Happy hour with kids in tow? While happy hour may no longer be a post-work ritual like in those pre-parenting days, when 5pm rolls around and you’re ready to kick back responsibly with an adult beverage, there are plenty of places to go in Austin — where the kids are welcome, too.  Let us know your favorite family-friendly happy hour spot in the comments below!

*And of course, before you head out with the kids, don’t forget to you have your designated driver or favorite ride-share at the ready!  Updated 2023.  

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Family-Friendly Happy Hours in Austin:

— ABGB
1305 W. Oltorf
This is an all ages, pet friendly venue with big picnic tables for easy outdoor drinking and dining. The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company’s philosophy is “Beer Makes It Better”, and their craft brews are definitely worth sampling. Head over for happy hour, dive into their great food menu and stick around for live music (some early shows start at 6:30 pm)
Happy hours: Tuesday – Friday, 3-6 pm
Specials: $1 off pints, $2 off pitchers

— Bouldin Acres
2027 S Lamar Blvd
There’s something for every member of the family at Boudin acres.  It’s kid friendly, dog-friendly and has awesome food and drinks as well as yard games and a playground.
Happy hours: Mon – Thu 3-5pm
Special: $2 off all appetizers, burgers, & drinks

— Brewtorium
6015 Dillard Cir A
The Brewtorium is a locally-owned casual brewpub with a spacious open warehouse-like layout, big patio and plenty of parking in North Austin near the ACC Highland Campus. You’ll find a great assortment of craft beer and lots of great menu items like pizza, sandwiches, salads and snacks. There are also plenty of games on hand to keep the kids happy while you relax.
Happy hours: Tuesdays, 4-10 pm
Special: $5 off pitchers of beer

— Central Market
4001 N Lamar Blvd
Yes, it’s a grocery store. But hear us out… Central Market on North Lamar has a fantastic playground, great cafe with a menu of kid-favorites, and you can buy a whole bottle of wine from their huge selection and share it with your friends on the patio. Plus, Central Market has a pretty impressive lineup of musicians that play on their outdoor stage each week, adding even more to your night out.
Happy hours: whenever you want
Specials: beer & wine available in the Cafe or check in-store weekly specials

— Culinary Dropout
Situated next to a big open lawn in The Domain, Culinary Dropout’s outdoor patio is an easy place to hang with kiddos in tow. With plenty of games to play and a very casual vibe, it’s a great spot in North Austin.
Happy hours: Monday – Friday, 2pm-5pm
Specials: Discounted snacks, $5 glass of wine, tons of $8 specialty cocktails like their “Long Afternoon Iced Teas”

— Doc’s Backyard Grill
5207 Brodie Ln #100, Sunset Valley
This family friendly bar and grill has a playground, lots of daily specials and a patio to sit in the sunshine and enjoy.   Locally owned and Texas grown in Sunset Valley, Doc’s is the perfect spot to enjoy a happy hour Monday through Friday. A huge outdoor patio (with a playscape!) welcomes both kiddos and dogs, and there are heaps of TVs around to watch whichever team you’re following.
Happy hours: Mon – Fri 3-7pm
Special: Enjoy appetizers, sliders & boneless wings for only $7.50 during Happy Hour (excluding traditional wings, full orders & boneless wings of 10 or more).  $1 off wine, $4 off pitchers, $1 off well drinks.   Also check for daily specials here.

— Easy Tiger
3508 S Lamar Blvd Suite 200 | 1501 E 7th St | 6406 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd Suite 1100
When our kids think of Easy Tiger, they immediately think of giant pretzels and they are ready to go. We think of that great back patio Downtown on E. 6th St. or the big open beer garden at their North location, an awesome selection of drinks and a fun place to hang out and play ping pong. Plus, Easy Tiger’s happy beer selection & hour specials are pretty great.
Happy hours: Monday – Friday, 3-6 pm
Specials: Varies

— Fresa’s
31703 S First
Fresa’s in an Austin staple with excellent food and drinks and a big patio where the kids can run around.  They have a great kids’ menu and serve lunch and dinner as well as brunch on the weekends.
Happy hours: Monday – Friday, 3-6 pm
Specials: $2 off all Aguas Frescas, Botanas, Beer, Wine & Margaritas.  Applies to Dine-In, Drive-Thru & Walk-Up Orders

 — El Chilito
2219 Manor Rd
We love the casual, no fuss environment at all El Chilito locations (Manor Rd., East 7th & Manchaca). Patios are always a plus when we’re out with our busy brood. What’s even better is that El Chilito locations offer a daily happy hour featuring $2 Mexi-cans of beer and $2 frozen sangria, as well as $2 off delicious appetizers.
Happy hours: Daily, 3-6 pm.
Special: $2 Mexi-cans & sangria, and $2 off guacamole, queso & ceviche.

— Haymaker
2310 Manor Rd
Another Manor Road spot, Haymaker is a fun place to sit outside on the patio and enjoy one of the many seasonal craft brews on their expansive menu. They offer drink specials all day, every day including $3 Texas Pints on Tuesdays and $4 mimosas and Bloody Mary’s on Sundays.
Happy hours: all day, every day
Specials: The list varies by day & is pretty long. View the happy hour menu here.

— La Mancha Tex Mex Tavern
2203 Hancock Drive
La Mancha has one of our favorite patios in North/Central Austin for an easy breezy dinner out with the kids. While they don’t have a big play space, they do have a small fenced area of astro turf that our kids truly can’t seem to get enough of when visit. You’ll find kids running around and rolling down it almost any night of the week. Plus, they offer happy hour deals every day of the week, including free ice cream for kids during Sunday brunch.
Happy hours: Mon – Thur. 3 – 6 pm
Specials: $3 House Margaritas, $4 Strawberry/Mango/Sangria Margaritas, $6 Mexican Martinis (Mexi Marts), $3 Import/Craft/Draft Beers, $2 Domestic/Mexican Beers, $4 Well Drinks!

— Phil’s Ice House
5620 Burnet Rd | 13265 US Hwy 183 N | 2901 S Lamar Blvd
You can’t go wrong with Phil’s for their fun playgrounds, proximity to Amy’s Ice Creams, and menu that appeals to all the kiddos. All three Phil’s locations offer “Parent’s Recess”, a happy hour in the late afternoon/early evening that’s perfect for some extra-festive playdates or early bird dinners with the family.
Happy hours: Monday – Friday, 3-5:30 pm.
Special: Discounted prices on draft beer & wine

— Pinthouse Pizza
Four locations in Austin – check here
The kids will love going to Pint House for pizza and the small selection of vintage arcade games. We love the open seating, casual vibes and award-winning craft brews.
Happy hours: Monday – Friday, 4-6 pm
Specials: $1 off pints

— Toss Pizzeria
2901 S 1st St, Unit 102 | 11905 Bee Cave Rd. #100
Toss Pizzeria’s two locations have huge menus are are super kid and dog-friendly.  Pizza, wings, and gluten-free options combined with awesome drinks and yard games makes this a great happy hour and brunch go-to with the fam.
Happy hours: 4-10pm
Specials: $4 Domestics

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MORE: You can also check out this round-up of Best Family-Friendly Breweries Around Austin. Always remember to drink responsibly!