Decades ago, I used to live in this neighborhood, but this bar was not here at the time. This is what can be considered a local neighborhood dive bar. After reading through all the reviews, I noticed there were hardly any photos so I added 10. Parking can be an issue and you need to be careful because you could get towed or booted in this neck of the woods. They do have about a dozen or so spots behind the bar. The interior reminds me of a burned out home with a dirty concrete floor below and scorched, black exposed rafters above. Plenty of old car license plates on the wall and a jukebox off to the side. Bring a picture of your dog, because they have a large corkboard for customers and their pooches. They have plenty of good craft beers on tap and a decent full bar. This is a great place to bring your own darts or pool cue and since there are two dartboards and a pool table here. There's plenty of four top tables, seating at the bar or five booths to sit at. There's also an outdoor seating area that allows smoking. If you are hungry, they do have a food truck out back that serves up tacos, ramen, nachos, etc. On our visit, the truck was not open after 4:30pm. As a result, we just had one beer and left. It's your overall decent local neighborhood dive that has its regulars, but not worth driving across town for. read more

See all

The best dang dive bar there ever was. Drinks are cheap and service is great. Food truck with HUGE nachos / tacos is open most nights after 7PM, always a go to before ending the night. There is something special about backlot! (It may be the workhorse marg but who's to say...) read more

What can I say about dive bars that I haven't already said? It takes a special person to like and frequent dive bars, and today not all "dive" bars are created equally. Some old dive bar aficionados have a special definition of what truly makes something a "dive" bar, and they might not consider this one even with many characteristics. Needless to say, it still makes the cut. I will add that I have a special feeling about this place, as I frequented it many times when it was previously called Nasty's. I played for the Austin Huns Rugby team long ago, and this was our Thursday night hangout. It was definitely a dive bar back then, before "dive" became trendy. I hadn't been back for almost five years and was slightly disappointed when I found Nasty's no longer existed. I was glad to see something still there, as it is only a few blocks walk from my place, and always enjoy a nice easy stroll to a casual hang out. I was pleasantly surprised to find it still with some of the charm of the old Natsty's with a little improved vibe. The bartender, an older man, was one of few words, but did serve well. And when the final bill came, well, let's just say that is one part of the dive bar that still exists -- great drinks at great prices. I'd like to give them 5 stars for that, but even though their beer selection is not bad, it's not fantastic either. Plus the food truck needs some improvement in the taste and quality department. I guess they wanted to keep that divvy too. For those of you worried that this is one of those Faux-dive bars, the clients that frequent this establishment truly ensure the old dive bar feel. In my times frequenting many, I noticed that is one key characteristic of a real dive bar. The rugby team may no longer frequent every week, and cause all kinds of ruckus, just like bikers in other old dive bar establishments, no longer exist. But the clients here are a nice, cool, casual, and relaxed eclectic mix of Austin folks, which in my opinion makes it extra special. Since being back, I've met people from all walks of life just wanting to drink and socialize and all were down to earth. It's not a new Hipster hang out like many dive places have turned into. The people here are real and just want a place to hang out and socialize without all the fake plastic personas in today's trendy bars. You only need to visit the other new trendy bar just across Guadalupe, to see night and day difference in clientele, and understand what I mean. Cheers! read more

Back Lot - a glass of beer sitting on a bar - Beer Bar Near Me - Austin, Texas

So how did I find this hidden gem? I was in the area running some errands and literally put into my maps "beer".. this spot shows up within 1 mile so I swing by. I have no idea what to expect, quite literally is a little hidden haha but I parked out back which I don't think Is paid? I didn't get a ticket or anything so idk lol. Now it's about 315pm, right after opening. I Walked in and grabbed the last seat at the bar. There was already a small crowd. I saw the pool tables and dart boards, outdoor seating. The bartender gets my order quickly, swipes my card, and goes on about his day. Staff was masked the entire time. I had the 512 porter which was delicious and only $5 each which is v reasonable IMO. I watched ghostbusters on one tv and football on the other while connected to the free wifi to read some emails. I had a couple people make small talk and got a super chill vibe. Seems like a fair amount of locals, but not a bad spot to stop in for a quick drink. By the end of my visit, I got invited to join a book club so yeah, I'd definitely go back! read more

notoriously sexist. won't give doubles to women but will assume doubles for men. Bartenders are rude except one, and they are serious about having IDs and not buying drinks for others (makes sense, considering proximity to campus). Cheap drinks but dirty, sticky, it's a dive bar. just watched a dog pee in here read more

One of our favorite bars in Austin and our go to in north Austin. Low key, hole in the wall, and super casual. A dive bar (positive connotation). read more

I heard that this was the sister bar of Workhorse so I had to take a Lyft and check it out. I met the owner and he is a wonderful guy. Alyssa took great care of me and always made sure I was hydrated as I was working from my laptop. The media available trumps the media at Workhorse but I do somewhat wish there was the same menu here. I understand the location is really small and that there shouldn't be an eating situation (other than the food truck) but I was super happy to meet the bar regulars here and share a pleasant experience. The moment I arrived, I already had the most in-depth conversation of my recent days. I cannot wait to Lyft back! read more

This place is an Austin gem. Great beer selection at cheap prices with an always friendly bar crew and classic rock playing. Anytime I just want a chill beer without dealing with the unnecessary fluff of literally every other establishment in the city, this place is always a great option. I hope this place doesn't change. read more

Love this place for the cheap drinks and laidback atmosphere! Perfect place to come and hang out with a couple friends, without having to dress up. It's a bit further away for me, otherwise I would probably be here regularly. Also, I want to come back and try food from the Otherside Deli truck - their menu looks great. read more

I've been going to Back Lot for the past year and have enjoyed it every time! If you're looking for a fun, lowkey, dive bar with a pool table and good music this is your place. The bartenders are polite and are always working hard making drinks or cleaning. If you go before around 10 or so it is usually not too crowded on weekends. I like to do this so I can play pool. They only have one pool table, but, even when it is more crowded, you only have to wait a game or two. The drinks are fairly priced, a guinness runs for only $5, and they have $3 drinks as well. Back Lot is amazing and I recommend it for anyone looking to play pool(or darts) and hang with friends at a bar. read more

Great dive-bar near UT campus! So Back Lot used to be Nastys. I do not know what happened but Nastys closed down and my friend told me that a new place (Back Lot) opened up in its place. He said it was just as good as Nastys and I should check it out. I organized an office Happy Hour which resulted in a "whopping" 6 people from my office showing up. Hey...we are not talking about my organizational skills man...we are talking about how awesome Back Lot is! :) The feel/vibe of this place is great...dive-bar with a jukebox playing great songs. They also had darts and a few pool tables. Lastly, the drink prices were great. I ordered 2 craft beers and cocktail for $15. I highly recommend this place for a low-key night with friends or just come by yourself for a few drinks. read more

Back Lot - Stone Delicious IPA on tap! I don't think I have ever seen this particular beer on tap anywhere in Texas - Beer Bar Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Back Lot is my go to for an afternoon beverage with authority. The bartenders are super cool, the old school movies are a hit. The indoor fun includes dart boards and pool table. The outdoor area has a lot of seating giving you a back porch vibe. read more

Yup. Just moved to the hood and this will be my 'go to' hang out. Darts, pool table, local craft brew and super cool vibe. And let's not forget to mention the screen choices read more

Back Lot - Beer Bar Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

I love back lot. This is my favorite bar in Texas. Ben and Sam are the best bartenders and the overall vibe is fun and precious. I am bringing my best friend Mike here when it comes to visit which is how you know this place is the best. 10/5 stars read more

Perhaps the worst bar in Austin. Truly a terrible establishment. They gave my ID to the wrong person after I gave it to them to rent their darts. Ran by some corny mfers that get hard ons by asserting what ever authority they think they have behind the bar. Pretentious little dweebs for real. Don't go here! There are way better places. read more

Great neighborhood dive bar with cheap drinks, pool table, darts, juke box and a small patio that allows dogs. The bartenders and owners are very nice. They also have a pretty good food truck out back. read more

Backlot is the best dive bar in Austin. The owners and bartenders are the BEST to chat with, always friendly. The patrons are such a fun collection of people, I'm never bored and have made an eclectic group of friends. This bar feels like a home away from home. You cannot beat the prices. Love it. Been coming for a long time now. read more

Awesome bar and staff! Highly recommend! Jess is kick ass! Wish I lived closer so this could be my neighborhood bar!

This is my favorite place in the Hyde Park area. Very nice bartenders and regulars. Always clean, great drinks, and better times.

Dang, this place is great. Awesome food truck outside (Otherside Deli), nice and cool inside, and plenty of seating. The drink prices can't be beat, but maybe that's because this is on the edge of UT campus. Even though I'm in my 30s, I'll take it. If only I lived in the neighborhood still, I'd make this my neighborhood bar. Parking is a little interesting, but I was able to find something on the street right outside. It feels like you're approaching a super-tiny spot from the outside, but indoors it's spacious. Bartender was friendly, like all Workhorse bartenders. Glad these dudes opened up another joint. read more

Great bourbon selection and nice cocktails on the board to choose from if you aren't decided. Friendly bartender always a plus. Perfect Austin dive bar! read more

Cant say enough bad things about the bartenders - act like they are super chill and nice (well, actually Sam doesnt act chill and nice - acts like an asshole, but Ben acts like he is chill and nice) but meanwhile they just talk shit about all the regulars. read more

Super cool place! Small and quaint bar with big personality. I enjoyed coming here Tuesday night for drinks. Great prices and plenty of seating! There is also a food truck outside in the "back lot" for when you get hungry! read more

This is my favorite watering hole!!!! Not only is it stumbling distance from my home but it's adjacent to Amy's Ice Cream. Purrrrfect for a midnight snack. Lol Shout out to my favorite peeps: Steve, Megan, Ashley, Miles, Sara and Daniel!! Y'all make me feel like a star every time I walk in. I love you guys!!! Aaaaand they carry DEEP EDDY CRANBERRY!!!! That's my favorite flavored vodka I case you want to buy me a cocktail next time you visit!! Lol read more

Back Lot - Beer Bar Near Me - Austin, Texas

The classic hangout place to go. The atmosphere is lively but not too loud, equipped with darts boards and a pool table. Room for groups of any size. There are drinks for every kind of person, all at great prices! read more

Off the beaten path of Guadalupe, you can find this dive bar down the street from Amy's tucked away on Maiden Lane. It's grungy, has a patio, food truck, darts and pool. Great beer and cider selection, and won't break your bank! I love this place because it's not on 6th street, and is super close to my house. They play great music and have a great atmosphere. read more

Back Lot - Beer Bar Near Me - Austin, Texas

Owner of the bar called us out for looking too young and we happily handed him our IDs. Was very rude to me when all I wanted was a simple margarita. Kinda had a god complex not gonna lie. 0/10 never seen this man in my life and honestly hope I never do again. Love this place tho so 1 star read more

My favorite bar. Affordable drinks, to the point service, and a great food truck. Happy to say this is my go to bar any night of the week.

This is such a divey, home-in-the-wall type place. I've walked by this place so many times and finally stopped in one day. It's a great spot to grab a cheap drink, play pool or sit outside on their patio. There's a food truck out back with sandwiches and fries too. They have cocktails, draft beer and margaritas. Great neighborhood spot to get a drink. read more

My favorite Neighborhood bar! The bartenders are awesome and the drinks are affordable. Solid juke box and there's always a 80's movie on the tv. They also have a patio area and a food truck that has killer sandwiches! read more

Back Lot is a great neighborhood bar off the beaten path but still close enough to UT campus and Hyde Park. The owners are the same team behind workhorse and they bring great cocktails at an amazing price. I ordered the margarita which is made from scratch for six dollars. Their well tequila is El Jimador! They also have a comprehensive beer selection starting at three dollars. It's the same building as the old Nasty's but they've remodeled it and made it much more spacious. They have a side patio with six picnic tables so there's plenty of outdoor seating. There's a food trailer in the parking lot. I haven't eaten there yet but the selection looked good. It's a good place for the crew to get together because there's something for everybody including Darts and Bar games. read more

Cheap and delicious beer, great patio and friendly staff! Only been open a few weeks and it's got a great and welcoming atmosphere.

Awesome neighbor spot from the guys from workhorse. Love the concept, dive bar without being old and dirty. Their motto is a whole lot of local for not a whole lot which is absolutely on point. Over twenty taps of beer very well priced for Austin to their varied choices of house cocktails for five or six dollars. They even have two dollar lone star if you just want to kick back and enjoy the day. The cheap juke box is killer filled with great songs of many different genres. They also have a great pool and dart set up. Lastly having the Otherside Deli food truck out front is the icing on the cake, best sandwiches I've found in town. My friends and I will be back here again and again. read more

Our local bar and an absolutely amazing one. Miles is a great and compassionate bartender who will shoot the shit on the slow nights and sling the drinks quick on the busy ones. As a former nastys patron(the bar that proceeded it at this location) they actually improved on the local dive experience. A little (or lot) less dirty but still laid back. Highly recommended if you live close by. And the food truck out back has killer loaded nachos for when you need something to fortify the stomach. read more

A hidden gem behind Flamingo Autos. Friendly bartenders, a nice laid back atmosphere, and reat drinks, including craft cocktails with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice that would cost you twice as much on Sixth Street. There are a couple dart boards in the back if you're so inclined and a patio with some picnic tables. Plus there's a food truck in back that smells pretty great. read more

This place rules. So stoked that some friendly folks came in and fixed it up. The food truck is killer and the juke box has a nice selection too! read more

Great place, but management hasn't figured out that people with dogs (and smokers) that have to sit outside would like to be at least a little cooler. If they put a couple of good heavy duty mister fans in the outside I would be more inclined to stick around longer. It is too hot to sit outside there for long since it doesn't get any breeze and they only have one useless ceiling fan. For a couple of hundred bucks investment on some good heavy duty misting fans, customers would not dissolve into a puddle of sweat. Otherwise a great place. Just don't take your dog until winter (yes Austin does have one) so you can sit inside. If you happen to smoke too bad -- just take a towel to mop your brow. read more

Cool ass neighborhood bar, nuff said. Good people & good beer, plus pool and darts. Jukebox got all the classics. Ya heard.

This place is an absolute great time. Great vibes from the owner and bartenders. The owner, Miles, great human being who cares about his patrons and will keep your drinks filled. Newly renovated and it shows, bathrooms are super clean. Free dart boards. Also have pool tables. There's a good truck out back as well, and IT. WILL. HOOK. YOU. UP. Try out the roddy, or if you're feeling bold, the chicken liver toast... you won't regret it. The most ideal spot to kick it 100%. Best bar in this area of Austin. read more