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    Cactus Cafe

    4.4 (57 reviews)
    ModerateBars, Music Venues
    Closed Closed

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    Reviews With Photos

    Photos of some of the artists who've played at Cactus Café. Put these on a big screen, and you'll be able to see 'em better.
    Larry W.

    FOUR PICTURES? THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN: 50,000 Graduate & Undergrad students 25,000 Faculty & Staff AND Cactus Cafe is open to the General Public, in a city of approx population of 750,000 inside the City Limits, about 1.5 Million total in Travis County. And FOUR PICTURES of the Historical, Legendary, Irreplaceable Cactus Cafe; that's ALL? What's wrong with this picture? NO pictures, that's what! So I 'm gonna help out a little, but not nearly enough; I NEED HELP OVER HERE! When I first moved to Austin, many moons ago, one of the first places I got taken to was The Cactus Cafe. The drummer of the band I was playing with at the time was a Professor of Musicology at UT (though not much of a drummer, to be honest), and we went to see another (band) project he was involved in. I LOVED THE PLACE. I was young, had never been to a College music venue before, and I was impressed. I never attended UT, which is why I probably didn't go to Cactus as much as I would have, had I been a student. You students, you are very lucky to be in such close proximity to such a wonderful place. I know you frequent the place, probably "frequently". SO TAKE SOME PICTURES, PLEASE! Actually, the entire Student Union complex is remarkable, and the Cactus Cafe is the crowning jewel of the whole thing, if you ask me. OK, OK, nobody did, nobody ever does, but that's what I'd tell 'em if they ever asked. Tonight, I THOUGHT I was going to Cindy Cashdollar's CD release party; slightly mis-informed by a friend of mine, I was (channeling Yoda now, I am). But in essence I WAS attending a "Cindy release" party. Tonight, Cindy performed with an all-female Country / Folk act called THE CARPER FAMILY. Cindy co-produced this, their second full-length CD, "Old Fashioned Gal", and performs on it as well, along with some other very talented sidemen. This review is about Cactus, so I won't delve into how talented a group The Carper Family are, with their perfect instrumentation, and precise three-part harmonies filling up the entire Universe, it would seem. But they are a PRIME EXAMPLE of the caliber of talent you'll get EVERY TIME you attend a performance at The Cactus Cafe. My cheap, stupid camera won't take good low-light pictures at all, and they weren't allowing flash to be used. My cell phone camera's even worse, they ALL are. Wouldn't have mattered anyway; I was too far back for the flash to carry in the first place. So the pictures I took inside the venue were not fit to post; sorry. What I DID capture are several framed groups of POSTERS from past shows, which are only a teeny, tiny FRACTION of the legendary musical acts that have graced the stage of the Cactus over the years and years and YEARS. You may not be able to see all of them in great detail, as Yelp doesn't allow very high-resolution pics to be uploaded. But you get the idea. Anyway, THAT'S what I'm posting, and it's a DAMN SIGHT BETTER than the pictures of empty chairs that are there right now. "Is this picture HELPFUL?" No, it's a CHAIR! But my additional shots are just a start; we need LOTS MORE PICTURES. I haven't been to Cactus Cafe in a long time; I'm ashamed to say how long. But every time I go, it's always been a wonderful experience. Last time, it was a Django Reinhardt Festival, several years back. I don't know if they've held it again, but if they have, I wasn't aware of it; I would've gone. And to any "Jaywalkers" out there: NO, Django Reinhardt has NOTHING to do with the recent "Django" movie. In fact, although I like Tarantino's movies (this one included) I think he's a real PUTZ for naming the movie that, unless it maybe gets some younger, uneducated, uninitiated individuals to stumble upon Django Reinhardt's music. That would be a GOOD thing. So c'mon Students; I KNOW there are some Yelpers among your ranks. Please start fillin' up the Cactus Cafe photo page with LOTS & LOTS of HELPFUL stuff, such as the myriad of performers that are playing there all the time. Start promoting one of UT's most wonderful features. And no more "empty-table-and-chair" pic's, PLEASE? And a total of only 42 reviews (not including mine) is pretty lame too. Any JOURNALISM MAJORS reading? You budding journalists do read and write? Right? So WRITE. Right now. It's your God-given RIGHT. OK, I think we've worn THAT out... The Cactus Cafe is an awesome place, one of the best Live Music venues in all of Austin. And oh yeah, UT's curriculum's nice too. WOW, THAT WAS SHORT! Or at least, SHORTER. Maybe the "Bet-For" treatments ARE working after all... larrythediner .

    Sarah M.

    Cactus Cafe and Bar is a great music venue and watering hole based out of UT. Open since 1979, this acoustic music house brings in folks from all over the world, while still catering to local interests. Cactus is partially to thank for jump-starting many a music career. Lyle Lovett, Lucinda Williams, and Ani DiFranco are listed as performing here early on. Alison Krauss and the Dixie Chicks have also visited. The Cactus is located in the Texas Union on the UT campus (23rd or 24th and Guadalupe). Not the most ideal location, especially when students are in town (ha), but this space makes for a nice evening out if you're looking to avoid the nuisances of downtown. I've seen a couple of shows at this spot, and the Cactus provides an intimate experience with open table seating and a small stage. Not really room for dancing, but the mood isn't right for shaking your groove anyway. Really chill and enjoyable all-around. Buy tickets at the door 45 minutes before show time (unless otherwise noted). Good luck parking. Cactus Cafe is good-natured...not prickly.

    Shawn Mullins - 3/23/17

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    13 years ago

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    15 years ago

    Most delicious vodka tonic in town. $3 wells during happy hour (4-7PM on weekdays).

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    13 years ago

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    17 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    15 years ago

    I really like the atmosphere here for small concerts and talks, good wine & beer for its size. I'm a sucker for the nerds who come there.

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    12 years ago

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    15 years ago

    Every time I see a show here I am up close and personal with a performance is sure to please! I love this place-----

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    14 years ago

    Great place for sitting down with a coffee and a laptop. Atmosphere is good during the day, but it can get a bit crowded at times.

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    10 years ago

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    18 years ago

    Hands down, the best indoor music venue in Austin.

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    17 years ago

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    15 years ago

    One of the best places to grab a drink and get up-close and personal with some quality music.

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    17 years ago

    Great place for live music - it shouldn't be closed. Let the director of the union know how you feel: andy.smith@union.utexas.edu

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    17 years ago

    THE BEST place for live music in Austin if you want a place where everyone really pays attention to the musicianship. SAVE CACTUS CAFE!

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    19 years ago

    Best place to catch an acoustic show or singer songrwiter...hands down

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    17 years ago

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Cactus Cafe

    Review Highlights - Cactus Cafe

    . I never attended UT, which is why I probably didn't go to Cactus as much as I would have, had I been a student

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    Continental Club

    Continental Club

    4.0(413 reviews)
    2.5 miSoCo (S. Congress Ave.), 78704 (South Austin)
    $$

    Came here randomly for the 4th of July to a free cover band show. This is probably one of the only…read morefew bars in the small vicinity of south congress. Other things will be a longer walk away. Service here is fine. Expect drink prices to match the area. This is more of a bar with a stage than a club. Good to see some rock and metal in the area.

    A friend asked me was I interested in listening tosome live music tonight. Absolutely! First stop…read morethe Continental Club on S. Congress. This place is an Austin institution and one of the best places in the city to experience live music. This historic venue has been a local hangout for great music since the 1950s. The club was dimly lit with lots of stickers, graffiti, neon signage, paintings and interesting artifacts. While it has been a long time since I have been to the Continental club, it still felt truly Austin and very unpretentious. In the Continental Club you are literally I feet away from the live music. A dog was sleeping on stage, which made the place feel homey. The club is small and intimate, exuding a super personal persona. In addition, the sound quality is excellent for such a small venue. Tonight we listened to Hot Club Cowtown...they sounded folksy and a bit country western yet enjoyable to listen to. Folks were boot scooting, so maybe more country western. Mike the doorman was super personable and helpful. He happily provided the WIFI password and was super engaging. In addition, it is important to note the cover was free until 9 pm. The crowd was a mix bag...locals, tourists, and musicians who love live music. Austin is affectionately known as the "Live Music Capitol of the World". Great music...great time!

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    Continental Club
    Continental Club
    Continental Club

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    Elephant Room - Sit in the front so you can really appreciate the vibes.

    Elephant Room

    4.1(606 reviews)
    1.5 miDowntown
    $$

    The Elephant Room is one of Austin's most widely known jazz venues. It is located below street…read morelevel on Congress Avenue. If you are claustrophobic, this might not be the best place for you. From the street level, you walk down steps to enter the club. This basement club delivers an authentic jazz experience. The dim lighting, narrow long room, and close seating create an intimate atmosphere. Live jazz musicians are hosted every night of the week, often with multiple sets, featuring a mix of local musicians, rotating house bands, and visiting musicians. Because of the tight space, you are always close to the stage. Tonight's headliner was the Concept Orchestra. Cover tonight was $7. Cocktails range $14-16. The room was pretty tightly packed creating positive vibes.

    Elephant Room in Austin is a cozy basement bar that keeps you cool while you listen to shades of…read moresmooth jazz and blues. It is a fun little place with nice folks working there. The stage is a little weird angled relative to the audience but I guess that's a space constraint. While they do not serve food, that I know of, they have a standard selection of well drinks and cocktails to enjoy. You are coming here for the live music and underground vibes. If you are looking for a relaxed spot in Austin to beat the heat, grab a drink, and catch some amazing live tunes, Elephant Room is a fantastic place to spend an evening.

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    Elephant Room
    Elephant Room - We had a very enjoyable jazz-filled evening at Elephant Room.   IG: @coreyd123

    We had a very enjoyable jazz-filled evening at Elephant Room. IG: @coreyd123

    Elephant Room - Stage

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    Stage

    The Roosevelt Room

    The Roosevelt Room

    4.4(933 reviews)
    1.3 miWarehouse District, Downtown
    $$$
    Full bar
    Takes reservations

    Absolutely fantastic experience! We were looking for a place to enjoy a post-concert drink and…read morestumbled across The Roosevelt Room. We weren't looking for much by way of menu just a few snacks or small bites for Girl Dinner. We found just that here. The Sumac and pepper popcorn was to die for! I really don't drink that much or often, but decided to have one. The drink list is extensive, but very organized by era. I decided to go for the Zombie. My server, Noah encouraged my audacity! I can't remember whether it was described as dramatic as it showed up, but let me tell you there was drama! It was served in a flaming skull, garnished with beautiful flowers and fresh fruit, and filled to the brim with God knows how much alcohol and juice, but it was a time! To heighten the experience, he sprinkled something in a shaker and the flames just erupted! The whole restaurant stopped and I cackled! To put out the flame, Noah gave one dramatic clap, and the flame disappear disappeared! I want to thank Noah and the team for encouraging my ridiculousness and delivering me an excellent craft drink with all the drama I deserved and could ever ask for! 10/10! Gotta go back to see how much more ridiculous I can go! Can't stop now! Join me!

    It's a really nice cocktail bar with interesting cocktail options and finger foods. I went here…read morefor my cousin's birthday. I had an old fashioned and the hummus plate. One of my cousins had the charcuterie board. Both were delicious. Our waiter took good care of us. I like that they have an assortment of drinks from different decades. There seems to be a drink for every palate. If alcohol isn't your thing, they have mocktails. The ambiance was nice. The lights were warm and low. Old movies played on the wall from a projector. Walls are lined with vintage books. Overall, I think this is a cool place. I look forward to returning.

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    The Roosevelt Room
    The Roosevelt Room - BUCK TO THE FUTURE
 rye whiskey, manzanilla sherry, strawberry-basil purée, nardini amaro, ginger syrup, lemon, barrel smoked black pepper

    BUCK TO THE FUTURE rye whiskey, manzanilla sherry, strawberry-basil purée, nardini amaro, ginger syrup, lemon, barrel smoked black pepper

    The Roosevelt Room - ZOMBIE
 rr tiki rum blend, donn's mix, falernum, lime,
 grenadine, angostura, flamed absinthe, served in a skull with flamed cinnamon powder

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    ZOMBIE rr tiki rum blend, donn's mix, falernum, lime, grenadine, angostura, flamed absinthe, served in a skull with flamed cinnamon powder

    The Eleanor

    The Eleanor

    4.6(76 reviews)
    1.3 miWarehouse District, Downtown
    Private events
    Full bar

    The Eleanor delivered an exceptional experience for our company event. Their events team provided…read moreprofessional support throughout planning, and the stunning space worked perfectly for our needs. Highlights: * Spacious layout with dedicated stage area (our band sounded amazing) * Attentive, friendly bar staff who kept drinks flowing * Great energy - our team danced all night Ideal for private parties - we're already planning our next event here!

    The Eleanor is right next door to The Roosevelt and is its sister bar…read more It's mainly an event space with a concrete floor, a cool curved bar, exposed ceilings, and exposed brick and wood walls. Similar in design to The Roosevelt. If you want to go The Roosevelt without reservations and waiting for space to open up, this is a great way to pass the time until then. Just like The Roosevelt, they offer N/A cocktails, classic cocktails, and house creations. The N/A espresso martini is primo. The French 75 is one of the best I've had in the U.S. House creations, Show Business, Estatua Verde, and Standing Ovation are my faves! Show Business: Hendrick's Gin, Witch Hazel, Lavender, and other flavors Estatua Verde: White rum, sherry, lime juice, and more including smoke Standing Ovation: Campari, rum, bourbon, espresso, and more. So. Much. Goodness. They get pretty busy too and service can take a bit but never so long that it's bad. In fact, it's good, especially since you're getting high-end cocktails made by talented mixologists.

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    The Eleanor
    The Eleanor
    The Eleanor

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    Austin City Limits Studio

    Austin City Limits Studio

    4.6(17 reviews)
    0.2 miUniversity of Texas
    $

    This listing is for the original iconic Studio 6A on the University of Texas campus where the KLRU…read more(PBS) live music program Austin City Limits (ACL) was filmed from 1974 to 2010. It's still available as a rental venue for parties and events, but the taping of the show was moved to its new, much bigger digs downtown in 2011. I was fortunate enough to attend a few of these tapings at 6A during my college days in the 1990s as a student volunteer usher. Back then, you'd have to wait until they announced the pass give-away on the radio or in the Chronicle for a taping that was often that same night. If you were lucky enough snag a ticket AND make it into the venue at show time, you'd also be treated to unlimited bags of Fritos and free cups of beer from the corporate sponsors before the taping began. If you are seeing a taping of ACL these days, you're doing it at 310 Willie Nelson Blvd (aka West 2nd Street), next to the W Hotel and the big statue of Willie Nelson downtown. The new 2,750 capacity venue is wonderful, but the days of free snacks & beer are long gone. For original Studio 6A (on the UT Campus) rental info, see https://www.klru.org/about/studio-rentals/ For info on how to get a coveted ticket to an upcoming ACL taping at the new venue on West 2nd Street, see http://acltv.com/upcoming-tapings/ For history on the legendary PBS TV program, check out the ongoing exhibit at the Bullock Texas History Museum here: https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/visit/exhibits/austin-city-limits-theater And finally, if you don't care about the hard-to-get-into tapings of the TV program and just want to get regular tickets to see an upcoming scheduled concert at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, see http://acl-live.com/calendar.

    The Mavericks & Friends were great. I hope that when it comes to remodeling that the designers…read moreconsidered their challenged and older demographic in its plans. Two elevators are not enough. At least add an escalator from the street to main entrance. Everything else is very good including the staff.

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    Austin City Limits Studio
    Austin City Limits Studio
    Austin City Limits Studio

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    Sahara Lounge - Marquee says it all!

    Sahara Lounge

    4.1(111 reviews)
    3.6 miEast Austin
    $
    Free parking
    Free WiFi

    Wow...so many typos in my first review. Clearly I was excited to be here…read more It's one of my favorite places to be in Austin. In addition to stellar bands, singers, and deejays, the staff are incredible. Let's not forget the amazing owner, Eileen. Truly salt the earth. Best place to bust out your dance moves. Even better, they're on the right side of history. Social justice warriors at their finest! Along with dance nights, I've attended quite a few social justice events here. Power to the People!

    On the third Friday of every month, Sahara Lounge features ladies night. You can enter the lounge…read morefor only $5 cash or $7 with card. Prepare for this lounge to rock your world. I met friends here for ladies night...first time this year. What happened? Arrived at Sahara lounge that was in a residential neighborhood...wait...what?! Live DJ spinning tunes from Prince and Michael Jackson to Abba and the Bee Gees and everything in between Low ceilings...looks like this place was a house converted to a lounge. Outside seating for resting between dances or simply chilling or frequenting outside bar Food truck alert...yes on the patio Massive number of regulars that extoll the joys of attending ladies night. Dancing in two locations - on the dance floor and small stage with DJ. Folks jumping up and down and dancing their hearts out. Dancing on the top of a large speaker...how cool was that? It's not aesthetically beautiful, but hugely popular. Dancing with strangers...meeting new people...admiring the dance. Dancing carefree...no judgements Sahara Lounge is a whole vibe!

    Photos
    Sahara Lounge - Topaz and Mudphonic

    Topaz and Mudphonic

    Sahara Lounge - Sahara Dancers

    Sahara Dancers

    Sahara Lounge - Ladies Night!

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    Ladies Night!

    Cactus Cafe - bars - Updated September 2026

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