Hey there! Are you currently looking for the best spots in Austin to grab a bite, enjoy a drink, and watch the bats take flight? Well, let me help you explore some of Austin’s top locations for an unforgettable bat-watching and dining experience!
Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or just visiting family and friends for a few days, Austin has something for everyone. However, if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, you won’t want to miss the sight of the world’s largest bat colony taking flight from the Congress Avenue Bridge. This natural wonder is a must-see for anyone visiting Austin from mid-March to November. But there is no need to settle for just watching the bats from the crowded Congress Avenue Bridge walkway or the grassy plain below.
Enjoy a unique experience that combines good food, great drinks, and the amazing sight of seeing countless bats taking flight. Look no further because we’ve put together a list of the best places to eat, drink, and see bats in Austin.
What restaurants and bars can you see bats from Austin?
Here are our top picks for bars and restaurants to eat, drink, and see Austin bats — the greatest bat-watching and dining views:
P6 Bar at The LINE Hotel
P6 Bar at The LINE Hotel (located at 111 E Cesar Chavez St., Austin, Texas, 78701) is a premier restaurant and bar that offers a fantastic bat-watching experience.
Located on the hotel’s rooftop, P6 Bar provides an unobstructed view of the Congress Avenue Bridge and the emerging bat colony. The bar offers a wide range of delicious food and drinks, including signature cocktails, craft beers, and small plates. With comfortable seating, a relaxed atmosphere, and breathtaking views of the bats, P6 Bar is a top choice for anyone looking for an unforgettable bat-watching experience in Austin.
Live Oak Bar at Four Seasons Austin
Live Oak Bar at Four Seasons Austin (located at 98 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78701) is a top choice for anyone looking for a great bat-watching experience while enjoying delicious food and drinks.
Live Oak Bar’s outdoor patio offers stunning views of the Congress Avenue Bridge and the emerging bat colony. The menu features an array of delicious dishes, but the most popular dish among patrons is the Texas Wagyu burger, which pairs perfectly with the bar’s signature drink, the Batini — including bat-watching drink specials and discounts. With its relaxed atmosphere, attentive service, and unbeatable views of the bats, Live Oak Bar is a must-visit for anyone looking to make the most of their Austin experience.
Southwest Bistro at Hyatt Regency Hotel
Southwest Bistro at Hyatt Regency Hotel (located at 208 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, Texas, 78704) is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy delicious food and drinks while taking in the sight of the bat colony flying overhead.
While the Southwest Bistro is located on the west side of the Congress Avenue Bridge, it still offers a decent view of the bats as they emerge and take flight. The menu features a range of southwestern-inspired dishes, including a popular dish among patrons, the Hatch Green Chile Mac and Cheese. The bar serves up an impressive selection of craft beers, cocktails, and wines, making it a great spot to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. With its warm atmosphere and friendly service, Southwest Bistro is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the unique natural wonder of Austin’s bat colony.
What hotels offer bat viewing from rooms and balconies?
While not offering the best bat-watching experience, both Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown South Congress and Holiday Inn Austin-Town Lake (an IHG Hotel) provide an opportunity for guests to catch a glimpse of the bat colony flying overhead by requesting rooms with windows and balconies facing Lady Bird Lake.Â
In addition, The Hyatt Regency Hotel, The LINE Hotel, and Four Seasons Austin are great options for those looking for a similar experience, as they offer hotel rooms and balconies overlooking Lady Bird Lake, which is where the Congress Avenue Bridge is located. And while not known by many people, The LINE Hotel and The Hyatt Regency Hotel both offer a great opportunity to see bats from their parking garages too.
Although watching the bats from a parking garage and hotel room may not provide the same level of excitement as watching them from the bridge or a nearby park, it can still be a fun and unique experience for tourists and locals alike.
In which Austin hotels is it not possible to see and view bats?
While JW Marriott Downtown Austin, Austin Marriott Downtown, and Fairmont Austin are all wonderful hotels to stay in, they are not ideal for viewing the bat colony in Austin. These hotels are situated in downtown Austin, where the views of the Congress Avenue Bridge are obstructed by skyscrapers and buildings of various sizes. While it is possible to catch a glimpse of the bats from these hotels, the view may be limited. Visitors looking to experience the awe-inspiring magic of the bat colony in Austin should consider alternative locations to see bats with unobstructed bat-watching views of the Congress Avenue Bridge.
Closing Tips for Enjoying Austin’s Bat-Watching Experience
No matter where you choose to go, be sure to check the bat-watching schedule before you make your plans — and don’t forget to allocate time to locate parking.
. While bats are usually out every night from March to November, there are some factors that can affect their emergences, such as weather and temperature.
In addition to watching the bats, it’s important to remember that they play an important role in Austin’s ecosystem. Bats are natural pest control, eating up to their weight in insects every night. So, while you enjoy your food and drinks, take a moment to appreciate the incredible creatures that call Austin home.
In conclusion, watching the bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge is a unique and memorable experience, and there’s no shortage of great bars and restaurants with fantastic views. So, grab a drink and some food, sit back, and enjoy the show! See you there!