Arriba Abajo
Restaurant · Congress Ave District ·
Rooftop cantina with Oaxacan dishes, margaritas, and pool
Rooftop cantina with Oaxacan dishes, margaritas, and pool
"One of Downtown’s better rooftop restaurants, Arriba Abajo, took over the Wax Myrtle’s space at the Thompson Hotel and is serving an Oaxacan menu that’s much better than a hotel restaurant needs to be. The desert plant-laden patio space contrasts with the tall buildings surrounding it for a beautiful view. Food-wise, this is a place for tacos, like the tender carne asada or earthy mushrooms, best paired with one of the bar’s many mezcals. There are a few indoor tables that offer the rooftop view, but the patio is the best option." - Erin Russell
"Up on the fourth floor of the Thompson Hotel, Arriba Abajo is a swanky rooftop bar and restaurant full of little cabanas, cozy booths, and tons of plants that give the place the lush, lively energy of somewhere a little more exciting than Downtown Austin. The menu is made up of classic Oaxacan dishes and Mexican-inspired plates—including very tasty chili-crusted prawn fajitas—plus desserts and every variation on a margarita you can imagine. Show up around sunset and look out over 5th Street, or grab a day pass for the rooftop pool and some light bites." - nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs
"To mark its first anniversary the rooftop cantina is hosting a free, public celebration featuring complimentary bites like whole roasted pig, shrimp ceviche bowls, and chips and guacamole, plus a broad drink program with Mexican Candy shots, the coconut-tequila Abajo Blast (blue curaçao, lime, agave, pineapple, coconut), pitcher margaritas, lots of cold beer, zero-proof options, and a Raspados shaved-ice station with optional tequila toppers; RSVP is encouraged. Festivities continue the following day with $1 21 Seeds tequila shots and $1 carnitas and chicken tacos." - Courtney E. Smith
"Perched on the fourth floor of the Thompson Hotel, Arriba Abajo is a lively rooftop bar and restaurant infused with Oaxacan flair. Lush with greenery, cozy cabanas, and stylish booths, it offers a vibrant escape from Downtown Austin. The menu features Mexican-inspired dishes, like chili-crusted prawn fajitas, alongside creative margaritas, Ranch Waters, and frozen cocktails. Grab a day pass for the rooftop pool or stop by at sunset for stunning Fifth Street views and expertly crafted drinks." - Darcie Duttweiler
"The Thompson Austin’s revamped rooftop bar is hosting its first New Year’s Eve party this year, Austin Wrapped. There will be lots of music spanning genres through DJs and live bands, as well as food stations and dishes from the hotel’s various restaurants, a martini cart, and more. It runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. General admission tickets are $150, and then there are grouped VIP tickets starting at $1,600. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas." - Nadia Chaudhury
