large block ice cube and shave it down to fit into your glass. They mix the drink right in front of you. It's worth the show. Sunday Happy Hour lasts all day, which brings your most well known drinks down to $8. Great ambiance and excellent bartenders using high quality ingredients doing it the right way. We will be back. read more

If it was only about the music, I would give Half Step 5 stars. But it's not. The Bartender I walked up to was rude and seemed pretty bothered when I ordered my drink. I'm not sure if Rainey is just not Austin, or if the bartender is just not Austin, or if perhaps, this is what Austin has become. Rude and snobbish. Vodka and pineapple juice was yummy. I would have been good with a kinder bartender. I've never been to another establishment where I felt unwanted or where I felt un-welcomed when ordering a non-bougie drink. Second time I went up to order something for a friend in the band, the same bartender made sure I understood I couldn't put my drink on the band mates tab. Bleh. Not sure what to think of this place. read more

Had a really great time here, great location off Rainey, nice outdoor area, lots of fun. Good music, good drafts, cocktails were also good. It's got a nice feel to the place, you can sit on the porch area and people watch. And it wouldn't be Austin if they didn't have a nice spot for live music... read more

My husband and I visited Half Step last night with two of our best friends, expecting the same level of friendly service and craft cocktails that we'd experienced in the past, but instead were met with an incredibly rude and ignorant bartender, who angrily insisted that he couldn't customize a drink (as it was on tap) after my friend asked about making it less sweet. He did not offer any alternatives, only seemed to want to argue and be unfriendly to two women in their 40s (our husbands hadn't joined us at the bar yet) who were out enjoying the day and each other's company. As the bartenders tone escalated, my friend's husband walked over to find out what was going on, and the bartender was also rude to him, at which point we said we didn't want the drinks and left. I'm still shocked at what happened next. The bartender and one of his cronies ran outside ahead of us on the sidewalk, and then threateningly stood in front of us as we tried to walk by. I told him to "walk away", and he told me I didn't own the sidewalk, and for ME to walk away. I once again told him to walk away, and my friend's husband was behind me also telling the two Half Step employees they needed to walk away. Somehow we got past him without a fight, however, that incident put an ugly shadow over our evening, and it's frightening and disturbing that the bartender deliberately came outside of the bar to threaten us after we left. Obviously we'll never return to Half Step, and hopefully that bartender finds a different profession outside of the service industry, as the bar was completely empty during prime time on Sunday funday, which says it all. read more

Fun bar. Good live music. Good drinks. You can bring in food from nearby food trailers. We saw Heavy Mellow there (a GREAT yacht rock band). Very fun evening! read more

Bartender's choice is the way to go. 3 rounds in and I'm in love. Also loving the outdoor patio seating. Lots of space for these Covid times, if you're into that. Not a bad way to people watch. Also, candied ginger could definitely be an appetizer. read more

Rainey Street is such a unique gem, and Half Step my favorite of the several bars we visited there. I love the converted houses and spacious backyards with picnic tables, inviting you to comfortably hang out as if at a friend's. The strung lights add charm and the cornhole provides a relaxed diversion. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable, happy to assess your preferences and create a custom craft cocktail. There are also cocktails on tap for a lower price point option, but rest assured the ingredients are also real and housemade (like the ginger syrup in my Ginger Paloma). read more

Half Step - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Half Step's bartenders care more about your drink than you ever will. From water quality to each fresh ingredient, they will meticulously muddle, stir, shake, and pour every concoction to perfection. It's really a performance watching them. The bartenders have always been friendly and conversational. They all share a love for Half Step as patrons--it helps to love what you do and they place you do it in. My only complaint is the self-serve water tastes really funny. There's a distinct smell to it. If you get a drink at half step, don't forget to check in at happy donut for a discount :) read more

Craft Cocktails, chill older crowd on Rainey St...what's not to like? So my gf and I are strolling from "tommy wants wingys" on a gorgeous sunny Austin day on a Saturday. The bars we passed appeared to be UT downed...loud, rowdy college kids (I remember the good times...anyways) this spot was on our way back to our cars...as we were passing it up I'm glad we took a chance and stopped for cocktails...now I loooooove a delicious craft cocktail and I'm am now a fan of this place. The crowd was older (mid 30s and up) the area very spacious with lots of outdoor seating (great people watching) and a WonderFul mixologist! He was y'all and had black hair (I didn't catch his name but I caught all the deliciousness he was mixing and putting my way) I initially tried the "bartenders choice" that's where you tell them a spirit..any spirit and they make a tasty libation for you...wow!! You get what you pay for.. Will def be back. read more

Half Step - Fresh juices , fruits and herbs.... - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Tried the showgirl cocktail, really liked it. Like the vibe and it's a chill place. Nice to come and sit down for a drink. I was here on Sunday night , not sure how is it on the weekend read more

Cool bar on Rainey street! Live music not many beers on tap... I went on Sunday and they had a little area where they were selling jewelry, shirts, and hats. From where I was standing it looked like very unique stuff. It also seems very kid friendly as many parents had their kiddos with them. I would go back for the music it was soothing in a way. read more

Solid cocktail bar to come to while on Rainey Street. They have a good outdoor patio area so when the weather isn't too hot you can sit and enjoy your drink outside while people watching. Lots of different cocktail options to choose from and the bartender can essentially make anything that you want, even if it's not on the menu. However, the only thing that sucks is that they don't have any food here, although you're welcome to bring your own. There are plenty of food trucks right down the street to give you some options. read more

I would have never found this too cool for signage bar without Anita C's description. Half Step sits near the South end of Rainey street in a quirky blue building with a red flashing sign that confirms yes "you earned it". The patio with a couple white chairs and table will be prime seating for people watching on Rainey Street when weather permits. We walked in to a dark dim lit cocktail bar with cozy booth seating. The staff was excited everytime customers walked through the door and were very welcoming. They have been open a couple weeks but they still considered themselves in a soft opening limiting their menu to a handsome list of cocktails, a couple beers and basic bubbles. They do plan to add more wine. The cocktails came out strong and garnished nicely. They do not serve food but they are very close to a couple food trailers. The decor seems a bit plane but I think simple, warm and welcoming is what they are going for and they are doing that well. It is a bit unique to Rainey making it a good addition to the Rainey Street bar scene. read more

Half Step - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

My favorite bar on Rainey Street. The bartenders are willing to engage in conversation to provide questions leading to your drink choice. Example: What alcohol base are you in the mood for? Tart or sweet? Cherry or lemon addition? read more

Half Step - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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1. Nice cocktails. 2. Damn good Micheladas. 3. Awesome outdoor bar. 4. Too cool for school bartender. Hell, he may be too cool for Rainey St. 5. Clean restrooms! Woohoo! read more

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Okay let's face it... any adult with a job and a shred of self-respect would do well to avoid the perils of "Dirty Sixth". Enter: Half Step. Ahh yes just what you needed. A bar on Rainey Street, far enough from the crowds. A bar that can make the hell out of a cocktail without the pretension. The proprietor of this fine establishment is an Austin native that cut his teeth making some of the best craft cocktails in Los Angeles at the famed Varnish speakeasy inside Cole's Restaurant. He returned to Austin to open Half Step and it has been both refreshing and delicious. This hidden gem boasts a low key unassuming exterior that gives way to a sultry, sexy interior. With an extensive collection of whiskeys, spirits, and local draft beer, you can do no wrong. My advice: Try one of their signature cocktails (which are revolving) just to get started. They're delicious. Then go with the dealers choice on the second round. Tell the barkeep what you like, what you don't, whether or not you felt loved by your mother as a child and they'll make something tailored to your palate. You'll be pleasantly surprised. The men and women behind the bar pay close attention to their craft here. Ask them about their ice, seriously ask them! They're friendly, approachable, and they won't look down their noses at you if you don't know the difference Angostura and Peychaud's. What's the difference between a bartender and a mixologist? About ten minutes. But those ten minutes are worth the wait at Half Step. If you'd rather pay $5 for a shot of Fireball, a Lone Star, and a chance at mouth gonorrhea... well then, there's alway Dirty Sixth. Either way tip your bartender. read more

There are a lot of bars on Rainey Street and you owe it to yourself to stop here and grab a "Margarita on Tap". 10 out of 10. read more

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

Hot spot at night especially during the summer. Such a cool experience. Bartenders have such an attention to detail. Cool vibe inside and tons of outdoor seating. read more

Half Step - Whiskey sour and a creative Manhattan - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Got here late on a Friday night and this is a great spot for a 25+ chill crowd who just wants good cocktails. Their cocktails are impressive and I loved their twist on a drink so much that the waiter even brought over the bottle to talk to us about why they use certain ingredients. Great Service, not bad price for what you get and nice crowd. read more

Half Step - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Half Step is a half step above the rest on Rainey Street! This craft cocktail place is a sweet place to hang out. It's an old house that's been converted into a hipster craft cocktail place, with a kinda speakeasy vibe to it. My favorite thing about this place is the ice. They have a special ice machine that makes big blocks of crystal clear ice, which they take a bandsaw to to cut up into giant crystalline blocks for the best cocktails ever. They serve up amazing craft cocktails, and in the Texas heat, the giant blocks of ice are quite nice. They make some good drinks, with a real craft spin to them, with exotic ingredients that they take time pouring. Last time I went, they were pairing a cocktail with a taco. Nom! There are plenty of places to sit, with outdoor picnic benches and a dance area with a stage for live music. Indoors, they have more quiet seating. On weekends, there's usually a decent band playing outdoors. It's a cool place- Rainey Street is changing fast, with fancy new high rises going up all over the place, but this old house will hopefully stay unchanged. read more

A nice place to sit and talk over delicious cocktails. Sharon made a Saturn which was Fantastic. Great service.

My friends really enjoyed this place. Unfortunately for us, the band was packing up as we walked in, so we didn't get to enjoy the music during our visit. The cocktails are crafted, and by that I mean they take some time to come together. They use really clean, filtered water and make their own ice. The result is ice that you can look through, and I'm sure that aided in the taste of the cocktail as well. read more

Half Step - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Best drinks on Rainey. Personal fav-Frozen Piña Colada w/French rum Service is always 10/10 and seating is great both inside and out. Plus their live music and calendar events are always chill. Sometimes it even includes free food! Gah, I love you Half Step! read more

Half Step - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

It's with a heavy heart that I write this... My favorite bartenders from Whisler's have taken posts at this bar. So, that's heartbreaking for me. I will, however, follow them here. Whitney and Justin are two phenomenal bartenders. And Chris, one of the owners, is no slouch either. There are very few bars in Austin that I trust my "cocktail life" to and now this bar enters the list. I don't have an item that they should serve you because you just need to tell them what you usually like and they will make you a worthy cocktail. They've got a small list of classics if you wanna start somewhere. I just wish they weren't on Rainey because they'll be packed on weekends. I love the bar and the concept. For now, it's almost like a nice speakeasy. There's a stand up bar at the front so you can order and hang there. Then there's also some small booths for you to sit down. They also have a larger room behind some doors for private parties. Eventually they plan to open an outdoor bar and patio area which I'm sure will be hoppin during the summer. Come here for very good craft cocktails with a few close friends. Not your typical Rainey Street bar. Chill, low light, amazing drinks. read more

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This is not the last word on Rainey... However, their Last Word cocktail was classy and tasty, with hints of chartreuse and maraschino and served in a cute tiny art deco glass emanating an icy green glow, although no little green fairy was in this drink (they do serve absinthe if desired...) My friend's Floradora was equally well made yet different... Speaking with the bartender, they clearly know their craft... did you know those tiny cup glasses are based off Marie Antoinette's bosom? They don't serve food and their drinks are pricey, however that is a plus if you want to get away from the trashy riffraff showing up now on Rainey. The metal straw stirrers are cute but please don't steal them, they are cheap and you can buy them... 5 stars for bartenders and classy decor, but 4 for now until they finish the back porch area and I revisit... so far, I do like the contrast of dark and candle-lit interior, light sky blue outside... read more

Half Step - The Last Word (a Bartender's Choice) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Who knew Austin had such a great cocktail scene? Well, now I do. Half Step is a great addition to the row of bars and restaurants on Rainey Street, with live music and expert mixologists. The three of us went for the bartender's special, where you specify a spirit and they'll make you something based on what you like. I asked for something with rye that was citrusy and he came back with a peach cablegram, which was delicious. There's seating out front on the porch, great for people watching and if it's too loud inside to carry a conversation. read more

Half Step - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

This place has great live music paired with some tasty cocktails. I had visited this spot on a rainy Thursday after New Years and it was the most lovely place on the street. The decor inside is slightly dark with table light. After a couple of drinks you will feel like you are watching a live band from your living room. I would definitely recommend this spot. read more

Really was excited to come here. Called about five times, looked at the website and hours on social media. They were not open at 4 on a Monday. Pretty sad considering how easy it is to post if you're not going to open. Lost our business. read more

They were out of the first 4 drinks we tried to order. We went there for live music but they seemed to be having a lot of trouble getting started for some reason but didn't give an explanation. They had one game (ring and hook) but it was being hogged by one group who was horribly failing at the game. Once the music finally stopped it was good but extremely loud. If you're looking for some hipstery drinks and if they have less music issues you may enjoy it but I would try somewhere else next time. read more

Yes please. This place was amazing and everything we wanted from Austin. The drinks were the best we had on the entire trip. The music was crazy good and the overall vibe was perfection. Everyone was beautifully in the zone and hippie love was in the air. Such a fun experience props to the owners for keeping such a genuine atmosphere with top shelf components read more

Half Step - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Had a great time with great service from JoJo! He was patient enough to deal with us (Bachelorette) party taking shots. Had live music and a cool atmosphere! Ask for Jojo if you go! :) read more

Half Step - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Rainy Street is honestly one of the coolest bar streets in the United States, and more people should know about it. Adding to that, Half Step is the best bar on Rainy Street, and more people should know about it. Rainy is filled with renovated houses turned bars, and Half Step is no different. There is less outdoor seating on the outside than other places, but it has a large porch that is perfect for hanging out and people watching. The inside is intimate and inviting, with a large bar to the right. The bartenders are friendly and inventive, and will work hard to make a drink you'll like. The first cocktail they made me I wasn't particularly fond of so they made me a second one no questions asked. You can tell that they take pride in their drinks and what they're serving you. I'm not a dancer by any means, and it's my understanding they have a lot of local artists play here. I did not experience such revelry during my visit, but I don't think I'd necessarily mind. I'd bop along so long as you gave me a drink. I can't wait to visit Austin, Rainy, and particularly Half Step again! read more

Good cocktails with nice dark room ambience inside and open air table seating outside. Cocktails were fine, but $12 seems overpriced for what they were. I like how Half Step is a converted house to cocktail bar -- that preserves the historic Rainey Street of Austin from yesteryear. -------------------------------------------------- QUICK TIPS: -------------------------------------------------- # Grab a drink and order some incredible mini donuts from Little Lucy's right next door in the patio area. You'll get a discounted or free dip for your mini donuts. read more

My friends found this place the night before I went and wanted to come back. When I got there, I could see why! Every drink I tried was good. My favorite was a cider julep, although it looks like their menu changes over time so you might not see it if you go. The bartenders are passionate about the drinks they craft and you can see the professionalism in what they do. Top that with great personalities and you can easily spend the rest of the night here and forget about exploring the rest of Rainey St. That's actually what happened with us. We stopped by for a drink and before I realized it it was closing time! If you're looking for a chill place to socialize while enjoying some tasty drinks, you should go here! read more

A true craft cocktail bar. Great menu, drinks made well and strong with quality ingredients. Awesome band playing while we were there as well as a good crowd. Inside seating is limited but outdoor is an option also. Helpful bartenders. read more

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Hot damn I'm going to miss this bar. Definitely one of the best bars on Rainey Street. Especially if you are looking for a very relaxing atmosphere with fantastic drinks. Every time we've been there, it has never been crowded, the drinks have always been on point, and we even had the opportunity to get a tour of the ice cube making shed behind the bar. What an art! If you're on Rainey Street, don't miss this gem! read more

My new favorite place for seriously well done classic craft cocktails, by bartenders who are informative, nice, and care about quality without being snooty. All the ingredients are fresh and made in house. They don't even use ginger beer, they make their own ginger syrup. They take the word "craft" literally, even down to the ice. All the ice is made from a clinebell ice machine which spits out the crystal clear ice you see in your drink. This machine is typically used by professional ice sculptors. While the staff are bartenders by night, some are ice carvers by day. They have different shaped ice, dependent on the type of drink. The love and care can definitely be tasted in the final masterpiece. There is an indoor and outdoor bar. They have an outdoor seating area as well. Inside feels like an oasis compared to other Rainey street joints - comfortable booth seating separate from the bar. The bar also doesn't have stools by it, but a nice leather cushion that you can lean against. Definitely take time to check out the ceilings and floors, I loved the subtle vintage touches in the modern homey space. I like that they have created a space by which you can truly sip and enjoy your cocktail over a conversation with friends. You can even bring in your food from the food truck court across the street. read more

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