The new bar opened last night, and I LOVE it!! It’s pretty awesome–rooftop, open sides, retractable glass roof, stone and water decor everywhere … and of course, the best bartenders in Austin! (A good friend is the GM, and he brought the best of the best with him from stints at Brown Bar and Prague)
They have a few specialty cocktails, like red and white sangrias, pineapple-infused vodka, a frozen black cherry limeade, and a mint margarita. They also have a small but looks-to-be-stellar food menu that they’re starting to serve today.
I was surprised at the number of people out last night–it’s a Tuesday!–but it was a fashionable, well-heeled crowd, though definitely more laid-back than, say, a Terrace 59 crowd. Lanai is already drawing Terrace 59 comparisons, as both are rooftop with oversize lounging spots, but Lanai has a brighter, airy-er feel than Terrace 59 (and I used to work there, so I would know).
It also has a half-birdcage swing, so it can’t take itself too seriously!
Lanai is open 4pm-2am, with happy hour 4-8pm with $1 off drinks and food. It’s on the corner of 5th & Congress (my fave corner!), the door is between Prague and the corner on 5th. Go visit Lanai sometime this week!