The majority of Clive Bar's seating is outside, which can prove problematic on a particularly chilly evening, but we made the most of it and actually had a pretty decent time. The inside is on the dark side, which is fine except for the fact that I have pretty poor vision and that means trying to read taps proves to be nearly impossible. The bartender was such a sweetheart and told me what each tap was after my repeated questions of, "And what's that? Next to the Live Oak one?" or "And that one? Next to 512?" He even gave me a sample of a beer when I asked him what he thought of it, which I really appreciated. After a couple more questions, I settled on a beer. Writing it out, the process seemed like it took a long time, but in reality, it only lasted about a minute or two. I really appreciated his patience, though, and he never seemed annoyed or bothered by my questions. If he was, then he hid it well. I'd come back to Clive Bar if I was on Rainey just because of that level of service. After procuring some drinks, we headed back outside because there was no seating inside. At first, we sat away from the heaters because I didn't want to sit next to people, but we quickly moved due to the cold. The band playing was great and I felt bad they were playing in the cold, but they seemed to be enjoying themselves. We stayed out there the longest and gave them a nice tip, so they chatted with us a bunch and talked with us on their break and that was cool. Granted, the band has nothing to do with Clive Bar and it could have been literally any other band in Austin, but since it happened at Clive Bar, it's a nice memory and still gives off a good impression. Added bonus? They accept Tabbed Out here! (I love Tabbed Out. It's a brilliant app.) I'm not on Rainey much, but I feel like Clive Bar just earned its way into the rotation of bars I have to visit if I happen to be out that way. read more

Clive - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

[Note: This review concerns Bar Ilegal https://www.facebook.com/BarIllegal, the mescaleria in the backyard of Clive. Yelp decided to merge those reviews to Clive's listing, but this is actually a separate bar with a separate menu.] Maybe my favorite bar in the Rainey Street area since it opened in September 2011. Yes, it's kinda ridiculously expensive and your choices are mescal or mescal or mescal, but the service is perfect, the environment is interesting, and the high prices mean that it will never be as crowded at 11pm on a Saturday night as anything else within comfortable walking distance. Every time I am with a group in this area, I manage to herd them all over to Bar Ilegal. Without exception, I hear, "Mescal? Isn't that the stuff with the worm? Yuck!" But, since I rarely take no for an answer, we inevitably wind up in the packed back yard of Clive Bar and then I say, "It's not too crowded in there... come on, try it out! It's like sipping fine scotch, except out of little gourd bowls!" Most of my friends chicken out of the progressively aged mescal flights ($15), but every one of their sophisticated palates has agreed that the spicy Mexican Mule cocktail (ilegal joven/ pineapple/ jalapeno/ lime/ ginger for $10) served on the rocks in a silver-toned cup is delicious. Hasta la vista, mi amigo. Tip: check out the Bar Ilegal FB page for complete menu and special events info. read more

Pretty sure this was the first bar I checked out on Rainey Street. Ordered the Old Fashioned here that day about a year ago and haven't looked back since. Literally just get that drink everywhere now these days, but they make it damn good here. The inside of the bar easily makes this the place you'd bring a date on Rainey, but there is plenty of outdoor seating as well. Pretty sure they have live music on the weekends in the patio area, but it's definitely crowded as hell during those days. Went out for the first time ever on a Monday tonight and ended up here. Ordered a round of Old Fashioneds for us to start off as usual. The drinks were more generous than on the weekends since there weren't many people on Rainey. Tom was the bartender tonight and actually gave me a free Inside Job cocktail after I talked to him for a bit. The drink was pretty similar to an Old Fashioned, so it was right up my alley. He was definitely a nice guy. Will probably be on Rainey at least a few more times as the semester winds down, and I'll be sure to visit Clive during each of those occasions as always. read more

Clive - Another Old Fashioned - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Clive Bar holds a special place in my heart and is probably my favorite bar on Rainey Street. When my husband and I started dating in 2011 it was where we would go often. It was a different Rainey Street all together back then. There were only like 3 bars in the area at the time. Clive Bar used to have the frozen peach teas that were amazing! I still think back to those and wish they still had them. I usually ask every summer if they will bring them back - I really really wish they would. All the bartenders here are amazing and super nice! I love their drink menu and they have a nice selection of beer on tap as well. They have some infused liquors too that change out every now and then. Honestly if you don't know what you want just ask the bartenders what they recommend and tell them the flavors you like and they might be able to whip something up for you. I also love the openness and atmosphere at Clive. No matter the season it is always good. They also have a Mezcal bar that is open on the weekends in the back. If you have never experienced this I would highly recommend trying a flight to taste. So if you are on Rainey Street - don't skip Clive Bar - it is a must stop for sure! read more

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This bar seems fabulous but the DJ today sucked. Multiple of us asked him to play a song, paid him to do so and he never did. Every time we asked him to do he got very defensive / even though h we had already paid him o er an hour ago. Disappointed. read more

There's a tree that elevates through the roof here like some sort of Arbor Day shooting star, and were that the whole show, it'd be an interesting foray into architectural pseudo-pyrotechnics. But it stands to reason that the shingles -- or the ebbing patio beneath them -- aren't the entire show here. The Clive Bar seems to be a laid back road stop on the burgeoning crawl that's happening along the Rainey Street corridor. It's an evolving conversation, this batch of bars, and I feel certain that we'll not know enough the full effect until they're all in place. But for now, this second staple of the street seems interesting, advantageous even. And I for one will be more than pleased to lean into a cold one on a deep weekend night, if for no other reason than the idea that as I catch a glimpse around me, I just might find that trunk and the space between, and the moonlight beyond. With a beer chaser. read more

Clive - across the street street team.. - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Dark wood, fat candles, great martinis. Bartenders are nice even if they struggle. They need more personality to match this personality plus place. They'll have acoustic music soon and everyone HAS to love the white leather bar chairs. Definitely going back read more

Can we talk about the illegal mezcal house outside? Take a step into history into this little stable that is now used as a bar. The bartender told us all about how the building was used and he had a Hiiii he variety of mezcal and tequila. This was truly something out of a movie. read more

Clive - The little stable - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Oh Rainey Street what can I say about you....... To be honest, I was wandering down Rainey Street on a Saturday night, with certain bars with lines wrapping the block. Clive Bar though, seemed chill with no line and a decent amount of people where I could still have my own personal space. Quickly got in and into the bar, bartenders were easily accessible which is a big bonus. 2 specialty cocktails for $20, I'm not complaining. Both drinks were made with love and a little heavy hand but you'll never hear me complain about it. Another bonus, I was able to snag a table for our group and we were set for the evening. They had an awesome DJ playing 90s + 00s hip hop and R&B. Super dope bar with a cool outside space (Cornhole available) with a mezcal speakeasy as well. For all the lines and drunk people, I'd come back here for a chill, lowkey night. read more

We stopped by Clive Bar after spending some time at the affiliated Bar 96 across the street. Whereas Bar 96 has that outdoor, college house party atmosphere, the Clive is more sophisticated and laid back. It's a smaller, vintage-looking venue. Rustic in all aspects. Certainly a more mature and intimate spot. Not a whole lot of room inside. There's an L-shaped bar with seating all around. Counters installed along the walls for you to rest your drinks. Dart board too. Definitely an out-in-the-country, Texas-type look and feel with all its leather and dark woodwork. Lots of outdoor seating, both underneath the covered patio and out on the dirt. There's another tiny bar located in the old stone storage (?) house outside. When you go in there, it's almost like you're being transported to another place and time. Candle-lit at night. Food comes from Indian and African food trailers. Overall, not a bad bar. read more

You had me at cedar shingles. I don't know what it is about them, but cedar shingles just feel so beautiful and natural and instead of making it be about the house, the house becomes part of it's surroundings, ya know? But not too much because they've glammed it up with some vinyl seating and twinkly lighting. The effect is subtle and pleasing. Anyways, I recently went here on the suggestion of a friend. The bartender was lovely and kind and not at all snooty about my typical Diet Coke order. Some bartenders hate me because I'm not spending the big bucks, but I tip the same. The only two complaints I could lodge are that some of the outdoor benches were built too high off the ground, so much so that a woman who is 5'7" (like myself) cannot touch the ground. The second is that the outdoor benches need a bit of tending. Sweeping or what have you. The music selection was awesome - reminds me of the East Side Showroom in the way that I love every song that came on. read more

This place is like a 2 in 1 bar. They have their regular bar once you enter with their beers and cocktails. You can sit inside or in their pretty large patio with tons of outdoor seating and corn hole. Inside they have darts. However, the gem here is their not so hidden mezcal bar in their patio which is amazing. read more

My favorite bar from the whole area from 6th street to Congress to Rainey. It's located on the corner with plenty of front and side outdoor seating. The interior is dark with leather studded bar stools and a few tables at the bar. The bartenders were friendly and attentive with good pours on our Maker's for $7 each and specialty bourbon drinks for $10 each. They have an awesome Rock band that plays each Sunday afternoon. Really good set-list, front man, and rockin' guitar jams. read more

I was in town for a bachelorette party, and clive was amazing. We had a great time dancing and the ambiance was fun! However, the highlight of Clive is that they have the best water I have ever tasted. Was I dehydrated from all the fun, yes, but did they serve me five cups with the perfect amount of ice, also yes. seriously, dance, enjoy, and try their water!!! read more

After some time at Lustre Pearl Bar, we asked the doorman at Pearl where we could go to experience someone ever-so-slightly more formal - he suggested Clive. Obviously he would as I learned Clive is under the same management as Lustre Pearl Bar. No bother, I rather much like Clive Bar . . . possibly more than Lustre Pearl. Initial impression - very dark - lit by Christmas string lights, intimate-feeling, could be borderline swanky, but then it really isn't because it's a relaxing overall feel. Our bartender was really quite lovely . . . we were being a little undecided and silly and he took it in congenial stride. The crowd was similar to Lustre Pearl in age range (late 20's to thirties), but better dressed. There seemed to be many larger-group congregations - birthday/special occasion celebrations, I guess? The deck is quite nice - a couple of tiers, wooden benches and tables strewn about. We were able to secure some bench seating up against the railing and comfortably enjoyed our beverages while observing the crowd around us. I sincerely liked the vibe of this place. Quieter and "nicer" than Lustre Pearl, but not to the point where it felt stuffy and obtuse. I feel this place was perhaps pricier than Lustre Pearl, so bear that in mind. I will not hesitate coming here again the next time I visit Austin. read more

I helped to co-host a private party at Clive Bar when I was in Austin for a conference a couple months ago, and it turned out to be absolutely amazing. This bar is perfectly situated right near the Convention Center... yet, down a little road that seems to be in a completely different world than the hustle and bustle of the center of town. The bar owner and bartenders went out of their way to ensure we had the wifi, speaker system, and drink specials we needed. They also brought in extra staff just to help out for our program. Everyone who worked there was super-friendly and made the experience of arranging this event really easy. I wish I spent more time in Austin... but when I go back in the future, I'll definitely have to return for another round at Clive Bar. read more

Clive Bar sits on a corner lot along Rainey St., opposite the bar made of large storage containers (Container Bar?). It has a large outside patio and live music playing. There are also a few seats inside and on the other end of the place, away from the music. It's darkly lit at night and is perhaps a bit too loud to have a decent conversation, but it's a nice place to chill and listen to some music. The setup of this place encourages people to sit down and listen to the music, and if you're unwilling to sit with strangers, then seating fills up pretty quickly. It's not the sort of bar that encourages folks to walk around and mingle. It's not a bad thing, just something worth knowing. Drinkwise, I had their version of a Moscow Mule. It cost $9 and because I didn't want to leave my ID, came in a smallish glass, the sort you'd have a vodka Redbull in. Truth be told, the drink was a bit weak, as I think they shorted me on both the vodka and the ginger beer. But the ambiance was nice and it was a good spot for people watching. Worth a stop if you're along Rainey St. read more

If I can put a 0 I would. By far the worst management EVER. The door man was rushing everyone in my group and when I came up to give him my ID I grabbed it and walked towards my group. He then called me back and told me that I "snatched" my ID out of his hand. He proceeded to bad mouth me, then told the bouncer to "handle the situation" and told us to leave. When we asked the bouncer to for a manager he said the DOOR MAN was the MANAGER! Then the "MANAGER" started ego talking to my group. The bouncer even agreed with us that he was out of line. I do not suggest this place. Never experienced this in my life and will never go back. Unprofessional and Disrespectful to say the least. read more

During our first night in Austin last week, we ate at Emmer & Rye and then walked up Rainey looking to get the full experience so we tried out a handful of places. Clive really stood out to me as having the full package. The inside space is cozy and lodge-y. Coming from MKE, we felt right at home. The outside deck and patio space is huge. Plenty of room for everyone to spread out and still keep a game of Bag Toss going. Later in the week, we were with a bunch of our KW coworkers and one of our party members thought it would be a good idea to try out Container Bar. Wrong. It was a like an undergrad frat house in there. SO loud, SO sweaty, SO many college kids. No offense if that's your thing. Clive Bar SAVED THE DAY. Get the Matthew Pecan-aughey. read more

Trevor, Austin, and Todd no longer work there. FML. My friend's Diet Coke in her plastic cup smelled like melted plastic, and there were 5 of us to vouch for the smell, not just her. This would never have happened under Trevor's, Austin's, or Todd's watch!!!! NEVER. read more

WORST SERVICE EVER! I came in with my husband and my mother in law and some more of our family. It was pretty loud and we did not know what we wanted so we were a little hesistant on what to order because they first said they did not serve screwdrivers, so we're trying to figure out what to drink. The bartender plain out said " I do not feel comfortable serving you". She also said my 40 year old mother in law was falling asleep, she just had a long day at work and could not hear what they were saying since it was so loud. Mind you its 11:55 am Right now, I can perfectly write this review and I am upset. She said my husband was too drunk, Yes we've had a few drinks but we are not incompitent or so drunk we can't function , So stupid.. You should get better bartenders .... Experience on 8/13/2022 around 11:45 Pm (Bartender had ponytails on) read more

I cannot speak highly enough of this bar! I went in for a couple of drinks and got to meet one of the bartenders named James, he made me a wicked sick drink called the inside job. This place is phenomenal and I recommend anyone and everyone who lives in Austin to go check it out. Management is on POINT. I also wanted to give a shout out to Richard. He does a kick ass job read more

Awesome outdoor bar on my favorite Street in Austin - no not 6th street, but Rainey Street. My girlfriends and I had an absolute blast day drinking here, and the bartenders were so funny and friendly. Bonus points because they were very busy, and managed quick service, fun personalities, and well crafted drinks. We started off with cliche Moscow Mules, then pretty much let the bartenders whip us up whatever they thought we'd like. It was such a fun afternoon and the perfect outdoor casual drinking spot! You can walk right over to Banger's for dinner when you need to put some food in you belly from a long day of day drinking :) read more

Clive - Typical Moscow Mule of deliciousness - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Favorite bar in Austin. Great masculine atmosphere with dark wood and stags around the bar, and a great mix of indoor and outdoor seating. Drinks are fantastic, bourbon and whiskey selection is diverse, and the gin and tonic is delectable (it's all in the choice of tonic). This place is one of McConaughey's old haunts, and definitely an anchor of Rainey Street. If you don't believe me about how great this bar is, I will tell you that we named our son Clive. #micdrop read more

Rob (our favorite bartender) is THE MAN! He knows his stuff and poured us some great drinks (Stagg Jr. for me and a Titos & Soda for the Mrs.) Even though it was packed on a Thursday evening, there was plenty of outdoor seating on their awesome patio. The DJ was spinning cool retro mixes from 50s. Awesome night! read more

Clive - Rob the bartender is the best! Stagg Jr and a Titos & Soda - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

There is little to complain about this place. Nice outdoor seating. The drinks are made well, even when they are busy. I opted for the old fashion based on another yelp review and was not steered wrong. The place is pretty chill with great outdoor music. Some of the other place around get a little crowded and trendy, but this is just a solid bar doing the important things correctly. read more

I am in love with Rainey St. Maybe that's just it. I found out here via one of the super attendant server/bus guys that 3 of the bars on Rainey is owned by the same person. We found a little table inside of a random little house outside. Apparently it's going to be used to make a wine bar. But right now it looks like a hideout. Big bricks, wooden benches, glowing candles and some random stairs that go to nothing. We were isolated from everyone else and it felt nice. The music was the right volume. The lighting was perfect. The bartenders were fun. This was the right way to end the night. The only negative is that there is sort of a weird angle to things and we did have some beers spilt because of an unstable table and my friend twisted his ankle pretty bad. But knowing that stuff, we'll just be more careful next time. I can't wait to go back when the wine bar is up and running! read more

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I was having a good time until the DJ was a complete asshole to me. Told me he'd kick me out for just flat out being nice and talking to him. Heard he works at luster pearl too. Respect your crowd and illl respect the establishment read more

love -almost- everything about this bar! really great vibes all around except for one of the female bartenders on the top floor randomly yelled at me to calm down when I was waiting for her to take my drink order. I was taken aback because I didn't say a word to her and was smiling in my own little world so I thought her negative energy towards me was unwarranted. read more

Jasmine tea infused vodka with a splash of sparkling water hits just the spot! The Jazzy Collins is served up in a pint glass and hits you hard and quick. Step outside for some patio style seating or to find the secret mezcal bar. No Matter what you do, you'll love this spot! read more

One of the bartenders, Phillipe, was awesome! He was very friendly and fun to talk to! Definitely recommend this bar! :)

Got absolutely profiled and discriminated against whilst attempting to enter this establishment. Worst experience of my life. I'm sure this is not the norm here, but, one employee can tarnish a representation. This employee was named Matt. And, I am not someone Who post reviews but this was quite honestly the weirdest and most outrageous experience I've ever had attempting to enter an establishment. read more

Lovely spot. Close to downtown but on a side street so you really feel like you're away from it all. I prefer to go during happy hour when my friend is working. Always nice and chill. Wide open deck area and retro decor make it feel like you're at someone's house rather than at a bar. Even during peak times it's a great spot to hang out at with a nice crowd. Highly recommended. read more

Clive - Clive Bar - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Really cool bar with great drinks. Was in town visiting the multitude of bars. Great vibe...not a ton of drunk idiots but enough entertainment to make you want to grab a couple and relax. One of the best Old Fashions I've ever had also! read more

This was the second time we have came here and the second time we have found the body parts of Roaches in our glasses. Very unsanitary behind the bar. Reported to the manager and he said there's nothing he can do about it. Like wow! read more

Great place ! As you sit outside you feel like you are not in the city . The outside ambience is fabulous ! Restrooms are clean and s Rv ice is fabulous ! Bartender makes great drinks ! We will be back ! read more

This is a very interesting bar layout. I love all of the unique bars on Rainey and this is no exception. I went on a Sunday, and the place was hopping.....apparently all of Rainey is hopping on a Sunday Funday. They had great music playing and friendly, fast, and efficient bar tenders. The outdoor area is great and they even have cornhole to keep you occupied. This is a great place to kick back on Rainey. read more

I fully understand wanting to go home, but if I show up (fully prepared to tip well) 10 mins before close, I fell like giving me 2 modelos isn't that much work. Instead, I walked up to the bar and was told they're closed. "10 minutes early?". "Yeah". No explanation as to why the random change in hours, no courtesy, and overall a bad experience. I won't be back. Your money is better spent at Black Heart. read more

Don't go to lustre... go to Clive! The bar tender with the sweet 80s glasses and suave blonde hair is AWESOME!!! He will hook u up! Great ambiance. Great drinks. read more

Worst service ever! Stood patiently waiting for the bartender. I knew he was busy. Never made eye contact with me and served the guy behind me. Behind me! Finally got his attention and he moved to the other side of the bar. Will never go back that place. Took all my friends and money elsewhere. read more