Ladies Nights: Where to Go When You Leave the Boys Behind
Words Deven Wilson | Photos of Holiday By Peter Klein
While the era of multiple bars hosting “Ladies Nights” is behind us (seriously, when did that stop?), there are still plenty of spots around town tailor-made for a girly good time. Sahara Lounge keeps the tradition going strong, while others provide a reality TV reprieve from the prolific nature of sports on bar TVs. Gather your gals for wine and yoga, indulge in a delicious dining deal, or sip on half-off martinis at these top spots.
- Sahara Lounge
Spend a Thursday night at an increasingly rare “Ladies Night” at the Sahara Lounge. Women get $5 entrance while the men pay $10 to dance the night away, and DJ Zapot and Juan Lo spin 70s and 80s tunes. Plus, one complimentary drink kicks off the evening. For those who have yet to experience the joy of Sahara Lounge, cheap entry and a free drink every third Fridays are more than enticing. 1413 Webberville Rd. | saharalounge.com
2. Holiday on 7th
Send the Sunday scaries away with every sip of half-off martinis with the gals. Sample a Lychee’tini with honeysuckle vodka, lychee, lemon, and blanc vermouth, or a frozen Mexican martini with LALO blanco tequila, triple sec, lime, salt, and olive brine, along with the reliable and familiar martini classics. If the relaxed vibes of this chill cocktail bar don’t soothe the soul, various styles of mixing vodkas, gins, and vermouth certainly will. 5020 E 7th St. | holidayon7th.com
3. LoLo Wine Bar
Swing by LoLo’s on the last Sunday of the month for a well-made hot dog by local pop-up, Zee’s Wiener System. Zee’s pops up on the LoLo patio and grills fresh dogs starting at 4 pm to add something savory to an evening of natural wines that’ll satisfy that missing middle meal after a Sunday brunch but before an app-delivered dinner at 9 pm.
1504 E 6th St. | lolo.wine
4. Kalimotxo
Every day from 3 to 5 pm, and all day Sunday, why not have a late lunch with the girls, sampling a smorgasbord of food for half off what you’d typically pay? Kalimotxo’s Spanish Tapas menu magically slashes the price of its cocktails and burgers to $10, while wine bottles and select small plates are half off. It’s a deliciously sound choice to make any day of the week, or as the new preferred brunch meet up. 1813 E 6th St. | kalimotxoatx.com
5. Coldtowne Theatre
For those who wonder what it would be like if the Real Housewives empire came to Austin, Coldtowne Theatre and an ensemble of improv actors have a satirical answer. Improvised and unscripted, this show blows binge-watching Bravo out of the water and right onto Coldtowne’s stage. Catch the hilarious rendition of Real Housewives of Austin: LIVE! on Fridays at 9 pm. 1700 E 2nd St. | coldtownetheater.com
6. Dainty Dillo
For those looking to enhance their reality TV watch parties and bond with fellow fanatics of Bachelor/Bachelorette and Love Island, Dainty Dillo offers a variety of watch parties. Along with multiple screens across the brunchy bar with views of the Colorado River during commercial breaks, they also offer drink deals and kitchen specials for each show they stream. While it’s limited to when the shows air, once a season starts, gather the girls for a binge-worthy night out.
3201 E Cesar Chavez St. | daintydillo.com
7. The Long Goodbye
The Long Goodbye invites patrons to relax and unwind for free on their lawn during Wednesday Wine Wellness. Savor the spiritual healing only a vinyasa (and vino) can provide. Every Wednesday, check in at 5:30 pm and sink into a session of outdoor yoga before or after a half off glass of wine for a treat to the body, mind, and budget.
2808 Manor Rd. | thelonggoodbyeatx.com
