With over 250+ live music venues in Austin, it can be hard to settle on just one. If you’re seeking out classic Honky Tonk, though, The Little Longhorn Saloon is a must-see. Be sure to visit on Sunday for a truly unforgettable Bingo experience (you read that right).
5434 Burnet Rd.
Austin, TX 78756
+1-512-524-1291
One of the state’s last original honky tonk dance halls is all soul, no frills. This 52-year-old spot is nothing short of iconic, and those who are light on their feet (or who have two left feet) would be remiss to pass up a dance here.
3201 S. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78704
+1-512-442-6189
In the front, it's a classy and elegant bar. In the back, it's one of the best acoustically sound rooms for seeing live bands. Original cocktails from Justin Elliott are on-point! It's a great place to stay from happy hour through closing. Hot chicken is a must.
718 Congress Ave. #100
Austin, TX 78701
+1-512-887-8778
This shining gem of a cocktail bar on bustling Rainey Street is the sister restaurant of world-renowned Varnish in Los Angeles. Created by Austin native Chris Bostick, expect a concise list of drinks alongside local bands through the week. While you're in this hood, drop by other classic bungalow bars like Lustre Pearl, Banger's, Icenhauer's, and No Va.
75 1/2 Rainey St.
Austin, TX 78701
+1-512-391-1877
Tucked away on the second floor of an office building, the bar is local bartender Josh Loving's first solo venture. The meticulous approach to classic cocktails, served in an intimate space, exists outside of time and makes it easy to forget the world's troubles.
108 E. 7th St.
Austin, TX 78701
+1-737-701-0500
One of the first classic cocktail bars in Austin and a longtime breeding ground for many of the city's best bartenders. Along with hearty food, Péché easily claims the largest curated liquor selection in town.
208 W. 4th St.
Austin, TX 78701
+1-512-494-4011
It used to be a chainsaw shop and there are still signs on the wall advertising blades. But don't let that scare you. These days, it's a bar...no, make that a shrine to the late, great Johnny Cash.
1621 W. 5th St.
Austin, TX 78703
+1-512-920-6645
The first music club on 5th Street, Antone's is one of the largest and most established venues in town: Everyone has played here. If you have a thing about crowds, you might want to check out smaller venues like Stubbs or Mohawk a few blocks up.
305 E. 5th St.
Austin, TX 78701
+1-512-814-0361
Cowboys meet hipsters in an unconventional honky-tonk saloon for free live music and the two-step. Down Makers on tap, then get a shoe shine out back. On your way out, hit another diehard bar, Yellow Jacket Social Club, just a block away.
500 Comal St.
Austin, TX 78702
+1-512-553-6756
"Who's at the Continental?" is a phrase you hear a lot in Austin. Open since the 1950s, the Continental is legendary. Located in a strip of stores along South Congress Boulevard, it's been a supper club and a burlesque club but for the last four decades has been the premier place to see live music. If you're lucky, Patricia Vonne, Haybale, or Joe Ely will be putting on a show.
1315 S. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78704
+1-512-441-2444
Three blocks of Manor Road are dense with bars and restaurants, so just spending the evening there will be a mini-getaway. Hidden behind a big wooden wall, the Butterfly Bar is attached to a little theater called The Vortex, and Patrizi's truck is parked outside. Get the cacio e pepe pasta with a coddled egg.
2307 Manor Rd.
Austin, TX 78722
+1-512-478-5282
A beloved downtown punk rock dive bar brought back to life. The also beloved-but-displaced-for-development Dog and Duck British-style pub is now right across the street. And for terrific sandwich and brew, Gourmands is right next door.
2421 Webberville Rd.
Austin, TX 78702
+1-512-524-0590
Across the street from The Driskill, enter the hostel in a circa-1885 fire station and open the library wall to find a hidden lounge and music venue.
605 Brazos St.
Austin, TX 78701
+1-512-212-4244
A local favorite with one of the best mezcal selections in town, creative pizza, and a neighborhood vibe. The mirrored doors are a tip-off to cocktail bar neighbor Dozen Street.
1906 E. 12th St.
Austin, TX 78702
+1-512-600-6956
A reservations-only speakeasy on "Dirty 6th" has a non-descript door and a buzzer to get you in for tableside cocktailing in little booths where, until a few years ago, massages (ahem) were dispensed.
313 E. 6th St.
Austin, TX 78701
+1-512-843-2715
An enclosed beer garden and bar with its own little compound away from it all. Southern food with a global flare from the Lady Luck food truck will help with the hangover.
3526 E. 7th St.
Austin, TX 78702
+1-512-867-5309
Also referred to by its old name, The Poodle Dog, this dive is dark and filled with regulars playing Skeeball, but offers craft cocktails and a great selection of mezcal. A special cocktail menu goes with Southern delights from Three Little Pigs outside.
6507 Burnet Rd.
Austin, TX 78757
+1-512-363-5288
Rustic craft cocktail bar downstairs, cozy Oaxacan-style mezcalería upstairs, Paul Qui's East Side King Thai-Kun outside. And live music almost every night.
1816 E. 6th St.
Austin, TX 78702
+1-512-480-0781
Austin has food truck lots all over town, and there are plenty parked at dive bars. Head straight to the backyard, where everybody is very drunk, having converged for cans of Pearl Snap German Pils and, more dramatically, to line up at Top Chef-winner Paul Qui's East Side King truck for a plate of WTF-good chicken karaage and crowd-favorite deep-fried roasted beets dusted with shichimi and dressed with kewpie mayo.
1618 E. 6th St.
Austin, TX 78702
+1-512-514-0502
Bake shop and beer garden, a winning combination. Play table tennis by the creek, and pair your craft beer with a homemade pretzel and beer cheese.
709 E. 6th St.
Austin, TX 78701
+1-512-614-4972