Mama Dearest

Wanted to get my dog out of the house while visiting a friend in Austin. She is insisted we come here. Slam dunk recommendation. What I would do to transport this bar to my city... it's fun and intimate and delightful all at the same time. The bartenders are so nice and welcoming. The staff went to great lengths to get the football game on the patio tv for us. It was much appreciated. The food truck guy recommended the pierogis and chicken. Oh man... my mind was not ready for what came out of that truck. I've been eating my way through Texas for over a month and this was better than many high-end restaurants I've been to. Even if the bar doesn't tickle your interests this is a great spot for food. This will forever be a staple stop for us. Especially for my dog.

A small bar with amazing ambiance, delicious drinks, and friendly energetic staff. The interior decor is edgy and moody, while the outdoor patio is lively and open. There's a few different food truck options with delicious choices as well!The Jesus Saves drink is AMAZING. Probably the best drink I've ever had. I even got a second one, and so did all my friends. Not too strong, with a sweet honey and elderflower flavor (some of my favorites). I think this drink alone is the reason why I'm so excited to come back here!Ultimately, love this spot for a casual meetup with friends!

From the moment I saw the wire coat hanger sign out front spelling "Mama Dearest," I knew this bar was going to be something special. It's such a clever reference to the movie, and it perfectly sets the tone for the quirky and playful vibe inside. The drink menu is equally entertaining, with names like Jesus Saves, Purdy Mouth, and Roadkill that had us all laughing.The bartenders were incredibly friendly and fun, keeping the energy high and the drinks flowing. Inside, the DJ was clearly having the time of his life, which made the atmosphere even more vibrant, though it was a bit loud for chatting. I didn't make it out to the back patio, but I heard there's a food truck section that sounds like the perfect complement to the drinks. Full of personality and charm, a great spot for a laid-back night out.

I stumbled upon Mama Dearest, a retro gem of a bar, and I'm so glad I did! The vibe here is unmatched, with a live country artist playing on the back patio and a food truck serving up some seriously delicious bites.For drinks, I tried their BBQ-based Michelada topped with chicharrones and a Slim Jim. It was a little heavy on the BBQ sauce for my taste, but I loved the creativity and the mix of savory and sweet flavors--it's definitely something you don't see every day.The patio area stole the show for me. It's perfect for groups, with cozy pockets tucked away and plenty of open space and tables to relax at. Whether you're here for drinks, food, or just the laid-back atmosphere, Mama Dearest is a spot worth checking out!

A lot of people I know are hating on this spot as being a part of all the new things wrong with Austin.I dug it in the sense that I loved the layout, concept, decor, both inside and out.What I didn't love was subpar service and being made to feel I was in the way for trying to order a drink.It wasn't even busy at the time and my boyfriend and I were passed over at the indoor bar multiple times before I finally spoke up.There were maybe 7-8 others at the bar at the time.Hoping if I decide to visit again I can update this review with something more positive.

I love this place!! The bartenders were so cool and they let our group come hangout there. I got a very yummy cocktail

Mama Dearest is serving maximalist fraternity basement with extra flair - but in a good way. This is the kind of spot where the names of the drinks may result in an eyebrow raise or the clutching of pearls, so reconsider whether or not this is the spot to meet your partner's parents for the first time. Names aside, the cocktails are tasty, standard ATX east side pricing ($13 min) albeit, the presentation of some drinks could use a revamp (the beet mezcal drink comes in a small glass with a...white sock wrapped around it? idk what's going on here, but again, fraternity vibes.)While the singular bartender was getting slammed with requests, service was friendly. They have a cozy interior space with a fun mix of furniture, and a decently sized outdoor lot with picnic tables, and some spring, metal "rides" (iykyk). Conveniently located by a multitude of nearby restaurants, this is a great spot before dinner, or to stay the night with friends. Will return :)

My cousins found this bar and invited me to try it with them. It did not disappoint! The whole place was on THEME. The drinks, wall and furniture decor, even the patio had fun trinkets. The most notable being three or four horse playground spring riders. I saw a girl in front of me order such a cute drink with a tiny wholesome honey dipper and asked her what it was, she responded it was called Jesus Saves. I laughed and lo and behold it was an actual drink on the menu, among others like Purdy Mouth and Roadkill. I ended up ordering Jesus Saves and omg does Jesus SAVE. It was honestly one of the best drinks I've had in a whiiile. Definitely tasted the sweetness of the honey, lime and cream and unlike many sweet drinks it was also refreshing. I'm a piña colada girl so this drink slapped as it reminded me of the texture. Forgot our bartenders name but he was awesome, especially for making my cousin a Moscow Mule when it wasn't even a menu item. Only downside was the music the DJ was playing inside the venue was a bit loud so it was hard to hear others, and order at the bar as well.Overall, a great experience to check out. Not so much a dancing spot but passes the vibe check for a chill night out.

This has divey homey bar vibes 100%!!!The bar staff is incredibly hard working and kind/fun. Made a huge difference. Popped in for a quick afternoon HH Friday pick me up and I could not have asked for more. The inside (sorry forgot to take a picture AGH) is very eclectic with raw hide lights and granny underwear on a wire LOL it's fantastic. Good selection of craft cocktails as well - I was actually pretty shocked and they tasted good!There is also a good outdoor space in the back that is dog friendly and has a simple whimsical just hanging out at a friend's house feel to it. Definitely go check it out!

TED WAS THE GREATEST! So humble and cool and personable. I'll be back for the vibes but mainly him!