A lounge that's sophisticated, not snooty

Tipple of choice: On a warm Austin night, it's hard to beat Clive Bar's refreshing frozen sweet tea, made with vodka and peach tea.

Along with Lustre Pearl and Bar 96, Clive Bar is part of entrepreneur Bridget Dunlap's burgeoning mini-empire of bars along Rainey Street. You'll see more wine and martini glasses than beer cans on the tables, a sign that Clive Bar appeals to a more refined slice of the young professional pie.

Originally built in 1926, the house-turned-bar is infused with an understated kind of formality. The walls and main bar are made of dark wood, and the chairs are upholstered in white leather. While the interior of the bar is small, the sprawling outdoor deck has plenty of room to spare.