Whisler's

In 2011, the iconic Rabbit’s Lounge closed its door forever—for 40 years Rosalio “Rabbit” Duran’s humble bar had been the meeting place for Austin’s Chicano politicos. Veteran Austin bartender Scranton Twohey purchased the building from Duran and in the summer of 2013 opened Whisler’s. Twohey’s renovation highlights the space’s raw feel—the archaic stone walls are lit by flickering religious candles—while adding a stunning cocktail program which includes both classic cocktails and those with a modern spin, like the umami-rich Beware of Sleestak made with whiskey, celery, lemon, rice wine vinegar, fenugreek and wasabi sesame seed. In addition to the main inside bar and a large open patio, upstairs is Mezcaleria Tobala—a speakeasy-style one room bar with a large selection of the agave-based spirit. Nationally acclaimed food truck, Thai-Kun, has a permanent spot on the back patio as well.