Cheer Up Charlies is a colorful bar and music venue located on Red River St. It has a cute cabin with a large outdoor area in the back with a stage and tables. The back patio is covered by a shaded parachute. They host a variety of events. When I visited CUC, they were partnering with Nike for a 5K Pride run. After the run there was a variety of drink options to choose from. They have kombucha on tap, they serve amazing organic juice blend cocktails, local beers, biodynamic wines. I tried several of the organic juice blend cocktails and they were able to add my spirit of choice. I tried the Rosie Cheek with vodka, watermelon, rose water and raspberry, Valley Girl with tequila, pineapple, banana and coconut, and the Golden Ticket with mezcal, kombucha, ginger and lavender. They had a drag show on the patio after the run. It was a very fun and engaging experience. read more

Cheer Up Charlies - Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

We had the best time at Cheer Up Charlies on Red River Street in Austin, TX! This bar has indoor and outdoor seating. While they feature Live music on their outdoor stage, a DJ was available while we were visiting. Charlie's embodies the "Keep Austin Weird" vibe. The bar is bright, colorful and quite eclectic. The vibe was "don't worry...be happy." Relaxing Caribbean music was playing the background, giving an island feel. There is a nearby food truck should you need to nibble. It is important to note that all drinks come with a 20% forced gratuity, which is not bad if you have one drink and the drink is inexpensive. You do not have buy a drink and can seat outside on the patio and converse. I used to work in the next block, so our entire team would visit Charlies and staff is always friendly and helpful.. read more

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Super fun and upbeat place with awesome music! The DJs were great both nights we were there while visiting Austin. Everyone was super friendly and the vibe was fun. One night they had an artist on the stage painting while the music played. Super fun and cute place! They also have a great food truck right outside with amazing vegan burgers and hotdogs. A super fun place to hang out in Austin. read more

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The drinks are overpriced and "meh" to "not-so-good". The space was not so bad -- food truck in front entrance was same.

One of the best gay bars I've ever been to. Bonus-walking distance from home. It's all you'd expect from a great gay bar. Inclusion, love, fun. Great drinks. Great staff. Great crowd. read more

Came across this place without intention! Usually, I don't come around this here, but this place ended up being fun! DJ Kshal spinned the night with amazing EDM Bollywood music! The drinks were incredible. I had a ginger kale margarita and honestly tasted just like a ginger ale. The outside area they' were playing different music , like Taylor swift rave. It was a lot of fun, much needed night. read more

Cheer Up Charlies - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Unlike the other gay bars on 9th Street, Cheer Up Charlie's is a bit removed from the cluster and feels like its own little rainbow paradise. It's easy to find, just follow the bright neon lights. The vibe is all about PLUR: peace, love, unity, and respect. You come here for the fun, the freedom, and to love life. People that come to Cheer Up Charlie's don't come here as a stop, they come here as a destination. read more

This is the friendliest place in Austin! They've got a little bit of everything: DJs, bands, all kinds of shows, fresh juice and a variety of drinks with alcohol or herbal ingredients. They also have a taco truck(Asador) on site that is amazing. The staff is incredible! ALL OF THEM! They are all super friendly and sexy AF! The clientele are genuinely happy and kind people. This is not a rude vibe kind of club. The people who go here actually smile at and compliment each other. It utterly warms my heart that a place like this exists. I always want people to be who they are and feel safe expressing themselves in a fun environment. I go dancing and hang out here almost every night. I do it for all the reasons I've listed above, but most of all--I go because Cheer Up Charlie's is a community of wonderful and accepting people. read more

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Blasted music until 2AM making it impossible to sleep at the Hyatt House. There's no way that should be legal. What a horrible experience.

Drinks aren't badly priced. The music was fun. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to be working there. read more

Cheer Up Charlies - Outdoor stage - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Went last night for a concert and had never been here before. Was a cute spot. Tiny, but cute. The floor outside was uneven and no signs warning such, so watched people trip a few times. Drinks were good. read more

Cheer Up Charlies - Dixon Dallas - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Great service. It's a local live music place, nothing fancy. There is an indoor area with air conditioning. The live music is outdoors and I got many mosquito bites :(. The drink options were nice with a vegan option, which I tried - the Yeti made with vodka, coconut milk and Khalua. It was pretty good. read more

Such a great place to start your night. Inclusive environment. Just full of the right type of people. Everyone is there to have a good time. Whether it's to catch a show or to hang out outback and chill. Three bars throughout the venue making it easy to get a drink when you need one. Food truck on site... Although you broke my heart when you took away Arlos. This was a sin against me. This is an Austin staple of the queer community. I am really glad to see so many lesbians coming here. This place really serves the community well. Parking sucks. Don't even think about trying to park on red river. Walk a few blocks and it's way easier. And leave your car here and walk to 4th Street or east. read more

This is a dope bar. They often have drag shows and fun queer events that make them a standout gay bar to go to. I love the location of this bar as well, because it's right next to a few concert venues (Mowhawk, Stubb's, Moody, Antone's, etc) which is primely located for continuing the party post-concert. read more

I'm genuinely surprised this isn't listed as a 5 star spot in ATX. If you're one of those people who is worried that you might not be "gay enough" for a gay bar, you have nothing to fear at Cheer Up Charlies. It's an incredibly welcoming space where the vibe is very relaxed queer freedom. Do yourself a favor and check it out. Now maybe I'm biased to loving this place because I got to see an incredible drag show when I came here. But even before the show began I was having a good time. The drinks are strong (and vegan) without being overwhelming. Cider? Yes please. A cocktail? You can't go wrong. Everyone is so friendly behind the bar(s) too. There's indoor and and outdoor seating. It's mostly outdoor so be prepared for that. The area on the opposite side of the building from the stage is nice and quiet if you need a respite from the noise. read more

So much fun post concert drag show on the outdoor patio!! No cover charge and such talented artists highly recommend!!!! read more

Cheer Up Charlies - post concert drag show on the outdoor patio - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Nate and I stumbled upon Cheer Up Charlies while in the area for a show at Stubb's later that the evening. We actually ended up going there two separate times that night because we loved this bar so much! They have some unique cocktails, kombucha, and non-alcoholic options. I got the kale limearita and it was refreshing and tasty! I loved the big menu with its fun design and easy to read text. There was a lot to see at Cheer Up Charlies in their outdoor area - a big stage for bands, fun murals, interesting seating, a photobooth, a neon cat being projected onto the floor, etc. We had so much fun just hanging out. The bartenders were very friendly and kind. I felt really welcome and comfortable and would definitely make this a go-to spot if I lived in the area. read more

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Impossible to put into words what a great space this is. I've traveled all over, you won't find a more open, kind, generous space. Ideal for lesbians, karaoke, fun. Inclusive. Fabulous drinks and just a great time all around. I would say this is a rarity and you must go if you're in town. Thanks so much. Really appreciate it. read more

The best queer bar of Austin. I never thought a bar could be so welcoming, chill and open for all. I can never talk this place up higher, it is the best. Their drinks are all so delicious. I just wish we had a bar like this in my home city. read more

Cheer Up Charlies - Stage - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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we go every friday! we love the watch parties with Harlott and Lawrie Bird, highlight of our week! I hope we'll get to see them back for all stars ten! read more

My buddy and I stopped in here for a quick drink while staying at a nearby downtown Austin hotel. I wouldn't classify this as gay bar but really more of a place that caters to everyone and people can just hangout and be themselves. Being later in the evening (after 1 am) it was very laidback and quiet but with the music venue here, I expect it gets lively here. The outdoor area is the best feature as there's not a ton of indoor seating. Wish they had Shiner here but otherwise I found no issues with the bar offerings and service. Worth a look if you're wandering around downtown. Recommended. read more

We came here on the recommendation from our tour guide. She said it was one of her favorite spots for live music and cool vibes. - This is definitely the spot for good music and cool vibes. We did not know it was LGBT friendly but it made it all the more awesome since it was diverse and welcoming. Their cocktails were good and they had a decent selection of beers. If I lived here, I could see it being one of my favorite spots. read more

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Met up with our gay friends here when we visited Austin-- this is a really fun queer bar with a fantastically friendly staff and a lovely outdoor space in the back, perfect for hanging with friends and meeting new ones. And the Gin Wilders are super tasty!! read more

fun always! Great established spot in ATX.. great drinks and fabulous bartenders!! It's great for Happy Hours or any hours.. read more

Great cocktail menu & had a great time enjoying the music and entertainment at their 90s country night.

This is a great spot for LGTBQ+ and allies. The drinks were great and the music was even better! The Halloween themed drag show was hilarious. Lots of food trucks are close by, great location for a good time. read more

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There is often a smell in the inside of this Cheer Up Charlie's like cotton candy fog? There were many fun nights with great music considering the alternative. I am a straight girl and i consider myself an Ally to a certain extent. Cheer Up's hosted Sky Huchens Darkwave Showcase called Nite School. It was the most goth yet fun dance music with artists from different cities that were pretty good until like last winter. Then it was like the hidden message that the music sucks intentionally because of good artists being afraid of stalkers or something like that. The owner of Cheer Ups rules, and has been kind to me. read more

Such an eclectic and amazing hang out. This bar was walking distance from my hotel. Many delicious drinks to choose from and an extremely friendly and kind staff. Love the ambience too! read more

Cheer Ups, you're changing, and not in a good way...and I'm not talking about losing Arlos, but yeah that's also a bummer :/

This cute little bar is one of my current favorite live music spots on Red River. They have a small stage inside and a large outdoor stage that backs up to a rock wall and makes for great music acoustics in the open air. Cover charges and drink prices are reasonable, and there's a full bar inside. We've seen some fun local bands there. Cheer Ups is known locally as an "ally bar," which essentially means that they welcome LGBQT patrons and straight patrons who are chill and inclusive of everyone. In other words, it's representative of Austin. So feel free to be yourself there, unless you're a jerk, in which case just steer clear. Parking is as you can find it on the street, which is the main challenge of the Red River strip. read more

Drinks are strong, dancing is fun, and this is truly the best place in Austin to be safe and feel queer joy. Long live chups

I'm not drinking these days, but I spent a Saturday night at Cheer Up Charlies a few weeks back and had an excellent time. I went for a Noir at the Bar event, a gathering of crime writers reading our work on stage while people enjoyed drinks on the patio. The bar was well set up for this sort of event. We were able to take over one area of the bar without dominating the whole place. There was at least one other distinct outdoor area as well as an indoor bar that I never even saw. The bar was fun and comfortable, with a lively but low-key atmosphere. We met up with a friend and his friends after the reading, and I found it easy to socialize and even meet new people on what I'm going to call the back patio (such a bounty of patio!). I didn't have anything to drink, but my husband seemed to enjoy the local canned beer well enough. I'm sure I would've had an even better time with a beer or two in my system, but I was pleased with Cheer Up, Charlies. It was a great place to spend a Saturday night. I'd recommend it if you're looking for a cool place to drink in Austin. read more

Solid bar on Red river. They have cool cocktails and a decent selection of beers on tap. The prices on the drinks are reasonable too. If your on red river and you've just seen a show, it's worth stopping by. The inside is nice and somewhere between your standard Austin dive bar and also a more boughie cocktail bar. I think the most fun thing to do here is people watch. The squad that rolls through is always distinctive. They often have cool events and bands come through. There's a stage and it's good for dancing. They do stuff like 90s girl band nights, and other fun goofy things. The do a lot of pride/LGBTQ stuff too which I think is cool. They also have a nice patio in the back. The way the bar is set up there are kind of three areas to hang out. There is nice patio and second patio facing red river with a food truck, Arlo's. I'm not a huge fan Arlo's and the line at this location can get pretty long, but its fine. This is your only option for food here. Overall, it has a pretty unique personality for a bar in Austin. That's an accomplishment considering most bars here have personality and this one stands out above the others. read more

Cheer Up Charlies - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

First visit was perfect, good happy hour deals. AC was pumping, good variety of drinks. Also an exterior patio section. Sign is also very cool. read more

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Definition of "divey". With the right group of friends (Don't bring your "W Hotel" friends here, it can be fun. Vegetarian food truck, Arlo in outside lounge area so you can enjoy the bar scene with some food and alcohol. Speciality Cocktail drinks are STRONG. Habenaro drink spicy. I saw someone need finish the entire thing, and I didn't either due to the strength (not spice). Live music DJ and crowd; dance floor inside. It's nice to have a bar that has multiple dimensions to cater to customers. Hit it during the late evening and trail down the street for all food truck option. Best of all, it's away from all the super crowd of 6th. Better body mobility. read more

Cheer Up Charlies - STRONG House Specialty Drink. Suggest to share with someone first before committing your own. Outside Patio Lounge Area. - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Top-notch queer space that's inclusive to everybody. Female-owned. Great dancing, themed parties and indoor/outdoor spaces. Drinks are great too. I've frequented the best queer bars across the country, and the experience at Cheer-Up's is second to none. read more

Cheer Up Charlies - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I came in with friends after a wedding reception. Super funky place! Very colorful with lots of space to dance. When I was in they were playing all 90's and early 2000 music. I wasn't drinking on this particular night and it was a little much for me, but I know with a few cocktails I would be ready to dance the night away in here. Everyone was having a great time and that was definitely contagious. My friends all enjoyed their drinks. read more

I had many great experiences at the old Cheer Up Charlies and was especially sad when I heard they had to move. You could always count on the old location for great drinks and random live bands that never seemed to be too bad. So the new location isn't in quite as cool a part of town as the original but the new building looks great. I walked in and ordered a drink and the bartender did a great job and made me a wonderful cocktail. The beer selection is as good as ever and I feel like they may have actually improved the quality of the bar here. The patio is still rather nice but lacks something that I feel like the East Side location had. I cant say the place is any different than before and I did get great service and cant wait to have the opportunity to see a band here! I doubt the awesomeness of Cheer Up Charlies has done anything but move to a new spot! I'd recommend this bar to anyone looking for a great time. read more

This particular night, my husband and I were grabbing a bite at my favorite burger place down on 6th and afterward we were walking to a show at the Frank Erwin Center. On our walk up Red River we stumbled upon Cheer Up Charlie's. We had additional time to kill before our show so we stepped inside for a drink. I immediately feel in love with Cheer up Charlie's as it reminded me of one of my favorite local dive bars in south Austin. Upon entering I saw they had a stage for local bands. We were a little early in the night for music. We went to the bar area to grab a drink. They had vegan friendly drinks which is a bonus for me as I can't have dairy. I ordered the vegan yeti which was a White Russian made with coconut milk. Yummy! They had other hipster inspired drinks that includes a kale and lime margarita. However, if those drinks are not your thing you can get some beer on tap. I later learned that this is in fact a vegan bar via their website. Overall a really cool dive bar. I would love to come back and check it out in the future. read more

THE SPOT to pregame before you go to any show in the Red River District. Staff is very friendly and they definitely make sure you are having a good time while you're there. Anyone who visits Austin, needs to stop by here and truly experience a bar that is accepting of all. Keep on rockin'! read more