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Austin’s official title of "Live Music Capitol of the World" is not self-appointed—it's earned. Long known as a playground for late night revelers, the city brought Texas country music to the forefront years before the emergence of mega-venues and craft cocktail lounges. Dance Halls and Honky Tonks once ruled the roost, and down and out drifters played for their wages. The music scene now pulls a sophisticated and cosmopolitan crowd while sticking true to its roots. Music lovers will find a variety of options every night of the week that span genres, all with a unique and soulful edge. It’s not surprising that the city plays host to several of the most significant music festivals in the country, like SXSW and the ACL Fest. New bars open almost daily in Texas’s ever-evolving and always-hospitable capitol city.
Touted as Austin's neighborhood beer joint since 1951, Deep Eddy is dive bar royalty, complete with cheap ice-cold brews, pool tables, and a killer jukebox. It even secured a designation as a historic site by the city of Austin in 2024, so this legendary tavern will be operating for a long time to come. Swing by for a Lone Star beer after an afternoon swim at Deep Eddy pool or stay late (open until 2 am).
A hole-in-the-wall heaven, Donn's dance floor has attracted fans of Texas two-step, waltz, polka, honky-tonk, and swing since 1972. Tucked inside an old train car just west of downtown, the Christmas decor–laden interior of this aging Old Austin beauty is as charming as its weekly lineup of local musicians and popular beginner two-step lessons. Don't feel like dancing? Belly up to the bar for some cheap drinks and complimentary popcorn while you watch everyone else groove. Check their events calendar for an updated list of shows and special events.
The old-fashioned bar and lounge on the Driskill's mezzanine level is where history is made, from heavy-hitting modern political deals sealed with a handshake to storied LBJ lore like when he proposed to Lady Bird here. Rich fabrics, dark wood, and cowhide aplenty give this bar a warm and cozy appeal. Patrons can enjoy live music every weekend paired with stiff cocktails in a truly elegant Texas setting.
Looking for an authentic Austin honky-tonk dive-bar experience? This chapel-shaped Burnet Road haunt is a legendary Old Austin favorite, though from the looks of the shabby exterior, you may not believe it at first. It's not glamorous, but the beer is cold (and cheap during happy hour), the service is friendly, and the vibe is always fun. Local music legend Dale Watson often takes the tiny stage here (there's live music every night), and the cast of regulars at this honored saloon is too good to miss. The claim to fame here is the riotous good-times had at the weekly Chicken Sh*t Bingo played every Sunday.
Named one of the best bars in America by GQ magazine, Nickel City holds court in one of the most bustling stretches of east Austin. With an arsenal of heavy pours, classic cocktails, and a "damn good" whiskey selection, bartenders serve loyal customers without gimmicks or frills. There are hearty on-site food options, and weekly specials are promoted regularly on the pedestrian-heavy East 11th Street. Look out for special pop-up installations and themed takeovers during SXSW.
After more than 30 years of operation, this popular local game-day haunt for college students and UT alumni had to move a couple blocks over from its original location due to student housing construction. But "Abel's Dos," as it's now known by regulars, is still a West Campus hot spot, where things are always distinctly "fratty" and game days aren't for the faint of heart. There's a big patio, great pub grub, and full bar including a signature selection of boozy Texas teas. Doors open at 9 am on Texas game days.
Opened in 1963, this north Austin haunt is one of the longest-running, most widely cherished dive bars in the city. Playful murals cover the outside of this gritty hole-in-the-wall, and it's a surreal circus once inside. You'll find no-frills service amid all the surreal accoutrements and decor straight out of a Twin Peaks episode, from pink elephants and clowns to circus tents and fire-breathers. The vibe is wild, the drinks are cheap, and the live music (hosted throughout the week) tends to be honky-tonk.
One of Rainey Street's original bungalow bars, Clive was reopened in 2022 after a major two-year renovation that expanded this once-modest bar into a three-story nightlife destination complete with rooftop deck. Drinks are simple and strong, but they're still known for an impressive mezcal selection.
For good food, great drinks and, yes, board games, Emerald Tavern is the place to go. The front retail portion resembles a simple old-school book shop, but with a variety of games lining the shelves. In the back, the tavern offers a unique selection of beers on tap, a sizable wine list, a few café-style bites, and fresh coffee from local roaster Cuvée Coffee. Both indoors and out on the patio, you can sip and savor while passing the time playing a selection of classic, European, and role-playing games, as well as tabletop miniature games that involve tiny figurines.
A prime spot for craft cocktail aficionados, Half Step is a swanky Rainey Street locale with first-rate bartenders who are serious about cocktails, but not too serious to keep away the fun. Both the indoor and outdoor seating areas are prime for people watching, and there are two delicious local food trucks parked on-site: Little Lucy's Mini Donut's and Spicy Boy's Fried Chicken. Live music and DJ sets are scheduled on weekends.
This East Sixth Street dive bar has a huge back-patio space filled with picnic tables. The on-site food truck, Bat City Pies, serves up Detroit-style pizza. Grab a beer before hitting the town, or end up here for a late-night bite and game of pool. The Liberty also provides a great place to socialize during SXSW with its hip east-side address and it always hosts its share of live music.
The first renovated bungalow bar that debuted on Rainey Street in 2009, anchoring it as its own distinct nightlife district, still attracts crowds every night of the week. The charming bungalow faces the street as it always did, but the property also encompasses a second story with rooftop deck, an outdoor stage for live music, and a courtyard filled with patrons playing bar games on the AstroTurf. The amazing Via 313 pizza food truck parked out front stays open late.
Now overshadowed by towering condos, this little shack of a bar owes its name (and overall atmosphere) to the Man in Black. Originally a chainsaw repair shop, this dive is a local cult favorite, with worn barnwood walls covered with tattered Johnny Cash memorabilia and a shabby-chic patio with an assortment of tables where patrons can enjoy a wide selection of beers and cocktails, some of which are deeply discounted during their weekday happy hour (4–8 pm).
On Sixth Street’s "grown-up" west side, this multilevel bar has a tendency to get a little rowdy on weekends but manages to keep a steady flow of young execs popping in throughout the week. Large-screen TVs, upbeat DJ tunes, and an outdoor patio with a great view of the city skyline make this a perfect place for large gatherings with friends. It's also near a few choice spots to grab a bite to eat. It's currently only open on weekends and during Longhorn and Patriots football games.
Although Austin is better known for hole-in-the-wall bars, live music venues, and couture cocktail emporiums, this club is one of the main spots in the city. It is almost too trendy for Austin, but visitors may enjoy the 1920s speakeasy feel and rooftop views. This downtown establishment always play hosts to a variety of SXSW acts, too.
You don't have to bring a dog to be a patron at Austin's first hybrid restaurant, bar, and dog-park, off Burnet Road. The shaded outdoor patio is a great place to people- and puppy-watch while you chow down on sliders and fries served at the on-site Fat City walk-up window. Find several local beers on draft here, too, plus seasonal cocktails and cheap tall boys.
