Overall: 3.8/5 We were across the street when our friends wanted to stop by, so we tagged along. It was pretty empty on a Sunday evening, which made it feel like we had the whole bar to ourselves. The place was pretty dark, and they had a pool table and darts available to use. There's no menu, so we just ordered at the bar. A pineapple cider and an Old Fashioned on tap came out to $15 total, and both were better than we expected at that price. It's not our usual vibe, but we had a good time hanging with our friends there. read more

The Grackle - Pineapple Cider and Old Fashioned on tap - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

The place looks a lot more divey on the inside than on the outside, but it's a good spot to be at! They have a huge bar with bunch of options. I went with an old fashioned. They have a food truck outside which has some pretty good food as well. read more

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Neat bar with a pool table and darts inside. Lots of beer on tap. Nice covered patio and a food truck nearby. They do 25% on walked tabs so stay on top! read more

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Two to three times per year my university has a reconnect (get together) with university alumnae. Tonight's reception was at Lazarus Brewing. One of my university friends and I decided to go together. We decided to pop into nearby bars on the way to Lazarus. First stop was The Grackle. It is a typical dive bar with no-frills. Clientele appeared to be more of the biker type. Surprisingly, we heard no music, so we did not stay very long. The doorman and bar tender were extremely friendly. There was a food truck nearby, but we decided not eat anything. read more

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So for my third review of Austin is one of my favorite places from back in the day one of the first original four bars that were open on sixth Street and right now is amazing Place and how they've updated it and great Halloween decorations and everything unfortunately the jukebox, the old jukebox is a functioning, but hopefully he gets back up and running sometime. I'm giving this one a two star because they authorized a $20 charge for a drink that I was trying to buy which I believe was $10. Since I only had something like $19 on my card, I was not able to buy the drink. I have to wait for that money that came back which happened three days later. read more

Stopped by for food at the taco truck Kuali Tlakuai and asked to use the restroom, but the BOUNCER (Long haired) refused--claiming it was because I had briefly brought in a drink from another bar, which I tossed immediately when asked. His reaction felt excessive and unnecessary. The whole interaction left me feeling like race played a factor, which led me to see other reviews. Now seeing other complaints about the bouncer and mentions of RACISM only confirms I wasn't alone in this experience. read more

Fun bar. Great prices. Nice beer selection. Good service. Indoor and outdoor seating. read more

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We only popped in here for a moment, to have a quick shot to end our day. We had just left Lefty's Brick Bar and found a flea market thing as Zilker beer garden that drew us in. After that we headed here as it looked cool. It is a dive bar, just what it claims to be and is very laid back. There were some people playing pool and a few people at the bar. Dr. Who was on the television which was fun. In a weird twist the fellow people at the bar were talking about how they were going to Galifrey, the Doctor Who convention in Cali. They had just introduced their friend to NuWho and the Doctor altogether. It has some fun art, the bartender was patient and talked with everyone. Again the 3 starts is mostly due to the fact we really were in and out and didn't get a chance to really get into the place. Seems a cool place to hangout and have a few drinks. read more

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The door 'man' checking IDs was a complete jerk. Little sawed off punk with control issues. Makes it tough to spend money with the bar. The bar is cool. Food truck outside good cheesesteak. Bar service was great. It's a shame the Smurf out front chased business away. read more

Perfect definition of a dive-bar with a hipster wooden interior. Upon walking in, you feel like you're in a basement of your friend who's dad/uncle stores their record collection, old furniture, and vintage memorabilia that reminds them of the good ol days. Only when you're in here, you just have the basement look with the smell of the things I mentioned in the previous sentence. While you have that, there are some cool collectibles within the scene including some vinyl records, an old cigarette vending machine, and the horseshoe shaped wooden bar area. There's plenty of spirits to choose from and beer. Not sure about cocktails but if they have the ingredients, they can make it for you. Just don't be one of those people expecting fancy martinis or mojito type stuff; mainly either beer pours or hard liquor + mixers. At least that's my impression. There's also only one bartender so patience will need to be practiced. There's a taco truck outside for eats. Tacos are expensive but tasty; the chicken and carnitas tacos are what they're known for so those are recommended. Not a bad place to start or finish your evening for night out in Austin. read more

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Hitting another dive bar....and this one missed the mark for me. It felt devoid of personality. The bartender was very nice, and the beer was cold. They have a large outdoor patio area too. There are tables inside and couches to hang out on as well. The place felt like it lacked a theme, and the music was not noteworthy- I can't even remember what was playing. Sorry, Grackle. I'll try again, but my first impression was "just okay". read more

The Grackle - Interior - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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TOMMY makes the BEST cocktails in all of Austin. Give him a visit. You'll not be disappointed! Just a sweet, friendly bartender with a heart of gold!!! read more

The Grackle - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Had a recent late-night stop at The Grackle, a divey bar located in the gentrifying portion of east Sixth Street. Named after one of the common varieties of blackbird this drinking establishment is a bit downcast although the saving grace is the outdoor seating. The cool neon sign out front may be the highlight here. Our bartender did keep the drinks flowing though so kudos to her. Overall, a good place for one drink before moving on to somewhere more interesting. read more

The Grackle - The Grackle - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Skinny bartender with the bad tattoos and mustache was probably the meanest person I've ever come across in the service industry. I grabbed an extra lime (thought it was no biggie) and he snapped at me like I took his wallet. I must've apologized five consecutive times and he just kept going. I don't know what his problem was, but there's no way a lime should get anybody in the service industry that upset. Great bar outside of that, but I can't imagine that's the first time he's lashed out in that fashion. Avoid the place just in case he's behind the bar. read more

Seems to be a theme with all of the other comments on rude staff. They all hit the mark; starting with the door people, making rude, unwarranted remarks. If you want a dive bar, go somewhere else, these people don't care about you visiting. read more

The absolute rudest people I have ever encountered. Seems like that is a prerequisite to get hired there. Limited options of drinks, vibes are off. Not worth visiting. If I could rate 0 stars I would. read more

Genuinely one of the worst bars I've ever been to. Super rude staff and overpriced drinks for super average stuff

This place is the WORST. Starting with the rude bouncer... and then ending with horrible bartenders with bad attitudes. One bartender told us to "get away from the bar" when there were 15 other people mingling at the bar (Don't know how there were even that many people in that place). Not to mention the atmosphere in there is like stepping into a dirty bathroom. Good luck having a good time here because all the workers SUCK and will make your time there miserable. read more

Decent drink prices but got robbed here won't be back. Staff was no help put some cameras up!

We came here during a day of bar hopping and checking out the area on Sixth Street. The bartender was far from friendly and welcoming, she was harsh and overbearing. The first thing she said was she needed everyone's IDs, which is fine because it's a bar. Four of us are well over 21, and she seemed annoyed with how long it was taking for everyone to get their IDs out. The second thing she said was that it's illegal to bring water into a bar. This was weird because we've never heard of this and had brought our clearly marked water bottle into many bars in Austin and all over the country in the last few weeks. She at least offered to dump the water into a cup, but then threw away the bottle without offering it back for us to put in the car. Another thing... they don't accept American Express cards, just Visa and Mastercard, so be prepared. The atmosphere was nice and it was welcoming inside, which is why this place is even worth one star. We all ordered beer and it was barely better than room temperature and far from cold. I think I know why the bar was empty... bartender who isn't friendly and the beer isn't cold. read more

Bouncer was extremely aggressive at the entrance of this bar. We were all somber and just wanted to come inside to play some darts before ending our night. We didn't know that we're not allowed to look at the food truck's menu with our bubble teas. This food truck is parked outside this bar. He basically called us ass****s and yelled at us to leave. Definitely don't recommend anyone coming here. Totally uncalled for. Tip to the owner of grackle: ask your rude bouncer to stand outside the gate in front of the food trucks if you guys want to enforce this rule. read more

Favorite bar to play some darts or pool in East Austin. Great selection of whiskeys too

This is still one of our favorite places and now I think it has a special place in our heart. (Yes sounds corny.) They have a great venue with extensive indoor and outdoor seating and darts and a pool table and their workers are very pleasant. And their drinks are ice cold and delicious. read more

The Grackle - They have a food truck but it wasn't open. - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

The Grackle has been a central hang-out spot for me ever since it opened, maybe in 2015 (is that when they opened?!) when I was roaming the east side on my bicycle trying to find all the best diverse draft beers in the area. It didn't hurt that they had some pretty rad local beer + shot of whiskey specials, either. I love that there can be a DJ spinning actual vinyl records on a weekend evening with the TVs showing the latest sports thing that is hyped for the weekend. The outside patio and seating areas are large enough to come with a group of your best friends to share some tasty cold beers. Never a cover, but always a door guy or lady to ensure you are of age to come in. If you can find a spot at the bar, I recommend hanging there. It's a fun people-watcher spot and also gets you 1:1 time with the excellent bartenders here. Service is spot on, so make eye contact and be ready to give your order when you get the bartender's attention. Sometimes they can be packed, so move it or lose it. Parking is tricky around here as it is for EVERY bar or food truck up and down east 6th street. If you find a spot in the front, be sure to post up here, drink, and even eat from the food truck(s) they have parked in the lot here. read more

Not a big fan, but do appreciate that the dogs are allowed inside. The inside just feels run down and super depressing. Beer selection was limited, but seems like you come in for any cocktail/shot. Bartender was chill, but was actively drinking with someone. Had to leave after 1 drink, not my scene. read more

Was told to "get fucked" by the door guy with face tattoos. It was my first stop of the night, and I was on drink 0. He insisted I was drunk, then got extremely antagonistic with my whole party when I smiled at him for being so tense for no reason. I understand trying to protect your bar's reputation, but being a door man doesn't mean you need to be an asshole. Zero stars. Absolutely sad I can't review the *bar* because of one jerk having a bad day. read more

Horribly rude and condescending staff for no reason. Only four people in the bar, yet I was treated like an uninvited guest. Bartender literally said (in a nasty tone) "oh look, I already have two one-star reviews for today." Is that a badge of honor? When locals who are born and raised in Austin aren't welcome, then who is? read more

Stumbled in here one night with a friend visiting from out of town. He loves whiskey so this place was perfect for him. The bartender was extremely rude to me, though. I asked about a certain alcohol and he was extremely passive aggressive. Treating me like a tourist, which isn't ok either. I'm a native Austinite, I've probably been here longer than that jerk. But there's no need to treat anyone like that. I definitely won't be back and will never recommend this place to anyone. read more

Cool place but kicked my friend out for accidentally hitting on the bartenders girlfriend

Normally have a great time at this dive bar, unfortunately had a terrible time recently . A bartender or staff member actively picked a fight with a member of our party. This staff member was clearly NOT sober, swaying, taking to himself, slamming doors and pushing people around (the staff all claim he wasn't drunk but it was obvious to everyone something wasn't right), they picked a fight with our friend. Our friend had had 1 drink at this point and was totally polite to the other bartender when confronted about this disoriented staff member telling them our friend needs to leave . The whole situation was seriously unprofessional and they lost the business of our entire party for the evening. Some of us, forever? read more

Been wanting to stop by this bar for awhile. In the area on Monday the 14th and popped in for a drink. Sat at the bar. Wasn't that crowded just a few people. Sat and waited and waited .... Bartender did a shot with some friends then went to the back room. Ok? When she finally came back she said Hi.. Do u have any questions?? Then walked back into the back room.. Without waiting for me to answer.. huh? Questions about what? When she came back out I asked for a coors light and a water. She replied: no coors light, water is by the door, really rudely. Ok bad day? Needless to we got up and left. Great people skills . Maybe bartending is not her forte. You actually need a good personality to exceed in that position. No hate sign on the door but the bartender was hostile af. Went down to Via 313. Bartenders were great as were the drinks for the rest of the night. Ending note: I'm no gynecologist, but I know a c*nt when I see one. Don't waste your money here, there are better places with nicer bartenders. read more

Stopped by The Grackle to try out Asador Tacos and see if they lived up to the hype... spoiler: they did!!! The tortillas are equal parts crisp and soft and the flavor of both tacos was absolutely amazing. As a vegetarian and taco connoisseur I give Asador my stamp of approval, super quick and nice service and a great outdoor seating area to enjoy tacos in the fresh air. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a quality taco or two! read more

The Grackle - Cauliflower Taco, Beans & Greens Taco - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Came in with some friends this Saturday and one of the bartenders was drunk (or on something) and decided to pick a fight with someone in our group. Bartender was needlessly aggressive, slurring his words, and confrontational, even when our friend offered to leave but just wanted to know why he was being kicked out. Staff was weirdly hostile even when our party just wanted to get an answer for what the bartender's perceived slight was. As someone who currently works in the service industry I was surprised by how rude and aggressive the staff was. I understand protecting your own but this bartender was under the influence and clearly looking for a fight. Too bad! Used to like this spot but seems like a bad place to enjoy your evening with friends read more

Hmmm.. okay here is my truth. I came here with my husband and another Yelper. We were told the place shuts down at 10 pm so we had a few hours that we can stay here. I guess the 'Rona comes out at 10:01? We found a table and ordered a counter near the front. When our drinks were brought out, we were instructed to take them off the tray ourselves. There was a slight confusion over two drinks (which one was which) and I watched the server shuffle both drinks around. Even though we were supposed to be the ones touching them? Got it. I did like the large selection of drinks and there was a food truck on the property. I didn't try anything so can't comment on the food. Overall, I would come back maybe when the 'Rona is done. Some of the staff on site were not the friendliest. Also, be careful if you have to use the restroom, only 1 person is allowed in at a time. I was glad I didn't have an IBS flare up while there because that could have equaled a danger zone. read more

Very cool, relaxing place with friendly bartenders! Drinks are reasonably priced and the shot and a beer special is hard to resist. Whenever I visit Austin, this is my favorite place to drink! read more

Good bourbon, service is just ok, its a dive and the atmosphere leaves plenty to be desired but im a fan.

Honestly, I came here for the decent pool table and darts. I can't believe this place still has business from the extremely rude workers. -bald bartender guy (haven't seen him in awhile) hope he's no longer there. extremely passive aggressive and gives off the "I hate it here" vibe -Door guy with face tattoos didn't let me in once because I skipped up to the bar, he said I was too drunk even though I've been 6 months sober.I guess being a happy person just doesn't fly here -girl bartender with the neck tattoo, super rude passive aggressive for no reason. There are two bartenders that are actually nice (girl with glasses and the other girl, she's mixed) I honestly hate writing bad review to call out people in specific but it's just my last straw with this place. I've vowed to never come back just because of the continuously rude, disrespectful, mistreatment of customers. I honestly take a longer trip to go to the Cavalier for the pool and darts just because i don't feel welcomed here. read more

The vibes are always right here , the bartenders are knowledgeable and always helpful!!! The service is quick and there's a food truck within the bar!! You'll always find friends here & you can play pool or darts !!!! read more

Drinks: 5/5 Grackle has killer cocktails at a reasonable price. Service: 5/5 While they don't have as many bartenders as other bars, the service here is stellar. Environment: 5/5 Dark and comfortable indoor seating. I could hang out here all day! read more

The Grackle, a strange southwestern bird. This place is appropriately named. With an aesthetic that can only be described as "the basement of that one person you knew in high school (that really likes pop punk) who's dad has a lot of whiskey." This place has dart boards, a pool table, unfinished floors, and a famous poster of Paris Hilton in a car (for some reason?) They feature TONS of whiskey offerings to the point where it's almost debilitating. Some of their prices are well below the average while others are very inflated and almost insulting for a dive bar. Even the bartender started rattling off prices the second that I asked about things I didn't recognize (which says something as I'm an avid whiskey collector). It felt like this place is self aware enough to know that they're merging 2 different concepts into one and have been burned by angry guests before. I would say to check this one out, but to only stick to the value pricing unless you REALLY want to drop a few hundred dollars while sitting in uncomfortable booths with a mancave aesthetic. read more