Dry Creek Saloon

Tucked into a dusty bend alongside Mt. Bonnell Road, the Dry Creek Cafe is the dive to end all dives. The beer selection sucks, but that’s okay — it’s cheap and served in bottles from one of those vintage fridges with the latching handle. There’s a neglected pool table in the back and a jukebox that plays old .45s. The delightfully ornery owners insist you bus your own table by handing in empties before buying more. Sometimes it’s mysteriously closed.

So why go? Two reasons. One: The sunset view from the rooftop patio is one of the most majestic and sublime in Austin. Two: Its charm cannot be denied. There’s nothing self-aware or ironic about Dry Creek.