dive bar

The Little Darlin’ is a gem of a bar in South Austin with live music, sippable cocktails and the most complex ‘dive bar’ menu I’ve ever tasted. You gotta eat here.

The Little Darlin’ has been a regular for <3M and I since it opened a few years ago and I can’t believe I’m just now getting around to writing about it.

For those of you who don’t live in South Austin, this dive bar is the type of place that you could easily overlook but would be seriously mad you did — it’s got a great vibe, sippable cocktails and the most complex ‘dive bar’ menu I’ve ever tasted. It’s located off of William Cannon between i35 and South Congress and us South Austin locals can’t help but love it.

A Great Outdoor Space

The Little Darlin’ has a great outdoor space that’s dog-friendly and has an open area for kids to play (during the day, it’s +21 at night).  My favorite part is the outdoor bar that wraps around a huge tree in the back patio. The bar seats here are covered by the canopy of trees and it’s a nice shady spot to relax and listen to the band playing on the huge outdoor stage. You can regularly find bands playing at The Little Darlin’ and from my past experience, most of the shows are free.

Creative Cocktail Infusions

Inside, the bar has additional tables, some pool tables, and an extensive bar menu offering up homemade infusions like spicy vodkas or fruity mixers that elevate the classic bar drinks.  My favorite is a spicy margarita made with one of their rotating infused liquors.  Or, if frozen drinks are more your style, The Little Darlin’ typically has a frozen mix on special that’s always worth a taste.  They also offer a vast selection of rotating local taps & bottled beers for those not up for any of the hard stuff.

This Isn’t Standard Dive Bar Food

While the vibes and cocktails are great, my favorite part about The Little Darlin’ is its food menu.  They’re not serving up the typical bar food — what The Little Darlin’ is offering is elevated, sophisticated, seasonal dishes for lunch, dinner, and brunch on Sundays.

The Little Darlin’ burger is a staple on the menu and not to be missed with a red eye mayo, cheese, bacon and a side of the crispiest fries!  Rivaling the burger is the Fried Chicken Sandwich. This guy is fried up extra crispy with succulent, moist chicken on the inside and a pile of homemade coleslaw for crunch.

I’m also a huge fan of both The Little Darlin’s hummus, served with naan bread, and their Antonelli’s cheese plate. For $15 you get a mound of different cheeses, seedy mustard, house pickles, fresh bread, and some nuts & fruit for snacking. It’s a cheese lover’s dream and the price to quantity makes it a steal.

To Die for Vegan Fare

The Little Darlin’ also does a great job catering to vegans and vegetarians alike. They offer a Beyond Meat Burger, unique salads, soups, and a rotating vegan meal.  In fact, the vegan meals are my favorite at The Little Darlin’.  These dishes are thoughtfully crafted with local ingredients and are never trying to masquerade as a meat dish made vegan.  Recently I enjoyed the Texas Mushrooms in a tomato sauce with tofu and it was a flavorful, fresh and had me licking my plate clean.

Lastly, if you swing by The Little Darlin’ for brunch be sure to try their Fried Chicken & Waffles with pecan maple syrup, their rotating French Toast or the unique Reuben Eggs Benedict all washed down with a classic Bloody Mary or mimosa.

Even if you aren’t from South Austin, I guarantee a trip to The Little Darlin’ will be well worth your drive. Be sure to make it a lazy adventure so you have time to soak up their outdoor seating and listen to the band while you enjoy a few house cocktails and the best damn bar food you’ll ever taste.