Austin > Dive Bars

The Best Dive Bars in Austin

Hole in the Wall

Hole in the Wall

★★★★☆ 4 (204) • $

Tressa M. "My first review was to gate keep this place. Great music. Shit drinks. Cool bartenders. Everything you could need from a hometown-run down bar."

Music Venues
Cheer Up Charlies

Cheer Up Charlies

★★★★☆ 4.3 (156) • $$

Ari R. "I'm genuinely surprised this isn't listed as a 5 star spot in ATX. If you're one of those people who is worried that you might not be "gay enough" for a gay bar, you have nothing to fear at Cheer Up Charlies. It's an incredibly welcoming space where the vibe is very relaxed queer freedom. Do yourself a favor and check it out. Now maybe I'm biased to loving this place because I got to see an incredible drag show when I came here. But even before the show began I was having a good time. The drinks are strong (and vegan) without being overwhelming. Cider? Yes please. A cocktail? You can't go wrong. Everyone is so friendly behind the bar(s) too.There's indoor and and outdoor seating. It's mostly outdoor so be prepared for that. The area on the opposite side of the building from the stage is nice and quiet if you need a respite from the noise."

The Cavalier ATX

The Cavalier ATX

★★★★☆ 4.1 (114) • $

Natalie F. "I honestly can't believe I've never written a review here! We frequent The Cavalier weekly sometimes multiple times a week. Their food, service and drinks are always consistent and they have daily happy hour and BOGO burgers on Mondays. They're currently having a Krampus themed pop up bar right now with really unique drinks. This neighborhood gem is one of a kind and we can't rave enough about how much we love it."

Pubs Southern
White Tiger

White Tiger

★★★★☆ 3.9 (56)

Rachel G. "Although I was a fan of Botticelli's, I think Congress really needed a divey type bar. I like to go here to start my evening for a cheap drink and almost always a guarantee of live music during the week. The back deck can't be beat, with the huge oak trees and the biggest fan you have ever seen. It really does wonders to have a constant airflow and make it feel cool out there. They have good musicians, usually leaning more classic rock. I've never eaten the food, and after looking at the menu, it's fried fried fried. My only real complaint is that this place is dirty. I mean D-I-r-t-y. I would give this place five stars, but I don't think it has ever seen a broom or a sponge. I'm almost throwing up just thinking about the bathrooms... Which definitely are full of throw up."

American Music Venues

Recent Reviews for Dive Bars Restaurants

Mary S.

★★★★★

Mar 24, 2024


One of old Austin's original live music hotspots. Great service and friendly crowd. Their kitchen was not open, but we enjoyed the live music venue. Great amount of parking within walking distance (garages, paytopark) or bus stops. There's more room and stages inside than expected.

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Sasa P.

★★★★★

Nov 8, 2024


This is a dope bar. They often have drag shows and fun queer events that make them a standout gay bar to go to. I love the location of this bar as well, because it's right next to a few concert venues (Mowhawk, Stubb's, Moody, Antone's, etc) which is primely located for continuing the party post-concert.

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Lori H.

★★★★☆

Sep 27, 2023


Food: 3.5/5Service: 4/5Ambiance: 4/5The Swenson Burger was pretty solid, but the star of the show was the Caribbean Spiced Fries. We went for lunch around 11:30 a.m. We ordered and got our drinks quickly, but the food took about 40 minutes to come out. It was a nice neighborhood bar. They have special events happening daily, so that is pretty neat. They also have an area with a pool table and darts.

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Amy M.

★★★★★

Oct 24, 2024


Had a blast on a crazy whim to enter this bar. The bar isn't anything snooty or fancy which is great. Very dive bar type. They have shot specials everyday for $4 bucks which you can't beat. They had cherry bombs on Sundays and they were very tasty. The bartenders were awesome and vibing. Tunes were great. I'm definitely stopping by next time I'm in town.

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Karol M.

★★★★☆

Mar 19, 2023


I'm partial to clubs with a beautiful outdoor space for live music, and this one certainly hits that target, though it isn't as large as some of the other nearby club-with-patio venues. I hardly noticed the inside of the place this weekend, as it was SXSW and we were there to see the bands set up on their back patio stage. The bands drew a large crowd but the bartenders and adjoining food truck were able to cheerfully keep up with orders. The staff was pleasant and helpful and the sound and lighting systems were well balanced. Kudos to the sound engineers and stage manager.Half of the outdoor area is covered and the part in front of the covered stage is wonderfully open to the sky. A couple of VIP style port-a-potties were set up near the food truck, and there's a full outdoor bar underneath the covered section, so really there was no need to venture back indoors.Drinks and food are about average for East 6th club pricing. The food truck menu could use a few more vegetarian/vegan options. Parking is always an issue anywhere down in that area, so know that you are on your own in that regard. All in all, a great East 6th Street club for live music, drinks and snacks.

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Deb M.

★★★★★

Feb 6, 2024


Chris' Miic -- stand up comedy by up and coming locals. Host Mike Hudak puts the sign up list out at 9:30 pm each Tuesday for the Open Mic. I love the community of young upstarts, pros who want to practice before another gig, regional comics hoping to make their big break, and even old blue haired ladies escaped from assisted living! (@DebbieDoesAustinbyWheelchair. ) They really need a ramp to the stage, but the ADA restrooms are great for @rollupcomedy (AMP #1 rule: Tip Stormy the bartender! She's awesome!!)

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Nickie B.

★★★★★

Aug 3, 2024


I honestly don't want to give Casino ***** stars because I don't want to continuously boost their rating and let other people know how fantastic this place is. I secretly keep it for myself. Unlike a lot lot establishments CELC does not go down. They stay at an excellent 4.5 to 5 stars continuously for at least the last eight years. Burgers are fantastic, Service is perfect and the food is righteous.

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Latchkey

Latchkey

★★★★☆ 4.2 (44)

Sophie T. "Latchkey will forever go down as one of my favorite bars EVER. My friend and I were visiting Austin for the weekend and latchkey was suggested to us as a bar to check out. Little did we know that we'd end up here every night because we loved it so much. The DJ knows what he's doing. Disco, 90's, early 2000s, remixes, everything. There's three rooms (2 indoors and one massive spot outdoors with picnic tables and a food truck), a photo booth, bathrooms, and the best staff ever. Shout to the bartender Vance -- the nicest man and the best bartender. He made our whole trip. We want to come back to Austin just to see Vance again. To boot, we got nachos from the food truck out back TWICE because they were just that good. Incredible place."

Anderson Mill Pub

Anderson Mill Pub

★★★☆☆ 3 (45) • $

Julia C. "Came here for live music. Good size venue with lots of tables and chairs. Nice light show and loud music. Lots of tv's around to catch a game or SNL."

Sports Bars Music Venues
Casino El Camino

Casino El Camino

★★★★☆ 3.8 • $$

Rebecca K. "Went here on a yelp recommendation and the diners drove ins and dives website. *It's off of 6th street. Parking is at a premium. * This is a bar. Not a restaurant. There are no waitstaff. You order, pick up and bus your own food. *the cooks take your order. Do not expect them to be super duper friendly or quick if you're ordering and they are cooking food. *Your name will be called over the loud speaker. Pick up the first time! Now for the food: * burgers and sandwiches. Fries either on the side or a basket to share. *lots of options for good toppings. One of us did a plain old burger and the other did the Madison. With pork belly. We went on a week day. It was full of MC members. I would probably not have gone in by myself. I felt safe the entire time with my husband who is in a MC. If you don't know what an MC is you probably shouldn't venture into this establishment. Gives off From Dusk TIl Dawn vibes. There is a patio out back. The burger was way under cooked. Says they cook to medium. This was rare, and I was not about to send it back. Had great flavor, just not cooked enough for me."

American Cocktail Bars