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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Austin

Historical sites

Walking through the echoes of the past before settling in for a drink is the best way to spend an afternoon.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Carousel Lounge image 1
Carousel Lounge image 2
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Bar and music venue with a Carnival-themed decor and historic dive bar feel. Atmosphere blends vintage eclectic style with live local music performances on an underground stage. Friendly, old-school vibe invites a BYOB approach and casual enjoyment.

An old school bar with a 60-year history and a friendly atmosphere. It features a great underground stage for live local music and offers cheap beer during happy hour.

A 60-year-old venue filled with circus pictures and a working phone booth offers a unique glimpse into local history. This small spot stands out as a historic music venue with a rich past.

People are saying

"It's a classic old school dive bar with varied entertainment."

"The decor here is unique, with a fun carnival theme."

"I felt like I was walking back in time at this historic spot."

Good to know

1

Carousel Lounge is one of the last places in Austin with BYOB and set ups.

2

The happy hour offers $2 domestics from Wednesday through Saturday.

3

They allow customers to bring their own liquor bottles.

02
SquareRut Kava Bar - Oak Hill image 1

Historic building offers cozy, inviting atmosphere with comfortable seating and a spacious layout. Board games, books, and a playground create a family-friendly vibe that suits both relaxation and socializing. Kava drinks stand out for their natural, full-bodied quality.

Kava drinks here are consistently top-notch and the bar focuses on being a sober spot. One location offers a beautiful vibe that stands out among similar bars.

A historic building maintained with aesthetic touches creates a vibe like being on an island. It belongs to the Texas Historical Commission and features a historic brick oven used for freshly prepared pizza.

People are saying

"I found the coffee to be the most delicious I had ever had."

"The kava here is pure and incredibly effective."

"I found the Historical Sites to be natural and full-bodied."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 7 to 10 PM with discounted drinks.

2

Improv comedy shows are scheduled throughout the 2026 season in the backyard stage.

3

Pizza is only served after 5 PM, so plan accordingly.

03
The Hole in the Wall image 1
Live music venue

Small dive bar with authentic old school vibe and minimal seating offers live music almost every night. Atmosphere feels relaxed and lively, reflecting deep roots in local music culture. Outdoor area features street art and a covered space for weather protection.

Dive bar offers an authentic old Austin vibe with cheap prices and a great sound system. Live music shows happen regularly, making it a solid spot for both drinks and tunes.

A historic music venue known as a legend and a joyous refuge that captures the true spirit of Austin's music history.

People are saying

"I thought it was a great little grungy place to see live music."

"It's a cool, chill place to grab a drink and hang out."

"This bar has great live music and cheap prices."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens after 10 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.

2

Songwriterโ€™s Happy Hour is on Wednesdays from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

3

Live bands start performing around 9 pm, not 8 pm as advertised.

04
The Driskill Bar image 1

Historic bar with unique decor and comfortable seating creates a lively atmosphere filled with live music. Crowds gather for drinks and socializing, especially on weekends. The setting blends western vibe with classic elegance, making it a standout spot for cocktails.

Historic bar offers a western vibe with unique decor and comfortable seating. Live music plays regularly, enhancing the atmosphere alongside a superb cocktail selection with Southern-Tex-Mex influence.

A beautiful historic hotel with a bar that carries a strong sense of history and ambience. The setting and decor add to the overall tremendous atmosphere.

People are saying

"The bar's atmosphere is spectacular and very cool."

"This historic hotel has a beautiful interior and great atmosphere."

"The cocktails here are delicious and filled to the rim."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure seats for live music performances.

2

Live music occurs Thursday through Sunday, featuring different artists each night.

3

Happy hour is popular among hotel guests, making the bar crowded.

05
The Continental Club image 1
Live music bar

Small, historic live music bar with an intimate setting and cozy dance floor. Atmosphere blends honky tonk vibe with lively energy and authentic local music. Features a cool patio and a sound system that supports strong performances.

Dive bar atmosphere combines with live music and a cheap cover charge. Staff stay friendly while the crowd includes hot rod enthusiasts.

A historic live music venue with a rich past that feels like stepping back in time. The place has a beautiful, iconic atmosphere that highlights its deep roots in music history.

People are saying

"It's the original and most iconic spot for live music."

"I loved the history of this iconic live music venue."

"This bar has amazing live music and a great old school vibe."

Good to know

1

The cover charge is $10 for shows at 10pm and midnight.

2

The club hosts three musical acts daily, seven days a week.

3

Jazz music is featured upstairs on Mondays.

06
Scholz Garten image 1
German restaurant

Historic German beer garden offers outdoor beer garden with live music and woodwork details inside. Atmosphere shifts from high energy during game days to a pleasant, shaded oasis for gatherings. Crowds gather for traditional German vibe and local beer selections.

Original bar from the building remains in amazing condition with great woodwork throughout. Indoor bar offers better rims and less ice, paired with a self-service system and excellent service behind the bar.

Rich historic German beer garden atmosphere defines this spot. The building holds strong historical significance and hosts live outdoor music that complements its legacy.

People are saying

"I had the best giant pretzel I've ever had, it was fantastic."

"It's a historic place known for its food, fun, and drinks."

"The bartender here is amazing and really gets your drink preferences."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially during UT home games and events.

2

Reservations are recommended for private events, especially during busy game days.

3

A limited menu is available during concerts at Moody.

07
Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar image 1

Wine bar combines historic architecture with mid-century modern decor and curated books spread across multiple rooms and a balcony. Atmosphere stays cozy and relaxing, with comfortable seating and live music enhancing the vibe. Visitors browse books, sip quality wine or coffee, and enjoy quiet spaces designed for reading or socializing.

A relaxed wine bar blends seamlessly with a cozy bookstore atmosphere. The spot offers a unique mix of sipping wine, browsing books, and casual conversation at the bar.

Historic building features a restored period design that keeps its original character intact. The layout and decor create a charming atmosphere that feels welcoming and authentic.

People are saying

"It's a cozy reading spot with vintage charm and a warm ambiance."

"This bar has such a cool, cozy vibe."

"This historic building's charm makes it feel like home."

Good to know

1

The bookstore hosts trivia nights every Tuesday at 7pm.

2

Live music events occur on weekends, featuring local artists.

3

Free parking is available behind the venue and on nearby streets.

08
Antone's Nightclub image 1
Live music venue

Historic live music venue offers an intimate atmosphere with classic blues energy and well-balanced sound system. Crowds pack the space enthusiastically, creating a vibrant and warm environment. Decor includes art and vintage posters, enhancing the nostalgic vibe.

An intimate blues bar with a vibe that recalls old times. The bar staff are quick and friendly, and the bar is easily accessible with great service throughout.

A classic venue with a rich history at the heart of blues music, it stands as one of the last truly iconic landmarks preserving live music heritage.

People are saying

"I found it to be a great place for live music."

"It's a historic venue with a rich history that adds a special atmosphere."

"I found it to be a great little venue for live music."

Good to know

1

There is a cover fee at the door for entry.

2

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The bar automatically adds a 20% gratuity to all tabs.

09
Speakeasy image 1
Lounge

Lounge combines live music with a historical atmosphere and spacious bar area featuring a performance stage. The vibe is cool and sophisticated, attracting an older crowd who enjoy drinking, dancing, and watching bands. Rooftop bar offers city views but can feel tight during events.

Rooftop bar offers a lovely spot with a great view. The bar serves well with a busy street-side option and hosts live music and comedy shows.

A history-rich building with a fascinating past creates a strong historical atmosphere. Stories about ghosts and detailed accounts of the building's background add to the vibe.

People are saying

"I found the shows and special events here to be really fun."

"The live music at this bar is really enjoyable."

"This historic building has a fascinating history and ghost stories."

Good to know

1

The Spazmatics perform every Wednesday night with no cover charge.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere during 90's night events on Fridays.

3

No food is available on-site, so plan to eat before visiting.

10
The Tavern image 1
Sports bar

Rambling wood-paneled building with historic architecture and faux Fachwerk design creates an intimate yet vast space. Multiple floors and patios feature tons of TVs showing almost every game, fostering a fun, old-school sports bar vibe with a mix of German charm and modern energy.

A historic bar with a fun dive atmosphere and reasonable prices. It offers great service, a strong sports pub vibe, and is a solid spot for watching soccer and game day events.

The bar holds a lot of Austin history and features historic architecture with a faux Fachwerk design. It relies on its original historical air-conditioning rather than modern systems.

People are saying

"The bar has a great atmosphere and laid-back vibe."

"It's a great place for live sports and game day."

"This historic pub has a lot of Austin history."

Good to know

1

Parking at The Tavern is across the street and free.

2

Happy hour appetizers are available during specific hours.

3

The Tavern hosts a Dinner Mystery event with a zany cast.

11
Broken Spoke image 1
Dance hall

Old-fashioned honky tonk dance hall with vintage memorabilia and a huge smooth dance floor. Loud live country music and authentic Texas swing bands create a lively atmosphere. Diverse crowd includes older cowboys and college-age couples enjoying dancing and socializing.

An authentic country bar with an old school feel offers live music and dancing. Drinks come at inexpensive prices and bar lines move quickly, especially at the front and sides.

Every inch of the building displays rich Texas history. The landmark offers a deep understanding of the region's past.

People are saying

"It's a great dance spot with a fun, inclusive community."

"It's like stepping back in time at this historical site."

"This bar has live country music and dancing."

Good to know

1

Entry cost is $10 cash per person, with dance lessons also costing $10 each.

2

Dancing costs $15 each and requires cash in the dance hall out back.

3

Show up at 9 pm for great live music and a vibrant dance community.

12
Texas Chili Parlor image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Dive bar with classic rock music and glowing red lights creates a cozy, authentic Texan vibe. Strong Mad Dog Margaritas and chunky beef chili draw a steady crowd. Atmosphere shifts from laid-back to loud on game days with sports on big screens.

Dive bar vibe with Texas chili parlor decorations and a biker bar look that feels surprisingly family friendly.

An old school spot with a strong historic Texas vibe stands out as a classic landmark. It holds a place as a culinary treasure reflecting Austin's food history.

People are saying

"I thought the chili was next level, some of the best I ever had."

"The chili here is awesome with huge chunks of tender meat."

"It's a historic Texas treasure, a piece of Austin's culinary history."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are offered every day.

2

Parking is available nearby but can be limited.

3

Chili prices are on the higher side.

13
Loudmouth image 1
Pizza restaurant

Renovated 1900s house offers cozy indoor seating and a spacious outdoor patio with picnic tables and a children's play area. Atmosphere feels warm and lively, suitable for families and casual gatherings. Views of the downtown skyline add a unique backdrop to the dining experience.

Renovated historic home offers a big outdoor picnic seating area and indoor booths with a bar inside the house. It serves as a solid neighborhood spot with a real restaurant backbone, not just a bar.

Cozy, historic home converted into a pizzeria with a charming vibe. Features include a renovated historic house and a large outdoor picnic area that enhance the atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought this Neapolitan pizza competed with the best."

"The drinks here are worth returning for."

"The pizzas here are delicious, especially the thin crust with a deep oaky flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available daily, with different times on weekends.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger groups due to popularity.

3

Parking can be challenging if the lot is full.

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