123 Best Bars in Texas, USA

Once a classic Red River haunt in the middle of downtown, this indie rock and punk venue is now on East Riverside, where a much larger main stage hosts internationally acclaimed names in the music industry, including the likes of Blues Traveler and Lauryn Hill. A long-time player in the Austin music scene, expect plenty of SXSW showcases.

Home to some of Austin’s top comedy and improv performances, the Fallout Theater draws a broad audience who journey into the rather small venue for cheap, free-sketch, stand-up, and improv comedy on most days of the week, often with two performance time-slots a night. The theater also offers eight-week classes on improv or sketch writing. There is a full-service bar, but some shows are BYOB.

If the name wasn't enough of an indication, this riverside hangout fills up at sunset with tubers and paddleboarders cooling off with frosty beers and frozen drinks, plus snacks during happy hour.

Gilley's Dallas is a giant honky-tonk with live music (mostly country), a 10,000-square-foot dance floor, and a mechanical bull. It's just south of Downtown.

This cozy, art-filled spot beckons you to tuck away into its curtained-off private dining areas or sit and stay awhile on the tree-lined patio. Choose a bottle of wine from the well-curated selection, to enjoy on-site or take home, or choose from the array of craft beer. But definitely don't sleep on the food, which features crave-worthy dishes done right, like the Boom Boom Burger (a brisket burger with cream cheese and candied jalapeño and onions) and "crack-eroni" mac 'n' cheese topped with antelope chili.

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.

Originally opened by local celebrity Lance Armstrong, this lively Warehouse District bar quickly became a place to see and be seen. The warm lighting, exposed brick walls, and hardwood accents give this place a sexy urban-chic appeal, and the rooftop lounge provides amazing views of downtown at night. This venue will undoubtedly pull in a SXSW lineup.

This small live music venue attracts a diverse range of bands and DJs, in every genre from rock to hip-hop, Tuesday–Sunday throughout the year; Monday is stand-up comedy night. There's a laid back vibe, and Holy Mountain serves up southern-inspired food and drink specials on the back patio.

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.

House of Blues is an intimate venue that hosts touring musical acts and serves dressed-up Southern-style fare.

Come here to have a dueling-piano bar and high-energy live show experience—and don't hesitate to sing along. They have a big selection of cocktails, shots, and beers. It's a great place for parties and group events. 

Book your table and seating times online for a visit to this favorite cool spot for live jazz and fine dining. Jazz, TX is located in the basement of the Food Hall and Bottling Department, accessible by outside stairs or indoor elevator. With seven shows a week (two on Saturday and Sunday nights), they have quite the variety of live music performances: jazz, blues, big band, Texas swing, salsa, and Latin jazz. The atmosphere is very old-school supper club, with craft cocktails, wine, and beer being served. There's a pretty standard food menu, too. Weekend shows are $35 per person, while weekday shows run $20 to $25. 

This family-owned bar features wine by the glass or bottle, rotating snack offerings (think pizza, smoked salmon, hummus, and more), and near-nightly live music.

Officially it's the Lakewood, but most everyone calls it The Landing. There's nothing fancy here, just friendly folks having a good time, surrounded by lots of smoke.

Lamberts offers a luxurious take on barbecue in its swanky Second Street historic district locale while offering live music almost every night of the week in their upstairs loft. They host a mix of popular local musicians as well as highly acclaimed acts in an intimate setting and offer a full spectrum of SXSW offerings, including an impressive music-infused brunch.

Some say the vibe at Lee Harvey's is more Austin than Dallas, and they mean it as a compliment. Regulars love gathering in the yard of this laid-back, unpretentious dive.

If you're looking for a place to do some day-drinking in beautiful weather, this is your spot. Take a load off on the back patio, order food from a menu of wings, burgers, and snacks (all made with high-quality ingredients), and sip by the pint or pitcher. It'll be time well-spent, especially if you catch a local singer-songwriter's set.

This women-owned bar was started to bring together the things the three partners love the most: beer, art, music, reading, and spending time with friends. True to its name, this is an "art bar," where the activities are just as important as the drinks, featuring a schedule full of game nights, live music, crafting workshops, book club meetings, and more. In addition to beer and wine, they offer a menu of specialty cocktails made with beer and wine.

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. 

Claiming to be an authentic British-theme pub, Mad Dogs offers a selection of imported beers and cocktails as well as entertainment that includes DJs, karaoke, and live acts.They also have a pub menu of fish and chips, Scotch eggs, bangers and mash, and more. Shows are "mostly" family-friendly, but no minors are admitted after 10 pm. 

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.

This rock-and-roll piano bar, which is usually packed and raucous, is certainly not what you'd expect to find in a quaint German town like New Braunfels. But then again, what better activity to take part in after a day of tubing than a massive group sing-along with waterlogged strangers?

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.  

Ozona Grill and Bar has a large, tree-shaded patio where SMU students kick back after class.

The San Antonio outpost of New Orleans institution Pat O'Brien's serves the bar's wickedly strong Hurricanes, along with cocktails like the Cyclone and the Cat-5 Margarita. They have live music daily on the patio and a New Orleans–style menu.

This community-focused coffeeshop and beer bar boasts a small but mighty menu of house-made craft beer served inside a warm, wood-paneled space and on a spacious, breezy patio. The simple food menu is made up of sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and snacks. Note that they do keep small-town hours, closing by 9 pm each night.

Fredericksburg might not be known for its nightlife, but you wouldn't know that from the inside of Pioneer. This local dive serves decent, well-priced cocktails and local wine and features live music on most nights. It's even open until 2 am on Friday and weekends.

Open in some form since 1977, Poor David's Pub is one of Dallas's longest-running live-music venues. It's just south of Downtown.