They kept things sufficiently weird here on Christmas Eve-eve Kareoke night here this Xmas, and for that I am thankful. The inside a dated office park (?) (apartment complex?) location, the authentically grungy and divey interior, and the greying, eccentric gen-x age crowd all seemingly harkened back to the "Slakers era" ATX as opposed to its increasingly bland and whitewashed Techified present incarnation. There was a high degree of seemingly professional or nearly professional quality singers in the group showing off, no doubt due to the extreme saturation of great musicians in the area, as well as a fewer than average sprinkling of drunken messes. The song selection ran the gamut from charmingly obscure to annoyingly so, with a few recent rap radio hits thrown into the mix randomly. Rounding out the good cheap fun vibes: Big Buck hunter and another fun games in the dingy back room. Emcee was a husky guy with glasses in a elf suit. Drinks were cold and cheap and they even obliged the teetotaler in our party with multiple cups of boiling hot water with lemon which I never in a million years would have been facilitated in a bar as divey as this one. read more

Ego's - Xmas Eve Karaoke, Xmas 2017 - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

An absolute blast with a long list of songs and crowds. If you want to go on a Saturday night go there around 8 pm or you will be waiting on a line to get in. Yes that means outside in the parking garage for those to leave. The drinks are done well and the staff is good about serving sizes, however the DJ sign up listen is brutal. Don't be surprised if you wait two hours to sing a song. You'll always be at the bottom of the que, and the karaoke dj will always be at the top of the que. read more

Went to Egos for a friends birthday and half of us were asked to leave. The bouncer placed his hands on my friend, and another customer cussed out another friend only for my friend to be asked to leave too. I used to love this place but now I never plan to go back. This place sucks read more

Waited two hours to karaoke for a bachelor party. DJ lied to us about getting to sing and cut the night short. Huge waste of time. KJ, thanks for wasting our time. read more

When I am on vacation with Sir Nicholas and no children chances are there will be one night (at least one) where karaoke enters the picture and our recent trip to Austin was no different. We were staying fairly close to Ego's and ended up walking over to this dive bar around 11 pm only to find it halfway full of a rowdy crowd that pretty much liked it when anyone sang. I enjoy that environment. After all, it's no fun to karaoke if the entire bar doesn't feel like community embracing all the singers in the room - the showmen, the terribly drunk crooners, the actual good singers, and all the in-between. Sure, the bar is hidden in a weird garage and the tables are dirty and the room has definitely seen better days, but then again the selection of songs seems massive, the drinks were cheap, and while we waited our turn Nick and I were able to play a friendly game of pool. So all in all I was definitely a fan. read more

Bouncer refused to let us in because they were short staffed. We weren't planning to buy any drinks and we took and Uber all they way here and they still refused to let us in EVEN THOUGH PEOPLE WERE LEAVING. Would not recommend coming here. Try your luck at other karaokes bars. If you're going to be short staffed on one of the busiest days during ACL weekend, then don't open. It's that simple. Thank you next read more

Wish I could give 0 stars - crappy bouncer who ruined a wedding afterparty. Would not recommend

Pretty much just your basic bar-cheap drinks, nothing fancy, but the karaoke on Friday night was really fun and everyone was getting into it, line for songs was kinda long but it was still fun watching other people. Actually was pretty packed and we had to wait outside until people left before we could get in. Idk how itd be on a non karaoke night, but on this night it was still very fun read more

Slow and lagging service from the moment we were in line to the moment we walked in. Really wanted to enjoy this place, but every time we tried there was just an obstacle read more

Do I wish they had a system where I didn't leave my credit card there every time: yes Am I mad that I can't find my secret weapon for karaoke: Yes Is it the best, yes. Shut your pie hole and go to the spot read more

Great place with a diverse crowd and reasonably priced drinks. Karaoke done in just the right spirit. I went there a few times while visiting Austin, and once I move there in a few months, I'll definitely be back. read more

Aptly named establishment. A no frills bar under a hotel that has the perfect divey vibes that should encourage a laid back, fun experience for everyone. But before you even step into the place, you will start to realize that you're not really welcome. Multiple large signs outside post a list of normal sounding rules on how you should behave and why they will refuse entry or service - rules that every bar follows, but usually don't shove in your face. You will wait outside while unwelcoming doormen assess your sobriety, inspect bags and purses for contraband, and maintain capacity - which could be 50 people or 150 people when you finally get inside. Bribes will be taken by doormen and the KJ, and swiftly forgotten. I have never been to a place that likes to kick people out more than this bar does. I have been 5 times over about 5 years and every time multiple people have been told to leave with no real reason. I have been cut off twice from the bar for buying too many drinks for myself and my table, and told that I had too much to drink after 3 drinks. I have been followed out to my car by doormen who refused to let me drive home after one beer, and told that if I get in my car they would call the police. I have seen multiple people have the police called on them. I have seen long time patrons crying outside because they are suddenly banned without explanation - pleading to talk with the manager because they want to be able to come back, but ignored never the less. Once gone, they are mocked by laughing staff who take an enormous amount of pleasure in ruining people's evening. I have made connections with women outside, only to have doormen come up and ask if I was harassing them. When told no - I was told to keep to myself. It just seems impossible to follow "rules". Patiently waiting at the bar for a drink? No sir, get in a single file line. Want to do something as filthy as have a cigarette outside? Go 75 feet away from the building. This place is a sting operation for people trying to have a good evening. Go to Common Interest if you like karaoke. It's not as cool, but they also won't try to their best to put you in jail. read more

Stood in line for almost an hour and the woman bouncer found an excuse to not let us in, claiming someone in our party was "too drunk". What a shame and waste of time. read more

Horrible service and a "locals only" attitude. Too bad. We like to spend a lot of money on little dive bars like that.

Fun place for karaoke. Went on a Sunday. Just put in your request early - it takes a while. They also have pool and a couple video games. Cool bar with a pleasant atmosphere. read more

Awful place, even for a dive bar. What upset me the most was the rude girl working the karaoke list. We all came for an after wedding party to celebrate getting married. She was incredibly rude to all of us. She scolded the groom for not coming up right away to sing when it was his turn and almost bumped him. On top of that, I honestly think she had something against marriage parties because when we told her that our friend just got married today, she literally said "well f*** him." Wow. We remembered the order in line, but she felt like she changed up the order. The karaoke took forever to get to our peeps. The people before us were mainly an unsavory crowd and few people with non stop sex songs. They're kinda funny at first, but it gets old pretty fast. Maybe it's just not my crowd, but maybe i'm not a big fan of some chicks rolling on E in the corner breaking beer bottles over each other's heads (this actually happened). oh, and i forgot to mention that i called an hour ahead of time to warn them we're bringing about 50 people. The girl (I suspect the same one manning the karaoke bar) passively aggressively said to me, "well, if you had called me 2-3 days earlier we could have done something. there's nothing we can do now." if you're looking for bottom of the barrel dive bar, then i think you found your place. read more

In honor of Ego's disastrous new turn as a karaoke bar, my take on "Love Shack," which, yes, they did play. It was, accordingly, a disaster: "If you see a faded sign at the side of the road that says 15 miles to the... Love Shack! Love Shack yeah yeah" The Ego's sign is brightly lit, though it's sorta hidden from the road (entrance is in a parking garage). It's just south of downtown, about 9 miles from my house. "I'm headin' down the Atlanta highway, lookin' for the love getaway Heading for the love getaway, (love getaway)" It's actually nowhere near Atlanta, and if you take a date here, she has my permission to hit you. "I got me a Chrysler, it seats about 20 So hurry up and bring your jukebox money" Don't bring any jukebox money. The songs are determined by the crowd. Who sing them. Terribly. Sorry. There is still a jukebox out front. Not sure why. Also, don't bring a big group. The place is too tiny for that. "Well the Love Shack is a little old place where we can get together" We were still able to talk, which was nice. They kept the volume at a reasonable level, actually. "Sign says..(Woo...) stay away fools, 'cause love rules at the Lo-o-ove Shack! Well it's set way back in the middle of a field, Just a funky old shack and I gotta get back" Not true of Ego's. Sorry guys, the girl who controls the karaoke machine (no love there) rules, and the girls behind the bar are kinda slow, if nice enough. "Glitter on the mattress Glitter on the highway Glitter on the front porch Glitter on the hallway" There are those glittery signs in the entryway (signs of Ego's heyday, when they actually had live music instead of canned karaoke), but in the end, this place is still a relatively dingy dive. "Huggin' and a kissin', dancin' and a lovin', wearin' next to nothing Cause it's hot as an oven The whole shack shimmies! Yeah, The whole shack shimmies! The whole shack shimmies when everybody's Movin' around and around and around and around! Everybody's movin', everybody's groovin' baby! Folks linin' up outside just to get down Everybody's movin', everybody's groovin' baby! Funky little shack! Funk-y little shack!" Not funky. No grooving. One guy did a little shimmy, but that was it. He was kinda drunk and did a bad George Strait shortly thereafter. Ew. "... You're what?... Tin roof, rusted! Love Shack, baby Love Shack! Love Shack, baby Love Shack! Love Shack, baby Love Shack! Love Shack, baby Love Shack! Love baby, that's where it's at Love Shack, baby Love Shack! Love baby, that's where it's at Huggin' and a kissin', dancin' and a lovin' at the love shack" . . . . . THAT SONG IS WAY TOO FRIGGIN' LONG. YOU CAN'T SING. GO HOME. read more

Oh, Ego's. What can I say about you? I'm old enough to remember when this place was the ultimate in divey live music. I've seen tons of bands rock the face off this place, so it came as a shock when it converted to karaoke. Here's the dilemma; I'm a karaoke FREAK. So I want to be all sad and disappointed that this venue has gone to the devil, but I'm actually so excited to have a place to belt out the theme song to "The Jeffersons" and get the standing ovation I so richly deserve. It's a dive, it's loud, don't bother on Friday or Saturday, the bathroom gave me cooties, the drinks are strong and well priced, some of the KJ's are not very nice (would you be?) and the table arrangements usually result in you sharing with another group, which is almost always a plus. It's Ego's! What else can you say? read more

Cool dive bar on S Congress with pool tables and affordable Guinness, chill during after work drinking time before the karaoke starts

I wanted to sing karaoke and on my flight to Austin the person sitting next to me, an Austin resident, mentioned Ego's since I confessed I also loved dive bars. It was fate when my friends told me they wanted to check out this bar called Ego's because it had karaoke. Score! This bar is placed in the most random location known to man. It is beneath an office professional building. Walking to the bar I almost felt like I was going to a speakeasy. It was dark and hidden and I was waiting to have a slit in the door open and eyes peering out at me with a voice demanding the password. Once you get into the bar it is a little divey and somewhat small. There is a pool table in the back with a few video games. There is a stage so everyone singing can feel like a rockstar if only temporarily. When we arrived it was 9:00 and already more than half full. By 10:00 it was completely packed. Karaoke started and instead of writing down your name and song request on a piece of paper like I'm used to, Ego's is a step above. You go to the karaoke host and tell him your information and he inputs it into a computer. Brilliant. Do note if you don't get to Ego's early you will be waiting some time to sing. I was able to sing pretty early and when I wanted to sing another song I was informed for new singers the wait was an hour and a half and for repeat singers it was going to be a long time. I must give a shout out to the doorman, or whomever he was, who warned me about the disaster in the bathroom. Just as I was about to walk in I see him with a bucket and a broom and he tells me, "You don't want to go in there!". He has plugs he is stuffing in his nostrils as I walk away prepared to battle whatever crisis awaited him in the ladies' restroom. Come to find out, and smell, an inconsiderate drunk threw up all over the place. C'mon people, aim. This is not The Exorcist. Ego's has a great rowdy encouraging crowd. Everyone who went up, with the exception of that guy that sang a Linkin Park song, left the stage with claps, and hoots, and hollering following them. Dancing even commenced. A good time is bound to be had at Ego's: a slightly divey bar with great karaoke, a fun crowd, and employees that warn you about someone's digestive pyrotechnics. read more

I remember going to Ego's when I first moved to Austin. My friend Casey and I used to go down here on many "morning afters" and have a little hair of the dog. What surprised me about Ego's was the amount of people in there at 10 on a Friday morning. After going there a couple of times, we found out that this is where all of the night shift people came to party. It was always strange walking in and seeing people dressed up and taking shots and getting rowdy at 10 in the morning. It always made me smile to see these people having a good time and not letting the man or their schedules hold them down. I have since moved on and have changed my haunts, as we all do..but my lady friend and I ventured here a few Mondays ago and we were blown away by the fact that this place is a full time karaoke bar. The singers were good, the KJ was good, and I actually had fun at a karaoke bar (which is something I thought I would never say). The pours were stout, the bartender was very friendly, and the prices were right. There was a group of kickball players there (I think) and they welcomed us with open arms and bought shots for us all, Upon leaving, I had a moment of reflection with the bartender about the good old days and the shift workers in the morning and i was appeased. She said that their hours have changed a little, but there are still folks waiting at the door at 11 in the morning to get in. I smiled, poured out some for the homies at AMD and TI, and focused on the road back to the house. On a random weeknight, I will go again. read more

Day 1 - Austin, TX Um... If I didn't know I was in in Texas before... I definitely did when I stepped into this place! There was a country band and people were doing the 2-step. In plaid. In cowboy boots. In cowboy hats. And if my eyes weren't blurred from all the liquor... I could have sworn I even saw a pair of chaps. We were trying to make our way to South Congress when I blurted... "I need another cocktail!" Out pops Egos from the bottom of a parking garage! On an unusual night... this dive bar was charging a $5 cover charge - everyone was because of the music festival... but we wiggled our way in for $3 each for 5 of us. That's okay though... because the drinks were only $4.50. Not happy hour. Just regularly $4.50. I'll have 4, please. Thank you. read more

This is hands down one of my favorite locations in town. It's the ultimate dive bar; you can find it in a parking garage on South Congress. Inside you can locate stiff, cheap drinks and cheese balls. On the final Sunday of any given month, you can find them hosting a party with cook out fare. The place is smaller than my apartment and going there always feels like coming home. You'll likely run into that acquaintance you met one time on the street while wandering about SXSW, or maybe it'll be that guy from that government class you took all those semesters ago. The bartenders are all great and attentive. Did I mention the drinks are cheap? Last and certainly not least, you can't talk about Ego's without talking about karaoke. This is the perfect way to end a night with your friends when you're all looking for that last bit of fun. They play host to the National Karaoke League and they have the best song list in town! It's definitely a place to be. read more

We love the karaoke here, but hate the service. The large lady working on Wednesday (7/29/15) with the black shirt refused to tell us the specials and asked us to stop dancing. Not cool. read more

Ego's - This was her. - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

The grout between downtown and south congress. A blood diamond in the rough...literally! What is that sprayed all over the men's bathroom wall? Looked like a sneeze after a bloody fistfight. Just one of the things that makes me love this place. The biggest appeal (in my opinion) are two things: it's location in a parking structure, and the fact the only lights inside are from christmas strands and neon signs. Ego's is that place that you HAVE to stop at if you're walking either north or south. Going from Handlebar to Continental club? Yup, you'll walk right by it! Heading from Sympony at the Park, to Dirty 6th? Yup, you can hit up Ego's again! The drinks are super cheap, and if you are having trouble deciding, there is a marker board with recommended mixed drinks and shots. One popular one is called Date Grape. Classy. The service is pretty good, though when only one bartender is working during a karaoke night (Wed-Sun after 10pm), you will be waiting for a drink. There are a couple pool tables in the back, and lots of seating on the main floor. A large TV shows the karaoke when singers sing, and usually shows sports during the day and when karaoke is off If you get the balls (or ov's) to go up and sing, you don't need to thumb through the book, odds are your favorite song will be found in the karaoke DJ's search engine thing. Just ask, I have found some less than popular songs to sing. Also, don't be afraid to dance or sing along! And remember, you only get good at something by repetition. read more

Fantastically funky and divinely divey was what I found at Ego's. I'm not sure how it's possible that I've been in Austin since the dawn of time and had never set foot in here. This is a place where time stands still......it stopped somewhere in the 1970's, never to move forward again. As I walked in, I felt like I was stepping into an old Elmore Leonard novel. The only things that would make this lounge more '70's would be orange shag carpeting, a polyester leisure suit, and a disco ball. While we were there, it wasn't crowded. We were there before the karaoke began....there were a few folks at the bar, a few folks playing pool, and a couple of tables with people hangin' like us. Johnny Cash's musical collection played for us. It's a great place to imbibe after work if you dig dives. I'm going back to watch some karaoke one of these days - not sure if I'll sing though....depends on my "ego." read more

There's something about Ego's that makes me lose every ounce of self-control I thought I had. I might start the night off thinking "Hmm, take it easy tonight, Valerie. You have to do that job thing tomorrow." And then someone utters Ego's after a few drinks and I know all thoughts of taking it easy are out the window. It didn't help that last night Jason G. perpetuated the defenestration of my self-control by signing us up for A Whole New World duet. Oh, job thing, based on my lack of performance on Fridays, how do I keep you? I'll say this: I've never had more fun than when I'm at Ego's. It's really the total package to deliver the perfect karaoke experience. Of every karaoke bar I've been to, I've never experienced a more supportive crowd, a better KJ, and friendly bar staff. You can sing, you can dance, you can roll around on chairs and eat goldfish. Is there anything better than that? I think not. Just stay away from the Kamikaze shots. Your Tuesday morning hangover will thank you. read more

Is what it is. Super dive for divas of all kinds. Cowboy Diva? Bring yo Wranglers, sing some Willie. Rock 'n Roll wanna be Diva? The crowd'll love you. Drunk girl trying to sing Katie Perry Diva? There seem to be a lot of you on a Friday night here, so you're tolerated. Chick who sings guy songs Diva? Depressing Lovesong Diva? Hipster whose too cool to sing on key Diva? As long as you're cool with dirt, darkness, and drinking in a hole in the wall in a parking garage - anything and everyone goes here. There's a strong regular following depending on the karaoke night, some nights are more serious than others (Sunday as opposed to Firday) and it's popular enough there is generally a 2 hour wait on a busy night to get your song in. But everyone has fun, there's lots to laugh at. Make sure you make an ass of yourself and tip your bartender. read more

This bar is why you live in Austin. Cheap drinks, friendly crowd, and a karaoke environment that will pull out your inner diva screaming and wailing. No matter HOW badly you are singing off-key, there will be 8 people in front of you dancing like they mean it. And they do. The only bad part about this is it's on the wrong side of town for me and the parking is in a crowded garage / obstacle course. Otherwise I would probably live here. And grow a very long beard (because apparently that's a thing). read more

My credit card was double billed by this place. Called and talked to them and they denied everything. Took 8 months to get it resolved.

You know how in the grown up cartoons (and some movies, I guess) a character walks into a bar and is greeted with the screeching stop of the record and the stares of the patrons? That's how Ego's is. Walking in, I felt very awkward and stared at. Maybe they'd seen me on some camera in the parking garage discreetly changing out of my Ladybird Lake walking clothes into regular clothes in the car. Or, maybe the bar is just positioned as such as to where you can't help but look when you hear the squeaky door open. All of that aside, Ego's is a pretty cool place. You'd never really know how to get there unless you actually know how. Sure, there's a sign, but the maze of the parking garage/ apartment complex parking definitely throws you off. Saturday nights are now Guitar Hero/ Rock Band nights... the reason I probably wouldn't hesitate to return, until I buy Rock Band, that is. Later on in the evening, it turns to karaoke, for which we promptly bailed. They also have pinball. I wasn't too incredibly impressed with their beer selection, but they give you your Lone Star bottle caps with the beer, so you can play the word game. And, after the stares and screeching record sounds, the people are friendly. It was pretty dead the night we went and I can never get enough Rock Band. My partner had no problem injecting himself into conversation and I was welcomed into it as soon as my arms were tired from rocking out. It's not going to make my beer list, but I'm going to make sure to visit again. read more

Ego's is Austin-Greatness. When I first moved to Austin I lived in the Congress Square Apartments that adjoin Ego's so it was easy to walk over here. At that time (in 2007) Ego's was home to Austin Poetry Slam so I got to see many good poetry battles from their tiny stage. Of course as most people know Ego's tiny stage is used for karaoke nowaday's, hence one of the most hopping karaoke stages most nights of the week in Austin will be here. Ego's is dive bar central, as it is in the basement of an office building. You probably won't have a cell phone signal in here which is nice. There's something comfy about being in a dive-bar-cave, snacking on pretzels and cheese balls (your bar food choices) and listening to people pour their singing hearts out on stage a-la-Guns N Roses/Tina Turner. You never know who you will see here or what you will get which is always fun. Sunday nights they have trivia. Only downside: no live bands. This is unfortunate as they have a small stage and could do shows, but oh well, there are plenty of other choices in Austin to see such performances. If you are seeking out a true Austin dive look no further than Ego's. read more

This is another one of those places that I'm guessing I'd be unlikely to encounter in any place other than South Austin. That alone makes me happy. Where else would you find a bar housed in the basement of an office building situated essentially in the middle of an apartment complex? Every time I've been, it's been packed. I visited when I first moved here a decade ago and loved it, but was too busy drinking to remember the name of the place, so I only have been back again in the last year. I've been to a poetry slam (before they moved) and to see live music played. Everyone has always been friendly, and while there has been a cover most times, it hasn't been insane. read more

I'm not sure how it's possible that I've never reviewed this place. Blows my mind. The people who work here are the most patient bar staff I've ever seen. I've witnessed a myriad of activities here, from cheeseball fights (hehe, she said 'cheeseball') to dirty dancing to the most rowdy patrons in all of Austin in any one location at the same time. The only time I've ever heard a peep from the employees is when they're handing me my next drink. Any place that offers karaoke, with a great selection, 7 nights a week gets my thumbs up. And there's always been a pretty diverse group of people (besides the regulars - you know who you are) everytime I go here as well. Love this place. I hope it never changes back to the old grungy band bar that it used to be. Also, I hope they never get rid of their strip bar rolley chairs, either. The end. read more

This has been one of my all time favorite bars in Austin for quite some time. Divey, karaoke, pool...what more could you want?! HOWEVER-the two women bartenders have a serious chip on the shoulder and are not only cold and unfriendly, tend to be downright rude. Also-the typical karaoke scenario goes as follows: Patron: I'd like to sign up for this bomb ass song that is sure to rip the roof off. DJ: cool-that'll be a 3 hr wait. (DJ proceeds to sing ~5 songs) Patron: (but waits the 3 hours bc it really is worth it) Summary: I love this place to my core, but find myself going less and less. Will be back a regular if/when they reconsider their staff. read more

Pretty much it is a dive bar. Which it is not a bad thing. I was looking for a bar that was broadcasting the UT game and certainly they were. They were also providing free food during the game which was awesome. For I guess I wanted to be around more UT fans watching the game...you know more the merrier. If you are looking for a sports bar atmosphere, this wouldn't probably be the best place to go. Honestly if you are in the mood for a dive bar then you can go here or to other places like ShangriLa. read more

Sometimes when we touch, the honesty is too much.... If you like dive bars and karaoke, this is your dream come true. I've never met a stranger in this place and it seems the more I go, the stiffer my drinks get. One HUGE tip that I wish someone had given me is that they don't start taking song requests until 10pm and when they are crowded they stop taking them around 12. Also, if you need practice, head over there on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It isn't super crowded so you can get lots of songs in and not worry about whether or not you hit that high note. Nothin' but love for you Egos. read more

On strange rare occasions (okay not that rare) I like to let my inner bada$$ out and throw down some killer flow. Yep that's right, I only do rap/hip hop at karaoke. Being from Michigan my first choice is always Eminem. However his flow is hard to replicate and it can be tough to keep up with his seemingly endless lyrics... this requires some strategic breathing. With that said, Courtney W and I do a killer rendition of "Bottoms up" by Trey Songz and Nicki Minaj. We also like to do "Beez in the Trap". Yep, my inner wannabe rapper totally gets a chance to shine here. With that said, they have a great vibe. The crowd is friendly and will cheer you on no matter your song choice (or singing skills). In addition the drinks are pretty cheap. This place gets packed on Friday and Saturday nights from all the American Idol type hopefuls and to be honest, some of them do have a real set of lungs. Whatever, it's all in good fun! The fun thing is this, when you become a regular the DJ will help bump you up in the wait list because he knows you can bring the house down. Psuedo-VIP treatment is always a win! Funny tip: One night Courtney and I did our rendition of "Beez in the Trap" with our awesome video girl dancer, Karen N from San Antonio. Apparently we were so memorable that a random couple in the front had the time of their lives and felt that we were "fabulous" and totally recorded us. Yes, we let total strangers record us dropping it on the mic. Like I said, it's always a fun and ridiculous night here! read more

This is the greatest place in the universe. Not just the greatest bar. Not just the greatest karaoke. The greatest place. Greater than vajazzling (which I think we can all agree, is pretty great.) Every time I walk into this place, I experience pure bliss! The heavy pours, the awesome people, the best karaoke ever, the feeling that you're in a basement circa 1972. Oh, and, as mentioned by Jason G, the cheese-balls and the rolly chairs! Some people whine that it's a dingy little spot in the bottom of a parking garage, but I think that makes it even better. It's like drinking in Batman's rumpus room. It seems like it rains booze in this place and you always walk out with a tab FAR less than what other spots would charge. I'm sure I've had a beer here before, but god knows I've never ordered one (Thank you Baines). Why would I when stiff drinks and shots served out of goblets are like, thirty-eight cents or something? At the risk of making my favorite hole in the wall a popular spot, I still suggest you try this one. One time, you're hooked. read more

What do you get when a bunch of girls from LA and NYC get together in Austin? Ego. We hopped out of a car service in a dank parking lot and exchanged shifty glances. The line was a bit long to get in (the bouncer was a goofy guy with a bluetooth set in his ear) where "capactiy full" was just repeated. We waited 10 minutes, and as one person left, one person was allowed in. As a group of six, we didnt want to part, so instead, we sat at the line and cheered as people left, one by one, until 6 people had departed and our entire flock could enter (by then, even the bouncer had warmed up to us). Upon entering, we were hit with a variety of feels... a large woman with a bright neon red beehive wig, a man in a kilt, someone in leggings that looked so stretched they would explode at any minute. The decor matched the patrons. Our bartender was gruff (AHHH a taste of NYC!) and to the point. Five vodka sodas and a cider was SO CHEAP compared to where Im from (so or course we got more). The wait list to get on stage was 3+ hours. That didnt stop our dear friend, who spent 10 minutes inching towards the stage after a little liquid courage. She became a backup dancer for some random person, then backup singer.. and before any of us knew what happened, she was belting out the lyrics to "Blister in the Sun" by Violent Femmes. (shh - dont tell the staff that part). Honestly, I would frequent this place if I lived in town, but the volume is intense on those speakers and the place can be a little crowded if you prefer to be away from crowds. Overall - a fantastic time in Austin attributed largely to this evening here. read more