Without hesitation, the BEST live music venue in a town baptized by "The Indie Gig". So, please, if you ever have a chance to catch a show here, skip it, because space is LIMITED and I'm prolly trying to score some tix, too. As an aside, Bill Murray seemed to be enthusiastic about this venue during the Band of Horses ACL aftershow, which is nice. read more

Its a crime that more road shows aren't booked there. It has by far the best sound in Austin as well as the most competent sound team. Its also a crime that since new management has taken over the prices at the bar have skyrocketed. Check your bartenders counts and make sure they don't use snowcone ice to pack you glass to the rim. read more

Over the past seven years I've seen almost too many shows to count at The Parish, dating back before the name change (nee The Mercury). One thing that has stayed constant is the caliber of talent the venue books (read: high) and the consistent exposure to the next big thing that might be rolling through town. Like so many of Austin's other premiere venues, The Parish is all about a well-worn comfortable ambiance. The space is wide open and friendly, with just a touch of the Cajun flavor that comes from sitting atop a Louisiana kitchen downstairs. Rumor was that the restaurant downstairs was closing as of this writing, supposedly to become a new and improved Louisiana restaurant. But no one's jacking with The Parish. Mostly because that wouldn't be progress. A great room. read more

I realized the other day that The Parish hasn't booked a band I've wanted to see in almost a year. Time to clean house. read more

This might be my favorite music venue is Austin. They don't oversell the venue and they have recently remodeled the interior. Place is gorgeous and there is an added bar near the back :) . You can find a wide variety of musical styles at this venue any week and I have yet to have a bad time here. The mixed drinks are a tad small, so I stick to beers. My tab has always been less than what I think it should be and the drinks are always quickly acquired no matter how packed the bar is. This venue has the best sound in Austin...and I really noticed this while seeing The Stanton Moore Trio a few weeks ago. Truly a gem in that part of dirty 6th.. read more

It is one of the very few places I will go see a band down in 6th Street. The venue is upstairs and not much seating. If you get there early, you can get a seat on the right side of the wall. There is a two bars, one main one in the back and a small one in the front. Bouncers are cool. Watch your step on those stairs! read more

The Parish is one of my favorite places to see a band play because it has a quiet, intimate atmosphere that allows you to make out the musician's face no matter where you stand. It also hosts Rock the Casbah, a quarterly 80s dance party that's quickly become an institution in Austin and is always fun. The problem for me with the Parish are the employees. I've had a handful of encounters with bartenders or doormen that leave me speechless. Most memorably, a doorman stamped my hand so hard that it physically hurt. Prior to stamping me, he had barked at me and continued to be similarly rude to my friends and other people in line. You'd get more bees with honey, dude. read more

I would have given 5 stars, but here's what went down: I just bought 4 delicious ice creams from a street vendor when the line started to move. The guy at the door made us throw out the ice creams, but we realized, after a few steps, that the girl in front of us still had hers. They get 4 stars for hosting NPR's all songs considered, for having a beautiful venue to view the show, and for the restaurant downstairs. I imagine that on a non-SXSW day, this is an amazing place to dance or see a concert. read more

I love The Parish. Really, this should be a five star review. Since I've lived in Austin I've seen three kick-ass shows here - Little Joy, Vic Chesnutt, and an amazing, amazing night with Jonathan Richman. There isn't a bad spot in the room. Amazing sight lines. Really good sound. Great acts. My gripe, and my reason for deducting a star, is that not only are the drinks RIDICULOUSLY OVERPRICED ($6 for a Tito's and soda?), but the bartenders are terrible. They put no effort into their jobs and are rude. I get that they aren't responsible for the prices, but damn! Could it hurt them to be nice and give good service? As I write this and think about the bad service I've gotten there, I'm thinking about deducting another star. I'm not going to, though, because the three shows I've seen at The Parish have been magical, lovely experiences. I'll see a show there any time, but perhaps I'll drink elsewhere before the show and tip bartenders that are worth tipping. read more

Sparse would be my description, but who cares as long as the music is good. Don't expect fancy drinks from the bar. Bartender isn't set up for that. This doesn't distract from the experience. You aren't coming here for an umbrella in your drink anyway. No wine either. Not even Sutter Home! Word of caution: I would hate to be plastered and try to take those stairs! read more

I've always had a good time here, so I'm going to give it four stars. They book some cool music and I've gotten introduced to some great music that I would have otherwise missed. One time I was at a performance by a man named Charlie Hunter. I kept looking around for a bass player. After looking closer, I realized that he had this funky instrument that allowed him to play bass and guitar at the same time! Awesome Possum! read more

Boo. This place has sucked since it ceased being the Mercury and became the Parish. Way inflated cover prices, over priced drinks, terrible Door People, awful bar tenders. Bad management read more

The Parish is hands down one of the BEST venues in Austin for live music, not that we have a lot of worthy clubs to chose from to begin with. Unlike most other Austin options, The Parish is a true venue with a quality sound system, great promotions, amazing shows, truly professional management and a real kick ass bar!! You won't find the "attitude" you find at most other Austin venues, especially those located in the Red River District, The Parish is plain and simple a GREAT VENUE. In the last year they have been able to draw some amazing acts and have filled the medium capacity role in Austin for national and international act. With Stubbs obviously taking the bigger shows, The Parish offers bands and acts a place to play with a good draw, quality room and great sound. If you find out one of your favorite bands is playing here then you need to get your butt in gear and buy tickets ASAP as this place sells out with almost every show. Additionally, this is a great venue to see you favorite band in, you can get close to the action, hear a great set and you will NOT be disappointed. PLUS, you have Roux downstairs for dinner before the show, how can you really beat that? read more

Intimate setting, with great sound. What more could you want from a music venue. Not too crowded, and no awkward spots that limit viewing. If you come early even some comfortable spots to sit against the wall. The bartenders were friendly and the service was good. Better yet, clean bathrooms that were well lit. read more

Parish - Music Venues Near Me - Austin, Texas

The Parish is very impressive in the bands that they book. I think every show I have seen here has been sold out. The upstairs is cozy, the stage isn't very big so this is really a bargain in the sense that you can see some amazing stuff up close and personal. This, however, is the only bargain because sheesh their drinks are expensive!! I know they are in prime real estate being on 6th but do you really have to charge $16 for a double shot of Jameson???? Tip: get your drink on before coming here, then enjoy the music that they book. read more

The Shout Out Louds/ NIco Vega This venue is super cool. The sound quality is well balanced and the acts that come through are top notch. However there are the roadshows and there are the rest of the week's "attractions". Mostly it's just dance parties when it's not a roadshow. I have not been to any dance parties since the Electric Daisy Carnival Mostly cause raves are so last decade and, I am sad to say...I am too old to dance. I pretty much threw my knee out doing the souja boi at Friends a couple of months ago and I learned my lesson. For the record: it's not anything except funny and awkward to see a 30-something yr old man in a sports coat do the soulja boi. Yes I can still pick up the dance moves, but my body doesn't cooperate. My knees didn't like the years of soccer nor did they like the break dancing that I did at the inception of rap. (I was pop locking to the sugar hill gang in my parent's garage when I was 8 and I didn't lose interest in hip hop until I found punk and the new wave in the mid 80's.) DJ Exceed is a friend of mine and he keeps inviting me to his drum and bass rave parties here that I have no interest in attending. I hear he is the best, no shit. I have known him since he was still in high school. But that's something else. What makes a venue? I know that the Parish room is a good place to listen to music. The sound system is exceptional. The bar rails are good to have and they give the room definition. The seating is awkward, out of scale and in need of some space planning. The bar tenders are nice, and they know how to make some stiff drinks. It always helps to tip well. The bands I saw were excellent. If you haven't heard of them, check them out. You might just score some cool points. This is definitely a place to watch for up and coming acts. read more

Hmm, I'm having second thoughts about luving this place! Why I still love you: This place has a knack for pulling awesome acts before they get too big for their britches and gives you a chance to see 'em all up close and personal like I did this past Sunday. Why I'm starting to have my doubts: I bought two well drinks and two premium shots and my bar tab was: $26!!! Cue the freakin' gasps, pleez! Yes, I realize these are tough economic times. And I acknowledge the fact that people turn to the bottle in times of struggle. But, NEVER before have I seen the evils of the damn supply and demand curve like I did that night. Stop drinking so much, people! I want my $4 wells back!!! read more

The Parish is an all-around great venue to see music. Not a huge space, but that makes the sound better and the feeling more personal. Plenty of bar space, never hated to wait long for a drink. Bar tenders were friendly. Really, it's all about the sound and this place sounds good. Definitely worth visiting if you're interested in the band! read more

Sometimes I mess up and still call it the Mercury. On my ranking of music venues in Austin, this ranks pretty highly. The setting is usually weather-proof (unlike Emo's), the bolster seating running along the edge is a nice respite at more mellow events, and the crowd never seems too terrible. For some reason, though, I just avoid the bar. Maybe it's because I drink less and less these days, but it looks serviceable. If you're a photographer/blogger, the lights in the club and the stage background usually make for excellent shots. And even if you show up late and end up with a spot in the middle of the club, you can always waltz over to the restroom and spend sometime rubbernecking in the no-standing zone along the side of the stage. read more

This is probably my favorite venue in town. I'm probably being a little premature on this because I haven't been to a ton of venues, but this is where I've had the best experience. I went to a sold out show here a while back. Being sold out, I figured the place was going to be crowded and I'd have to slide up against the wall and maneuver my way between people to get a good spot. This was not the case. The place seemed to only be about half full. I could stand where ever I wanted. I stood pretty close to the stage and luckily the sound guy got it right and didn't blast the music so loud that the lyrics became incoherent. The only problem with this place is that it's a little hard to find. Just make sure you memorize the address before you go looking for it. Don't plan on getting any drinks in this place though. You'll be standing in line for an hour. read more

One of my favorite Austin Venues. Its well-hidden amongst the forgettable clubs and bars on 6th, but once you get upstairs, its perfect. The high ceilings make it seem roomy. Even when the crowd packs in, it never feels claustrophobic. The lightening and sound are great, and I'd love to hang-out with the person that does their booking. The line-up never disappoints, although shows sell-out. Just watch out for the dewar's and lonestar special. 4 dollars seems like a great deal for a beer and shot but, believe me, you'll pay for it later. read more

I want to recommend the 80s night that they do every couple of months. With Polyesthers a distant memory, dancing in a club to 80s music is tough to do in Austin. The DJ played a nice mix, and the crowd was almost all dancing the whole night. I agree with the comments that the drinks are seriosuly overpriced. It was 50 degrees outside but it was way too hot inside. Otherwise, this ranks up there with going to see the Spazmatics as one of the best dance parties in town. read more

I'm embarassed to say that I visited The Parish for the first time just tonight. My hopes were high...and it definitely met my expectations. It might have been the amazing parking spot we landed immediately out front...or the private Jenny Lewis show...but I thought it was fabulous. Super intimate but not claustrophobic, it was absolutely one of the better music venues in Austin. I could actually see Jenny's face, get a drink within a couple of minutes AND hear my friends talking, all in one little music hall on Sixth Street. Can't wait til I have an excuse to go back. read more

Saw a band from back home here and another local band that I love. I tried to call all day to see what time they went on so I didn't have to sit through the opening band, but I could never get through. My only other comment about the place is that it was FREEZING inside. We went next door to warm up and wait for the bands that we wanted to see. by the time we went back in it wasn't as icey inside so it made it more enjoyable. read more

What's not to like about this place? It is an excellent sounding room, the staff is full of veterans of the music scene, and I just get a great vibe from the room when it is full. When it is empty it is a bit cavernous and awkward because it is an extremely intimate space, but I say, "Lets get weird!" Upon browsing room's website, and I inevitably notice that an artist that I would like to catch is coming to play the Parish Room, I start high-fiving the person next to me!! You just know that it is going to be a night that you can see the full potential of an act! And if an act can't put on a good show, here in Austin, Texas, at the Parish Room, then I know they just cant do it at all. I also really like the closed off 6th street on the weekends. The chaos is convenient for after-show stumbling. If there's one bad thing that I can think of, it would be that it gets very hot at a sold out dance party in the summertime. I've had to take extended "air" breaks at many shows here. Is that even a bad thing? I danced so hard in Texas that I had to stop? I didn't think so. read more

It is an intimate setting with fine acoustics. The biggest problem is the heat. Its 35 degrees outside, and near the stage I could not breathe the air is so thick and warm. The fans are all in the back of the room, and do not touch the stage area. I actually felt bad for Pete Yorn tonight, I had several times I wondered if he was going to pass out. Again, love the small venue. Perhaps work on the air movement in that place and less focus on how loud the music is, more focus on sound quality. The bartenders were attentive and snappy, the staff was helpful, although every time I walked by an employee I could see the glow of their cell phones. I would probably whoop some tail if I owned this venue. Way too much disinterest in the door staff. Not sure I would avoid this venue, I would try it out for sure. Just hang to the back so you stay comfy! read more

I used to love this venue, BUT seriously the music has recently been nothing short of bad 6th Street music, drink prices are high, pours are weaksauce, and cover always seems to be on the high side for shows compared to other venues in town. And I have to say, service is not the greatest there. Last time I was there, a freakishly tall d-bag, who kept claiming he was the GM, would not stop hitting on these girls who looked to be about 16. Meanwhile I waited at the bar for 15 minutes to get a drink before giving up. Come on, if anyone is going to step up to make sure people get a drink, shouldn't it be the supposed GM? Maybe it wasn't, but going to a bar and not getting a drink is pretty bad service. It also used to have a lot of personality with the old decor (miss the laterns and old wooden planks on the walls), but now the whole place looks contrived. And although I really like the lights, sometimes it's a bit overkill and they seem to have tech issues with their sound, which was one of the best reasons to go there. But I'll give it some credit (which is why I didn't give it 1 star)...it actually did seem like the vibe was getting cool for awhile even with the new decor...seemed more like Red River venues. Actually had one of my best nights last year at their free SXSW party with Solid Gold and Turbo Fruits among others. But not sure what happened with that...now it just seems like douche central the last time I went there. I guess sitting on top of Bikinis rubbed off on them. Save your money, listen to music worth listening to, and run as fast as possible to Red River where you can actually see some good bands. read more

So here's the thing. The Parish has some of the best mixed sound in the city. They've also gussied the place up since last I've been there- red curtains, dimly lit chandeliers, the works. It's the sort of southern gothic, antebellum True Blood atmosphere that Young America apparently craves. As far as drinks go, this ain't Emo's, but prices are still pretty reasonable, and ticket prices generally don't get much higher than $10-15. All in all, this is a rock-solid, great sounding club in a part of town known mostly for bro vomit and toothless hobos. BUT. QUIT SHINING THOSE GODDAMN LIGHTS IN MY MOTHER-EFFING FACE. Yes, your new lights are very pretty, and yes, I'm sure they cost you a lot of money. But if I wanted 500 watts aimed directly at my retinas I'd have worked my ass off to get up on that stage. read more

We came here on free week and saw A Silent Film and The Tontons. It was all free! Also the bartenders are pretty quick with getting your drinks. The sound system was nice and not super crowded. Limited seating areas. The drink prices are so much cheaper than in California. I had a great time! read more

I tend to go more for the music than the drinks. Lately their electro line-ups have been great and a lot of my friends have enjoyed shows there as well. Some big names, some small names, and their set-up is inviting. The only problem is that a lot of their shows are "all-ages," which can be a little annoying especially if a frat-daddy just yells all the time or the kids that dress like Ashton Kutcher just get in trouble for not knowing how to smoke dope without getting caught. read more

Wednesday night was the first time I had ever been to The Parish, ever. I know bars tend to change their owner/look/name frequently, so I knew nothing of what it used to be. Since it is located on "dirty" 6th, I had no expectations. My thoughts? Impressive! I attended the Austin Convention and Visitor's Bureau 10th Annual CD Release par-tay at this venue. They couldn't of picked a more perfect place. The party's color theme was red and black, and guess what? The Parish's color theme was/is red and black! Coincidence? I think not. The drinks were a bit expensive for the size, but I chose not drink that night, so I guess I can't place too much judgment (maybe they were extra stout). The bar staff was friendly. The bathrooms were clean, even though NONE of the stall doors could close properly. Overall, I give The Parish 4 out of 5 stars. read more

Went to see David Ramirez at the Parish last night. My first time at the Parish. I love David Ramirez but the venue was less than desirable. Bar is so close to the stage that half the time I'm hearing David and the other half I'm hearing people at the bar talking. Hard to really enjoy the great music. Also a statement of the people going to concerts...if you go, shut up and enjoy the music. Otherwise, go outside. read more

Went here to see Madison Beer in concert for the As She Pleases Tour. The venue is awesome and the sound quality is great!

In all honesty, it makes me really sad to write this review, because for the longest time the Parish had been my favorite music venue in town. After the way I was treated last night, it is unlikely I will walk through those doors again. And the sad thing is, this is the second time something like this has happened to us at the Parish. We had a good time hanging out with friends and having a couple of beers. About an hour and a half into our night we decided to leave because I wasn't feeling all that well. My husband went to close out his tab with the female bartender who had been helping us all night. For some reason, she sent the owner over who told us we had already closed our tab with him (He never asked us our name or even cared to look for our tab, mind you). We tried to explain to him that we hadn't closed out and that they still had our id. Yet again, he didn't ask our name or even look for the tab, and proceeded to raise his voice and say he was 100% sure we did close our tab and he is the owner and therefore always right. Well, we can't drive home without a license so we had to argue with him to look for our tab. Instead of looking for it, he wasted everyone's time by going through all the signed tabs for the night to prove how right he was. When he brought a signed tab over to us, we pointed out that wasn't our name. Again, he never asked what our name was. And when I tried to clarify what our name was, he said in a raised aggressive voice "I'm not talking to you. Only him". (This is when the "Flavor of Love girl" attitude came out of me and I actually put my hand in his face, turned my head and walked off.) Luckily the female bartender who helped us the whole time, found our tab and closed us out. Once the owner realized his mistake, he comped our tab. I appreciate the gesture, but a couple of free Miller Lite's was not worth the unnecessary argument and treatment we received. I can just catch DJ Mel at Beauty Bar, thanks. *Note: If there was a way for me to support the artists without contributing to the pocketbook of this particular owner, I would come back here. I just haven't figured out how to do that yet. read more

Normally, I try to stay away from East 6th Street unless I want to see a bunch of drunk 17 year old girls wearing next to nothing or I'm looking to get my ass kicked by a group of adderall'd up frat boys. But when I found out that Gomez was playing here last Saturday night, I was willing to risk the latter and hoping to see the former. The Parish and restaurant below it (Roux) are doing up the whole cajun-New-Orleans thing - something I can get behind seeing as New Orleans is the only place within driving distance of the Austin area that's worth a damn. Now for a band this great and a venue this size, I walked in expecting the worst: long drink and bathroom lines, uncomfortable stuffiness 30 minutes into the show, and nuts-to-butts conditions anywhere within 40 feet of the stage. Instead, we walked in 30 minutes before headliners came on and were able to get within spitting distance of the lead singer (which is important, particularly when a band you paid $30 to see decides to 'mail it in'...) Even though the place had been sold out for over a week before the show, there was never more than a 3 minute wait to get a beer, and zero lines for the bathrooms. Even more amazing was the ease in which we could leave a spot right in front of the stage and then return. They could have easily stuffed 50-100 more people in there. But instead of going for the almighty dollar, the Parish creates an awesome atomosphere that's extremely comfortable for a sold out show. I can't wait for an opportunity to go back. But before I do so, I hope that they do something about the floor. Gomez has a number of songs that make everyone in the crowd (even a non-dancer like myself) jump up and down in unison. Everytime this happened, I could feel the ground beneath me sag and bow at least an inch or two. Now maybe it was partly due to the haze of marijuana smoke surrounding me, but knowing that the ceilings at Roux are at least 20 feet high, I was getting pretty paranoid. Poorly constructed floors just haven't been good to The Chosen People in recent history. read more

It's the perfect setting for a junior high Sadie Hawkins dance -- if you like barns and square dancing. Just missing the bales of hay and smell of cow manure (that's where Zilker Park has one upped you -- ACL and Dillo Dirt, a new Austin tradition). read more

The staff at the door were very rude. They give no flying .. about you. I was treated very inhumane by the door guy just because I had special needs. read more

Probably my favorite small indoor concert venue in Austin. It holds about 600 people, the sound is usually spectacular, and they have a decent selection of reasonably priced local beers. Most crowds here are respectful to the artists, in direct contrast to the social hour at Stubb's. I love the black walls and chandelier lighting. If you need to sit down, there's seating along one wall, although it's often full. There are a couple pillars that can block views in certain places, and yeah it's on 6th street, which is a pain - but other than that, 5 stars. read more

Pretty good venue with great sound/acoustics. great beer options, lots of great acts come through the doors and its located on dirty sixth. a couple of things to point out, directly across the bar on the long wall- this is not seating its a slanted slippery surface, don't fall. also the bathroom doors push in, no you didn't hit someone. read more

If dirty sixth is a desert of depravity, a real time Sodom, this my friends, is the oasis. They are your friends, not like the others. I have not had a bad time here yet. The bar is stocked well enough and won't rob you blind and the shows have been good. The dance floor is large enough, the bathrooms clean (for a bar), and the average frat tool is in sparse supply. read more