We agree that Christmas should be spent binge-eating cookies in your pajamas, but it won't hurt to venture outside of the house for a drink. In the spirit of the holidays, here are 12 Austin bars open for business — and pleasure — on Christmas Day.
B.D. Riley's Irish Pub
This Sixth Street staple, open 365 days a year, is a go-to for football and fish and chips. Grab yourself a pint of Guinness and top off your Christmas feast with Irish pub classics like bangers and mash or corned beef and cabbage. B.D. Riley's opens at 11 am.
Black Sheep Lodge
Since the weather is currently supposed to be in the 70s on Sunday, why not enjoy a beer on Black Sheep Lodge's outdoor patio overlooking South Lamar Boulevard? The sports bar will be open from 11 am to midnight.
Casino El Camino
Another Sixth Street go-to, this dive bar will be open from 3 pm to 2 am. Feel free to drink your dinner or chow down on one of El Camino's juicy burgers as you enjoy the sounds of the jukebox. If you're still nursing a hangover from Christmas Eve, grab a stacked Bloody Mary.
The Continental Club
Dale Watson is taking over the Continental Club for his annual Christmas concert. We suggest getting there a bit early — doors are at 9 pm — so you can sip on a brew or two before the dancing starts.
Crown & Anchor Pub
Of course this North Campus hangout is open on Christmas Day — noon to 2 am, to be exact. Here, beer is best enjoyed with friends by the pitcher. A plate of nachos or cheese fries is also in order.
The Driskill Bar
The Driskill goes all out for the holidays, from a sparkling Christmas tree to sparkling drinks. For the downtown hotel's 130th anniversary this year, the bar is offering two specialty cocktails that are perfect for sipping.
Ego's
Swap Christmas carols for Christmas karaoke. Ego's, tucked away on South Congress Avenue, opens at 3 pm with a scrumptious potluck dinner. The music starts at 9 pm and will last till 2 am.
Haymaker
Haymaker, the sandwich-centric sister bar to Black Sheep Lodge, will also be open Christmas Day. Get your kicks in between 2 pm and midnight on Manor Road. And by kicks, we mean draft beer and poutine.
The Liberty
This East Sixth dive is hosting a funky Christmas party with tunes from DJ Chicken George and DJ Dangit. With plenty of space indoors and out, you're sure to find a place to settle in for the night. Doors are at 9 pm.
Moontower Saloon
Funky watering hole Moontower Saloon down in "Way South Awesome" will be open from 5 pm to 2 am. The beer selection is where it's at, but you'll also find a full bar, amazing music, and free parking.
Stay Gold
Stay Gold will open at 8 pm, but the fun really starts at 10 pm with a performance from Wilkinson's Quartet. This cozy hideout on East Cesar Chavez Street offers a simple cocktail menu in addition to craft beer.
Workhorse Bar
Workhorse is a great spot on North Loop to grab a beer (or two) and burger. The neighborhood fave boasts a hidden back patio and a killer jukebox — perfect for catching up with friends over the holidays. The bar is open 3 pm to midnight.
Cozy up with a drink and some live tunes at Stay Gold.
