The video above is a solid tour of the Austin music scene, covering 10 different venues across the city. David Bridwell hits spots ranging from South Austin hangouts to downtown hotel bars, catching everything from bluegrass to Afro jazz along the way. If you're trying to figure out where to go and what to expect when you get there, this is a good place to start.
What Are the Best Live Music Venues to Visit in Austin?
The video covers a wide mix of places, each with its own feel and style of music. Here's the full list:
- Metcalf Barbecue at Graceland — A barbecue spot that hosts special events like the 15th Annual Gram Parsons Hootenanny, featuring rotating musicians and a party atmosphere
- Sagebrush — A two-stage venue with a big dance floor on one side and a smaller, more intimate corner stage with table seating on the other
- Little Darlin — A South Austin spot with plenty of outdoor space and tables, good for a low-key afternoon with live bands rotating on stage
- The Far Out Lounge — Another South Austin venue that does Sunday brunch shows and can get packed on weekend nights, though the daytime vibe is relaxed
- Sahara — A unique spot that hosts events like Africa Night Buffet, pairing African food with Afro jazz and other world music
- El Mercado — A Mexican restaurant with a Monday night Supper Club, where you can get table service and catch singer-songwriter sets in an intimate setting
- Radio Coffee & Beer — Home to a Monday night bluegrass series with a laid-back outdoor setup that's perfect for sitting back and soaking in the music
- Geraldine's — An upscale hotel bar on Rainey Street where you take an elevator up and catch solo piano acts over a whiskey sour
- The Driscoll Bar — A historic hotel bar right on 6th Street, dating back to the late 1800s, with a regular rotation of solo performers
- Sanjack Saloon — A 6th Street (Dirty Sixth) saloon with a dance-friendly crowd and a fun energy, especially manageable on weeknights
Musicians Featured in the Video
The video catches a good cross-section of performers, including Bill Hearn and Earl Poole Ball (aka Mr. Honky Tonk Piano) at the Gram Parsons event, Gabe Wooten and Heather Little on the small stage at Sagebrush, and The Magic Rockers of Texas tearing it up on the big stage. Over at El Mercado, Michael O'Connor, Barbara Nesbitt, and Pat Byrne played the Monday Supper Club — Pat Byrne in particular is a super talented vocalist worth seeking out. Wax Logic handled the Sunday brunch at Far Out, Rising McDowell played piano at Geraldine's, Brian Wolf held down his regular gig at the Driscoll, and Will Southern kept the Monday crowd moving at Sanjack Saloon.
More Than Just 6th Street
One thing this video makes clear is that the Austin music scene stretches well beyond the downtown bar strip. South Austin spots like Little Darlin and The Far Out Lounge have their own character, Sahara brings in sounds you won't find on a typical 6th Street crawl, and places like Radio Coffee & Beer prove that a Monday night bluegrass set can be just as memorable as a packed Saturday show. The best approach is to wander a bit and check out different neighborhoods — that's where you find the stuff that actually sticks with you.