The Chugging Monkey

Let's get this out of the way up front. I am not your typical Chugging patron who is pounding shots on dirty 6th. I stop by here because I can get a decent pour especially when Brock is pouring. Left turn here... Brock is a Cubs fan and still a decent guy who can talk baseball with me.Chugging usually has a fun band or solo performer and a fun atmosphere especially on event weekends. I avoid dirty 6th except for a few venues and the Chugging is one of the venues that we frequent when doing our downtown bar crawls.

With a name like "The Chugging Monkey," you'd expect there to be plenty of drunk shenanigans going around an endless flow of alcohol.Luckily you don't have to worry too much about a brash crowd. When we rolled in on a Friday night, we were surprised at how much space the bar had to move around, dance, and drink. Well drinks were about $5 a pop here which is a pretty good deal considering you're in such a large city. There is a sound stage for performances, so if you're lucky, you'll get some free entertainment out of your cheap drink too.There is an upstairs portion which we didn't go up, but I appreciate that this place is spacious and can seem to fit a large group of people all at once. Definitely enjoyed this no-frills, cheap bar in Austin.Other than that, this place gets the job done as another stop in your Sixth Street adventures.

Another little music / bar place located on 6th in the heart of Austin. There's live music, plenty of room to have a drink or two, and an upstairs balcony where there's another little side bar. I wasn't the biggest fan of this place though. The drink specials are written on a chalkboard, and they include some pretty good deals. However, I asked the bartender if I could try one, and she said they discontinued the drink specials written on the wall. I was disappointed because one, they still advertise them as if they're in business, and two, I'm not sure if I can find them anywhere else. On the other hand, there are some pretty good basic beers on tap, as well as liquor of whatever you'd like.The band I saw in here was pretty good, playing covers of music from the 80s and 90s. I'm pretty sure the live music would be the only reason why I'd come back. Don't even think they serve food in this little bar. If you love your liquor and music, give it a try. Me? Not so sure if I'll be back.

Besides a good-sized crowd - much of it eye candy[1] - the Chugging Monkey offers quite a bit: live music on-stage, arcade games on-site, plus a charming back patio (the "Monkey Patio") out back[2]. Like other 6th Street bars, the Monkey has got room for a crowd.As for drinks, their bartender poured us Alien Secretion shots fit for Midas, which thankfully tasted just as good. No idea on price, as my friend bought them.[1] If you consider how many college girls frequent 6th Street and the amount of time I spent there, it's a wonder I didn't hit on any.[2] That's redundant, I know, but I don't get paid to write.

The bouncer saw us looking lost on the street and got us where we were actually going but told us we had to come back so we obliged. We came back enjoyed the Lets Get Weird Mural in the back, a drink, and some live music. We were there a little early in the evening and things weren't too crazy yet but the crowd was definitely fun and the bartenders were friendly!

Pretty cool place and very entertaining with the band playing. Sat at the bar near the band, and enjoyed some local beers while listening to the band. Band was playing some old school rock and roll and did welcome some of our requests. Price was good and so was the service. It was a nice ambiance and would definitely recommend.

This was stop number one down sixth street for Ian and I. It was kind of dead for a Sunday night. Not many complaints and I'd recommend the green tea mixed cocktail for anyone visiting. Less sour version of a whiskey sour to put things into perspective. A local band played too and they were pretty good! It was a cool ambiance and I would recommend this place to my colleagues.

This used to be my favorite spot. They always host good local bands and the bartenders are really good. I had been starting my night on sixth street here for six years now but recently they removed the giant Jenga block. It's just not the same without it. Now they have some large connect four but they only have one. With the blocks we at least could share with others but now you only can watch as one group hogs it up. It's disappointing to see them get rid of the blocks. It's sad to see the place throw away the tradition of good times and signing the blocks for some after thought.

Riley made our night! So awesome, would come back for him alone!Awesome personality & beautiful smile

The Chuggin Monkey is a great place to start or end your pub crawl in Austin.The bartenders know their drinks and brews and are super friendly and enjoy talking to the customers. The Bouncer/doorman is pretty cool to talk to as well. Live music usually starts at 9pm. The band playing area is small but the musicians make due with the space constraints.The live music of course is great. I don't mind listening to cover bands as long as they Rock out, which they most certainly do here.Check this place out past 9pm you will be glad you did.