I realize I haven't updated this review since relocating to Austin two years ago. As you may have…read morenoted from my previous review, I'd come here twice a year when visiting from the east coast. One of my stipulations for relocation was to be within walking distance of my beloved Nickel City. Guess what? I am! Less than a five-minute walk. I love this place so much. It's not always about drinking. In fact, quite often I'll do mocktails, water, or soda. It's about community and friendship. The vibe at NC can't fully be expressed in words. It has to be experienced. The staff treat locals and tourists like friends. And, if you're lucky enough, you actually become friends. They're like a family. Same can be said about patrons, whether regulars, sometimers, or tourists, everyone feels the love. Everyone just gets it! They have some of the best cocktails around. The frozen Irish coffee is incredible. Espresso martinis on tap? Yes, please! And if you want the best bar/comfort food ever then order from their food truck, Delray Cafe. Crinkle cut fries A+ Smashburgers A+ Hot Dogs A+ Grilled Cheese A+ Pizza Logs A+ Tater Tots A+ Everything on the menu A+ Be sure to give the gang in the kitchen (food truck) some love! They're putting out the real deal. Oh and let's not forget Steak Night! Much love to my fave neighbor, Nickel City!

This place is what I would call a hidden gem. Service is good. They don't over charge for beers and…read morethe bar food is actually good. There's also cheese curds in the menu now! It's a spot to go to in a downtown adjacent area. Definite place to come back to.

Here I go again not reviewing places I have been to many times. Must be the awesome drinks causing…read moreme to forget lol. Latchkey is welcoming to folks of all ages. However, on a hot summer night, you will see the line at the door going down the block as it is super popular with younger crowds. That said, it's a rad place to chill and grab a drink and chat with friends. After all, it is a daycare center for adults (iykyk lol).

My friend suggested trying Latchkey, so off we went. This place was vibe but with popular music…read more It had deceptive looking space as well. You walked in turned right and then left while making your way to the back of the bar. Folks were dancing in this open spaced dance hall. A DJ was spinning tunes in lighted enclosure...almost like a home porch. In fact, there several women literally dancing on a table. Interestingly, one may man was dancing by himself with a pole as his dance partner. Perhaps he had too much to drink at this point. We stayed there for a short while and we were off to another one of my friend's favorite places. She ran into a couple of folks she knew while we were at Latchkey. So we chatted for a bit. This place is a whole vibe and then some.

They had a free crawl fish boil event here and the line was so long it went out the door. People…read morepreparing the boil were late on cooking and not prepared. The line was very slow and they let people cut in. Perhaps not entirely the bars fault. The drinks itself were kind of above average price compared to its neighbors. Beer selection was kind of basic and limited. Lots of better bars in the street i would rather return to than this one.

I haven't been here in a hot minute. We decided to pop in because they had a crawfish boil event…read more The bartenders were really quick managing crowd well. The boil organization was pretty poor though. They were over 30 min late for the first drop. Once the first drop happened, the line almost didn't move at all because a bunch of people were cutting in front (they seemed to know people running this event). So they ran out of the stuff super quick and people didn't even get to move in the line much. We decided waiting wasn't worth it and left to a different bar. We returned over an hour later just to check it out. The line was still as long and I might have seen the same people still standing and waiting.

Low Down Lounge is one of those East Austin bars that makes you feel like you've stumbled onto…read moresomething cool--but not in a try-hard way. The vibe is effortlessly retro, with warm lighting, vintage stripes, cozy booths, and a playlist full of R&B and soul that sets the tone for a laid-back night. I came in for happy hour (which goes until 8pm--major win) and had the Tropical Depression, a passion fruit hurricane-style cocktail that was way better than its name implies. Their frozen drinks are also a hit--flavorful, strong, and dangerously easy to sip. They also do Jell‑O shots if you're feeling nostalgic (or just want something cheap and fun). The bar is small but super welcoming, with a good mix of indoor and outdoor seating. The patio is shaded and breezy, perfect for summer nights. There's even a pool table and a big screen outside if you're into low-key games or catching part of the game. Staff was friendly and efficient--shout out to the bartenders who kept the drinks flowing without any attitude. That said, it's a small space, so depending on the night, it can feel either perfectly mellow or a little too quiet. Not a party bar, but a great pre-game or chill hangout spot. If you're looking for a low-key lounge with strong drinks, good tunes, and an easygoing crowd, Low Down Lounge should definitely be on your East Side rotation.

Here's the Down Low on the Low Down. This lounge is not…read moreactually "low down." It's actually up high. You've got to climb one of the staircases to get up here to this bar that's perched above the street level. My gripe is that, as far as I can tell, there's no accessible way in for a wheelchair. There's only lots of stairs. Inside, you'll often find cool bands playing out on the back patio, or a DJ spinning on the inside. The place is a chill vibe with a Phil Collins drink special. (Insert drum solo here). The staff was attentive and kept the drinks flowing. The place is clean, and it's nice to be able to literally look down upon the barflies outside of Hotel Vegas. As far as I can tell, this bar doesn't have any air conditioning to speak of. It's hot. But, the beers are cold. The back patio that's covered will give a breeze.

We had such an amazing time at White Horse in Austin! I went with my husband and my best friend,…read moreand it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. We all took turns leading during the lesson. The class itself was super encouraging and easy to follow, even for beginners like us. The instructor created such a positive, welcoming environment that made learning the two-step feel effortless. After class, watching the pros hit the dance floor was incredible--so much spinning and energy, it was honestly mesmerizing! The whole place just comes alive. We had an absolute blast and made such great memories. I'd love to go back next time--and honestly, every time--we're in Austin!

Want live music and good drinks? Say no more. This honky tonk has it all: live music, a patio, an…read morearray of beers and cocktails and classic dark, smokey, divey bar vibes. It can get pretty busy during love shows so be patient of you need drinks. I'd say, go back and order another one when you're halfway done with your current drink. Worth a visit to one of Austin's longest standing watering holes.

Had the absolute best time here. Visiting Austin from Long Beach ca, this was my favorite bar I…read morewent to. Definitely weird taxidermy which I'm not into, but also cool Christmas cozy vibes. Our bartender Juno made the experience a 5stars time. He was attentive and just a genuinely nice fellow. He made us the best drinks !! Tasty and strong. We also had to try their adorable mini ice creams- so cute and oh so delicious. I found out after the fact that may have a huge patio section in the back. A definite must visit if you're in Austin.

Super fun spot to hang out with friends - plenty of outdoor seating and outdoor bar too…read more Went Friday night around 10:30 and line to bar was super quick, drinks ordered in less than 5 minutes. We got the beet it and Jesus saves - I loved the Jesus saves lol it was gin and citrus and some cream - kinda like an orange Julius The beet it is mezcal and beet / passionfruit - very strong mezcal flavor if you like Smokey - my husband loved it.

Loved how they set up the space for SXSW Illegal Mezcal showcase of bands and speakers. There were…read more3 stages. Outside front, inside, outside back. Great weather on the day I went. I enjoyed the mezcal samplers on the porch after which I went to the bar and bought a Mezcal negroni which was yummy! Loved being able to walk around and see the different bands. I wasn't quite sure what the panel topic was in the backyard so I just stayed for a few minutes before wandering back to the front until the bands started. I was only able to drop by for a couple hours yesterday but was glad I did! They were giving away free vinyls so I grabbed a few for my friends because I don't have a player. They even had a little tattoo station set up for those who felt like getting a last minute tattoo. It was a chill vibe and good music. Great place to have indoor/outdoor events and gatherings. I was also able to find street parking just a couple blocks down, which is a rare find in Austin these days.

I love the vibes here. The service is great, and there are different areas like the patio and front…read moreyard so it never feels too crowded. The cocktails are reasonably priced too- I got the one with beet juice. I like the DJs they book here, it doesn't get busy till like 10 so you should prepare to be out late, but that's in general for night life here.

The Cavalier is one of those spots that just hits every time, especially if you catch them on a…read moreMonday. Buy one get one burgers is already a win, but the fact that the burgers are actually that good makes it even better. The vibe is laid-back and a little bit neighborhood bar meets casual hangout. It's an easy place to meet up with friends, grab a drink, and not feel rushed. The burgers are solid, satisfying, and definitely worth going out of your way for, especially when you're essentially getting two for one (even if you don'tsplit with a friend!

I've been to the Cavalier like twice. Once in 2019 when I first moved to Austin, and again last…read moreweek. As a bar itself, I really like it. It's just nowhere near where I live so I never make it out. We tried their 2 for 1 Monday burger special and honestly we were a bit disappointed. The bun wasn't that good and the patty itself was very salty. Still gonna give the place a solid 4* cuz it's a cool neighborhood bar. Would go more if I lived in the neighborhood!

What Five Stars? because this place is exactly the kind of dive bar that makes Austin weird in the…read morebest possible way. Dirty Bill's is gloriously unapologetic. You walk in and immediately know you are not in some polished Instagram cocktail lounge. It is loud, a little gritty, and full of people who are clearly there to have a good time and not pretend otherwise. The beer is cold, the Lone Star flows like Texas water, and the vibe is pure old school Austin. And yes, the legendary bathroom situation deserves its own paragraph. The men's room features a giant ice filled trough for a urinal, which feels like something out of a 1970s roadside saloon documentary. Somehow it is both ridiculous and perfectly on brand. It actually becomes a conversation starter because you walk out laughing and immediately tell your friends they have to see it and go pee. The crowd was friendly, the bartenders were quick with the beers, and nobody was taking themselves too seriously. I ended up staying longer than planned, drinking Lone Stars and talking to random people like we had known each other for years. If you want craft cocktails served with a rosemary sprig this is not your place. If you want a hilarious, slightly chaotic, authentically divey night in Austin with cheap beer and great stories, Dirty Bill's absolutely delivers. Five stars and I would go back in a heartbeat.

Dirty Bill's (gotta love the name) is literally right next door to J. Carvers where we had dinner…read more Dirty Bill's was on and popping!!! We were drawn in by the music. They were spinning some popular tunes. The place was packed with a very fun crowd. It appears to be a bar you come to have drinks and chat. There was a small area where dancing could take place, but no one was dancing at the time. The staff including the general manager was super friendly. It felt like a wedding reception as you came into the club where you were greeted...very warm and welcoming. We had a drink and stayed a short while. It looked like a place you could come for a girls or guys night out or celebrating a fun occasion. Will definitely consider Dirty Bill's for a future fun evening...

These are moments I think why do I live in San Antonio ( and often work in Austin ) when I can just…read morelive here and enjoy great restaurants, bars and weird gothic haunts like this with weird dark goth decor, a scent of palo santo , superb music, a great crowd and amazing drinks! College me would have lived here !! Enjoyed a French 75, my husband enjoyed a smoked Old Fashioned and it was a great place to grab a drink prior to seeing Springsteen at the Moody seated amongst candles , a weird alter of sorts while enjoying some Stevie Wonder as is playing now though some weird NIN or Type O might have been more appropriate

I went to Whisler's and had one of the worst bar experiences I've ever had…read more I had one drink. I was completely sober for all intents and purposes. The bartender claimed I was drunk and cut me off anyway. I was at the bar talking to a girl while waiting to get a drink (the wait was long because the service is very slow, despite the bar not being very busy at all). She was clearly into me, and the bartender kept jumping in trying to talk to her too (instead of doing his job making drinks). He was doing all sorts of things to try and flirt with her and make her laugh: pulling out and showing her buckets of pre mixed cocktails, running and sliding under the bar, etc. She was engaging with both of us , and right in the middle of that, I get cut off out of nowhere. No explanation other than claiming I looked drunk, which I very clearly wasn't. It felt very clear what was going on--he wanted me out of the way. I left and asked the bouncer on my way out if I seemed drunk. This was literally two minutes later. He said no, not at all, and asked me why I would even ask that. I then told him exactly what happened and asked him to let the owner or whoever was in charge know about this extremely unprofessional conduct so they can discipline the bartender. His response was that the bartender has discretion to cut anyone off, and let me know the bartender is supposedly married so he couldn't have been flirting with any of the customers. Well, sounds like his logic is flawed--not only COULD he flirt with his customers, he WAS, and was therefore cheating. I hope his wife finds out. This is perfectly representative of Austin customer service lately and not normal in other places. I was in Tampa for an entire month earlier this year and this would've been unthinkable there. I'm not coming back.