My first job that took me down the path as a chef for a few years started at a hole in the wall called Acme Bar & Grill in Mt. Pleasant SC, so I'm familiar with a low brow affair. On one hot Saturday afternoon I was looking to change things up a bit so google suggested Giddy Ups. I will confess driving up I was a bit apprehensive as it felt like a hole in the wall of a hole in the wall in the middle of nowhere. Upon arriving one will notice the parking lot is extremely worn with minimum upkeep while the facility wasn't that much fancier. Walking in you can feel the history and life. Everything is rustic and rudimentary as if the place was bought for pennies on the dollar. The outside has old fashioned 2x4 overhang with old plain wood columns, a huge red and obnoxious store front (but in a good way) and a tacked-on sheet metal shed. Inside, a half mannequin here, a thousand local artists in picture frames there all with dive bar tables and chairs make up the main area. Oh, there's a stage too if one can call what amounts to a step as a stage. The staff here are humble and nice. As for alcoholic beverages, if they got it, they're gonna make it for you. However, be warned the selection is limited, keeping in step with the bare bones mentality. Speaking of drinks, they're extremely affordable. I enjoyed my bourbon and diet coke just the same here as anywhere else while paying a fraction of what other places charge. In the side attachment or "shed" they have a number of games. One gripe I have is that they have the most disgusting bathrooms I've seen in years. No more elaboration needed. So what are my final thoughts? Giddy Ups is grass roots, simple but not for everyone. I like it and like the vibe but in my vast list of places to visit I just can't justify coming back especially if I'm looking to impress a date. It's not a bad place at all, just not my flavor. read more

Giddy Ups - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Typical Austin "hole in the wall" neighborhood bar with character. While we were there, many of the folks were regulars and knew the bartender. There is also a stage for live music but we left early due to the weather. Our party did order pizza and brought dessert so you can take your own food. LOVE places like this!! Pro tip - wasn't a fan of mixed drinks so I would order bottles or cans next time. read more

Great local music venue, I get the impression that it sometime serves as a biker bar. The space is super small, so it feels pretty intimate. Prices were very reasonable, and there was no cover on a Saturday night read more

if you are into authentic realness, this might be a decent jam for you. no-nonsense, great atmosphere for chill, non-judgemental type folks. Leave your expectations and attitude at the door and explore the charms of a bygone era. It's a rarity in these parts in these unprecedented times. Be polite and enjoy. Namaste! read more

Absolutely love this place. Everything you'd want and expect from a true Texas dive bar saloon. Yet I must deduct one full star due to the lack of a dartboard. The only missing element but easily remedied read more

Very trashy people. The drinks are not up to any standards. I asked for a Jameson and cranberry and all i got was a cranberry on ice. When i confronted the bar tender about my watered down 1st drink all people jumped on me saying "its weak because you ordered a tall" im sorry but i paid my price for a full drink.I would never recommend this bar to my closest people. There are trashy "bikers" that will back up the bartender so I wouldn't even try the bar read more

The only place in town where you walk in as a stranger and walk out as part of the family. This place has brought more people together, it's tbe birthplace of where relationships start and lifetimes begin. We've lived in Austin for a month and have a lifetime full of friends here. Renata at the bar, giving us Green Tea shots, Roy and Chrissy bringing in new animals to adopt, the craziness of Kristen, Charles, Vanessa, Rich, and Tavarius. When you're here, you're actual family- the good fun kind. Just walk in and you will be greeted by amazing people. You also can never go wrong with James Diaz and his delicious Chicken tacos right outside! They're to die for. Whenever you're here you will be laughing and dancing. We love listening to the local bands and people sing. This place is for real loving and incredible people and embodies the real Texan spirit. What an honor to meet so many locals in one beautiful bar. This is the best place ever! ALL are Welcome here! Come on in! We are ready! God bless this establishment! read more

Simply put, a great dive bar. My dog and I visited about a week ago on a Friday. Every single person was welcoming and super friendly to us. The bartender showed us around when we got there and was very hospitable. They've got a big back yard for dogs and we'll behaved dogs are allowed inside which is great. Reasonable prices and a great place to hang. We will be back without a doubt. read more

They do not serve food. As an out of towner, you are not necessarily welcome there. As for a Honky Tonk, yes it is read more

Giddy Ups - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Pretty close to my Platonic ideal of a South Austin dive bar and music venue, where you see Baby Boomers, Gen-Xers, and Millennials sharing love and appreciation for various styles of music essential to the Austin tradition. This is indigenous South Austin Weird, not a hipster reimagination of it. Come, drink from these waters - waters that taste like a Lone Star tallboy can or maybe a simple Jack and Coke or a 7&7 - just don't expect or ask them to taste like an Aperol Spritz or a Basil Mojito. Bands are good, vibes are good, and the bar staff is friendly if no-nonsense. There's a room to the side where smoking is allowed - Giddy Ups is far south enough to be outside of Austin's strict tobacco rules, so either enjoy a smoke or avoid that area but don't complain about it, as the main room is kept smoke free for your happy enjoyment. There's an excellent food trailer parked out front - "Soul of a Hick" offers surprisingly good fare, including fried chicken better than some brick-and-mortar fried chicken specialty shops around town. Thumbs up to them, too. read more

Great spot. Great people. It is a whole lotta fun for you and your friends. Go get some

Alright you Dirty 6th. Gangsta Rap Playing. Bad Music liking pretentious millennial Asshats. Giddy Ups IS NOT FOR YOU. They don't play shitty rap to shoot people and sell crack by....nor do they play bad EDM or Dubstep. You won't get bottle service. The bathrooms are typical honky tonk toilets... People here are over 30. Have secure jobs and just want a mellow friendly bar to go to. How about you spoiled fucking California transplants quit trying to turn my beloved city into your Pretentious, bankrupt shithole of a state. You moved to Austin for a reason...because IT WASNT CALIFORNIA! QUIT TRYING TO MAKE IT THAT. Not sure how some of you couldn't tell it was a Country Music dive for middle aged people when you pulled up. It ain't Rainey St fools. Its a far south, working man's bar. Keep your Pretentious hoity toit reviews to yourself. read more

Live music every night of the week!! How cool is that! This place was definitely a find! I went in here with my parents when they were in town. We were next door eating dinner at Texican Cafe and my dad noticed this interesting place that he had to check out. He was driving so we did! I would call Giddy Ups a saloon that is a little on the divey side. They have a small stage inside that has live music scheduled every day of the week. There is a nice outdoor covered patio with plenty of seating, shuffle board, washers and great conversation. The back patio area looks out over a pasture where you can enjoy the beautiful sunset. The bartender working was super nice and the beer was cold! The music was groovy - you really can't ask much more from a your local saloon! read more

See all

There was a time back in the old days in South Austin where you could just have a cold beer, meet your friends and talk shit. Oh SNAP, it's here at Giddy-up. Leave your LA attitude, hipster chic, designer cocktail bullshit at the door and have some fun. read more

Giddy Ups - South Austin still rocks - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

What a great local place to have a couple of beers or bourbons. They had some winter warmer drinks that were on the menu now, and the prices were great. I went three times during my four day trip to Austin. Live music on two of the nights. A separate area for smoking, a food truck outside, and lively folks inside. Made for a good way to top of the evening. read more

See all

I walked into this little gem of equal parts dive and neighborhood bar as well as concert venue over a decade ago and you may still find me there occasionally even though I live about 100 miles away in a small ghost town by now. With a history of over 65 years and doing business as Giddy Ups for over 20 years this is the last place in South Austin, where you may actually find true South Austinites, a special breed of down to earth folks, common people who have not yet been gentrified by the millennials and other new arrivals in this constantly growing town; simply people who still "refuse" to go North of the river. Originally a beer, wine and setup (you brought your own liquor) place, the bar has now be transformed into a full liquor bar, with top shelf whiskeys and other libations to make a stiff drink and still offering (now a bigger) variety of cold beer at reasonable prices. And in spite of some of the changes over the years, Giddy Ups has not lost any of its charms. Shuffleboard tourneys are still held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and even so very competitive, some of the masters of the board are more than willing to teach newcomers the science of sliding pucks and hangers. It's greatest asset is probably the big family sized "living room" as the owner loves to call it, the inside barroom with it's smallest big stage south of the river. And as Austin has a rich history in music so does Giddy Ups; I've seen anything from Punk, Jazz, Bluegrass and Rock'n'Roll to Blues and Country with a big emphasis on the latter. From bands that are just starting out to Grammy Award winners, this is a little piece of original honky tonk heaven that still exists in Austin or better in South Austin. With its weekly Open Mic (benefiting the local Blue Santa program) the bar also tries to encourage young bands and artists to get their stage experiences. There is more than one act that started there cutting their chops to now being in the big limelight with a national release under their belt. You never know who may walk into the bar, but you better walk into this bar to know this little place. read more

Giddy Ups - Texas Honky Tonk Heaven - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

The perfect dive bar for friends who travel with whiskey. Heads up - Giddy-Ups does setups, which means they only sell beer, wine, and soda. You bring the liquor, they sell the mixer. There is a killer jukebox, pool tables, and lovely tables outside with shade overlooking a grassy soccer field. The staff is tops. Live music. Real music fans in the customers. And a sassy staff who want to have a good time alongside their customers. In short, Giddy-Ups is a South Austin classic. read more

Looking for a Country Dive Bar in South South Austin?? How about Honky Tonkin' Good Times?!? Then Giddy Up and come down to Manchaca...LOL Yeah, originally we stopped in with some friends but since then we've become a couple of regulars...it's hard to find bars like these nowadays. Giddy Ups has a Full Bar...lots of Whiskey Choices, Ice cold beer, Wine, a Jukebox, and usually a Live Band most night! Must mention it's a Mixed Crowd here, so if you're looking for a particular type of crowd you'll prob just order one drink and leave...I've seen it happen...but oh well, won't interrupt my Drinking Schedule! What I like best is that it has an Open Air feel to it....Bar and tables inside, Shuffle board and covered outdoor seating in a Garage-like patio, and a Backyard with more tables and several Washer Pits. That right, Washer Pits!! None of that wooden cornhole BS!! Anyway, if you like playing Washers, they have a Singles Washer Tournament every Wednesdays with a $5 buy-in. Basically this could be that one Bar you've been searching for....but you won't know till you come Check It Out!! read more

What can I say about Giddyups? You'll either love it or you'll hate it. Frankly, I think it's great. My old maintenance man used to take me there. Ladies: Prepare to be hit on...mercilessly. Priceless pickup lines include "You sure do have purdy teeth." "Wanna feed my bird?" Oh! And then there was the gentleman who asked me out to luch. Right before introducing me to his wife. Ah, Giddyups... So take an escort. If you don't have a maintenance man handy, any old boy will do. Unless he's the popped collar type. This type tends to get shanked in the parking lot. In all seriousness, Giddyups is a great laid back spot to drink some beer, shoot some pool, smoke some cigarettes, and occassionally catch some great live music. read more

Giddy Ups - Out of focus shot...oddly appropriate being that it's a shot of Ted strummin' the guitar with an empty bottle of whiskey :) - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

I went here with some friends after a party down south and we stopped in for a drink. I had never been here and it is a small, old time bar and the band was pretty good. It was definitely an older crowd there but the drinks were good and not expensive and lots of people were dancing. They also have an outdoor seating area that had a good breeze and you can hear the music. Pretty fun place! When I checked in for Yelp I got a free drink as well! read more

Was in town visiting my friend and walked into the bar with the lead singer of the band rocking a flute! Yep, a flute and it was flutastic. Headed to the back room where the shuffleboard table was and after I waded through the fog of smoke, enjoyed a fun game with some locals. Beware though, not everyone plays shuffleboard by the same rules and fights along with hilarity may ensue. I walked out having a great time for very little money and with a pair of panties with "WHOA" on the butt. I would say it was a successful evening. read more

I'm not sure why there are all the positive reviews. This bar is VERY redneck-ish. I read all the reviews, and we decided to try it. I am Asian, and my boyfriend is tall and white. We walked in, and EVERYONE was staring at us, and in a not-very-friendly way. Everyone was white that I saw. We left shortly after, as the atmosphere was not welcoming at all. I love Indian Roller, and Moontower is fun too. I like other dive bars, but this one is *not* one of them. If you are a person of color, and I come from Southern California. I have found every other bar in Texas to be more welcoming than this one. read more

Oh wow, I totally know this place and it is -- and I do not say this lightly -- AWESOME. When I used to live south, we strolled in one night to find all sorts of controlled chaos going on, namely, some sort of in-house tattoo guy (Tattoo Mike, I think they called him) rolling out some sort of Pu Pu platter of instruments, murals, different "Mom" designs and so on. The place was littered with regulars the night we popped in, and though at first we were greeted with what I like to refer as the "small town gaze" (you're not from around here...are ya), the barkeep was perfectly friendly and the people-watching, as you can imagine, was top shelf. It's a complicated world we live in, but it sure is cool to boil things down to both the sublime (not to mention the ridiculous), now and then. read more

I was raised with a very Texas southern family but I will say this now. If you are in your 20's and 30's stay away. A friend and I stepped foot in this place last night and it was like an old western movie. Everyone in the bar stops and looks at you and the bartender does not serve you. I get it, the older crowd goes here. I love dive bars but this was a shack with angry older people. They were not happy we were in there at all. We ended up not getting a drink because the bartender would not even come over to us. She only talked to the people sitting at the bar and cleaned the bar. read more

Tired of feeling like Austin just...isn't what it used to be? This is the place to come if so. They make Austin great again!

For dive bars, this one has to be on your list. Lots of Manchaca (sp!) locals. Plenty of free parking. Not lots of seating or huge dance floor, so call it intimate. Expect cold beer even a few hipster selections and good selection of whiskey, upto and including MacCallen's read more

Do you like dive bars? I mean, are you a connoisseur of dive bars? If so, then allow me to introduce Giddy-Ups. This is the 1947 Château Cheval Blanc of dive bars. Note the brilliantly unconsidered design profoundly evocative of its South Austin terroir. A deep, sawdust-infused glimpse of some fundamental aspect of time and existence. Not for those with leaden tastes or a facile aesthetic. This is a shot of true South Austin, before all the shiny condos and Range Rovers moved in-- a flavor that is quickly becoming extinct and should be savored while it lasts. read more

Very enjoyable laid back dive bar with live music on occasion. I like the laid back atmosphere.

We came here on the recommendation of the fabulous karaoke man. I forgot his name, but he is an absolute doll. He's like the Robert Duvall of karaoke in Austin. He was working the room at Circle Country Club on a Friday, and told us to c'mon in to Giddy-Ups on a Sunday. And we did. Glowing neon beer lights, older crowd, smoky romances...it's just a good old-fashioned honky tonk. (Don't bring annoying California out-of-towners. They won't understand.) Now, I gotta say, $3.25 for a High Life is too rich for my taste. But, the bartender thought we were in a band because we all had matching plaid shirts? High five for that. The crowd appreciated our renditions of Tammy Wynette, the Toadies, and maybe Sheryl Crow? Not sure, memory got a little hazy after a certain hour. But the best part happened as we were leaving--a slightly butch woman grabbed me and made me two-step with her. Made me feel all special-like. I'll be back. read more

This is what one expects of DEEP SOUTH Austin. I went from 5 to 8pm on presidential inauguration pot luck. The beers are bottled only and not give-away, but the music, great crowd, parking, and sometimes food are free. Enjoyed the live music, agreeable rock for most/country flair. I'd say the Real America that people so often overlook. Pride in being respectable people who welcome and gather. read more

Absolutely love this bar, it makes me feel like such a Texan! Don't be put off by the bartenders, they are all sweethearts! Prices are right, live music is always enjoyable, pool tables, jukebox, HUGE outdoor area and they are dog-friendly! They will even let you light off fireworks in the way back during the 4th of July since they are technically out of Austin city limits. How cool is that? read more

This is the spot. Cheap drinks, great service, great music. A real South Austin gem.

These ladies are ON POINT! I'm new to giddy ups and I truly love this bar! Great service, good boos, hot bartenders (Rarita I love you).. I love the bartenders! Great bar! read more

Giddy Ups - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Have been here a few times now, after discovering over the summer and love this place. If you like live music, dancing, cheap beers and a great sunset, this is the spot. Grab a pop and head to the back patio and enjoy the Texas sunset while tossing some horseshoes or just relaxing. read more

This place is a dump crap hole. I would never step foot in here again. The bathrooms probally haven't been cleaned in 10 years. Also, the women's bathrooms have no doors on them. This place was also full of swingers and a really mixed crowd. read more

Had a blast at Giddy Up! Good fun and cold beer; Yee HawMackenzie Willox had some great songs to share read more

See all

I haven't been in many years, but when I did last visit they had a ping pong table and $1 beers that you pulled out of the troth yourself, nice touch I thought. If you ever down that far in south austin be sure to stop in for cheap beer and ping pong. read more

Best lil Honky Tonk bar to meet with your friends, have some drinks and listen to live music in South Austin! Nancy and the Bartenders are all fabulous! Love this place! read more

04/24/2016: Update I stopped going to Giddy-Ups a while back, after waiting for the sound system to improve. It's not horrible, but muddy on vocals. I can never quite make out what the singers are saying, and Austin is a singer/songwriter town where lyrics matter. I've offered to donate $100 toward a new sound system, but nothing changes. With superb sound rooms like Strange Brew doing fabulous business and charging a $6 cover for each 90 minute set, you'd think Giddy-Ups would take the hint. Sadly, no. ----- The regulars are friendly to a fault, and colorful. The owner (Nancy) groks traditional country music, and hires a mix of local kickers and consummate Austin pros like Jim Stringer and Teri Joyce. Located outside the clutch of Austin PC, smoking is still allowed. I really hate smoking, but it feels right at GiddyUps and has a nostalgic quality. I survived decades of second hand smoke so far... It's a little too far south on Manchaca Road to be convenient for most, but what isn't after the New Improved Your-High-Rise-Condo-Is-Waiting Austin? John Conquest booked a fine bunch of XSXSW bands into GiddyUps this year, and said we can expect more in 2012. If you needed a more credible reference than me... Sorry you missed out on Henry's in the early 90's? Ginny's took over for Henry's, until Sharon took over booking at Ginny's. Now, Giddy-Ups is as good as we're likely to see in Austin. Check the website schedule, and the price of gas. Giddy-Ups is often still worth the drive. PS: 4 stars is my highest rating. 5 is for the miraculous. read more

I had a great night at Giddy-Ups. It's a real local-yokel honky tonk, where every inch of the walls is lined with old license plates and neon beer signs. They have pool tables, shuffleboard, and live music. It's out in the middle of nowhere, but that's just another thing to love about it. read more

Giddy Ups - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all