Music Venue and Bar Recommendations
Concierge’s Music Venue and Bar Recommendations:
**Please note that due to COVID-19, some of these venues may be temporarily closed**
ACL Live at Moody Theatre: A state of the art live music, performance and private event venue that also serves as the home of the KLRU-TV produced PBS program Austin City Limits, which is the longest running music series in American television history. Downtown. 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd. Tickets recommended
Antone’s: Quintessential Austin blues. The late Clifford Antone was instrumental in the creation of Austin’s live music scene. A sure bet for everything music – blues, funk, rock, Americana. Warehouse District. 213 W. 5th Tickets recommended.
Broken Spoke: The oldest honky-tonk/dance “club” in Austin. This piece of Austin history offers Texas music with a twang. Home to nightly country-western music, local and national acts, and a famous chicken-fried steak. 3 miles. 3201 South Lamar. Cab recommended. Cover at door.
The Continental Club: One of the oldest music establishments in Austin, the Continental Club is classically hip and located in Austin’s trendy SoCo district. This is a short cab ride south of the river. SoCo district. 1315 S. Congress. Short Cab ride. Go early; small venue. Cover at door.
Cedar Street: This small, outdoor venue is located in the heart of the warehouse district. For those wishing to escape the bustle of 6th street, but still have a fun night, Cedar Street offers live music nightly and a great proximity to restaurants and other bars. Warehouse District. 208 W. 4th. Cover at door.
Elephant Room: The finest jazz lounge in downtown Austin, the Elephant Room brings in nationally, if not traditionally renowned musicians, from legendary to underground. Drawing heavily from connections in the New Orleans jazz scene, this club consistently outshines all other jazz venues in the city. Warehouse District. 315 Congress Ave. Cover at door some nights.
Lambert’s: Another relatively new addition to Austin’s downtown nightlife, Lambert’s BBQ (fancy bbq?) offers upscale BBQ and great music nightly. Expect anything from folk to ear-pounding rock ‘n’ roll. Locals and Visitors pack this restaurant and venue each weekend, so go early if you want a good seat. Market District. 401 W. 2nd. Cover at door.
Mean Eyed Cat: Named after a Johnny Cash song, the “Cat” is a beer and wine only haunt popular with those seeking to avoid the bustle of downtown and the trendy areas nearby. They serve cold pizza and many other snacks, and the ambiance represents well the juke joint/ shrine to Johnny Cash the bar aspires to be. Enjoy a cold beverage outside under the 500 year old live oak. 1621 West 5th. 2 miles. No cover; no frills.
The Parish: A small and intimate venue hosting the bands ranging from the hippest up-and-coming acts to Americana and Jazz legends. Get your tickets well in advance and expect a great show. The only limits affecting the experience here is space. 214 E.6th. Always a cover; Advanced tickets generally needed.
The Saxon Pub: A brick in Austin’s local live music foundation, the best local acts in Austin stop here weekly. You won’t miss the giant, armored “Saxon” knight out front. There is always potential for an amazing show. 2 miles. 1320 South Lamar. Short Cab ride. Cover at door.
Stubb’s: Legendary for its BBQ sauces, but even more so as a top small-outdoor live music amphitheatre, this Austin tradition brings Austin nationally renown acts, as well as the best of the local ones, most nights of the week. Red River District. 801 Red River. Tickets recommended for major shows.