After Your Boat Rental in Austin - The Mean Eyed Cat

Bat City Boat Rentals
Apr 17
5 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

You just had the ultimate day with your crew on Lake Austin—sunshine, drinks, music, and good vibes all around. Now what?

If you’re not ready to call it a night, we’ve got the perfect next move: head straight from your boat rental in Austin to The Mean Eyed Cat, one of the city’s most iconic dive bars.

Whether you’re celebrating a bachelor party, hosting an unforgettable bachelorette party in Austin, or just extending the fun with your crew, The Mean Eyed Cat delivers a relaxed, quirky atmosphere that’s pure Austin—and perfect for keeping the party alive after a day on the water.

What Is The Mean Eyed Cat?

The Mean Eyed Cat is a Johnny Cash–themed bar tucked just west of downtown Austin, located at 1621 W 5th Street. Housed in a former chainsaw repair shop (yes, it’s as cool as it sounds), this bar is full of grit, character, and charm. The walls are covered in memorabilia honoring the Man in Black, but the real draw is the laid-back energy and the friendly, come-as-you-are crowd.

Since opening in 2004, The Mean Eyed Cat has become a local favorite—especially for groups looking to kick back with affordable drinks and soak in the authentic Austin vibe after a day of fun.

Why Hit The Mean Eyed Cat After Your Boat Rental in Austin?

1. It Keeps the Vibe Going

Let’s face it—after hours out on the lake, swimming, dancing, and partying with your favorite people, no one wants to go straight home. But hitting a crowded club might feel like too much. That’s where The Mean Eyed Cat comes in.

With outdoor seating, strong drinks, great music, and a casual crowd, it’s the perfect middle ground: fun but chill, lively but not overwhelming. It’s a great place to wind down the day while keeping the good times rolling.

2. You Don’t Have to Dress Up

After spending the afternoon in swimsuits, coverups, and flip-flops, nobody wants to rush home and get dressed to the nines. Good news: at The Mean Eyed Cat, that’s totally unnecessary. This bar welcomes all walks of life, from tourists to tattooed regulars. Whether you show up sun-kissed in boatwear or dressed for a night on Rainey Street, you’ll fit right in.

3. Refuel with Food and Drinks

While The Mean Eyed Cat doesn’t have a full kitchen, it features rotating food trucks and pop-ups with plenty of late-night bites. Grab some tacos, burgers, or BBQ depending on the schedule, and soak up those boat drinks with something delicious. Then head to the bar for local beers, whiskey shots, or a signature cocktail to toast the bride, groom, or birthday guest of honor.

Ideal Post-Boat Itinerary: From Lake to Local Hangout

Here’s how to plan your perfect day of boat rental fun and post-lake nightlife in Austin:

1. Morning or Midday: Hit the Lake

Start your party on the water. Bat City Boat Rentals makes it easy and affordable to plan the ideal lake day. Bring your drinks, floaties, and your favorite playlist. Cruise, swim, make new friends in Party Cove, and soak in the sun with your crew.

2. Late Afternoon: Head Back to Town

Once your time on the water is up, towel off, change if you want (or don’t—it’s Austin!), and make your way into the city. Depending on the traffic and the lake you’re on, you’ll be there in 15 minutes.

3. Early Evening: Drinks at The Mean Eyed Cat

This is where the day’s second chapter begins. Grab your first post-lake drink, snap some group photos with the vintage Johnny Cash backdrop, and swap stories about who jumped in the lake first or who DJed the best party playlist on the boat.

There’s no pressure here—just good music, cold drinks, and that signature Austin energy.

4. Later Night: Go Big or Go Home

Still have energy to burn? Use The Mean Eyed Cat as your launchpad. From here, it’s a short ride to Rainey Street, West 6th, or South Congress. Or just hang at the bar all night—many groups do!

For a Bachelor Party in Austin, This Combo Is Gold

Planning a bachelor party in Austin? It’s not just about hitting clubs or buying rounds of shots—it’s about crafting a memorable, relaxed, and rowdy experience your crew will never forget. That’s why a day on the lake followed by a night at The Mean Eyed Cat is a no-brainer.

Start with a Bat City boat rental in Austin . Get some drinks, grab the guys, and crank the music.
Afterward, hit The Mean Eyed Cat for more cold drinks and hot food under the stars.
Bonus: Their patio is ideal for keeping the group together—no loud music drowning out conversations, no dress codes, no pretense.

The vibe is “Austin cool,” not “Vegas chaos,” which many grooms-to-be actually prefer.

The Bachelorette Party in Austin You Didn’t Know You Needed

Sure, you could do the same old thing—brunch, bars, photos, repeat. Or you could shake things up with a boat rental followed by drinks at one of Austin’s most beloved bars.

For a bachelorette party in Austin, this combo is magic:

Rent a pontoon with Bat City and decorate it with your favorite theme: Cowgirl-core? Retro 90s? All-pink-everything? You decide.
After the lake, unwind at The Mean Eyed Cat. You don’t have to worry about stilettos or standing in line. Just good music, friendly staff, and cold drinks.
Bonus: It’s a great time for group games, casual toasts, or that one friend who brought a Polaroid camera.

Plus, it gives your group time to breathe and bond before hitting more bars—or calling it a night with a smile on your face.

Why Book with Bat City Boat Rentals?

We’re more than just boats—we’re about creating unforgettable experiences that pair perfectly with everything Austin has to offer. Here’s what makes Bat City the best choice for boat rentals in Austin:

✅ Party-Ready Boats

All of our pontoons come equipped for celebrations: room for up to 12, Bluetooth speakers, and even XL coolers.

✅ Captains Included

Don’t worry about driving—we provide experienced captains so your whole crew can relax and enjoy the ride.

✅ Free Gas

We make it easy, affordable and unforgettable

✅ Flexible Scheduling

Want to hit the water early and catch sunset drinks at The Mean Eyed Cat? Or plan a late-afternoon boat party followed by a chill evening? We’ll work with your schedule.

✅ Perfect for Your Group

Whether it’s a bachelor party, bachelorette party, birthday bash, or just a Saturday with friends, we’ve got boats that can handle your squad.

Final Thoughts: From Boat Day to Bar Night

There’s no better way to spend a day in Austin than by starting with a boat rental and ending it with cold drinks at a classic dive. The Mean Eyed Cat offers a laid-back, unforgettable way to unwind after a sun-soaked lake adventure. It’s fun, it’s funky, and it’s as authentically Austin as it gets.

So here’s your perfect plan:

Book your Bat City boat rental in Austin
Cruise the lake, blast your playlist, soak in the sun and make new friends in Party Cove
Then wrap it all up with drinks and laughs at The Mean Eyed Cat

No dress code. No pretentious vibes. Just great music, great drinks, and the best company in the world—your crew.