Rainey Street in 2026 is a weird, vertical version of the neighborhood I first fell in love with a decade ago. It used to be just a line of crumbling bungalows where you could sit on a porch and pretend you lived there. Now? It’s basically a canyon of glass and steel, dominated by the looming presence of Waterline, which is now officially the tallest tower in Texas.
But tucked into the corner of Davis and Rainey, there’s a survivor. Clive Bar isn't just another place to grab a drink; it's a living piece of Austin’s evolution.
When Bridget Dunlap first started turning these old houses into bars back in 2009—first with Lustre Pearl and then with Clive—she basically invented the modern Rainey Street District. Back then, it was a risky bet on a "grungy" neighborhood. Today, Clive Bar has had its own "Texas-sized" makeover, and honestly, if you haven't been back since they added the second and third stories, you haven't really seen what it’s become.
The Bar on Stilts: Architecture That Shouldn’t Work
Walking up to the 609 Davis St. address today is a bit of a trip. You still have that original 1926 bungalow—all dark wood, white leather stools, and low lighting. It feels like a sophisticated library where everyone happens to be drinking whiskey. But then you look up.
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The expansion, which finally fully reopened a few years back, looks like a high-end treehouse designed by a mad scientist. The architects (WGI and the Dunlap ATX team) literally suspended a third-floor platform on steel stilts right over the original building.
It’s meant to look like it was "thrown up over a weekend," with exposed steel beams and diagonal braces. In reality, it was a nightmare to build because they had to thread steel piles between the roots of a heritage oak tree on the corner. They didn't want to kill the tree, so they used a shallow mat foundation. It’s that kind of detail that makes Clive feel like a part of the city rather than just another commercial pop-up.
What to Drink: Beyond the Standard Rail
Most people hit the main bar for a Rainey Street Mule (Tito’s, lime, ginger beer, and bitters) or an El Camino. If it's a typical 90-degree Austin night, the Frozen Sweet Tea with vodka and peach tea is the move. It’s sweet, dangerous, and incredibly refreshing.
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But here is the real secret.
Walk through the patio, past the crowds dancing to the DJ, and look for the tiny stone shack in the back. That is Bar Ilegal.
It’s a "secret" mezcal bar that only fits about ten people. No, seriously—it’s a closet. They only serve small-batch mezcal imported from Oaxaca. The bottles line the wall, backlit by flickering candles, and there’s usually just one bartender who knows more about agave than you ever thought possible. It’s the quietest, coolest escape from the "hoopla" of the main street. If you’re trying to impress someone on a date, this is your spot.
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The Clive Bar Vibe Check
- Crowd: A chaotic mix of bachelorette parties in sashes, tech bros from the nearby towers, and locals who have been coming since 2011.
- Sound: The bottom floor is basically a semi-outdoor dance floor with a big stage. Expect anything from soulful throwbacks to live local bands.
- Smoking: You can still smoke on the upper floors, which is rare these days.
- Seating: The new multi-level layout means you can actually find a spot to sit and people-watch the insanity of Rainey Street from above.
Why People Get Rainey Street Wrong
A lot of people say Rainey is "dead" because of the skyscrapers. I get it. The charm has changed. But places like Clive Bar are the reason the district still has a pulse. They didn't just tear the old house down; they built around it. They kept the grit and added a view.
Honestly, the service can be hit or miss when it’s 11:00 PM on a Saturday and the line is around the block. That’s just the reality of a popular spot. But if you show up for Happy Hour—which runs daily until 8 PM—you can snag $10 specialty cocktails and actually have space to breathe.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Timing is Everything: Go on a Wednesday or Thursday at 5 PM if you want to experience the architecture and Bar Ilegal without the sweaty crowds.
- The View: Head straight to the third floor. The "canopy" design gives you a perspective of the Austin skyline that you can't get anywhere else on the street.
- Drink Smarter: Don’t just order a beer. Clive is known for infused spirits. Ask the bartender what they’ve been macerating lately; they usually have something unique behind the bar.
- Logistics: It's dog-friendly on the patio, but maybe don't bring your pup after 9 PM on a weekend. It gets way too loud for their ears.
Check the lineup on their socials before you head out, as they’ve been leaning harder into local DJ sets and trivia nights lately. Whether you’re a tourist or a local who hasn't been "down there" in a while, Clive Bar is still the gold standard for what a Rainey Street bar should be.