Austin's Best Dive Bar

Spacious, relaxed neighborhood bar is close to Sixth Street.

Reviews:

• “Searching for a better atmosphere”
• “My favorite bar”
• “Maybe the most underated bar…”

Tips: Need a meal before your drinks? Get popular burgers at nearby Casino El Camino; though be prepared for a 20-minute wait during early evenings and an hour otherwise.

MugShots

The beer is cold and the music is classic country at this family-run honky-tonk.

Tips: If you want some food with that barley pop, ask for one of the pickled eggs or sausages displayed in large jars on the bar.

Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon

Ex-Cut Rite chainsaw shop turned tiny dive bar pays homage to the Man in Black.

Reviews:

• “????”
• “Cool Spot”
• “I hope the condos don’t ruin it”
• “Pseudo-Dive Bar”
• “Best Bar in town”

Tips: The capacity of this little bar is limited, so arrive early on weekend nights to avoid a line.

The Mean-Eyed Cat or email The Mean-Eyed Cat

A sudsy, song-happy and diverse crowd.

Reviews:

• “One of the BEST open mics in Austin.”
• “A fun place to hang out but there are alot of low life’s. Food is great.”
• “Fun Local Dive”

Tips: On karaoke nights, count on seeing some of the finest shower-singers in Austin at their best. Perhaps as entertaining is to listen for some of Austin’s worst singers, also on hand.

Water Tank Bar and Grill

A fun dive bar chain serving drafts and bottles to all walks of life.

Reviews:

• “best porch ever”
• “A Slice of Old School Texas, “Best Dive Bar” in Austin!"
• “Still A Real Gem”
• “The Showdown Rocks”
• “Love this place”

Tips: Smoking is only allowed in the large beer garden, which is open rain or shine.

Texas Showdown Saloon

Don’t be fooled by the name: There’s nothing cute or frilly about this bar.

Reviews:

• “To The Whiners”
• “aka Hickville”
• “hicktown…flashback to segregation.”
• “Shuffle Puck and CockRoaches!”
• “live music tue-sun”

Tips: Ringing the main room are some small, cozy and surprisingly undilapidated booths. Perfect for intimate conversation.

Poodle Dog Lounge

The random rabble-rousing at this Sixth Street drinking hole suits the mythical mammal it’s named for.

Reviews:

• “i love em seedy”
• “Nice dark bar for the end of the night”
• “Best bar in Austin!”
• “Coolest bar around with killer drinks.”
• “Definatley some good food here.. nice diversity of crowd”

The Jackalope

Hip live acts, a laid-back atmosphere and a massive outdoor beer garden make this old-fashioned bar a favorite with locals.

Tips: Though formerly just serving beer and wine, the Scoot Inn now features a full bar. So leave your bottle at home.

Scoot Inn

Rustic lounge with a standards-packed jukebox and Christmas decorations that never come down.

Reviews:

• “Terrible Service and Smoky!”
• “A Dive Bar Defined”

Tips: Bring change: Pool and foosball tables take only quarters. There’s no change machine and the bar gets impatient making change.

Lala’s Little Nugget

On the road to Oak Hill, stumble upon one of the toughest but coolest bars in the Austin area.

Tips: With nightly specials on already nickel-and-dime pricing, Boomerz won’t tear your wallet in half.

Boomerz Nite Club

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