Today, I dropped in on a social gathering at The Vortex (love the name)! The Vortex is a fun and funky place - indoor and outdoor spaces. The interior and exterior areas are very much eclectic. This charming little community event is located on Manor Road. Plays and other productions including bands are featured at The Vortex. The group was very welcoming and friendly. The food was a combination of pot luck and prepared foods. read more

See all

They get stars for having good parking and it seems to be run by volunteers so it won't be perfect/professional. The seats weren't too comfortable and the arm rest kept snagging my sweater. We watched the Mutt-Cracker. The kids enjoyed the show. read more

The Vortex - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

I attended the bloody ball at the vortex. I loved the event, everything was planned out and well orchestrated. The space had so many different levels and areas with meat, booths, and activities set up as a bunch of food. I have been here before many years ago and I can say this event space can transform pretty well depending on the event. I really enjoyed the butterfly bar and the garden like atmosphere outside. read more

See all

The vortex is an intimate performance venue off manor road. It has a small indoor theater and an outside stage. Most of the ticketed events are inside. You check in at the box office and they give you a coin to use as your ticket when entering the theater. There's a main seating area and a side seating area. They put on variety of show throughout the year. At they have mutt cracker a nutcracker inspired show performed with rescued dogs. It's great to support community theater especially works that are in the periphery and cutting edge, The butterfly bar and patrizi's are also on property so it's popular for drinks and food too. read more

The Vortex - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

This is a very quirky, keep austin weird vibe bar. They had open mic when we went and there was good energy all around. Lots of college age students. I got the Griselda drink and it was a very fruity sweet choice. This is also the location of the Italian food truck Patrizis. I didn't get to try but would like to come back next time to! read more

The Vortex - Griselda - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

What a fantastic establishment. Incredibly good Italian food, unique and classic drink choices, and unbeatable ambiance. This is one of my favorite places I've ever been to eat and drink (and trivia!). read more

The food from Patrizi's is amazing. We had only been to the Cuernavaca location once before, however. I went to this location to pick up food I'd ordered online. There was some performance being held on a Sunday afternoon that involved some kind of spoken word and jokes that were really offensive, being done outside on the patio. The jokes were centered around deconstructing female genitalia and transgender surgeries. It was the opposite of family friendly. Probably won't be back to this location. read more

We saw Jade in America on its Texas premiere this Sunday and it was fabulous. The play was a fun and interesting journey across the US through the eyes of standup comedian Jade Esteban Estrada. With a deep exploration of identity, both individually and as a society, the play is a reflection. Where has society shifted in the last 5 years? How are the people's lives affected? From the family we see every day, to complete strangers across this diverse and beautiful country. Something connects us all but sometimes it's hard to see. The piece weaves fluidly from story to standup as you experience the trials and dick-relations of an old school gay in a new school world. While the play is funny and irreverent, it is also serious and honest. To be funny, you must understand people. Jade in America is an understanding that we are one and beauty comes from the variety in life just right outside your door. read more

BUTTERFLY BAR!! Where?!? Didn't see a single butterfly but had a shit ton of mesquitos. Had a SOLID French 75. Need to try the pasta place next time I come!! read more

The Vortex - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

This is a terrific community venue. I've seen some good productions (plays and other performances) here and attended some merchant/fair events. Their courtyard is designed perfectly for events like that, as it's not a flat, square space. The Butterfly Bar is on-site as well, which can add to the Vortex experience you are having. I look forward to seeing what is happening here. read more

See all

Patrizi's, perfect understated kitchy art bar ambiance, weird puppet show = perfect night out

We were visiting my daughter who lives in Austin. We happened upon Patrizi's when my youngest wanted to pick dinner. Long story short, there was a mishap with the meal (daughter's allergies). Our fault for not asking!! For a really bad situation the waitstaff were the most kind and caring folks we've encountered!! We will come back on our next visit!! The food that we did enjoy before the mishap was out of this world good!! Thank you to the 3 guys who were so helpful to our family during this crazy experience. My daughter is ok now and even said for a bad experience (7 hours of illness in the ER) she really appreciated the kindness of the people who helped us at the restaurant!! Y'all are The Best! We hope to see you on our next visit to Austin!! Sincerely, The bunch from south of Houston! read more

I was actually pretty excited to come here because it looks like such a cute outdoor space with nice lighting and seating, but I was disappointed by the lack of communication and service. Pros: - Cute lighting and seating for small groups - Multiple bathrooms, relatively clean - Patrizi's!! It's a delicious Italian food truck, must get - Decent parking Cons: - It is "recommended" that you buy a drink if you take a seat; that's not unusual but we were unaware that it wasn't really a recommendation but rather a strong suggestion otherwise you'd be shamed into it. We had just come from a brewery so weren't really in the mood for more drinks, but we got some for the heck of it because we were uncomfortable. - The drinks server will come around to you personally so you WILL buy a drink, and she may be rude about it. (But if you want food... it's a QR code and online order... so can't really be making the argument that its for social distancing) - The metal chairs are very uncomfortable - Prepare for mosquito bites Overall was not impressed by the experience at The Vortex. My friends and I wished we had just gotten takeout Patrizi's inside of "dining in". We could have saved time, money, uncomfortableness, and avoided mosquito bites. read more

Nice bar next to cute little private theater. Watched the Muttcracker - cute little play with rescue dogs.

Support the arts! This place is a gem. It was my first visit and I felt unsure of where to go. Luckily, the staff are friendly and helpful; they were all willing to explain things and point me in the right direction. I didn't arrive in time to eat from the Italian food truck in the beer garden, but I did get to sit at an outdoor table with my drink from the Butterfly bar (beer, wine, full bar + mocktails). Ten minutes before showtime, the manager rang a bell and announced it was time to come in. The play was awesome -- a mono drama carried by an actor who was a force of nature. It's incredible what one person can conjure up for an audience. I will be back!! read more

The Vortex - View from the box area seats. - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

Edit Annie was fantastic! I'm so glad my partner and I came here for our first visit to Austin and we can't wait to come back for another show. The venue was very cool as well. Delicious house made pasta at Patrizi's. The intimate theater was indoors adjacent to the Butterfly Bar, really loved the vibe of the whole venue. Enjoy live music outdoors before the show. The only downside to the theater seats was that they were a bit uncomfortable. My arms were falling asleep from resting on the metal arm rests. There was a reclining feature at least, so just scootch forward for some extra seat space. Tips: - Come early to eat Patrizi's delicious pasta beforehand, give yourself 1.5 hours, maybe even longer for larger parties of 4+. - Theater doors will not open until 15 minutes before the show, so you can relax and grab a drink until then. - Get tickets and all other theater rules and details on The Vortex website. - ENJOY! read more

The Vortex - Stage - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Cool venue. But only come here if your thing is spending 30+ on objectively shitty cocktails....

I worked here years ago as a host making $9 an hour and got fired because I made 3 mistakes: I didn't place the ketchup on the table properly to signal the busser, I misquoted a party, and one other small thing I can't quite remember. Your food is great but your compassion and treatment of your staff was ridiculous then, not to mention the people who let me go all smoked cigarettes in the office and didn't wash their hands when going back out onto the floor and claimed they had "high standards" and that's why I was fired. Now I make 4x as much working at somewhere where I'm treated way better. Again great food but I hope the ownership/management has improved since your 2015/2016 era, downtown Vortex! read more

I've been a visiting the Vortex quite often for the past four years. The space has evolved and become an absolute wonder. Patrizi's is the tastiest. The drinks are yummy. There's always a show in the theatre or outside. It's a great, crafty bar for creatives and the curious alike. However, I give 4 stars because the bartenders are the most pretentious and consistently rude people I've ever met. These guys clearly don't like the job and don't want to be there. Saying little to nothing to guests as they order and working a slow as humanly possible. I know it's a craft bar, but these guys have been here awhile. They know how to make these drinks. I've seen bags of popcorn being sloppily thrown at guests and I've watched one bartender in particular start an order with one guest and quickly switch to another...ignoring the first order! It's unfortunate. These guys have made me so uncomfortable at times that I've decided NOT to go back for a drink. Maybe it's a character choice? "We're a crafty bar complete with snobby bartenders?" I don't know. Either way, it makes me sad. Because I love their drinks. read more

The first time I went to the vortex, I was, um, somewhat surprised. So my boyfriend at the time drug me to a vampire play. Alright, I'm down to wear a cape and faux fangs. Let's do this thing. But it turns out it wasn't only a vampire play, it was a NAKED vampire play. He didn't know it either but guaranteed he was not as dismayed as I was by the boobs swinging all over the stage. That is my only memory of the vortex until today when the Big Weekend calendar launch party used it perfectly. The space outside is huge and quirky. The space inside is a bar and a performance space. What an amazing area to have a great party, to see a small show or just to live la vida east manor. They aren't afraid of doing something super cool.. or out there. And I dig it. Even if it involves random boobs. read more

See all

So... I came here while I was eating at Patrizi's and boy was I not disappointed. The drinks here were great! The prices were good and I had an amazing time and I'm betting you will too! The patio/venue space is so comfortable, there are lots of seats and the crowd that pops up here is diverse and fun. I feel so relaxed kicking back a few drinks and watching a show here. The performances here are generally local and they always put on one hell of a show. I think if you're a prude it would be possibly to have a bad time but I feel like you need to be trying to do so or just have a huge stick up your a$$. If you are considering coming here then get up and go for it! You wont regret it! read more

Came here specifically for Patrizi's (which was great) but was very disappointed by the experience at the Vortex. When our party of 4 got to the hostess stand, we were asked if we were just here for Patrizi's (we said yes) and if we would be buying drinks (we said maybe). For clarification, I politely asked how it would affect the experience and the hostess nicely replied that it was just a recommendation that we buy just one drink if we were "dining in". Sounded pretty casual to me; I thought that was fair, so we agreed to dine in. Note: I've been here once before several years ago and don't recall this policy so unsure if this is new due to COVID/trying to increase sales? We sat down and were hastily greeted by our waitress, and then read a sign at the table that said it was MANDATORY that ALL patrons purchase at least one drink. Confused at the discrepancy between the hostess' response and the sign, we asked our server for clarification. She scoffed as if judging us for trying to avoid buying drinks, and then said we should buy at least 1-2 for the table. Though irritated, we proceeded to order 2 drinks. After taking our order she asked (in a judgmental tone) if we wanted to open a tab and if the other two people in our party of 4 were going to order any. We again felt pressured to agree to an open tab knowing we would not order more drinks. Quite frankly, the entire interaction felt rude. We had come there wanting only Patrizi's and felt almost conned into buying drinks, and then made to feel guilty for not buying more. If this expectation had been more clearly communicated at the start by the hostess or more nicely communicated by the server, we would honestly have just gotten our Patrizi's to go, as we didn't feel that eating at the Vortex was worth the experience (I mean our food still came in take-out containers and a paper bag instead of the plates I had previously had my last time eating there, so there really was little incentive for us to dine in). Do not remember our server's name but, like us, she was a POC. Everyone else was quite friendly but I think her service was sub-par, perhaps because she seemed to be taking care of the entire Vortex, though I don't know that that is a good excuse. I also think the drink expectation should be more clearly communicated to customers. read more

I used to be a member of the Vortex Repertory Company for three years - we would laugh at the general perception that all the productions either involved naked people or pagan rituals. While it's true that some productions do have nudity or rituals (and sometimes both at once), they've also been known to put on classics such as Shakespeare, brilliant local original work, and an annual Summer Youth Theatre program (16 years in the running - participation by audition only, but free!). Their cafe serves beer, wine, sangria, and food - plus, they have an AC and heating system, and recycling bins. They take all credit cards, and they have a large parking lot that is monitored by the manager on duty. If you're truly revolted by the slightly weird, then you may want to go to a mainstream theater. But if you're feeling slightly daring, try the Vortex. p.s. They do have priority seating for those who arrive earlier! read more

The Vortex - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

They didn't give a warning for a show that had not only a suicide attempt, but a suicide attempt ON STAGE. It was long, drawn out, and a character yelled and berated the character who was attempting to take their life throughout the entire scene. There was no warning, no where in the program was this listed as a something to be aware of. As someone who not only works in the mental health field, but has also had someone close to me attempt suicide, this was extremely triggering. I am shocked and honestly disgusted at the complete irresponsibility and lack of empathy for the audience's well being. This was advertised as a "Family Friendly Show", and I left "Annie Jump" shaking because of that scene. The acting and set design were wonderful, but the lack of a trigger warning was a dangerous oversight. I will never attend another show at The Vortex and I highly suggest management get educated on mental health. read more

This underground spot is a gem that continues to keep Austin weird. The venue is dark and cozy, smells of incense, and is adorned by string lights. Inside, you can enjoy a drink at the Butterfly bar, and outside, you can eat at the theatre's food truck Patrizis. Their hand-pulled pastas and homemade sauces are truly a treat to enjoy before or after attending one of their shows. The theatre at the Vortex is often original, experimental, and even interactive. This is not a theatre where you will catch a rendition of "Oklahoma," but instead perhaps My Big Fat Bahooki, an Austin-original show about self-image and diets. The shows at the Vortex are not often polished, but they do leave the audience thinking and engaged. The Vortex pushes the boundaries of theatre and continues to be one of my personal favorite spots in Austin. Overall, great atmosphere, delicious food, and cool theatre. read more

Super fun place to hang out in. The food was exceptional Italian. The bar is very good. The crowds young and hip. The drag artist, divine. The food was SLOW so pace yourself read more

Ok, I have to admit I was a little hesitant walking up to this place to buy tickets at 3 in the afternoon. The gate was unlocked so I walked in expecting to find a box office......nothing. So, we called and ordered tickets over the phone. Easy enough, but don't let the non-existent driveway or the grass field mislead you! Upon arrival, we were greeted by a very nice lady that runs the theater, she showed us where to go and what to do. We got some drinks and waited for our suits to be called, that's right they call you by suit (i.e. hearts, diamonds, etc.) The stadium seat was nice and comfy. The set was well made and very appropriate for the show. The host was welcoming and gracious. The name of the show was Gaylicious! and boy was it........Jade Esteban Estrada put on a great interactive show that I will never forget! Thanks to Jade and to the Vortex for a great evening! read more

If you drive down Manor Road (as I do, twice a day every day) then you might notice a fantastically shiny, silver sign glittering in the sun right next to Home Steam Laundry. The sign says Vortex. Were it not for the sign drawing so much attention to this little gem of a local theater, it would be easy to drive right by without so much as a passing glance. The theater itself is cozy but not teeny-tiny. There is an outdoor "Yard" area that is used for outdoor performances, hula-hooping, or just plain old hanging out. The cafe has just been expanded to include a really nice patio area replete with mood lighting and picnic tables. The cafe features a vast selection of snacks and drinks so far above and beyond the usual overpriced soda and candy bars from Cost-Co that on a recent evening they were serving cakes from Chee Zee. Now about the performances. Local, organic (and sometimes just plain weird) theater is alive and kicking at the Vortex. It's true that I've gotten my money's worth out of two different shows that featured prominent nakedness, but both times it was all in good, clean fun. All in all, the Vortex is a good organization that makes great use of its little piece of Manor Road real estate. read more

I actually poked my head in here to use the restroom and while I did my girlfriend ordered a drink at the bar. The place was PACKED for a show that evening. The place is apparently some sort of entertainment bar. It's conjoined with two other venues and the location as a whole can be hard to find. It's nestled in the back of a parking lot behind a large fence. There's a nice size seating area outside and the service at the bar was friendly. We were intrigued enough to wanna return later and see what all the hype's about with these shows... read more

The Vortex - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

It's an interesting animal, The Vortex, and though there are elements of this place that have been replicated throughout the city, I think it's fair to say that there's no one else in Austin who does exactly what this place does exactly the way that they do it. The venue, is, essentially, one part backyard concert space, one part indoor intimate music and avant garde theater space, and one part indoor bar. It's not a particularly heady mix (meaning it's not like you probably haven't seen any of these single elements left to their lonesome), but together it makes for a pretty fun afternoon or evening. Know that the theater space lends itself to small performances, and it seems that they really take some chances with the programming. I've found staff to be pretty helpful, and if you're looking for a relaxed, open, bike-friendly spot to rest your dogs and stay awhile, The Vortex just might surprise you. But even if it doesn't, come ready to catch up and chat awhile. You know they are. read more

A really cool little area to hang out. What's nice is that it's so family friendly, but adults can also just chill and have a drink too. The bar there serves awesome drinks, my favorite being the old fashioned. The food truck serves really good food, and the truffle popcorn at the bar is awesome. read more

I went to The Vortex Cafe earlier this week for a hoop making workshop and happy hour. Cedar was the best teacher/bartender ever. The vibe of The Vortex is quirky like Spiderhouse yet calmer and much more easy going. The menu is what you would expect from a theater company turned cafe but the beverage bar is stocked with all sorts of teas, juices, and an array of alcoholic beverages as well. It's a funky space that is comfortable to kick back and relax in while you finish sipping whatever concoction you have Cedar pour up for you. It's also a great place to quietly contemplate your next big art project and/or catch a live show at the theater on the weekend. They have regular happy hours on weeknights and they also have an array of workshops and classes to choose from to nurture and grow on various artistic endeavors. Check out the cafe, check out the website, and be there for a happy hour and you'll be dying to go back. If I could give this place 10 stars I would!!! read more

Love all the magic that happens here! Breaking the confines of traditional theatre while also respecting the traditions of theatre. One of the few remaining venues still keeping the weird in Austin. Also boasts a deelish Italian food trailer specializing in hand-pulled pasta, cocktails from Butterfly Bar, and a big deck & giant yard perfect for pre & post-show hangs. read more

Went to the Vortex tonight for "Alice," which was a scream-tastic good time. The venue itself was small, welcoming and fun - no complaints here. The Hostess for the evening was very spirited - showing us to our seats and announcing the end of intermission with glee. Thankfully, pre-show drinks are available at reasonable prices at the theater's café - much appreciated. The restrooms were also clean. Yep. read more

Always Unique Theatre that showcases local talent and offers spaces for theatre, poetry, and other events. If you don't like what's showing the first time you go, try another show- this theatre offers such an eclectic variety you'll find something you really like. Wonderful space and great folks- what else would one want or need? http://www.vortexrep.org/ read more

I really like the intimacy of the inside....the big wooden bar, small seating, etc. The theater space is cool. The patio/yard area rocks. Very "Austin" and very cool place. read more

This is a great bar for big groups. I came here with an improv group I go to on a weeknight. There are a lot of picnic tables to sit at outside. I was surprised how busy this place was for a Wednesday. The wait for a drink was probably over 10 minutes which was a little surprising since the place isn't all that big compared to a bar on Rainey St. for example. It's a great bar to have conversation. They keep the music down outside. They don't have an amazing beer list but they have enough variety to pacify many Austin hipsters. read more

Amazing place, with a beautiful and big patio! waiting for italian food - from Patrizi's read more

The Vortex - Beer tripel b - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

What a cool local spot. There is no way to explain this place. There's usually live theater going on inside and outside. There's a great bar inside with super nice bartenders. There is also a food truck there, but I haven't tried the food. read more

Best theater in Austin! Underground and engaged plays and performances, awesome creative and original events, welcoming all types of people and spirits. The place to be! (It does bar, theater, yard, and there's Patrizi's the best Italian food truck in town in their yard!!) read more