Experiencing SXSW in Austin is similar to when the Super Bowl comes to any major city. There are a lot of high-profile events, celebrities, parties and reasons to be out at 1 a.m.

Last month was my first SXSW experience, and it was everything that I expected and more. Most of my time was spent at the film festival where I was interviewing actors for films that were premiering. However, when  it was time to go out and experience Austin’s nightlife scene, my friend who’s a local suggested 77 Degrees Rooftop and The Rose Room.

77 Degrees Rooftop Austin / Facebook Page

Now, I’ve been to some pretty impressive clubs in cities such as L.A. and Miami, but there’s something about 77 Degrees Rooftop in Austin that made an impression on me. The three-story rooftop patio bar has great scenic views, a nice diverse crowd and purple lighting throughout the rooftop that infused a sexy vibe that set the tone for mingling and the need to hold one of their signature cocktails.

The Rose Room was a high-energy mega club with acrobats, dancers and the essence of Rich’s Houston from the late ’90s, with bodies moving from one level to the next, vying for a drink, the dance floor or someone to flirt with. Needless to say, if you’re looking for mayhem and a good time on a Saturday night, this is the place to be.

77 Degrees Rooftop Houston / Facebook Page

On March 7, the same week as SXSW, 77 Degrees opened its Houston location at 2416 Brazos in Midtown. The new Houston location offers the same cabana-style seating, Caribbean-inspired drinks and a tapas menu.

77 Degrees Houston is open daily from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., and you can visit 77-degrees.com for details.

77 Degrees Rooftop | 2416 Brazos, Houston, TX 77006 | 713.882.1221