Check your Austin hipster-self at the door when you come on in the 04 Lounge. Ain't none of that fancy-schmancy atmosphere in here, just true, total dive bar non-glitz. A killer jukebox, coupla pool tables, mismatched tables and chairs, and a ladies room that has enough coats a red paint on the walls to make you feel like you're powderin' your nose in a New Orleans brothel. The odor of old cigarette smoke still adorns the dark-paneled (perfect) walls, and the clientele is true 04 neighborhood folk, laughing, playing pool and not being pretentious in the least. The bartender serves up a good, stiff cocktail along with a great big smile and friendly conversation, too, so what's not to like? True dive-bar style, too, is there's no kitchen in the joint, but if you get hungry you can fill your gob at El Borrego de Oro just down the street, another divey spot on the corner of S.Congress and Ben White (simply scrumptious Mexican fare to soak up the stiff drinks). read more

I live up in Hyde Park (potential stalkers and angry bald psycho killer with your eyes too close together, beware, I'm armed), so I don't make it to South Austin all that often, but after the way they turned my night around tonight, I think I'll be making the occasional special trip to the 04 Lounge. Particularly after the horrendous experience right before it (see my just-posted review of G&S), the 04 was delightful, but I think I'd like it even more if I was drinking and not in the throes of the minor headcold from hell. Fairly priced drinks, friendly service, and pool tables where I can take a shot from anywhere around the table with no fear of hitting a photo booth or videogame. (Not that I mind photo booths or videogames, quite the opposite in fact, but pool cues aren't known for being short or bendy.) Bonus points for having one of the most interesting bathrooms in town. The layout itself is spacious, the fixtures are old and cool looking, and the graffiti made for good reading. I'll be back. read more

Great "locals" Austin bar. Nothing fancy. And I do mean NOTHING, but that's what's great. There's a little outdoor seating area, but it's not much more than a gravel alley smashed up against a fence. There are two pool tables and a very few places to sit. The smell is best described as acrid. A GREAT place for late night drinks. read more

This is a great little place to meet up with friends. Parking is on the street usually but, always able to find a spot. Tons of cheap beer, booths inside, pool table and then quaint little patio area. It's a very small place but, does the trick if you are looking for a dive bar in the 78745 neighborhood. read more

Great dive bar located on South Congress. If you enjoy cheap drinks, people watching and an excellent jukebox then this is your place. They've got 2 pool tables ( a $1 a game), and an outside seating area. read more

This bar is an old favorite. It really reflects the 'Old South Austin' atmosphere. Drinks are economical, there is a jukebox that plays music on the patio as well. It's a dive bar not a faux dive bar. A lot of the staff has been there for years so there is a chummy atmosphere, but not cliquey. Definitely check it out if you aren't up for W. 6th. I am sure to take friends and family members who are visiting to get a feel for south Austin. read more

For some reason I thought this place had closed a long time ago. Maybe I saw the signs before and then lost track of it. Or maybe because the garage near it suddenly changed and I just got the two mixed up? I have no idea. And it's a shame, because I missed out on a good thing by thinking this. The beer selection is pretty good, and at the standard prices around here. It's a little crowded, so if you have a hint of claustrophobia, this may not be the place to go on a busy night. I'll see myself here with some frequency-if only because 78745 doesn't have a good selection of bars. Maybe they can start a 45 lounge? read more

For a "dive bar" this place has an impressive beer selection. I'll give it two stars for ambiance and four stars for beer selection - the average is three. If you even notice this place driving south on Congress then you'd see a cinder block building with fluorescent lights outside, situated around some welding shops. Inside there are remnants of a previous life - hunting related wall paper, decoy ducks, etc. The A/C leaks in the back so be mindful and the outdoor area is narrow, but accommodating to smokers. Excellent beers run around $3.50 and happy hour ends at 8PM. read more

The 04 Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Worst first time experience ever. Let me start by saying that I was having a great time. Bartenders were awesome. Small talk with other patrons was enjoyable. Then, being the social butterfly that I am, I tried having a conversation with a few people who I thought were pretty cool. Convo started out ok until someone made a racist comment about Asians. I'm not Asian but I come from a family of many cultures, including Asian, and I do not appreciate such comments. (Who thinks racism is ok?) I called her out and got kicked out because, as I was told, "I work here and you can't talk to me like that." So, it is ok to be racist if you work here? The answer is yes. I asked the exact question and the only answer I got was that I needed to leave. It's disappointing because small 'hole in the wall' type places are part of what makes Austin the amazing place that it is. (Especially during SXSW!). The Austin I know is usually a loving, welcoming city. We joke about not wanting folks to stay when SX is over but if this place is any representation of who we are, why would anyone want to stay here? I love Austin and I am always happy to recommend places to go but this place is NOT a place I would recommend. read more

I love taking my north side friends to dirty divey bars... but this one they found on their own. I think thats why they feel some strange affinity for it. Its a regular dive -- tattooed, unwashed masses mingling with hipsters mingling with people on an adventure so they can tell their friends they went to "a dive bar". Pool tables, cold beer, decent pours. It's just alright... but if you live in the area, probably a cool, inexpensive place to get out of the heat and into a tall frosty. read more

Sweaty. Dirty. Hot. Divey. It's the one pseudo hipster bar that actually lives up to the duality of having both unkept 20-somethings, and unkept working class family men at the same time. There's a guy with a fu manchu in the corner shootin' the shit about his ex-wife, and there's another guy... same fu manchu, playing pool and talking about the last time he saw Grizzly Bear in concert. It makes me think of a south side Barfly's, only a bit more grungy. Outside it has the usual, Christmas lights and picnic tables. You munch through pebbles when you walk. Inside it's all pool tables and mirrors, and tv's, and slimy bar booths teeming with trouble in waits of happening. It's the kind of dive bar ambiance you see in movies, really.... And, about the same service. read more

Shady, cheap, dirty, beautiful.

So, this was the last place on our stroll down South Congress last night. Both of us hadn't been here yet so what the hell right? So we walk in and it's totally a dive. To all of my friends that say Bender is a dive or "shady"....come here my friends...THIS IS BOTH! I say that with all the love in my heart too. The bartender was friendly and efficient, 25 cent discount for cash paid tabs! They have a couple of pool tables, a HUGE golden tee game and lots of chairs and a patio. That said, the jukebox last night was totally on! EVERYONE was dancing! It was freaking amazing! Imagine Creekside Lounge sans annoying hipsters that listen to shitty music! Exactly! It's damn near a perfect world! Man, i'm going back...and soon! read more

My BF and I met up with some friends that are familiar with this place. From the outside it looks like a crusty apt. building that would be scary to go into. Inside not so bad. yes it is the ultimate dive bar but not bad. The bartender seemed to be the only employee there and wasn't that friendly but still cheap drinks, a pool table and outside seating where you can smoke. Inside seating was old and worn...lots of butts have sat on those seats. It's a little hidaway that I understand has the history of bikers going in and having some drinks. Check it out sometime and bring your friends. read more

This place is dank, a little dirty, the right amount of scary, and absolutely unpretentious. Seriously...what's NOT to like about this place? This is a great bar to avoid all the little college kids and parasitic hipsters. Pool table, solid juke, and well stocked bar. What more do you need? Sure, you won't find any extensive beer list, fancy ass 'craft' cocktails, or infused liquors...but who cares. This is place you go to if you want to be around a laid back crowd of locals who just want to chill and have a few drinks. The bartenders are always attentive and cool. It's not uncommon to pop a squat at the bar and strike up conversations with other patrons. If this place were closer, it could easily be my go to for a drink. read more

Dope local neighborhood bar. Daily specials and friendly bartenders. $1 PBR on Monday and $1 High Life on Tuesdays from 8-close.

I wish I liked this place. It's like Creekside light. Bartenders are great, drinks are good. Diverse crowd. You're gonna see half ass gangbangers and pretty hippish dudes with ironic t shirts and strange hats. I'll have a drink there at 6 but I don't think I'll ever close the place down again. To each their own......... Might be beneficial to add that I'm in my early 30's. "in the end, life is a gag" read more

Inexpensive well-poured drinks. Friendly staff. Decent punk bands during SXSW... No cover... I'm a total fan.

An endearing dive in the 04, and probably the best bar in the area - Crow Bar is full of douchebags and plays godawful music. It's no frills, a bit loud and dank, but the people are friendly and the drinks mega-cheap. A great service industry bar, too, where you can meet up with all your friends from the many awesome restaurants in south Austin. read more

04 Lounge is great! This is the dive bar I have been searching for since I moved to Austin. The drinks are cheap and mega yummy. Rocking jukebox and you get a discount if you use cash. I REPEAT YOU GET A DISCOUNT IF YOU PAY WITH CASH. read more

back when this was Dee and Jims,I would stop in every several years. Now that its the 04 I go 3-5 nights a week! Love this place. I will agree that the jukebox needs more local bands but the staff,the owners and regulars are all great. The drinks ARE cheap and strong! Nothing fancy about it but it is my favorite place to be. Bikers,fixed gear kids,hipsters,warm hearted riffraff....a perfect neighborhood bar. read more

Want to feel like a local? Go to the 04 lounge. I moved here last week from Wisconsin and luckily found this low key bar with an amazing jukebox, bar staff, and chill vibe. You'll find all ages here. Hope you're not superficial, because you won't like this place... Its ok, most people in it probably won't like YOU anyway. read more

I am a huge dive bar enthusist! This bar takes me back to being 19 sneaking into Terry's. There are no windows! Bonus, there's a food cart in front! Super cheap and dark. The bartender there on the Sunday afternoon I went was a little odd, but real attentive and he obviously had a following. The crowd was betting on a golf tourney! Awesome! read more

I love this place. A friend of mine took me there almost 4 years ago when he was showing me his favorite spots in Austin, and I have been hooked. It's a complete dive, but if you can stand the dark atmosphere and the funny smells, it's great. A cheap alternative to a lot of the overly priced bars in Austin, the staff is great and the crowd is a mix of hipsters, neighborhood locals, and your average joe schmo working guy. Just an all around great neighborhood bar. read more

One of my favorite dives! This is usually my last stop on my way home since it's so close to my house. The appearance is that of a building that was built one wall per decade at a time until finally there were enough walls for a ceiling to be dropped on it. The eyecandy bar staff is awesome. You'll find all kinds of patrons there, from old skaters to cowboys to hipsters to rockers to professionals to indies to generics. They have one of those internet jukeboxes which is nice. You never know what you're gonna hear come out of that thing. It might be 'tear in your beer country' or it might be poppy NOFX or it might just be, if your lucky, some fuckin Thin Lizzy! They have a patio for all the smokers. There's now a food truck outside. I haven't tried it yet though. I'm trying not too eat late anymore. It's bad for you. The food just sits there in your belly while you sleep. Oh, great prices on drinks! Seriously. I love running into friends here, which happens often here. Ok, now I want to go there. I'm going there tonight..now. 04! read more

I love this spot! It's like a hidden gem right in the middle of downtown! Right off Congress Across from the Brick condo's. Not a suit and tie kind of place. Just a great place to grab a drink before heading home! Love it! read more

Great little sport to grab cheap drinks and meet new people. My husband and I love coming here for drinks and pool :)

My absolute favorite dive bar in town for the night you just want to go out with a friend and drink your problems away or get black out drunk where no one knows your name this is the place just always take a cab and make sure to tip well as you drink and have fun read more

Great bar with great drink prices! Bartenders are fast and the ambiance is low key and fancy free. Great place to just relax and enjoy a cold one. They even have a patio. read more

Great dive bar to take your girlfriends parents so that they can throw a chair if they lose a pool game. Such class!!! Always fun and they have a back patio where you can smoke. read more

This is definitely a hole in the wall. Im pretty sure it was a barrio bar before . The drinks are soco overpriced too.. Hmmm that makes no good sense. And whomever said this isn't a hipster bar lied this is as hipster as it gets!! Definitely not as Douchy as Crow bar but just give it time!! read more

I don't get out to bars very often, but when I do .... This little bar is awesome. The bartenders are very friendly and creative with their "special of the day." The real attraction is the diversity of clientele. And everyone is so friendly! There is usually a short wait for the pool tables, but the competition is always light hearted and fun for all skill levels. PEOPLE ACTUALLY SPEAK TO EACH OTHER. Whether you're puttin on the Ritz or Homeless Joe, all are welcome and cordial. There is also a great patio for the (ahem) smokers. Let's face it, this is a dive bar, no pretentions, just a great place to catch your breath and enjoy an adult beverage with a toss of humanity. See ya there soon. read more

I had my wedding at 04 and LOVE IT in 2011 so I just have to say is that we loved the bar and Benny is such a great friend, helpful and I had friends from all over the world hahaha they love it too! my next bday party will be next month @ 04! fu..yeah! They last hipster-free holdout in Austin, thank god! read more

04 lounge was great! drinks are cheap ($2 lonestar, $2.50 wells all the time!), staff is very friendly, nighttime crowd seems mostly young and nice enough. somewhat divey, but that's my scene. i think this is my favorite bar that i've come across since moving to texas. definitely coming back! read more

this place is interesting..inside and outside seating is very outdated like from being in elementary school! its kinda funny though..alot of random junk piled in the corner of the bar..there are 2 pool tables inside..and outside there are a few picnic tables outside..there has never really been alot of people inside every time i have been there..the juke box is good..the girls bathroom is ugly inside..random fake flowers in there-- this place needs some help getting organized and cleaned up but overall is an okay place read more

Fun dive bar. Not too hipstery or too collegy or too divey, just a fun, low key bar. Drink specials are great and the bartenders are cool. Its a low slung bunker with no windows, a great place to go in the disgusting Texas summer heat. The cute, young Chicana bartender is adorable! Can't remember her name but she rules. All in all, just about my favorite bar in Austin. read more

This place is an awesome place to get drinks and enjoy a football game. They have good prices and will put on any game you want to see. The bartenders are also really nice and personable. I highly suggest this place to get a drink and chill. read more

This place is awesome, cheap drinks, cool people and a great place. They show all the NFL game on Sunday and the bartender Chris is awesome.