Sometimes we just need to sit down in order to enjoy a show.
Yeah, general admission and standing only shows are fun, but a lot of us can’t take the pressure of standing for hours on end anymore. In order to rest our joints while enjoying the show, we need seating! Luckily, a lot of Austin’s local venues offer good ol' seats — whether it’s reserved seating at a beloved amphitheater or a bench in a bar’s backyard. Check out our picks on where to sit down and watch some live music!
Contributed by Keylee Paz
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Photo credit: Roger Ho
1501 E New Hope Dr
Haute Spot truly lives up to its motto — “a kick ass venue with Texas hospitality.” Not only are they a premier live music venue, they are located in Cedar Park which prevents the long drive to downtown. Haute Spot also offers a range of delicious concert food and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) to enjoy while hanging out.
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Photo via Long Center Facebook
701 W Riverside Dr
Grab your lawn chairs or a lawn blanket and head on down to the Long Center! This family-friendly outdoor venue is known for hosting entertaining concert series. The lawn is huge and sits on the edge of the Austin Skyline, perfect for embracing the live music scene and the view.
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8504 S Congress Ave
The Far Out Lounge is one of Austin’s most beloved venues, particularly if you live in deep South Austin. The spot has such a unique exterior, resembling a groovy 70s lounge with a large marquee. Always vivid and lively, The Far Out Lounge is home to many events — from burlesque shows to comedy night to local shows. They also have cool seating all over the venue, which makes it feel very intimate!
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Photo via paramount
713 Congress Ave
We all know the infamous light-up Paramount Blade in downtown. The Paramount Theatre has lived on for more than 100 years, serving as one of Austin’s historic venues. The venue plays a significant role in the Austin movie and music scenes, such as SXSW and red carpet gatherings. As the venue is a theater, all of their seating (reserved, of course) is cushioned and spacious enough for you to enjoy the show.
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Photo via Meanwhile Brewing Facebook
3901 Promontory Point Dr
Hailing from the streets of Portland, the founder of Meanwhile Brewing decided to open a new brewery on 3.7 acres of land in Southeast Austin. This place literally has it all - an exquisite range of beer and cocktails, a huge soccer field, three food trucks with divine options (tacos, pizzas, you name it), and even a playground. Their backyard stage is also very relaxing, perfect for those who want to meet up with friends, grab some frozen boozy horchata floats, and enjoy live music in the evening. They have tables and benches all over their yard, including indoor seating in the taproom.
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photo via Armadillo den
10106 Menchaca Rd
South Austin's backyard, as we like to call it. Armadillo Den ails that laid-back, “I could stay here all day” vibe. Tucked away but always buzzing, it’s got that perfect mix of outdoor space, good drinks, and a steady lineup of live music that just makes you want to linger. Post up at a picnic table under the string lights or kick further back on the patio with a cold one. And if you're not feeling the band, the Den is also pretty great for some good old fashioned people watching.
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photo via sagebrush
5500 S Congress Ave
With its vintage Western saloon vibes, spacious outdoor yard, and a stage that always draws killer local talent (and even Zach Bryan one night not too long ago), Sagebrush is kind of spot you settle into and forget about the time. Grab a drink, sink into a seat (inside by the bar or outside under the twinkly lights), and just let the night unfold while the bands do their thing.
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EVEN MORE PLACES TO SIT & WATCH MUSIC:
13476 Fitzhugh Rd
2350 Robert Dedman Dr
2701 S Lamar Blvd
4204 Menchaca Rd
2415 E 5th St
3201 E Cesar Chavez St
2538 Guadalupe St
3825 Lake Austin Blvd
75 1/2 Rainey St
101 Co Rd 409
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Did we miss one?
