I've been a semi-regular here ever since The Little Elmore Reed Blues Band moved their Monday night residency from T.C.'s to The Legendary White Swan, which became King Bee Lounge a year ago. The music is kickin', the cocktails are excellent, and the food is great--everything you could want in a neighborhood hideout. The cocktails are good enough that even in the service industry, King Bee has been building a reputation as a place to hang and a place where the bartenders will take care of you. But that's not my area of expertise, and so I digress. I come here for the music and the pizza, and upon those two hang all four stars I award King Bee, and they are richly deserved. The pizza is great--you can't go wrong with any of the options. I love the supremely chewy crust that paces your eating and helps you enjoy your food, drink, and music. The pizza is also served super fresh and hot, so don't dive in right away. The music is one of the best places in Austin to catch true professional blues musicians at their finest (justifying the $5 cover). Several lifetimes' experience in the blues combine to form The Little Elmore Reed Blues Band, which even brings guest artists to their Monday night residency, including local vocal stalwart Mac MacIntosh, whose rendition of Whiskey Drinkin' Woman will make you wish you had a slow dancing partner if you didn't already. Speaking of dancing, that's what I do at the King Bee Lounge. There's some space there for comfortable dancing, and if it gets crowded, well, that's what close embrace blues dancing is all about. If more space is needed, you can always decamp for the upper bar floor where the floor is also a little smoother. These musicians know their craft and are constantly honing their sound and ensembleship--truly inspirational artists. I'll leave you with one caveat: I wear earplugs when dancing because the dance space can be rather close to the speakers or the band. But if you love the blues, that won't matter one way or the other. Come see the continuing legacy of Austin blues, the roots of Austin's claim to the live music capital of the world! read more

Awesome neighborhood bar with fantastic cocktail and pizza that will blow your mind. The owners are really friendly and also super knowledgeable about Mezcal... they managed to fix me up with a drink I actually liked, having consumed too many cheap, overly-smokey Mezcal drinks in the Midwest. Their cocktails are so good and fairly priced for what they are. Good beer selection, too. But seriously, the pizza... it's so good, I feel like it shouldn't be allowed. The crust is just perfectly chewy, while also crackley. The sauce... the toppings... Oh man. I don't eat meat, and the vegetarian pies seem really well-considered, definitely not a cheese-and-whatever afterthought. I love this place. Just be careful when you first walk in, because it's extremely dark (moody!) and you can't see anything. read more

What in the hell is wrong with YOU PEOPLE? Whenever I attend it is pretty empty, but should be full. The bar is excellent with craft taps and craft cocktails and a barkeep/owner who knows his stuff and is very personable. The pizza is outstanding: dough & sauce made from scratch onsite every day, and I don't know of a better pizza available in a bar that is this good; the pizza is good enough to go there just for the pizza, even in this food-mad down saturated with artisan pizzas. And they make a point of serving pizza until very late, to accommodate folks getting off work past the closing times of most good food options. The comedy nights (if they still have) are fun, and I don't much even like standup comedy. The geometry of the facility make it perhaps Austin's best musical venue for its size. The room divides into two part, with "the front, which houses the bar and tables, raised a step above "the back", which houses the performance space and more tables. Thus folks furthest away from the performers have a favorable vantage point. Compare it to, for example, the Elephant Room downtown, which is just awful in its geometric layout in terms of presenting live music, and you will instantly appreciate the geometry of this place! The venue is something of a legend in the "real East Side" in which I grew up, with shootings and knifings over the decades when it was a BYOB juke joint, the notorious "White Swan", with illegal dice and card game gambling in the back, where the performance space now resides. Get your assess down there and and give just one try, and I'm sure that you'll join me as a regular and keep this fantastic resource afloat. The owners are a married couple who live down the street on the East Side, and they work there every day. read more

Well-made cocktails? Check. Friendly bartender? Check. Tasty food, served late? Check. Pleasant atmosphere? Check. Blues on Mondays? Check. Great movies on the T.V.s? Check. Good jukebox? Check. I'm picky, and I really like this place. You should go. read more

I like this place. I like the corn hole and the Jazz band. I like the pizza. This is a great layout. read more

This bar is everything. Everything is done with love and authenticity. The pizza is so good (choosing between pesto and tomato sauce is the hardest thing), the cocktails are better than anything I ever deserve having (love that damn gin and jam omg), there is a good mescal selection, beer taps with local picks from blue owl and others, live jazz, always fun throwback fare on the tv behind the bar. A great fancy drink first date spot or a place to just drink a lonestar and smoke a cigarette on the patio after a long day. It's no accident how badass this place is though; Billy and Colette pour their sweet hearts into every aspect of the place and it shows. Love it, you should go, but be nice. read more

King Bee is such a gem on the east side! Delicious pizza, and excellent service. Our bartender Gus was so accommodating and created the perfect cocktails for us (not on the menu!) based on our preferences. We really appreciated how warm and welcoming he was and we will definitely be making this a regular stop on our weekends off. Thank you Gus and King Bee! read more

I loooooooove this place. The owners are great and have lots of entertaining stories from their years in the service industry. The drinks are interesting and well crafted, and the pizza is fantastic. This is our new Sunday hangout, I'll see you there. :) read more

So I don't really understand how it is possible to give this place anything other than a five-star review. It's a super chill, out-of-the-way, calm dive bar. I don't buy the argument that it's too "expensive" for a dive bar. For Austin-- and especially the new East Austin craze-- this place has cheaper cocktails than places with comparable quality. The cocktails are on par with-- if not cheaper than-- Whisler's, and the place is no where near as crowded. Plus, while Thai-Kun is great bar food for Whisler's, the pizzas at King Bee's are nothing short of spectacular. I believe someone said it before-- it's worth just getting take out pizza from here. It's that good. However, if you also want a drink or two, drop by. Billy is a great guy who really, really knows his stuff. And, as everyone has said before, try the Frozen Bee's Knees. Your life will never be the same. Really. read more

Best neighborhood dive bar in Austin. Cocktails are amazing, and they also serve some hella good pizza. But it's a secret. Let's keep it that way. read more

Billy and Collete are what make this place great. They are both super friendly and awesome hosts. They know how to treat people right. The pizza here is absolutely incredible. The crust is delicious with a crisp outside, chewy inside that makes me want more and more. Flavor profiles are fresh and complex and all options are super high quality from scratch. read more

Best bar in Austin. This is THE best bar in austin. Dark and divey. Thoughtful, expertly-made craft cocktails. Huge mezcal selection. High-end, quality frozen drinks (2 options). Friendly, knowledgable service - the husband/wife duo behind the bar are a great team. Under-rated, delicious gourmet pizzas by the pie. Live blues on Monday nights. Righteous, soulful jukebox. In a sketchy neighborhood that is up-and-coming. read more

Never leave reviews but I will out their pizza up against any in Austin. We had the Nola w a mountain of meat. Quite possibly the perfect pie. Chewy but firm crust, amazing toppings and just the right amount of cheese. read more

4.5 out of 5.0. I'm so glad we stumbled upon this place when we moved to East Austin a few months ago. I've never really liked the drink, bees knees, but I swear the frozen bees knees at King Bee Lounge is so addictive! I literally gulp it down faster than I can even drink a glass of water! Check this place out of you haven't yet. Amazing cocktails, the owners are the sweetest and they have great pizza! read more

King Bee Lounge is not a dive bar. While the frozen Bees Knees is delicious, I wouldn't say that a dive bar has a cocktail that costs that much - maybe if it was in a big plastic cup. The pictures of it are elsewhere on yelp reviews. My not having seen them prior, I was not expecting a girly presentation after hearing that this was a dive bar with good frozen drinks. Atmosphere is cool with a big patio out back and perfectly cold air conditioning inside. The BARTENDERS are AWESOME; top notch and they will make you an amazing drink. So while not a cheap dive bar (as some were saying it would be) it is definitely a good spot to bring a date or hang out with friends, just not if you're on a budget. Definitely go here. It's a good time! read more

Great pizza, good drinks, and really good live music on Mondays. read more

King Bee Lounge - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Frozen Bee's Knees is the best cocktail I've had in Austin hands down. Never had the pizza but it always smells great when I come in. Old fashioned vibe gives it a unique and relaxed feel. read more

I watched Hellraiser here and had some unbelievable cocktails. Amazing people! Amazing local chill bar!

The best smell eva- and the best pizza eva to go with the smell. Very friendly establishment and extremely knowledgeable staff! Go there now! read more

Awesome, bathrooms clean, smells good , pizza good af. Old guy at bar is knowladgable af and hot if you're over 35.

Although the drink prices at King Bee are a little up there, it's one of those spots that has it together and really does a good job at crafting their drinks. I've come a handful of times and it's always been quiet and a nice place to go when I just want a low-key kind of night. Last time I went, I tried the Tequila Sunset (substituted Mescal for the tequila) and it was honestly one of the best drinks I've ever had. They also offer pizza which I've heard is amazing, but have yet to try myself. Their prices are a little bit on the steep side (think $25 for 2 drinks) but I'd still highly - 8.5/ 10 - recommend this place ! read more

I crave this pizza. Twice in the past few months I have gone back-to-back nights for this pizza. It is my favorite cocktail + pizza place. Excellent juke box. read more

We were finally able to check out this little gem. They have a large but intimate space with plenty of couches and candles with the lighting low enough to afford you and your date some privacy. The bartenders (I believe one was the owner) were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Additionally, their cocktails were seriously top-notch. Easily on par with Whistler's. We sampled three of their signature cocktails and a rye old fashioned. All were stunning. Also, they have the most extensive mezcal selection I've seen in town. We did not try the pizza on this trip but we will be back soon to rectify that mistake. I think we found our new cocktail spot. read more

Legendary White Swan Is No Mas (I will miss the memories at that place hello Inappropriate T-shirt Party 2012) but from the ashes of a definite dive bar comes a new kind of dive, perhaps we shall call it the new Queen Bee. Or rather, King Bee. Here's the thing. They have this "signature" cocktail called the Bee's Knees. It is sweet, there will be a purple flower in it, you will swear to God an actual swarm of bees will probably come flying all up into your beverage because it reeks such glorious beauty and sweetness that surely they would fly from lands far away to collect the nectar of such perfection. In reality, it is some sort of honey liquor. But don't let this seemingly mundane detail deter you. This drink is more powerful and addictive than heroin, Facebook, cell phones, Girl Scout cookies, pumpkin spice lattes (yuck) AND crack combined. You will have it and love it, and then you will be folding laundry or taking out the trash days later and a sudden craving will hit you for it and you will break out into a cold sweat and realize you need a Bee's Knees. Now. Perhaps you think this is just a bunch of hyperbole. Well let me ask you this. Do you like pizza? Is pizza really like sex in the sense that no matter when its bad it is still good? If you say yes to any of that then you need to know that the owners of King Bee hauled in a massive pizza oven and carved out a kitchen into this former Legendary White Swan kitchen-less space. Yep, they moved the front stage, created a bar that is handily right next to a pizza oven that cranks out not just your average pepperoni (still available) but pizza with more flair (pesto, goat cheese and sausage) just like the awesome cocktails coming from the bar. What more does a bar with amazing pizza and cocktails need?? Patrons. There are still other things to entice you to come here. Like Little Elmore Reed blues band still plays on Mondays in the newly built stage in the back. There is still a massive backyard patio area. But the area is such where you need to lock up tight and watch your back. Which may be why the nightlife scene isn't as thriving as one would expect this close to downtown. Which also may be why people who hate gentrification criticize the types of transformations this place represents creating a sort of stale bubble around the demonstration of such. But don't let this keep you away from the amazingness that waits behind the doors of King Bee. King Bee Lounge is a stand out amongst the craft cocktail scene of Austin in that they do it right and still manage to keep that classic dive bar feel in the process. I feel like this place has the touch. It's truly the Bee's Knees. read more

there is a lit lot across the street for parking, they sell some fine pizza, have frozen drinks, have a good beer selection and lotion in the bathrooms. classy as fuck. dimly lit with lots of intimate areas. there is also an outdoor patio out back with citronella candles and plenty of seating throughout. great place to catch a show, in my visit i went to go catch some stand up. heads up, some places the ceiling is low, if you are above average tall watch out. read more

King Bee Lounge - Pesto, goat cheese, tomato pizza - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

This spot is a hidden gem in East Austin. Dark, cozy, perfect. I've been there with a large group and I've been there with just my dude. It's great for either occasion. Creative cocktails, good beer selection, and surprisingly decent pizza. The ladies room has cedar stalls and smells divine and yo, if you forgot your 'pons, they've got you covered. I also like the addition of a hand lotion dispenser next to the soap and I'm pretty sure it's Burt's Bees. FANCY! If you still think 12th and Chicon is "scary" you obviously haven't been over to this part of town in a while. Guys, it's totally fine. But if you're still not sure, it's ok, you can go to your regular spot and I'll make this mine. read more

This place is great. I don't come here nearly as often as I should, but it's a great low-key place to enjoy a conversation. I've had a few mezcals here and some bourbon, but I'm usually a beer drinker. They have a few revolving taps but it doesn't seem to be their thing, no big deal. The pizza and ambiance is definitely what sets it apart though. The kitchen is kinda small/hidden, and aside from stumbling across a menu strewn on the bar, you'd never even know they served pizza aside from the to-go boxes stashed up one of the walls. It usually comes out really quickly (~10 mins) and is pretty damn amazing. The owners are great and welcoming, gotta try and make it to an event night if they still have them. read more

If you're looking for a place to sip and chill, this is it. The drinks are beautifully delicious. The scene is low key and intimate. It's a great place to enjoy drinks and pizza while still being able to have a conversation with someone without yelling over the music. It's an ideal fit for hanging out with a date/companion that you'd like to get to know better. I went in on a Saturday night, and the staff was very attentive. I'll surely return for their signature Frozen Bee's Knees drink. It was so good! read more

I like this place a lot. They have good music and the cocktails are great. They somehow manage to be both fancy and kind of divey. I went for a recent blues festival and had a great time. read more

The pizza was amazing and the drinks were great too! Loved the gin and jam. The only only reason I'm not giving it five stars is because my boyfriend and I were really cold in there - they definitely should've had the heat on more! read more

Very cool place but I remember as a kid it was a bad area and it still kinda is.. these trendy austin people in what used to be the hood is weird to me, p.s I'm not one of them I like my beer and they only had local brews, granted there not bad I just prefer my everyday beer. Their signature drink is on point tho I must say.(didn't feel much like a man drinking it but it was good) read more

We randomly walked into King Bee on a quiet Tuesday night thinking we would have one drink and leave. That turned into us hanging out with the awesome owners for four hours drinking delicious cocktails. Highly recommend King Bee if you're in the neighborhood. I had a top notch dirty vodka martini and some tasty Austin beer. Billy and Colette are super nice people who told us all about the history of the neighborhood and area. Go to King Bee! read more

So I have been there now 3days in a row. This place has my second favorite drink in Austin. The frozen bees knee. Its amazing. I have not had the pizza just the drinks. Three of them will upset your stomach but for someone who does not drink gin. I'm a huge fan. Glad I only live a couple blocks away. Also they have a great patio for dogs. read more

The drinks are to die for. The frozen bees knees is unparalleled. The pizza will knock your socks off as well. The only drawback is the atmosphere is kinda meh. Pretty dingy inside and I love a dingy dive bar but it's a bit too dark. The patio is okay--it's definitely got potential but not quite there yet. But because the drinks, food, and owners are so awesome, I keep coming back. read more

They had some amazing drinks, especially the 'bee's knees' which is a gin, lemon and local honey frozen together in a margarita style drink. Fucking amazing. It lives up to its name for sure. Went on a Wednesday and it was also comedy night, what???? read more

I've been going to this bar for years. I've had a lot of good times and this will be my last time to frequent it. The bartenders were rude continuously to my entire group of friends. I only recommended it because they were staying close by. It was their wedding weekend and I was super embarrassed to have recommended a place with such shitty service to visiting customers. read more

I can't get enough of this place. The nicest people serving fantastic drinks plus some of the best pizza I've had in Austin. Doesn't get much better than that! read more

The overall ambience of the spot is comfortable. I really enjoyed the lighting. The prices were decent, I had a Frozen Bees Knees and a Gin and Jam, both fantastic. The part that turned it all around for me was the 4in roach that crawled across my face and the monotone "I'm sorry" from the bar back. After that she proceeded to kill the roach inches from my pizza! If you enjoyed the movie Joe's Apartment you'll love King Bee. read more

Shabby chic divey at 12th and Chicon. The hype talk of the Bee's Knees drink is no lie. Let that alone thrwart any hesitance of hitting up this little bar in the heart of Austins East Side. Pizza was yummy with plenty of toppings and a really good crust. Good Jukebox, plenty of room to lounge about. A happy hour menu would be a fantastic addition. read more

Cool dive bar on the east side. New to us. Checked them out on a Tuesday. Met the owner. Really down to earth and attentive. Great vibe. Delicious drinks. Delicious pizza. Prices are reasonable. Strong recommendation. Stop by and keep the east side flourishing. read more