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Dive bars with live music in Austin

Live music that you can actually hear in a dive bar setting that hasn't been polished into something unrecognizable.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Sam's Town Point image 1
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Live music bar

Old-fashioned honky tonk with dim neon lighting and a funky dive bar vibe centers on a dance floor heartbeat. Live country western music fills the space, drawing a crowd that enjoys dancing and laid-back energy. Outdoor dancing area adds to the authentic, unpretentious atmosphere.

An authentic old school dive bar with a true unpretentious vibe. It features good bands and feels like stepping back in time without any pretension.

Offers authentic live music with a focus on local country sounds. Features country western dancing and an outdoor dance area.

People are saying

"This dance spot has an incredible atmosphere and friendly people."

"I found the live music here to be authentic and the real deal."

"It's a great old school dive bar with an authentic vibe."

Good to know

1

There is usually a ten dollar cover charge for the bands.

2

Patrons can order food from outside and bring it into the bar.

3

There is plenty of outdoor seating available.

02
Donn's Depot image 1

Old train depot building with weathered wooden floors and year-round Christmas lights creates a nostalgic, cozy dive bar atmosphere. Live music fills the space with authentic honky tonk energy, supporting free country line dancing lessons and a lively dance floor. Mixed-age crowd enjoys a genuine Austin vibe that blends history with unpretentious fun.

An authentic, old school dive bar with a mixed younger and older crowd. The vibe is cool and trashy, fitting the classic dive bar style with a limited craft beer selection.

Live music features local country and blues acts most nights, creating a laid-back, soulful vibe. Performances feel unpretentious and heart-warming, encouraging dancing and a lively atmosphere.

People are saying

"The live music here is laid-back, soulful, and totally Austin."

"It's like stepping back in time with its authentic honky tonk atmosphere."

"It's an authentic, old-school dive bar."

Good to know

1

Live music starts at 9 PM and goes until 1 AM every night.

2

There is a $10 cover charge for live music performances.

3

The bar has no food service, so plan to bring your own snacks.

03
C-Boy's Heart & Soul image 1

Small venue with a low stage creates an intimate atmosphere where live music fills the space. Crowds can make it packed and lively, but an upstairs lounge offers a calm escape. The vibe blends classic Austin soul with a dive bar feel, attracting music lovers close to the band.

Two-story setup with a patio and a Middle Eastern food truck adds unique flavor. Live music plays every day, creating a romantic dive bar vibe.

Live music fills the space every day with local vibes and a living room and patio feel. Performances by artists like Jennifer Foster and The Audacity bring mind-blowing energy to this divey bar setting.

People are saying

"I found the live music here to be great."

"I love the live music here; it's my favorite local spot."

"I found this dive bar has great live music every day."

Good to know

1

Entry fee is $10 at the door with no drink minimum.

2

Live music features local artists every Monday night.

3

Sundays at 3pm host chicken crap bingo with live music.

04
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.

Offers a cheap cover charge and a local dive bar vibe with a great music environment.

Electric atmosphere fuels live band performances that keep the crowd engaged all night. Both the main downstairs venue and the side room upstairs offer fabulous live music and dancing.

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 dive bar has great live music."

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.

05
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.

Offers a great dive bar vibe with a simple setup and a great sound system. Represents the feel of old Austin well.

A small live venue with a superior atmosphere for live music. Shows feature frequent good live music and a solid selection of bands.

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."

"It's a great dive bar with a fun vibe."

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.

06
The White Horse image 1

Honky-tonk and dive bar blend creates an edgy dive dance den with a small, crowded dance floor and live country music bands. Atmosphere feels local and casual, welcoming people who enjoy two-step dancing and watching others. Patio seating and a taco truck outside add to the laid-back vibe.

Old school dive bar vibe blends with a honky-tonk feel. It stays true to an authentic, non-hipster dive bar experience with a solid, legit dive bar atmosphere.

Live music features a local band playing country tunes that get people dancing. The atmosphere stays lively and festive with a crowd that enjoys both music and dancing.

People are saying

"The live music here is incredible, perfect for dancing."

"I found it to be a very cool place to visit as a tourist."

"This dive bar has fantastic live country music and dancing."

Good to know

1

The cover charge is $10, payable in cash only.

2

Happy hour runs from 4pm to 8pm with discounted drinks.

3

Two-step dance lessons are offered at 7pm Thursday through Sunday.

07
Friends Bar image 1
Live music bar

Live music fills a spacious bar with a stage and a courtyard featuring picnic tables. The atmosphere stays friendly and positive, drawing a crowd that enjoys dancing and people watching. Cold beer and cocktails complement the blues club vibe and no cover charge policy.

A typical dive bar atmosphere sets the tone with a live music stage hosting amazing bands daily. Drinks come with a great pour, matching the casual vibe.

Live music features consistent performances by artists like Brad Steiger and Lew Apollo. The venue offers a dive bar vibe with a good pour on drinks, making it a solid spot to enjoy music on 6th street.

People are saying

"I loved the live music and the bands here."

"This dive bar has amazing live music all day and night."

"It's a laid-back, down-to-earth place with a friendly, local feel."

Good to know

1

Live music runs from 12 pm to 2 am every day.

2

Friends Bar is dog friendly inside.

3

Food is available from a food truck at the back of the bar.

08
Knomad Bar image 1

Community dive bar with grimey, gritty decor and a fantastic patio offers a laid-back vibe during the week and lively live music on weekends. Friendly dogs roam freely, and the atmosphere carries a distinct Austin Weird and punk rock karaoke energy. Outdoor space invites hanging out while enjoying performances and casual games like pool.

Community dive bar with old furniture and friendly dogs wandering around. Offers a good selection of local beer and liquor and has served as a neighborhood spot for over 20 years.

Live shows happen mostly on weekends with a live band playing. A patio area offers space to smoke and play pool. The vibe shifts from laid back during the week to lively on weekends.

People are saying

"This dive bar is so welcoming, everyone feels like a regular."

"It's a cute little bar with a fantastic patio."

"I loved the live music performances here; they were some of the best."

Good to know

1

Knomad Bar does not sell food.

2

Craft beers are priced at $7 and $8.

3

Trivia night happens on Wednesdays.

09
Mama Dearest image 1

Bar combines trashy dive theme with quirky, eclectic decor featuring creepy dolls and playful seating like spring horses and an abandoned trolley cart. Atmosphere stays chill and friendly with a spacious backyard offering unique outdoor lounges and live music on vinyl. Crowd enjoys creative cocktails and a down-to-earth vibe that feels like a small town spot in a big city.

Cozy space with a fun dive bar atmosphere and interesting decor. Friendly bartender adds to the chill vibe while serving high cocktail outputs.

A funky live band plays regularly in an indoor area with outdoor seating. The venue consistently offers live music without fail.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are so kind and make you feel at home."

"The patio area is perfect for groups with cozy pockets and open space."

"The live music here has so much personality."

Good to know

1

Mama Dearest offers indoor, outdoor, and dealer's choice seating options.

2

Mama Dearest does not serve food; a food truck is available outside.

3

Walking into Mama Dearest leads to great drinks and a friendly atmosphere.

10
Buddy's Place image 1

Dive bar with warm, nostalgic vibe and a friendly, welcoming crowd. Offers live country music, free pool tables, darts, and a spacious outdoor patio with music piped in. Atmosphere stays chill and fun, making it a relaxed spot for drinks and socializing.

Known as the last true dive bar in the area, it offers a fun atmosphere with darts and pool. Drinks come solid and the vibe stays friendly and casual.

Live music happens regularly in the back, with performances throughout the week. The lineup features fantastic acts especially on weekends and Tuesday nights.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are awesome and manage the busy atmosphere well."

"It's a chill, casual, and laid-back vibe here."

"I enjoyed the fantastic live music here."

Good to know

1

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

2

They only accept cash for drinks, which are priced around $5.50 each.

3

Open mic night happens every Thursday, starting at 8pm.

11
Shiner's Saloon image 1

Large space with a rooftop bar and live music creates a relaxed, lowkey vibe. Comfortable indoor seating contrasts with an outdoor patio featuring games and skyline views. Crowd enjoys strong beer selection and casual atmosphere ideal for unwinding.

Retro saloon vibe defines the dive bar feel here. It captures the essence of a classic downtown dive bar with a genuine, unpolished atmosphere.

Free live music plays regularly, creating a lively atmosphere. The rooftop bar offers a great spot to enjoy the sounds while a friendly bartender ensures good service.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic."

"The vibe here is so cool, a real retro dive bar feel."

"I loved the cool, retro dive bar vibe here."

Good to know

1

Expect busier crowds on weekends, especially during evening hours.

2

The kitchen stays open late, serving food until close to 1am.

3

Drink prices are generally fair, averaging around $11.50.

12
White Tiger image 1

Bar features a large outdoor patio with live music that creates a loud, gritty atmosphere. Crowd includes a mix of locals, regulars, and solo visitors drawn by the authentic vibe. Decor combines vintage posters, neon signs, and worn booths, enhancing the welcoming yet energetic setting.

White Tiger stands out with a chill vibe and a bartender named Justin who adds to the dive bar feel. This spot captures the essence of a classic dive bar perfectly.

Live music happens mainly on the back patio with a great atmosphere and local bands playing. The spot offers a solid venue for enjoying day drinking alongside the tunes.

People are saying

"The food here is insanely fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated."

"The live music out back on the patio is awesome."

"This dive bar's bartender, Justin, makes every interaction memorable."

Good to know

1

White Tiger charges an additional Bar Tax and a credit card fee on bills over $100.

2

Food is served out back through a newer restaurant addition called Tiger Den.

3

The patio and outdoor stage are located in the back, not immediately obvious from the street.

13
Latchkey image 1

Dive bar with indoor and outdoor areas offers a chill, lively vibe with live music and DJs. Crowd tends to be upbeat and fun, especially during events like karaoke. Spacious setup includes a popular outside bar and a casual, no-frills atmosphere.

Smells of late nights and incense fill the air in this classic dive bar. It offers a no frills atmosphere that feels straightforward and unpretentious.

Live music happens out back with live bands playing before karaoke. DJs also spin tracks, and a food truck operates nearby for snacks.

People are saying

"The karaoke here is super fun and packed."

"I considered this the best bar in Austin."

"It's a classic dive bar with no frills."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Tuesday night, and a $10 tip is needed to perform.

2

Happy hour offers great prices on drinks, but it's not available on weekends.

3

There is no cover charge to enter the bar.

14
Carousel Lounge image 1

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.

Old school vibe with varied entertainment defines this dive bar. It keeps a classic feel while offering some unusual shows.

Live music plays regularly with a strong focus on the heart of Austin live music. Arriving early lets you catch happy hour alongside the performances.

People are saying

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

"You can find the heart of live music here."

"I experienced an old school vibe at this dive bar."

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.

15
The Lucky Duck image 1

Spacious bar with open patio and backyard dance floor hosts loud music and a diverse crowd. Neon signs light the indoor area, which features a claw machine with rubber ducks and picnic tables outside. The vibe is laid back and friendly, with a mix of dancing and socializing.

Fun atmosphere with clear dive bar vibes. Drinks like the AMF and Long Island taste better than typical dive bar fare.

Huge patio hosts live music events regularly. The space also features DJs, trivia, and karaoke alongside music performances.

People are saying

"The bar's wings were phenomenal and addicting."

"The fries at this dive bar are a huge, crispy, addicting portion."

"The live music here is amazing."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens on Mondays with a two-drink minimum.

2

Trivia night occurs every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

3

The bar closes at 2am, so plan your visit accordingly.

16
The Dizzy Rooster image 1

Small bar with cozy atmosphere and unpretentious vibe hosts live music and a DJ playing throwback pop and electronica. Crowd stays local and laid-back, enjoying games like beer pong and darts. Energy feels fun and friendly without being overly rowdy.

Simple setup with a sports focus and live music creates a classic dive bar vibe. The atmosphere stays casual and unpretentious.

Live music happens regularly with performances that feel immersive. Marcos's sets create a transportive atmosphere that stands out.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are so friendly and quick, even when it's busy."

"It's a fun vibe with a festive atmosphere."

"This dive bar has live music performances."

Good to know

1

Expect a cover charge after 8 PM for live performances.

2

Drink prices range from $7 to $9, with tips expected.

3

The bar is usually not busy at 11 PM, making it a good time to visit.

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