When you're downtown and you just want to relax, The Ginger Man is the perfect place to head out with friends, take a seat in any of the comfy couches or chairs and shoot the breeze over a pint. When its a beautiful, sunny day outside, don't skip the chance to sit out on the patio while enjoying any of their countless offerings of ales, lagers and pilsners from all over the world.

You can find many places that offer beer and pizza, but how many offer the comfy wood-paneled walls and gingham tablesettings of Red House Pizzeria? Head over for their ever popular happy hour specials and choose between relaxing in the family-style restaurant, the wood and fur-lined lounge or one of the outdoor bar areas. Even when crowded, it's still a popular gathering spot for friends at the end of the day.

Coffeehouse by day, bar by night. No matter what time of day you show up at Halcyon, you'll still get the chance to relax in one of their comfortable couches while enjoying either a Long Island Iced Coffee or a Lemon Drop Martini. And when you're chilling with friends, don't miss the opportunity to snack on some Tableside S'mores. Every trip can easily become you're own personal halcyon day.

Haddington's is a bar for grownups that effectively combines the quaint coziness of classic American taverns with the more modern Austin downtown scene. You get a choice of quality cuisine in an informal atmosphere and can choose between either trendy metropolitan cocktails or established tavern standbys. No matter when you visit, Haddington's always exudes a very welcoming warmth to all downtown wayfarers.

If you would prefer to unwind in a location with a more European flair, the Blue Dahlia Bistro provides that cozy, charming environment that is perfect for a romantic evening. You can have your choice of sharing a spread of cheeses or a platter of meats, cheese, hummus or olives inside of their rustic interior. And when the weather is right, you can also relax in their back garden of lush flora and private waterfalls to reach a more tranquil state of mind.

Rio Rita Cafe is the perfect coffeehouse and bar to gather with friends, sip on espressos or cocktails, and hang out. It's a great place to hold a Renegade Crafters meeting or a Magic the Gathering club. No matter what you want to do, Rio Rita is the place that will gladly welcome and accept you for who you are and what you do, either on the plush furniture arrangements or out on the patio. Stop by, grab a comfy couch and enjoy a Tito's Vodka cocktail in air conditioned comfort.

If you want a lodge experience but don't feel like driving all the way to Yellowstone, head on down to Rainey Street instead for a similar pastoral atmosphere. With wood paneling over every square inch of the interior, it won't be hard to forget that you're still within the city limits. With a wide selection of beers on tap and other spirits, it shouldn't take long before you start to feel the expanse of the Wild West.