This is Austin, y'all.
We may be a city full of trendy urban bars and ultra-hip ex-Californians, but we also have a hell of a lot of Texas pride. And that ain't going anywhere. So dust off your Stetson, break out your finest blue jeans, and have a boot-scootin' time celebrating the Lone Star State at one of these Texas Bars & Honky-Tonks.
Contributed by Raven Garza
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photo via instagram
5500 S Congress Ave
Two step lessons, pool tables, live music, cold beer and cocktails are what you'll get from this infamous South Austin honky-tonk. You can catch a show at Sagebrush just about every night of the week, but keep your eye out for special appearances from celebrities, like Zach Bryan's recent surprise set for his music video with Matthew McConaughey. You can also get smashburgers from bubsatx.
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photo via brokenspokeaustintx
3201 S Lamar
Broken Spoke is an iconic Texas dancehall opened in 1964 by James & Annetta White (who still call the shots to this dang day). If you’re lookin’ for a real cowboy (or cowgirl), Broken Spoke is the spot. For generations, Austinites have spent many an evening dancin’ on the same wooden floor you see there today.
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500 Comal St
How tough are you? Prove it by going to White Horse and getting your whiskey ON TAP. Park your horse out back, get your shoes shined and then make your way to their intimate dance floor to show off your skills. You can also take a breather and get some Bomb Tacos while enjoying live music (bumpin’ seven days a week).
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photo via facebook / The Little Longhorn Saloon
5434 Burnet Rd
Little Longhorn Saloon has been known as the center of Austin’s honky-tonk country music scene for over four decades. All are welcome here, whether you’re lookin’ for country, folk, rockabilly or good ol’ rock-in-roll! This saloon is also home to the famous Chicken Shit Bingo. If you don’t know what the heck that is, well...it’s something you just gotta witness for yourself.
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photo via yelp
1600 W 5th St
Donn’s Depot is as quaint and atmospheric as piano bars come. It’s located in an old Missouri-Pacific train depot and has actual train cars in the seating areas - how cool is that? Don’t let the old-fashioned style deter you though, Donn’s draws in crowds of all ages and backgrounds. Come by to play some blackjack, pop open a cold one and enjoy this spot's diverse musical acts.
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1315 S Congress Ave
With a title like “The granddaddy of live music venues”, this club’s reputation pretty much speaks for itself. The Continental Club has hosted legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Paul Ray and the Cobras, Joe Ely and Bill Carter - to name just a few. On any given night you’ll hear talented musicians playing not only traditional country and blues but also rockabilly, roots, and garage rock. If you haven’t been here yet, can you really call yourself a Texan?
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photo via traveler.marriott / poodies by nicole mlakar
22308 Hwy 71 W
The only description in Poodies’ About section on Facebook is their straight-forward motto: “No Bad Days”. At Poodie's, it's true! If you and your pals are lookin’ for an escape from the hustle n’ bustle of Austin city life, drive out to Poodies for drinks, food and live music available all week. Try to catch the sunset while you're there - the views are breathtaking.
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photo via themeaneyedcat
1621 W 5th St
Perhaps you’ve heard of this place referred to as “That Johnny Cash bar”. Well, first off - that's true. Secondly, Mean-Eyed Cat pulls it off in true Cash fashion: no trace of tackiness. Just complete cowboy realness. This is the kind of spot you wish you could chill with Johnny Cash at after he played a particularly soul-crushing set. (He never did, but the rumors persist!) Enjoy this hang's booze, BBQ, and badass atmosphere.
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photo via shinerssaloon
422 Congress Ave Suite D
Just around the corner from Austin’s historic 6th Street (in all its tumultuous glory) is Shiner’s Saloon - a comfy spot full of friendly faces and all Shiner beer on draft. Unlike your typical bar, the kitchen at Shiner's is open till closing time! They’ve got the true Texan trio: food, beer, and local music. Sounds like a sweet deal to us.
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More Texas Bars & Dancin' Spots We Love:
2115 Allred Dr
3777 FM972, Walburg, TX
1700 Grand Ave Pkwy #240, Pflugerville, TX
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Did we miss your favorite two-steppin' spot?
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