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Say 'I do' to these 11 exquisite bachelor + bachelorette venues in Austin

Make it a party to remember at Higher Ground.

Photo courtesy of Restaurent

When it's time for one last bash as a singleton, you definitely want it to be memorable.

Whether your vibe is laidback and lounge-y or dance-all-night-in-the-club, we've got you covered. Check out these 11 unique Austin venues, each of which vows to make your bachelor or bachelorette party a time to remember.

1. Higher Ground
Why say "I do": Higher Ground is a multi-level destination nestled in the heart of downtown Austin. It offers a variety of event spaces along with exceptional signature cocktails and a customizable menu, providing the perfect canvas for social and corporate gatherings to happy hours, private birthday parties, engaging presentations, festive holiday parties, or lively dance nights. The gothic-inspired environment, with a capacity of 215, features church pews, stained glass, and wooden archways from the United States, France, and Italy.
Address: 720 Congress Ave.
Click here to rent Higher Ground for your party.

Higher Ground.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

2. Superstition
Why say "I do": Inspired by the glam spirit of '70s dance clubs, Superstition is a dynamic, 12,000-square-foot, multi-room event and entertainment space that turns ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences. The expansive, two-story venue features a main stage, dance floor (with capacity for 600), and balcony, offering a choice of two additional unique event spaces: The Gold Room and The Studio. The Gold Room provides a refined cocktail lounge with a spacious patio, while The Studio lounge on the second floor pays homage to South Congress’s musical history.
Address: 110 E. Riverside Dr.
Click here to rent Superstition for your party.

Superstition.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

3. Skinny's Off-Track Bar
Why say "I do": Welcome to Skinny’s Off-Track Bar, a retro neighborhood joint and sports bar infused with the laidback charm of the 1970s. The venue boasts wood-paneled walls, pleather bar stools, booths, and vintage TV sets that immediately set the vibe. Indulge in comfort food classics from the on-site food trailer, Off Track Bites. The venue features a versatile indoor and patio space, adding an extra layer of flexibility to your events.
Address: 1806 E. 12th St.
Click here to rent Skinny's Off-Track Bar for your party.

$Skinny\u2019s Off-Track Bar$ Skinny’s Off-Track Bar.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

4. Nickel City
Why say "I do": Nickel City is an award-winning neighborhood bar in East Austin with divey feel. The space includes banquette seating and an antique bar with TVs and a drop-down projection screen. For food, the bar serves a Detroit-style menu from an in-house food truck, Delray Café. With its prime location, inventive drink list, and mouthwatering bar food, this hidden gem invites you to write your own chapter in the vibrant story of Austin nightlife.
Address: 1133 E. 11th St.
Click here to rent Nickel City for your party.

Nickel City.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

5. Friends Bar
Why say "I do": Friends is the quintessential venue for private events, conveniently located within walking distance of downtown hotels. This cherished destination offers an authentic Austin experience, complete with sounds of the city's finest local blues and rock bands filling the air.
Address: 208 E. 6th St.
Click here to rent Friends Bar for your party.

Friends Bar.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

6. Rustic Tap
Why say "I do": Headed to West 6th Street? Situated in a prime location, Rustic Tap beckons both locals and visitors alike to experience the authentic Austin vibe. The outdoor patio, adorned with ambient string lights, offers a relaxed setting under the Texas sky. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with friends, catch up over drinks, and soak in the city’s lively energy. Rustic Tap isn’t just a bar or a restaurant; it’s a community hub where people come together to celebrate and create lasting memories.
Address: 613 W. 6th St.
Click here to rent Rustic Tap for your party.

Rustic Tap.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

7. Green Light Social & Benny's Room
Why say "I do": Walk in through the black gates and up the stairway to uncover the party. On the weekends, Green Light Social is packed with crowds. Rentals can be semi-private for smaller parties or completely private with a venue buyout. The rooftop patio displays stunning views of West Austin. Inside, folks gather around the bar to experience inventive cocktails like the vodka-infused juice pouch called the “Main Squeeze.” Before the party is over, capture the moment at the My Event is the Bomb photo booth. You’ll get amazing lighting, custom graphics, and the ability to share your photos directly on social media.
Address: 720 W. 6th St.
Click here to rent Green Light Social & Benny's Room for your party.

Green Light Social.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

8. Ah Sing Den
Why say "I do": Named after the world’s most famous opium den, which thrived during Victorian times in East London and was where Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle, and other creatives found inspiration. Savor the experience of exclusivity in an ambience where the charm of Victorian London meets the contemporary allure of East Austin. Ah Sing Den beckons with an enticing array of craft cocktails and delicious bites, ensuring your gatherings are infused with the finest flavors.
Address: 1100 E. 6th St.
Click here to rent Ah Sing Den for your party.

Ah Sing Den.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

9. Summit Rooftop & Lounge
Why say "I do": Summit features a distinctive interior design, a capacious rooftop deck complete with a state-of-the-art sound system, and a striking LED wall. The venue’s vibrant ambience harmonizes seamlessly with the extraordinary panorama of Austin’s skyline, setting an impeccable stage for both formal and casual occasions.
Address: 120 W. 5th St.
Click here to rent Summit Rooftop & Lounge for you party.

Summit Rooftop & Lounge.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

10. Anthem
Why say "I do": Located on the iconic Rainey Street in the heart of Austin, this versatile venue is the perfect space for crafting unforgettable experiences. Enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of the outdoor patio, bathed in the warm glow of twinkling string lights, making it a captivating backdrop for any gathering. Inside, the trendy yet comfortable interior is adorned with rustic decor and provides a welcoming space for guests. At Anthem, hosting an event is not just an occasion; it’s an immersive and personalized experience that reflects the essence of the vibrant community on Rainey Street.
Address: 91 Rainey St.
Click here to rent Anthem for your party.

Anthem Anthem.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

11. Irene's
Why say "I do": Irene’s has the soul of an unpretentious dive bar but manages to keep a firm hand on service, a keen eye toward hospitality, and a pulse on style. With something for every palate and a full bar serving up signature cocktails, frozen drinks, wine, and beer, Irene’s is ready to host any occasion. They even offer special brunch packages for bachelorette groups.
Address: 506 West Ave.
Click here to rent Irene's for your party.

Irene's Irene's.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

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Restaurent can help you find and book the perfect restaurant or venue for your next private or corporate event. Browse all Austin-area venues here or reach out to Restaurent’s concierge team at tera@restaurent.com.

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Austin named the nation's pickleball capital in industry report

Photo by Henry Selis Photo

Other Racquet Social Club is back after city woes.

It's no secret that Austinites love pickleball. A new study proves just how much by ranking Austin the No. 1 city for pickleball in the whole country. Dallas and Houston also made the top 10 at Nos. 3 and 8, respectively.

The report was published by TeachMe.To, an online marketplace for learning sports (and sometimes music) from private instructors. It used data from its own platform, USA Pickleball, Places2Play, local pickleball associations, and more. It also referred to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), which named pickleball the fastest-growing sport in America, with a growth rate of 223.5 percent over three years.

Similarly, TeachMe.To ranked Austin as the fastest-growing city for pickleball, and citing this as the main reason for the overall title of "the nation's pickleball capital."

It name-checked the Austin Metro Pickleball Association (AMPA) — with approximately 3,000-3,500 members — and the Austin Pickleball League (APL), estimating that overall, "15,000-20,000 people play pickleball at least occasionally in the greater Austin area." About half of those players — about 8,000-10,000 people — play at least twice a month.

The report did not include gender data on Austin, specifically, but it did note that not only are two-thirds of pickleball players female; women's involvement in the sport is also growing 50 percent faster than men's.

New courts everywhere
This probably isn't a surprise to people who have noticed the number of courts opened around Austin in recent years. By 2024, TeachMe.To's data shows 32 dedicated courts in Austin, and thanks to with a utility rate of 92 percent it doesn't look like that'll be slowing down.

In the summer of 2023, the online booking platform Swimply noticed how many pickleball courts there were in Austin compared to such great demand, and added courts to its service. In fall 2023 and summer 2024, at least two important developments expanded that availability: Other Racquet Social Club opened as a friendly, country club-like neighborhood option, and national chain The Picklr announced it's bringing five locations to Austin and Round Rock.

Perhaps because Austin is such a food-obsessed city, there seems to be some growing opportunity for food and beverage hospitality around pickleball, too. Other Racquet recently started hosting the Bill's Dips food truck, a spinoff of the popular downtown restaurant Bill's Oyster; and a pair of bars with pickleball courts, Drifters Social Coffee & Cocktails and The Pickle Pub, also opened in South Austin this year, with strong online ratings already.

The trend has even reached into real estate (see this cute house with its own pickleball court) and inspired athletes to introduce similar sports to the local market, as in the case of the padel club Paddle39. TeachMe.To's report also mentioned tech companies adding pickleball to their campuses.

Aside from growth, the study also considered lesson activity (including information about teacher availability and diversity of clinic offerings), infrastructure, community vitality, the tournament scene.

Austin had the highest concentration of all the cities of players under 40 (65 percent), as well as the highest share of national lesson bookings. At 16.90 percent, that means about one in six of the pickleball lessons contracted through this platform were in Austin. Lesson demand, the report says, is growing 125 percent year-over-year.

Elsewhere in Texas
Dallas was No. 3 thanks in part to its "central location" according to the report.

"The city's 45 dedicated courts and 85 [percent] public accessibility rate have fostered one of the most active competitive scenes in the country, with 8,500 registered league players," it says. "The combination of strong tournament presence, extensive infrastructure, and a 112% growth in lesson bookings solidifies Dallas as a powerhouse in the national pickleball landscape."

Houston made No. 8 with an emphasis on integrating pickleball with other sports.

"The city's 22 dedicated courts have seen a 92% increase in lesson bookings, driven by innovative programming that includes the nation's first corporate league system," it says. "Houston's success in integrating pickleball into existing sports infrastructure while maintaining 72% year-round utilization demonstrates a sustainable model for rapid growth."

Overall predictions
After laying out data about the top cities in pickleball, the report made some predictions. As the Austin newcomer mentioned above believes, the report also thinks padel is the next big thing. It also guesses more cities will act like Houston by focusing on hybrid facilities.

It also expects to see an expanded professional circuit and mainstream coverage, more technology used on the court, a rise in the prevalence of young players, and more opportunities in corporate wellness and real estate. "Dedicated pickleball facilities will become as common as swimming pools in luxury developments," it says. Texans will be the judge of that one.

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RSVP Yes

Say 'I do' to these 11 exquisite bachelor + bachelorette venues in Austin

High Score

Austin named the nation's pickleball capital in industry report

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