Sometimes you want more than just a good drink. This month's roundup of where to drink focuses on establishments that offer an equally impressive lineup of games and beverages. Here are 10 of the best bars in Austin that double as adult playgrounds:
Buffalo Billiards
This Sixth Street staple is a great place to unwind with a post-work brew. Here you can play pool, foosball, shuffleboard, darts, and fun arcade games. And, as the space is so large, Buffalo Billiards is a great option for big groups.
Buzz Mill
The mission of the Buzz Mill is simple: hang out, play games, get your buzz on. The 24-hour coffee and beer spot off East Riverside Drive has a variety of board games, as well as outdoor games like giant Jenga. Choose from a filling lineup of craft beer, coffee concoctions, and house-made liquor infusions.
Emerald Tavern Games and Cafe
Board games and beer — it doesn't get much better. Located in a fairly nondescript shopping center just south of 183, Emerald Tavern serves coffee and beer, in addition to a massive collection of board, card, and table-top games. Check out the events calendar to find a game night that sparks your interest.
Full Circle Bar
At the corner of 12th and Chicon streets you'll find Skee-Ball heaven. Enjoy free Skee-ball on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 pm until close and happy hour deals until 8 pm. A cornhole setup in the back opens daily at 5 pm.
The Goodnight
You name it, The Goodnight has it. This Anderson Lane spot has bowling, karaoke, pool, pingpong, and shuffle board, as well as craft cocktails, wine, and beer. Enjoy free bowling and table games during lunch and Sunday brunch.
Gourmands Neighborhood Pub
Skee-Ball, pingpong, foosball, oh my! Pair these games with Gourmands' scrumptious menu of sandwiches, salads, and soups, and you have yourself a very fulfilling evening. Thirsty? Draft beers come in a massive 32-ounce schooner.
The Highball
On Tuesdays, The Highball hosts back-to-back game sessions: Cards Against Highball at 8 pm, and Tittie Bingo, a pornographic-themed game show, at 10 pm. It's lewd, it's crude, and it's so much fun. Both are free, but you'll need to get there early to snag a spot.
Parlor & Yard
Various forms of entertainment are scattered around Parlor & Yard, including throwback board games and an old-school dartboard. A game room features snap-back shuffleboard, dome hockey, and foosball. Play pingpong on the dog-friendly patio — yes, there's a bar out there too.
Recess Arcade Bar
This Sixth Street bar offers a wide variety of new and classic arcade games, in addition to giant versions of Jenga, checkers, Connect Four, and the like. Daily specials and cheap tabs are a big draw for the college crowd, so be prepared to rub elbows with co-eds.
Red's Porch
Tucked away off South Lamar Boulevard, Red's Porch has plenty of patio space for pups, and, more importantly, tons of games — cornhole, darts, shuffleboard, washers, and more. Sip on a strong margarita or craft beer on tap.
Coming soon: Vigilante
Vigilante is currently under construction at Midtown Commons, the mixed-use development at the intersection of Lamar and Airport boulevards. When the game bar debuts later this year, expect a menu of street food, local craft beer, and an extensive library of games.
What's better than games? Games paired with Parlor & Yard's cocktails.
