Cheers to this, y’all. A blended contemporary art gallery and cocktail bar in East Austin is recognized as one of the best bars in the United States.
Papercut, an eclectic cocktail lounge nestled along East Fifth Street in Austin, earned a spot on Esquire’s 2026 roundup of the best bars in the country, published on Tuesday, June 9. The 14-bar analysis highlighted the most revered watering holes from coast to coast, aptly timed in honor of America’s 250th birthday and the notion that “this country was founded in bars.”
Esquire praised Papercut for its marriage of art and mixology under one roof, timing its art gallery’s rotating artist lineup with changes to its menu. Among its tried-and-true menu features is the papercut, described by Esquire as a “bright but boozy mezcal cocktail” that features both Aperol and homemade tangerine liqueur.
“The potion is served in a coupe cup that gets blast-chilled à la minute in six seconds in a fancy CO2 machine from the future. Very cold. Very cool,” San Francisco-based writer Omar Mamoon wrote in the piece.
Papercut was the only bar from the Lone Star State featured in Esquire’s report. Other bars receiving kudos for their ambiance, artistry and booze-laden curations included:
For Texans looking to experience Papercut’s cocktails, sushi and artwork up close, the bar accepts walk-ins only and is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, 5 p.m. to midnight on Wednesday and Thursday and from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The bar is closed on Tuesday.
Find it: Papercut | 908 E. Fifth St., Suite 107, Austin, TX 78702