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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.
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.
Cowboys, hipsters, and dancing queens mix and mingle with surprising ease at this honky-tonk for the modern age. The on-site food truck, Bomb Tacos, is open every day, live music is onstage every night, and newcomers can take free two-step classes before the main dance floor fills up.
If the sun has set, midnight is approaching, and you're ready to not only hear but feel some beats, then hit up these side-by-side sister bars for killer DJ sets and dance parties in the heart of East Sixth Street. Expect a throwdown of sound during SXSW.
This natural wine bar and shop has popped up amidst the dive bars and music venues of East Sixth, offering an incredible respite for respectable wine lovers. Friendly staff help navigate the selection of biodynamic and natural wines of various varietals at the shop's front counter, and the shady back patio has communal seating and live music some nights. Stop in for a bottle to-go or enjoy their happy hour with an artisanal cheese board.
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.
This historic outdoor music venue, established in 1871, is tucked away on the east side and offers a funky and fresh mix of music and theme parties in a dive-bar–esque setting with an impressive outdoor stage. On-site parking can be tough to find, so ridesharing is encouraged. Be sure to check out their lineup during SXSW.
With an original location in Brooklyn, NY, the Weather Up has brought its craft cocktails down south. Grace this patio for a fanciful concoction before heading out into the rest of your night. With Brooklyn roots and a hip East Side address, expect plenty of fanfare during SXSW.
A top spot for craft cocktails in an intimate atmosphere along East 6th Street, Whisler's consistently draws a see-and-be-seen crowd who not only expect the best cocktail of their choice, but are also willing to pay top-dollar for it. If you take craft cocktails seriously, you won’t regret an evening here. You’ll find an inviting array of seasonal drinks on the menu, but be sure to ask your server about off-the-menu options, too. And their "back bar," a Oaxacan-inspired mezcal bar, Mezcalería Tobalá (open Friday and Saturday), is not to be missed.
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