The video above is a walking tour of Rainey Street in Austin, Texas, filmed on a rainy Wednesday night. It covers the look and feel of the district, highlights several of the bungalow bars lining the strip, and captures the rapid development reshaping the area's skyline. David Bridwell stopped by Rainey Street while he was in town to play a gig at Industry, a venue just south of East 6th Street, and used the opportunity to walk the neighborhood and take in the scene.
What Is Rainey Street and Why Is It So Popular?
Rainey Street is a small district located north of the Colorado River and just west of I-35 in Austin. It used to be an actual residential neighborhood — a cluster of single-family homes — but over the past decade or so, those houses were converted into bungalow-style bars and restaurants. That's the defining feature of the area: walking down the strip and passing one former house after another, each one now a bar with its own personality, signage, and drink specials. The crowd tends to skew younger, and the energy on the street is high even on a weeknight. It draws a heavy mix of tourists, condo residents from the surrounding towers, and locals looking for a good time.
One thing that's impossible to miss on Rainey Street right now is the construction. Nine skyscrapers are reportedly going up in or around the district, and the skyline is changing fast. Places like Bungalow and Container Bar — two spots that helped define Rainey Street's identity — have already been demolished to make room for condo towers. Austin is actually catching up to Houston in terms of its tallest buildings, and a lot of that growth is concentrated right here.
Bars and Venues Worth Checking Out on Rainey Street
Here are some of the spots visible during the walk and mentioned throughout the video:
- Half Step — A cocktail bar with live music on Wednesday nights; a great spot to grab an old fashioned and sit close to the stage without fighting a crowd
- Tipsy Alchemist — Known for creative, eye-catching cocktails and a polished atmosphere
- Unbarlievable — One of the bungalow bars along the strip with a fun, laid-back vibe
- Icenhauer's — A Rainey Street staple with a big backyard, live music, and a solid drink menu
- Idle Hands — A craft cocktail bar with a relaxed feel, tucked into one of the converted homes
- Stagger Lee — A neighborhood bar with a cool storefront and easygoing energy
Live Music on a Wednesday Night
Half Step stood out as the best spot on this particular Wednesday. Canned Beats were performing, and they play there every Wednesday night. Even though the bar had a decent crowd, there was plenty of room right up near the music — no shoving through people to get a view. That's a good Wednesday night in Austin: solid live music, a well-made cocktail, and enough space to actually enjoy it. After wrapping up on Rainey Street, the night continued over at Industry near East 6th Street, where David Bridwell played a set for a lively room full of friend groups and good energy.