Renovated houses turned into bungalow bars reign supreme on Rainey, the increasingly popular tucked-away street. Day or night, you’ll find relaxed bar-goers strolling from bar to food trailer to bar again, often with their dogs in tow looking for a kicked back sip and a bite.

"There are many slogans that would make a good Rainey Street Austin T-shirt," say a group of day-drinking locals explaining the neighborhood's vibe to a lone traveler at Clive Bar's terrace — which overlooks the unique district of bungalow-bars that offer some of Austin's best live music, DJs, craft beer and cocktails and food truck eats. But this lakeside district doesn't need a slogan. Locals know to just come as they are, dressed up or down, and wander it merrily with friends, dogs, and even children.

Chef Phillip Frankland Lee has been very busy opening new restaurants and earning Michelin stars. This time, skateboarder Neen Williams joins him in a new collaboration, NADC Burger.

Everything at Idle Hands has been inspired by travels throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. The tropical snacks and cocktails will have you feeling like you’re sipping on a beach somewhere in full vacation mode — even in winter! 

Half a mile long, lined with more than 20 bars, Rainey Street’s entertainment district bustles as a large part of Austin’s nightlife scene every weekend. With themed bars, a food truck park and an excitable atmosphere, it’s no wonder why.

Matthew Wolski of Lion’s Share Hospitality, owners Parlor and Yard, tells CultureMap that he has a new concept in the works in the former Rainey Street home of El Naranjo, which shuttered in October. The project will be the first concept for a new group, Midas Willum, but Wolski is not yet ready to spill all the beans.