Geraldine's

★★★★☆ 3.7 (583) • $$$

"Geraldine's at the Hotel Van Zandt is an absolute gem! I recently attended their jazz brunch, and it was an unforgettable experience. The classy atmosphere, combined with live jazz music, set the perfect vibe for a relaxing and enjoyable brunch.The drinks were exceptional - the espresso martini was rich and smooth, while the French 76 was perfectly refreshing. The Caesar salad with garlic dressing and chicken was a standout dish, fresh and flavorful, complementing the upscale dining experience. The staff were super friendly and prompt, even with a packed restaurant!Whether you're a local or just visiting Austin, Geraldine's is a must-visit for a sophisticated brunch with fantastic live music. Highly recommend!"

Hole in the Wall

★★★★☆ 4 (204) • $

"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."

The Saxon Pub

★★★★☆ 3.7 (219) • $$

"What can I add to the many glowing reviews already in place for the legendary Saxon Pub, whose motto is "No Bad Days"? If you came to Austin to partake in what makes us the "Live Music Capital of the World," you probably need to see at least one show here. And if you're a local like me who loves music with a bit of twang, some country/blues/rock, more than one guitar, and an enthusiastic audience, you probably already know why Saxon is beloved by so many in this town. Heck, they even have their own documentary on Prime - that's something!The Saxon is a dark, cozy, intimate listening room, with space for only about 150 seats, ages 21+ only, and the door fee's usually around $10 depending on who is playing. Shows tend to be around 90 minutes with a mid-point break, and evenings may include up to 3 or 4 different acts, with the house cleared after each act. Snag a table near the stage, a stool at the bar, or one of those tall cocktail tables over by the wall. When the music starts, hush up! A cocktail waitress will visit periodically to see if you need anything.Otherwise, share a beer (they have 14 on tap, plus a full bar), talk up a storm, watch the big game on the TVs, or attend a private special event. They host everything from weddings to fundraisers to milestone parties to memorial celebrations of life.When you get up to use the restrooms in the back, be sure to take a look at all the years of autographed photos and other memorabilia collected since Saxon opened in 1990. Full drinks and merch menu with prices can be viewed on ToastTab here: https://www.toasttab.com/local/order/the-saxon-pub/r-977be539-9775-4c19-aa2e-ff5fc299bcd1 . Note that "Happy Hour" doesn't mean discounted drinks at Saxon; rather, it's "no door fee," usually from open to 6p.No food is served inside, but there's a decent hotdog & burger truck in the parking lot outside, and some great restaurants are nearby on South Lamar. Speaking of parking, there is hardly any, so take a rideshare if you can. Several of my favorite local artists play Saxon on a regular basis, people like Robynn Shayne, Bob Schneider, Patrice Pike, Charlie Mars, and Cari Hudson, just to name a few. If you subscribe to the Saxon social feeds and newsletter, you'll see that they also often host incredible all-star shows and the occasional touring legend. Live music fans, I hope I've convinced you, the Saxon needs to be on your regular rotation. See you there!"

Super Sap's

★★★★☆ 4.1 (149) • $$

"Love this restaurant/bar! It is rare that I find a restaurant where the vibe is on point, food is delicious, and the staff are full of enthusiasm for guests to be comfortable and happy!!My only recommendation would be they stay open later. They close at 10pm!!This is a long review so start with key notes & if you want details & photos keep reading....**Notes**- Restaurant & Bar Vibe is electric & inspiring- Food is Fresh traditional Thai & Fusion! Lots of variety but not too much that they don't have specialties dishes.- Great Date Night; dim lighted areas for romantic conversation vibe or section with a dance floor disco ball, small stage for live music, and a bar.- Good for solo eating - Amble bar space & will sit singles at tables- Karaoke & Live Music on certain nights - all ages & types of music- Sports - TV & screen- Drinks - They have a full bar with many Sake varieties (sparkng, flavored, non-flavored, cold, hot, etc.)- Patio with fans, heat, lights...very beautiful at night- Ample parking (safe & lots of lights)**DETAILS**I was greeted swiftly & felt literally catered to the whole visit and they were jammed backed.Mind you, I had ordered online for takeaway & a drink while I waited because the vibe was so amazing. I ended up staying & leaving 2 hours later because it was so much fun!The first time I came during the soft opening week, the bartender had recommended a sake back then but I couldn't remember which one.The bartender not only remembered me, but also where I sat, & the Sake so I could order it again.Wow!!! Talk about attentive bartender that is always on their A game!!!They had these beautiful glasses that the Sparkling Sake was served in. I really appreciated that given it was an expensive (fully worth it) Sake.As I sat at the bar waiting on my takeaway, I admired the beautiful glass of Sake.Thank you to the manager/owner who saw me appreciating the beauty of the glass. He said, "If you like that glass, you should see the new ones." Then he came back a few moments later with another bottle of Sake on the house (attentive to what I had been drinking & didn't care of the cost but that I fully experienced the SAKE in THAT NEW glass).I posted photos of the whole experience including what I ordered. I put the menu name & number of the dishes in the PHOTO description.The dishes were fresh and beautiful presented; even for the "take away". The SPICES were SEEN and super FRESH.You don't need to nor should you alter ANYTHING. You do have the option for preferences on spice levels, do not includes, etc.I highly recommend stepping out of your comfort or control zone and take the dishes as the chef intended. You will NOT be dissapointed.Talk about turning a low key boring night into a karaoke, Sake, and disco ball night! So much fun!!! Thank you again to that gentleman for his generosity!"

Poodie's Hilltop Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 3.8 (112) • $

"Had not been here for a long time. It's not that I don't like the place but I live in north Austin got you about 25 or 30 miles from my house. After all these years they still have some of the best burgers in town. Stopped there on my way back from Marble Falls to have lunch. The bartender was very friendly and nice. Ended up getting a Poodie melt with fries. One of the best I've ever had! Just a few regulars in the place early in the afternoon but I'm sure it's jamming tonight with some live music and it's a great outdoor deck. Almost makes me want to move out to Spicewood so I can go there on a regular basis. One of my best friends loved the place and used to go out there all the time. He used to be friends with the original owner Poodie Locke. Don't miss it if you're out that way!"

Spare Birdie Public House

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (140)

"We went for lunch there. Big, clean and pretty cool place. Plenty of different game options to try. Our server was attentive but manager was very very attentive. I am taking off 1 star because food was okey. We ordered burger, taquitos, nachos, chicken sandwich, lemon cake. The quantity of the food was good. I found fries yum but rest of the food could have some more flavor. So over all food 5/5, place -5/5, staff -5/5. I definitely recommend."

The Ballroom at Spider House

★★★★☆ 4.1 (87) • $

"I love this venue. I've been to about 4 shows, including 3 of their Stoned vs Drunk vs Sober show. Going to one this weekend too. The vibe is great, no bad seats in the house and good bar service. It's always local artist and local comedians. Wish I lived in Austin to visit some of their market days."

Solaro Estate

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (113) • $$

"We stopped here on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and it was a lovely treat. Apparently not many tasting rooms are open on Sundays, but this one was. They have a lot of space to spread out and it was perfect for an easygoing afternoon. We tried two bottles based on the recommendation of the owners. It turns out she was from Houston and went to my old high school. (Go Waltrip Rams!). They also have a tasting room in Houston. We'll be back again. The owner mentioned that you can volunteer to help with grape smashing so that might be fun to try. Cheers and enjoy!"

White Tiger

★★★★☆ 3.9 (56)

"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."

Anderson Mill Pub

★★★☆☆ 3 (45) • $

"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."