Best nightclubs in Austin: find options near you

This place is absolutely wonderful in all the ways you would want a jazz music venue to be. Let’s get to the basics:

1. The service is amazing, fast, and friendly
2. The music is of the utmost top quality professional musicians.
3. The location is easily accessible (as soon as all this construction downtown is finished)
4. The atmosphere is the best part about the whole facility. Dimly lit, not too crowded, and perfect for a date night.

-The only reason I don’t leave 5 stars is because no food. With food choices, I’ll come back and update my review to 5 stars.

Watched the BIG BRASS BAND that plays every second Tuesday, AMAZING! Waitstaff was friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable. The basement feel lends to a Speakeasy and the atmosphere was relaxed. Took a friend of mine to listen to the music, she was blown away! Will be returning when I am back in town. Stop by and check them out. You will not regret it!

This is exactly the place you would expect to see live jazz. In a basement, low level lighting, just you and the band. Waiters and staff were very accommodating and friendly. They only serve drinks, but allow outside food in. In fact, they encourage it. We arrived early for the first singer and after they finished their set, we decided we were hungry. We had a great table and didn’t want to lose it, so the staff put a reservation on our table to let us walk a couple blocks down and grab some food to bring back. They even removed our trash when we were finished. Amazing staff and perfect ambiance.

This Jazz centric, old time Austin haunt has a special place in my heart. I have been coming here for over 30 years and enjoyed every single time. I was not lucky enough to have be an original Austinite but as they say, got here as fast as I could. I have seen Austin change from a smallish, music centered town to a sort of big city wanna be Mecca yet, The Elephant Room keeps on being a magnet for those of us who believe we are relevant and a part of Austin history. You know what, if you come spend some time listening to what they have to offer you just might become that. I know in my mind what I have experienced by sharing in this Austin institution is special. I encourage you to experience it, there’s only one. Try it.

Come for the jazz leave for the drinks. Elephant Room is a fantastic jazzy escape right on Congress Ave that is one of the greatest examples of Austin’s true love for music.

The setting is very intimate with low lighting throughout and a lot of tables aligning the path down to the stage. We were able to snag a table pretty close up but we would recommend getting there early as the place was decently full for a Thursday night (also to beat their cover that begins at 8; cover amount depends on the day of week). The service is friendly and quick with ordering and getting drinks.

Obviously with any jazz bar, the music is the main show and the band was great. They performed a few different styles of jazz and it all sounded fantastic with funny little skits in between their sets. It’s very easy to see why Elephant Room is a go to for many music lovers in the city. I will warn however that the drinks were not great. With a limited cocktail menu we went with familiar favorites of ours and none of us were very impressed with what we received. The Manhattan was very strong, even for a bourbon centric cocktail. The espresso martini was just alright but not as good as many other places. And lastly, the jazz juice just wasn’t as sweet and flavorful as other traditional rum punches. They do have a decent wine and beer selection so maybe stick to those.

You can’t go wrong with great music and that’s exactly what Elephant Room provides. Although the drinks were a miss, the atmosphere and setting are a can’t miss and we highly recommend anyone looking for a casual date night to head here ASAP.

The Elephant Room is hands-down one of Austin’s most iconic hidden gems and a must-visit for any jazz lover. Tucked away underground on Congress Avenue, it’s got that perfect speakeasy vibe—dim lighting, cozy seating, and walls that seem to hum with decades of music history. The atmosphere is intimate and inviting, making it just as enjoyable for a casual night out as it is for a deep appreciation of live music.

The talent here is consistently top-notch. Whether it’s a local legend or a touring act, the musicians bring their A-game, and the acoustics make every note feel like it’s just for you. There’s something magical about being only a few feet away from such incredible performers.

The drinks are well-made and reasonably priced for downtown Austin, and the bartenders know how to keep the mood relaxed and friendly. Service is quick, even on busy nights, and there’s a great selection of beer, wine, and cocktails to suit any taste.

One of my favorite things is how unpretentious the place feels. It’s not about flashy gimmicks—it’s about the music, the vibe, and the people.

If you’re in Austin and want a true live music experience that captures the city’s soul, The Elephant Room should be at the very top of your list.

I read a review that said “Come for the jazz, leave for the drinks” and I couldn’t agree more.

The Elephant Room is a basement jazz bar with music every night. Their daily hours and cover charge depend on the day of the week. They have a calendar of performers on their website. We got to see the Elias Haslanger Quintet, and they were absolutely wonderful. The music is not too loud, even with a relatively close seat.

We came on a Saturday a little after 9 pm (which is when the headliner was starting that night), and there was already a line out the door. We waited at least 30 minutes to be seated. The room itself has a non-ideal layout; it’s a long room with a bar that runs along the left side, and a small stage at the end of the room. The issue is, there are pillars that support the ceiling, which completely block your view of the performers if you’re seated anywhere near the bar or towards the back of the room. We were initially seated at the bar, but we were able to switch to a better table after seeing a group of people leaving.

As for the drinks, we tried the jazz juice (the description on the menu says it’s a traditional rum punch) and the placebo (a non-alcoholic cocktail, bartender’s choice). When I think of rum punch, I think of rum and fruit juices, and perhaps a sweetener. Unfortunately, this rum punch only had one flavor: anise/licorice. Licorice is an incredibly polarizing flavor – some people love it, but personally I find it incredibly off-putting. I really wish the description on their menu specified this ingredient; if it did, I would’ve known not to order it. Sadly, the placebo cocktail wasn’t any better. It was so sickly-sweet, my brother described it as “sugar water”.

My recommendation to anyone that wants to check out the Elephant Room would be to get there early (before the headliner is set to start) so you don’t have to stand in line too long. The music is definitely worth it.

We didn’t know what to expect, but we loved the place. We enjoyed a live band that played some rock and blues. The entrance fee was 10 dollars, which was a great deal, and we had a lot of fun. They also have drinks and beers inside.

The place was very cool! Everyone was super welcoming and the band was fantastic. The drinks here are good too I would recommend The Lone Star Beer and I would recommend giving this place a visit!!!!

Recently saw Dale Watson on Friday April 11 at CC Austin. One of my favorite places to catch live music in ATX. Continental Club is very much a part of the fabric of the SoCo district and the Austin music scene. And there are actually two clubs her in one of you go to the secret entrance just north of the tattoo shop.

The show Dale put on was great. And even included a plug or two for Lone Star Beer.

Never eaten here, but enjoy the music, drinks, and crowds. Great Saturday mornings during SXSW…staff is very friendly!

Great dive bar music venue with fantastic acts nightly! Love this spot almost as much as the NY location. Have to come here every time I visit Austin.

EDIT: I’d always thought the NY location was the same ownership. It is NOT! Sorry for the mistake.

Cool joint with a great vibe. Staff is very friendly. You can’t beat a 10 pm show by the one and only James McMurtry and his awesome band. Love it!

Katie was awesome! Dale Watson Show was incredible. Lonestar beer was cheap! Sound is outstanding!

Visiting The White Horse in Austin was such an incredible experience and easily one of the highlights of my trip. This spot truly captures the heart and soul of Texas nightlife. From the moment I walked in, the energy was contagious — a mix of locals and visitors all coming together to enjoy a good time. The atmosphere is effortlessly cool, laid-back yet full of life, making it the perfect place to spend a night out.

The live country music is without a doubt the star of the show. The bands that play here are phenomenal, delivering authentic sounds that make you want to hit the dance floor immediately. Whether you’re an experienced two-stepper or just watching from the sidelines, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the rhythm and vibe of the crowd.

On top of the music, the drinks were excellent. The bartenders know how to mix strong, tasty cocktails, and the beer selection is spot on for a night of dancing and hanging out. Prices are very reasonable too, which only adds to the charm.

Overall, The White Horse is more than just a bar — it’s an experience. Great music, great drinks, and an atmosphere that’s truly Austin. I can’t wait to go back.

Cute spot, the band was really good, the tacos outside are really yummy- I got the Al pastor (no onions) and veggie mushroom and potatoes. They were a good size and tasty. I would come back here with a group. It was nice that they had free entry before 7:30, but no re-entry after that time without paying cover charge.

You HAVE to go!!! What a gem of a place. Watching the locals dancing the two-step was brilliant. Live band. Good sound system. Just a great experience of a honky tonk. Loved it.

Atmosphere was awesome! Everything you’d want in the fusion between a honky-tonk and dive bar. There was a surprise show which was Silverada the night I went. Packed house, good tunes, and good vibes all the way around!

Taco truck out back is amazing. Despite being out of a few things the alternatives were just as good. Margaritas on tap. Good outdoor seating. And the line dancing lessons were fun despite being crowded.

Great place with a cool atmosphere and the stage sounds incredible.

Went on a monday night and still there was a lot of people and some top level musicians.

We went early in the evening for the two step lessons. The place is cool, dark, and has lots of character. It’s a great dive bar. We enjoyed the dance lessons as well as the live band that followed. Very casual, fun atmosphere. We got a Lyft there so we could drink, and they don’t really have parking anyway, so consider a ride share to avoid the hassle of finding street parking.

SXSW !!!

Great place for live music. The upstairs roof top patio is off the hook. There’s usually a Dj and full bar. Smoking area.

The dance floor is awesome for live music. Two bars on the second floor. There is not much seating area unless you pay for it, but you get full service from a full bar and food service. It’s worth it. My drink never went dry.

Great place for live music. We had a work function here and it was a blast. We had bowling, pool, shuffleboard and ping pong, along with 2 stages of music. Plenty of bars and servers to handle the crowd.

Will definitely be back when in the area again.

We were lucky enough to join the Spazmatics performance, and the atmosphere was fantastic. The venue pays great attention to detail, creating a lively and engaging environment. After the concert, we went up to the rooftop, and shortly after, the DJ arrived and crafted the evening perfectly by playing music of our choice. It was a memorable night, and we will definitely be returning!

Good place to see local bands. Even the seating area has a good view of the band.

If going for a show, skip the table service and order your drinks/apps from the bar directly.

Bartenders were awesome and well staffed for the turn out. Staff in general at speakeasy were super friendly and professional.

This is a 10/10 awesome spot.
Bar tender was funny and talked to us a lot.
The spazmatics were so much fun, we just went randomly and it was an amazing show and the whole crowd was having fun with them.
Bowling alley and games on the second floor.
Fourth floor had another rooftop bar with a DJ.
This is the ideal place to bring friends or a date to, I had such a great time and will talk about it for a long time.

Went for a company function, and the staff just seemed very sad to be there. It was Thursday night. The night before my coworkers enjoyed the band so I was not impressed with overall service. If you are there for the entertainment then that’s a different story.

Any chance you get to go to Antone’s, GO! My husband and I go to Antone’s all the time; they have the best vibes, the best staff, and put on the best shows! When the opportunity came up to have our wedding here we JUMPED. Sierra, the Director of Events, was THE BEST to work with. She went above and beyond making sure she and her staff understood the exact vision for the night and worked with my planner to seamlessly execute vendor drop offs, set ups, and break downs. The entire staff worked so hard all night and their energy only added to our guests’ party experience.

I could not recommend Antone’s enough – whether that is just for a concert or to host your own event. The iconic history of the venue seeps through the pores of the space and makes any time you are there the most special! Thank you Antone’s for making my wedding the best day ever.

We went here to listen to A Thousand Horses band on a Thursday night.

There is limited seating so if you need to sit, plan to arrive right when they open.

The bar is enormous with lots of choices for alcohol but they add 20% to all tabs. They have a sign letting you know but just wanted to make you aware of it if you don’t see the signs above the bar. We did tip on top of that as I was unaware if that 20% went to the servers.

Also, be aware that there may be a floor fan near the restroom closest to the stage. It’s black so when the lights are off it is hard to see. I saw it but my husband did not, tripped over it, and ended up on the floor!

We paid to park in a parking garage around the corner with a short walk to the venue. We felt safe the entire walk.

Overall this is a great small intimate venue to see your favorite band!

Great sound! Great artists! This place is classic. The venue is well taken care of, and well decorated with art and older posters. As a lady, venue restrooms can be a hit or miss but this one was great, I stood in line for less than a second! I was delighted at the quality of their stage lights too. It’s cool to see the Antone’s name change colors while listening to inspiring music!
Thanks friends!

Historic and excellent venue for all types of music! Great vibe, friendly and courteous staff, good selection on drinks, clean bathrooms, and the sound is very well balanced!

Wanted to stop there to pick up a shirt. While they didn’t have my size i found another that featured Stevie Ray Vaughan. Cool little store with albums, books, shirts, and more. The woman who worked there was friendly.

I went there to see AJ McQueen in concert. I loved it! The concert was AWESOME!!! T the club was nice and roomy, but cozy at the same time.

Sehr interessanter kleiner Laden mit sehr langer, reicher Geschichte.
Habe ihn im Rahmen der Austin Blues week im April 2025 eher zufällig gefunden.

Sehr nettes Publikum und sehr tolle und wunderbare Künstler

Expecting a firehouse but somehow ended up at a cute speakeasy where you enter through a bookcase in the wall? Just another regular Friday night in Austin.

In all seriousness though, Firehouse is a decent speakeasy where half the fun is in taking photos at the sliding bookcase and the other half is after you wait about 20 minutes for your drinks. We ordered the passion fruit daiquiri and old fashioned (they couldn’t make a strawberry daiquiri variation, not sure if they couldn’t or wouldn’t). The drinks are good and strong but in a dimly lit speakeasy with a strange floor plan it never really felt worth the wait. There is sometimes live music which we unfortunately didn’t catch so there’s likely nights where the energy is much higher and you wouldn’t even notice.

The speakeasy is on the far more accessible side (definitely not for parking, but it’s 6th so you should Uber anyways) which is good for those who want a casual find and might be fine with waiting for their drinks. It comes across as more of a lounge so be aware of that before expecting a lot of it. But in an area littered with other options, Firehouse feels a bit lacking. We’d recommend it as a warmup bar if you’re going out for a night on 6th but wouldn’t put it down as the highlight.

Came with my best friend just to check it out but stayed for the amazing drinks and performer. This is absolutely a must visit when youre in the city!

My first time at a hostel. Enjoyed my stay and met some interesting people at the common kitchen area. Chose the female dorm room option, which made me feel comfortable. Located at a busy and happening place in Austin so it was fairly convenient for me (Also be aware that it won’t be super quiet at night). Basic amenities were available.

Fun little speakeasy, enter through a bookshelf of the hostel. Cocktails are good but nothing classy, a good selection of basics but feels more like a dive bar that gets busy late night (got there around 5 pm on a Saturday and the was no live music and still felt a bit slow).

This place has potential, cool speakeasy vibes behind a bookshelf who wouldn’t love that!

Unfortunately, the cocktails fell short, ordered pretty simplistic drinks like Paloma’s. Probably one of the worst Paloma’s I’ve had unfortunately, it’s drinkable, but balance was very off basically tasted like Sprite. Also, not a big deal I came during happy hour and didn’t get happy hour prices, but wouldn’t have minded that if the drinks were actually up to par.

I had a okay experience at Firehouse Lounge; the atmosphere truly captured the essence of a speakeasy with its hidden entrance behind a bookcase. The music choice was great. The drinks were decent, although they could have been better. I ordered the Old Fashioned. However, I did notice that the bartenders seemed a bit unhappy and not very friendly during my visit.

I love this place. The vibe. The decor. The service. The expertise with the cocktails. Will always visit every time I’m in Austin and recommend to my friends.

Still one of my favorite places in Austin. Old Austin at its finest. Good people and good tunes. I love playing at this venue as well. The sound is great and they are really good to work with.

Stumbling into this bar was like waking up in another country halfway across the world. I went on Africa night, and I suggest you do too!
After paying cover charge (which allows you access to an African buffet), you are greeted with an atmosphere that is so perfectly unique.

The cocktails they serve are well thought out drinks that complement the theme of the bar. The drinks were strong, which was perfectly accompainied by the performers that were playing upbeat jazz with brass, winds, and drums, along with the ocassional singer. The music was incredible, the patrons all seemed kind and everyone was just enjoying their night. I can’t recommend this place enough, it’s truly a special spot. I hope to be back soon!

I love the diversity in age and colors. Its like someone mixed all the m&ms, and skittles and put them on the dance floor. Great vibe. The music is so good

A very authentic, original and real place. The beer is affordable. The music is surprising, live and authentic too. I enjoyed the night there.

Great bar with international music from all over the world ,big patio with food trailer and great staff and bartenders

Really down to earth joint. Big back patio, lots of interesting drinks. Great live music. Not terribly cheap, but hey, that’s Austin these days! Plus, you really feel like your money is going to a great place with great people instead of some soulless Domain monstrosity.

My favorite venue in ATX as a performer and a patron!

The owner has done a fantastic job of preserving the “original Austin” vibes!

It is one of the few places in Austin that has not only survived through the 2020s, but still continues to thrive, updating their sound system and live streams, and providing a safe and welcoming environment for patrons, and probably, the most welcoming environment for an eclectic and exciting array of bands and artists in the city!

I had a fantastic time, and would highly recommend it to any jazz lover. From the moment we arrived we were greeted with a smile and felt welcome. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting and the sound was amazing! I have been to other venues and often live bands are way to loud for a small space, but not here! It was perfect. In addition, you could quickly tell that the artists loved what they were doing and it radiated from every note they played. Truly an incredible experience and I can’t wait to go back soon.

Went for my birthday and I had such a good experience! This was my first Jazz show and it won’t be my last. You could see the passion on stage with they played their instruments and the fun they have. The music was great and I loved the atmosphere Parker Jazz Club creates! We had a good server who came and checked on us which was also a nice touch. Good for a date night or just a night out in general!!

This place has a great vibe and the day we went they played 20s, 30s and 40s. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance. I personally love jazz music and hence had a great time. The jazz music clubbed with brownie and ice cream is the best combo in the world.

As a longtime jazz enthusiast and a first-time visitor to the vibrant city of Austin, I was on the hunt for an authentic jazz experience. Let me tell you, I struck gold with Parker Jazz club! From the moment I walked in, I was enveloped in an atmosphere that was both sophisticated and inviting. The lighting was just right, casting a warm glow over the intimate space, and the murmur of conversation blended perfectly with the anticipation of the music to come.
And oh, the music! The band that evening was absolutely phenomenal. Their skill and passion were palpable, weaving intricate melodies and improvisational brilliance that had me tapping my foot and swaying in my seat. It was the kind of performance that reminds you why you fell in love with jazz in the first place – soulful, technically masterful, and utterly captivating.
Beyond the incredible music, the hospitality at Parker jazz club was truly outstanding. The host (whose name I unfortunately didn’t catch, but they had a wonderfully welcoming smile!) made everyone feel like a regular. They clearly had a genuine love for the music and for creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience for their patrons.

This jazz club is an amazing venue. It’s right off of Colorado st and W 4th st. The vibe is excellent, the staff are all super friendly and professional. This is our 3rd time coming here and every time is perfect. My wife loves it as well. Whether you come for a specific band, or to see the in house band or to just have a good night, you won’t be disappointed. The owner is a super down to earth guy and is always real appreciative of his customers. The music is always great and we can never get enough of it.

Great price for an amazing show. The owner played with his band and it was an amazing night. A lot of effort put into the decor to really give it the feel of a New York basement jazz club. Acoustics are AMAZING! It felt like you can clearly hear everyone’s part while they were jamming and I was amazed by how many instruments they played in the show! He clearly has some great standards for his dream and they really shine when you walk in. I didn’t order food because I just came from dinner but it smelled great and the person next to me said it was worth it.

I wish I lived closer so I can come back but I hope all Austin locals and tourists give this club a visit. Thanks for a great experience and I’ll be back on my next Texas trip!

First time here and will absolutely be back. We had a wonderful night out at the Very Merry Christmas Show. From the front door to our server, service was superb. I wish I could remember our server’s name, she was helpful and very friendly and checked on us multiple times. We had a few drinks – very well made, and a cheese pizza, which was delicious. So good we ate it before the music even started. Now, to the music, which was great. What a great and talented bunch of musicians. They were all wonderful and vocalist Jennifer Johnson was delightful and charismatic. You can tell that she and her husband, who own the club, put a lot of work and love into this. We parked at a nearby garage for $10, but they also offer valet parking at the door.

It’s been a few years since I’ve visited Barbarella. We stopped by on Friday, Sept. 19th for some 80s jams. Good selection of music however, the DJ is about as friendly as a porcupine. He has no personality and lacks people skills. Poor fella needs to cheer up. Don’t ruin our Gen X jams with a pretentious DJ!

Oh, and some tall bartender never bothered serving me. I told the other bartender and she apologized for the experience and bought me a shot to show her sincerity. She noticed he was by- passing me when he had no one else to serve.

I was just denied entry with my entire group of friends because I “stumbled” and I was then accused of being drunk and that I had too much to drink.

Note: I don’t drink and I was with my friends and told the boy that said “sorry I need to keep my job” and its policy to deny my entree due to me “stumbling”? LOL – again guys? I don’t drink.

This place is wild letting kids run metal detectors at the front door.

Love this club, it’s always a blast. Drinks are fairly cheap. Service is quick, reliable and kind. If you’re new to austin or just want to try a new club they have a back patio dance floor that’s super dope

Themed nights from Tuesgayz (Drag Show), Jimmy Eat Wednesdays (Emo Night), 80’s Night Fridays…..this is your spot to let loose in whatever decade you vibed from. Barb’s has got ya back and will get you groovin.

if you’re gay probably 5 stars, and as a gay person keep going down to 6th. there’s nothing for you here. doesn’t really matter what night. It’s great unless you’re straight and i’m gay so that’s how i see it, hence my rating based on my experience. if you’re gay you’ll feel right at home. (fyi went there on a tuesday night)

Truly the best dive club in Austin. Depending on the day of the week, they offer a night of music for any type of music buff. For me, Y2K night on Thursday is the moment. Can dance there all NIGHT!

Just walk by this bar last night. And I was on the phone while walking and a door open and I ran into the door by accident. And the bouncer tall skinny black dude came out and stood there and I tried to get around him and he block my way. I said excuse me and then he said “you see me right here”. He wanted to start a fight with me. To the owners I would be cautious with this dude. He Is gonna get you sewed. Bouncers suppose to deescalate a situation not start one. This guy threaten me multiple times while I was walking away. This was outside on a public side walk.

Es un lugar que no es muy grande, pero,para nosotros fué perfecto, porqué si vas a ver a tú grupo favorito, es como si fuera un evento VIP porqué ves a tú grupo de cerca, en general nos la pasamos bien

Atmosphere is amazing. Small club. Older crowd. I would like to see the club get packed with more people.

Dónde nos encanta ir pues no queremos disfrutar la noche

Music is good and good atmosphere. But a $12 drink ( Paloma not what so ever.) was horrible. Stick to beer if you go to this club.

Always a great time at club carnaval

Primera vez que fui bueno la entrada normal 15 dólares el cirio para que espacio bueno bien limpio lo malo son los de las barras se cobran porcentajes cuando pagas con tarjeta y no son mecheros y no te atienden por eso mejor pagar en efectivo no tarjeta para que no te cobren el 15% o más de la cuenta

It was cool, took my nephew , not my kind of music but could get used to, I’ll give it another whirl see what other days are like and I didn’t see good getting served so can’t comment or give stars on that subject