This little clean portable coffee shop is located in Downtown Austin. Patika Coffee quickly gained a reputation for having affordable, high quality coffee. Each cup is hand-dripped, which means that it takes slightly more time than your average coffee shop, but the difference in quality and taste more than makes up for it. Patika also carries some pastries and sweet treats, but the real star here is the coffee.

Darwin's Pub is a casual, laid back pub located in Downtown Austin. Drinks are reasonably priced and the pub features live music every Tuesday through Sunday night. One of the the pub's claims to fame are its friendly bartenders and atmosphere. Darwin's doesn't have a full menu but they do serve up Shawarma for those who need something filling in their stomachs.

If you like an atmosphere with a Latin vibe, this is the perfect spot to be! The great ambiance and spectacular music combine with a mixed crowd of young college students for an entertaining night out. The bartender service is quite good, with a wide variety of drinks available. If you are looking for bottle service, the lounges are great and come with a service crew that is very attentive to your needs. The VIP area is right next to the glowing dance floor. Looking for a big crowd of college students or young adults? Come in on Saturdays, which tend to be a lot more crowded than any of the other days. Special events are held from time to time, and a full menu of tapas and fusion entrees is available. -Victoria Perez

The 512 Bar is a local hot-spot that has a prime location in downtown Austin. Near the Austin Convention Center, the 512 Bar makes a great place to stop by after a full day of meetings, work or classes. This is popular with the younger crowd but everyone is sure to enjoy their live music and tasty beverages they have available. The website has been in the works for awhile so you might have to just mosey your way down to the Sixth Street area to find out what all the fuss is about. Luckily, you'll probably find out that the 512 Bar is well worth the effort.

The Ginger Man offers up cold pints of beer to the locals and has been since 1994. This bar offers a wide variety of beers, including a vast selection of micro-brews. It does get crowded at night, although strangers are often willing to share a table. Visit their website for more details.

Founded in 1986, its popularity has grown tremendously since. Visceral theater, beautiful music, stunning sets and costumes, and world-class artistic talent all reside here. The company is known for presenting work that explores the boundaries of opera. This is the only professional opera company in Central Texas; showcasing works such as The Barber of Seville, The Ballad of Baby Doe, and Andrea Chenier just to name a few. The season features an opera every other month from November to March and offers free outdoor performances in October at the Zilker Hillside Theatre. Dedicated to the education of young people, the company offers a variety of programs for students.

Formerly home to Black & Tan and Rusty Spurs, this venue is available for live music and special events. The popular South By Southwest Festival (SXSW) has hosted performances and parties at this stylish location, which sets the stage for a great night out on the town. There's a small outdoor area where you can catch your breath before heading back in for more entertainment. 

Bethel Hall, located in St. David's Episcopal Church, is a light-filled, uplifting space with wonderful acoustics for plays, concerts, lectures, and readings. Workshops and conferences can also be held here. Able to hold up to 300 guests, the hall is also equipped with honey-toned hardwood floors, sound and lighting systems, and a grand piano. Food and beverages are not allowed inside the venue.

Easily mistaken for just another house on the block, come to Lustre Pearl to grab a cold beer, hang out with a large group of friends, and catch a live music show. As the story goes, the old house was bought for an aspiring singer named Lustre, who wound up in Austin and converted the house into a bar cum live music venue. The house has been gutted to make room for a bar and a jukebox, but most of the patrons grab a drink and head into the backyard, where you'll find an eclectic collection of chairs and makeshift tables, hula hoops, and a ping pong table. The house also comes equipped with its own taco truck. Laid-back, fun, and brimming with local flair, Lustre Pearl is the perfect place for a casual night out.    

Skinny's Ballroom offers a great selection of indie rock bands, community events and more each week. Come by for happy hour every day until 7p, or all day on Sunday!