135 Best Bars in Texas, USA

Visiting Fort Worth and not seeing Billy Bob's isn't quite as bad as going to Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower—but it's close. Built in an old cattle-pen building, the world's largest honky-tonk is a vast place—the almost 3 acres of indoor space include several bars, pool tables, a Western store, an arcade, a huge dance floor (in lieu of a disco ball, there's a spinning rhinestone-studded saddle), a stage that draws some of country's top acts, and a bull-riding ring (contests are usually held on Friday and Saturday nights).

This legendary honky-tonk is one of the last true Texas dance halls. If live country music and dancing are your thing, then two-step down to this venerable venue, where Old Austin lives (and dances) on. Lessons are available for first-timers or anyone in need of a little refresh before the headlining band kicks things off. The classic haunt has hosted live music (from world-famous celebrities like Dolly Parton and beloved locals like Dale Watson) since 1964 and crowds still flock to the hallowed dance floor every week.

Cap City packs quite a punch with its stand-up comedian lineup here at its new flagship location in the Domain. This well-attended theater has a reputation as the city's premier spot for stand-up comedy for more than 35 years and it still attracts world-class headliners (and sold-out crowds) on a regular basis. It also showcases heaps of local talent at weekly open-mic nights as well as the club's annual "Funniest Person in Austin" contest.

Craft cocktails are the focus at this friendly, stylish lounge set in a renovated house tucked off Fredericksburg's main strip. Go easy with a Paloma or French Blonde—Taylor Swift's favorite cocktail—or go out on a limb and try one of the owner's 100 bourbons, a broad range of whiskeys, or classic cocktails with a twist. Don't overlook the small but mighty food menu, which features bites like "Texas Tapas" (fried artichokes, filet tips) and bar classics such as poutine and stuffed jalapeño peppers. Mains include pan-seared salmon, hefty cheeseburgers, and a wicked penne alla vodka. A great place to hang out, enjoy a great cocktail or a few, and fill your belly.

This is an authentic Austin original—and one of the city's signature live music hubs, drawing a hard-drinking, music-loving crowd every night of the week. The club hosts a variety of live acts but specializes in country-infused rock, like local favorite James McMurtry, and the laid-back dance floor is perfect for swinging. The "gallery" stage upstairs is another great space to catch an intimate show. Expect an even more robust lineup here during SXSW.

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.

Jazz fanatics love to hold court at this basement locale, named one of the top 10 jazz venues in the country by famed trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. A respected (and locally loved) venue established in 1991, the Elephant is one of the reasons Austin still earns its keep as the "Live Music Capital of the World," with acclaimed local and traveling talent performing onstage every night of the week.

Originally opened in 1933 following the end of Prohibition, the Esquire Tavern has a storied past as the oldest riverfront bar on the River Walk. The legendary locale even claims to be the longest bar in Texas, at 100 feet. The sleek, dark 1930s interior blends well with an elevated pub-style menu. The evolving seasonal classic cocktail menu is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. The intimate Downstairs area is directly on the River Walk and is open Friday and Saturday from 7 pm to 2 am.

There's really only one place in downtown Austin known for its rip-roaring comedy shows. Esther's has kept Austin rolling with laughter for more than 25 years. Reservations for their popular, award-winning variety shows are required. 

What really puts Gruene on the Hill Country map is legendary Gruene Hall, known as the oldest continuously operating dance hall in the entire state of Texas. Many famous musicians owe their success to performances on this fabled stage, including Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Jerry Lee Lewis, and The Chicks. A trip to Gruene isn't complete without a turn on the old hardwood floors of Gruene Hall.

Located on the same block as the Driskill, the "invitation only" part of this hidden speakeasy's description makes it seem like an impenetrable members-only club. In fact, patrons only need to download their app to book a (required) reservation for the night and enter their provided secret code at the alley gate. We won't spoil what greets you once you've crossed the threshold of this stylish secret lair, but the showstopping basement bar is one of the best (and most exclusive) destinations in town for a craft cocktail. Seasonal and weekly menus rotate around abstract themes that will spark the imagination of seasoned connoisseurs. Their sister bar, In Plain Sight, located just above on the ground floor, is another vibey spot for a nightcap.

Choose from the extensive selection of tequilas and margaritas here as well as nearly 20 tequila flights for the indecisive. They also have domestic, imported, and Texas craft beers.

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.

This natural wine bar and shop popped up amidst the dive bars and music venues of East Sixth to great fanfare, offering an incredible respite for respectable wine lovers. Friendly staff help navigate the selection of biodynamic and natural wines 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.

This saloon and dance hall, made famous by the hit song crooned by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, was originally built by German settlers as a town hall, eventually growing into a post office, general store, blacksmith shop, and dance hall. In 1970, it was sold to a local humorist (and self-proclaimed “mayor of Luckenbach”) who turned the entire space into a music venue. Within a decade, the site was attracting musicians from all over to play against its rustic walls plastered with historic signs and relics. These days, Luckenbach features three stages with a full calendar of live music performances, a beer garden, a saloon and dance hall, a kitchen serving barbecue and burgers, and a food truck. Photo opportunities abound, and there’s even a general store stocked with a wide variety of souvenirs. It’s an essential stop for any fan of country music, and Texas history.

At this historic bar within the Menger Hotel (one of the city's great cultural treasures), listen to tales of how Teddy Roosevelt recruited his army of Rough Riders here. The bar was built in 1887 as a replica of London's House of Lords pub. It's a fun place to go with friends for a drink or to meet the locals. A small but hearty pub menu is served all day.

This multilevel, indoor-outdoor Red River establishment is consistently a frontrunner for "best live music venue" in local Austin polls. With a cool, indoor stage and a killer outdoor stage and sprawling rooftop deck and bar, these guys know how to throw a party. Expect serious jams and strong pours seven nights a week. This is a popular spot for large touring acts throughout the year and during SXSW, the venue hosts multiple days of official, unofficial, and free showcases with lines wrapping around the door for certain acts.

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.

From the owners of Austin's popular Nickel City comes the Texas tavern Old Pal Bar. Much like its predecessor, Old Pal gives off vintage dive vibes, but it has an incredible whiskey selection and a well-curated cocktail program. You'll reach peak Texan status when you enjoy a frozen Dr Pepper alongside a beer-can chicken or Frito pie. Come hungry because this is better than your average bar food, and the fried chicken and jojos (seasoned potato wedges) are not to be missed. More nights than not you'll find live music or karaoke on stage and end up staying much longer than planned—just like you would at the home of an old pal.

Grab your dance partner, or somebody else’s, and hit the floor at Sam’s for some classic Texas two-stepping. Some of the best country, bluegrass, and rock-and-roll acts in town play regular sets at this South Austin institution (established 1981), which attracts nightly crowds at their indoor and outdoor stages.

In continuous operation since 1866, the "little beer joint that could" is the oldest operating business not only in Austin, but the entire state. This campus- and downtown-adjacent beer garden is a favorite gathering place for UT football fans, live music lovers, liberal and conservative state workers, and anyone interested in traditional German food (from giant Bavarian pretzels to Jägerschnitzel) and, of course, lots of beer. Check their events calendar for news on special concerts, sporting event celebrations, and SXSW showcases.

It's not just a cute name, this bar is actually home to llamas and donkeys who roam the 35 acres and visit with guests who are seated in the modern-rustic outdoor beer and wine garden. You might not always experience a visit from a llama, but at least you can be guaranteed a beautiful Hill Country view, incredible sunsets, and a fun time with friends playing yard games while sampling craft brews made in Texas.

Spot the red gate at the corner of a faux-fern–wrapped parking garage to access this jewel box of a bar. Climb the spiral staircase to the "hidden," highly acclaimed, second-story speakeasy, outfitted with plush blue banquettes, baroque wallpaper, and a wood-box back bar framed in blue and brown subway tiles. Classic cocktails made with large-format Clinebell ice are the specialty here, and bartenders like to get creative with their trove of vintage recipes. Cheese, charcuterie, and other light fare are served until midnight. Walk-ins are welcome all night, every night, but reservations are recommended for groups of four or more. Arrive early to avoid crowds on weekends.

For over 25 years, this near-campus joint established itself as the perfect coffee shop escape for studying sessions or catching up with friends. Recently, the full-service bar and café has consolidated and changed up its array of offerings with its adjacent Ballroom space and transformed more exclusively into a live music and event operation, with weekly lineups of local music, theme parties, movie screenings, and stand-up comedy. Their bar still serves hip crowds of locals who can also dine at the on-site food trucks.

One of the most elegant spaces at the Pearl—no surprise since it's inside Hotel Emma—the bar is named for the Sternewirth Privilege, the 19th-century tradition of giving brewery employees free beer during the workday. The cool, dark, swanky space has a 25-foot vaulted ceiling over a collection elegant furnishings, a fireplace, and a beautiful bar serving signature cocktails, beer, and wine, along with satisfying bar bites.

One of the city's most highly touted venues, Stubb's features live music booked by the same folks who produce many of Austin's top shows, including the ACL Festival. This Red River hot spot attracts incredible local and touring artists. The massive outdoor venue, one of the biggest downtown, boasts an impressive monthly calendar of performances from internationally known acts. It's one of the hottest tickets in town for exclusive SXSW shows and ACL after-parties. Additionally, their popular Gospel Brunch, showcasing rotating live gospel acts, is hosted every Sunday.

This immersive, over-the-top tiki bar is a melting pot of Asian, Hawaiian, and Polynesian influences that come together to create an adult Disneyland of juicy delights. The drinks and food don't disappoint, but the presentation and theatrics steal the show. Order fish-bowl–size drinks that serve four to six people, or a showboating cocktail that cues special lights and music when served—and don't forget to snap a selfie in your own themed booth. A more approachable tiki concept recently opened in their upstairs lounge every Monday and Tuesday night with its own casual cocktail and snack menu. You'll find it by entering through the back of the understated, speakeasy-style building and following the "Tiki" signs.

Cowboys, hipsters, and dancing queens alike all mix and mingle with surprising ease at this Eastside honky-tonk for the modern age. Live music from some of the best country, rockabilly, and swing bands in the area are hosted onstage every night, and newcomers can take donation-based two-step classes before the main dance floor fills up. The backyard food truck, Bomb Tacos, slings food every night until late.