17 Best Nightlife in Austin, Texas

Touted as Austin's neighborhood beer joint, this place has a true dive-bar atmosphere, complete with ice-cold brews, pool tables, and a killer jukebox. While not directly in the downtown scene, this music-heavy bar usually hosts a mix of bands during SXSW.

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 in 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. Don't feel like dancing? Belly up to the bar for some cheap drinks and complimentary popcorn while you watch everyone else groove. 

This fun Rainey Street favorite within a charming Austin bungalow and attached courtyard is usually filled with patrons hula hooping or playing bar games. Lustre Pearl is one hot ticket during SXSW, always hosting some of the hottest free events and day parties of the festival (make sure to RSVP).

The old-fashioned bar at the Driskill is where history is made, from heavy-hitter political and business deals made over a handshake to Austin Film elite sketching out their next big idea. (It's also the very spot where future president Lyndon Baines Johnson proposed to his wife, Lady Bird Johnson, in his early political career.) Rich fabrics, dark wood, and cowhide aplenty give this iconic bar a warm and cozy appeal. Patrons enjoy live piano music throughout the week on the classic Steinway, an amiable vibe, and stiff cocktails in true Texas fashion. This historic luxury hotel and hotel bar reside in the epicenter of downtown Austin, so a VIP SXSW scene is definitely on the agenda.

This East Sixth Street dive bar has a huge back-patio space filled with picnic tables. The on-site food truck, the original location of East Side King, is one of the most famous trailers in town. Grab a beer before hitting the town, or end up here for a late-night bite. The Liberty also provides a great place to socialize during SXSW with its hip east-side address.

Looking for an authentic honky-tonk dive-bar experience? This Burnet Road haunt is an Old Austin favorite, though from the looks of the rather shabby exterior, you may not believe it at first. It's not glamorous, but the beer is cold and the service is friendly. 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.

Things are always distinctly "fratty" at this wildly popular local haunt for college students and alumni alike right in the heart of the University of Texas campus. The crowds here on game day aren't for the faint of heart.

Opened in 1963, this north Austin haunt is one of the most adored, longest-running bars in the city. The unassuming dive looks like a gritty hole-in-the-wall from the parking lot, but it's a surreal circus inside. You'll find no-frills service amidst all the frills of the decor straight out of a Twin Peaks episode, from pink elephants and clowns to circus tents and fire-breathers. The decor is wild, the drinks are cheap, and the live music is classic honky-tonk. 

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 locale boasting first-rate bartenders who are serious about cocktails, but not too serious to keep away the fun. Right in the heart of the buzzing Rainey Street District, Half Step lets your tastebuds lead the way with expert guidance from the bar. The intimate tables out back are perfect for a relaxed evening with friends.

This is one of Sixth Street's longest-running establishments and features an Irish-style bar, New Orleans–style courtyard, three stages, and one of the largest rooftop bars in Austin's downtown historic district. This expansive venue hosts a variety of bands throughout SXSW.

Now overshadowed by a towering condo project, this little shack of a bar owes its name to the Man in Black. The dive is an Austin cult favorite, with worn barnwood walls covered with tattered Johnny Cash memorabilia, a shabby-chic patio with a random assortment of tables and chairs where patrons can enjoy a wide selection of beers, and freshly smoked Metcalf barbecue. This legendary dive bar also showcases a variety of Austin-esque acts during SXSW.

Tucked away in south Austin, this mainly outdoor venue is the quintessential escape for a classic Texan live music and special event experience. The neighborhood gathering place attracts a wide range of patrons for listening, lounging, or playing a few backyard games in the expansive patio area, shaded by native live oak trees. Regular live music from local artists, an affordable beer, wine and cocktail menu, and a couple of food trailers keep things buzzing.

Named one of the best bars in America by GQ magazine, Nickel City holds court amidst 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. Food trucks are on-site, and weekly specials are promoted for the pedestrian-heavy street.  

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.

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. 

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.