Just popped in here for a couple visits while I was passing through town and it was exactly as advertised. Super dark bar, friendly locals and bartenders. There's a few pool tables and everyone's open to a pick up game. I just had beer and the prices were very reasonable.. Parking was a little scarce, but probably because there's also a restaurant right downstairs. But, on the second visit, a Lyft solved that problem. read more

I go to bar regularly, and for the most part keep to myself play pool.. I prefer too alone if I'm being honest, and all is good, everywhere.. but here I got harassed by a weirdo middle aged man at how bad I am at pool. Idk wasn't a vibe, it was actually hella weird. That combined with the pool tables sucked... quality wise so I'm forever good on this place. Bartender was a dude and super coool, with me at least so all love there. But overall the experience I had there was nothing short of trash (Bartender is the only reason for 3 stars btw) read more

Great bar. Pool table, TV, friendly bartender and cheap drinks. It is dark, have good music. Everything u need is here. Rum and coke is $4 in 2025. I don't know what kind of spirit they are using but it is good. read more

Barfly's - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Basically my home away from home for a few years. Hopefully they still have pool tables and foos in the back. Bartenders were always chill and smoking on the downstairs patio. I do not smoke. Beer is cold. Decent jukebox. read more

Barfly's is the epitome of a perfect no-frills dive. Dark but not gloomy ambiance. It's an upstairs establishment with plenty of seating. And this dive bar wouldn't be complete without a jukebox and it's a real humdinger! Lots of cool tunes to sip to. Super laid back with a pool table too! Clean with kitschy decor. It's more like a beer and shot joint with a decent selection that includes IPAs, the old standards, and N/A beer. Bartenders are efficient and friendly. read more

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Go there a lot & don't generally like new bartenders, as they don't know who's who. But this new guy Jeremy (I think his name is) is pretty damn cool... ps-Love all the old school bartenders here read more

This is THE DIVE BAR I base all others on in Austin. Pool tables, weird movies on small TVs, mostly cash only with great bartenders, strong drinks, a vibey odd crowd. It's packed but never feels too busy. Such a gem read more

Had a good time not a fan of hipster bars but it was not bad. More of a dive bar person.

Chill vibe, I'll casually stop by on my way from work. Bunch of cool regulars, shout out to Albert the bartender!!Definitely something for everybody if you aren't too boujee lol Respectfully Always a classic movie playing over the bar nice + read more

Best dive bar around the area. The parking lot is a good size and if you can navigate stairs, this is the place. Behind a strip of businesses, it's around the side and back upstairs. Pool tables, a juke box and friendly bartenders serving up cheap drinks. If you can find a spot on one of the barstools, you're golden. A variety of ages and patrons moving and grooving to the relaxed bar atmosphere. There's a little outdoor area if you need to get some air or go out for a smoke the jukebox is old school and had a wide variety of music to choose from. See you there! Cheers read more

Nice little dive bar. Not allot of parking, and is rather tiny. But I think that's part of its charm. It's such a narrow building. read more

Just the best bar in all of Austin. From great drinks that won't break the bank, friendly bar staff with a pool hall-ish vibe, Barfly's checks all the requisite boxes. Highly recommend!!! read more

I committed my time off for my lady to be insulted. I love this place. It has been my bar forever. I made a mistake and I was asked to leave. My wife was insulted, disrespected, and told her occupation was nothing. You get at me all you want, just don't respect the people at my side. If they knew the whole story maybe things would be different. She's gotten over it, maybe an apology is in order. read more

Great dive bar. Lots of fun games. Great drinks for a good price. No food but friendly service.

Cheap cheap cheap, really love being able to afford to go drinking. Regulars are stellar too

Great little bar. Dark. With a good juke box. Cheap beer. Cheap liquor. Going rate, anyway. Wish they opened sooner... alcoholic that I am. read more

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAIqs2JRKFA this is a song I wrote for Barflies! Thanks for being such an awesome bar read more

I honestly was really hesitant about going to this bar because of the location. Turns out I was missing out. This place is great and bunch of pool tables. Great time read more

Last minute friend suggestion, and I def felt out of place. Punk music and metal isn't my cup of tea but to each is own. Drinks were cheap though. read more

Did I ever tell you about the time I went out on a blind date, fell in love, and never kissed another lover again? No? What about the time I tried to introduce my new boyfriend to his ex-girlfriend, wherein she rolled her eyes at us both and stomped away? Guess that must have ended badly.... Okay, how about the time I went into the new incarnation of an old bar for the first time and discovered that my college freshman year flame had evolved into Austin's dive bar mogul? All of this and more happened to me at Barfly's. Back in the day, it was known as Charlie's Attic (a smokey biker bar) and the crusty bearded proprietor was known to climb on top of the bar at closing to lead the house in an enthusiastic round of Sweet Home Alabama. Fast forward a decade (or so), and the cloud of cigarette smoke has dissipated (good riddance!), the jukebox selection has been totally transformed (for the better; see the album list here: http://www.barflysaustin.com/?jukebox), and the cocktails are stronger than ever before at a price point that makes me dream it's still 1994 ($2.50 wells, what what?). I live on the north side, so you're more likely to catch me at The Hideout (another gem of a joint, a sister to Barfly's with a similar laid-back modus operandi), but once in a blue moon when I want to relive those glory days or happen to be in the neighborhood for a great dinner at one of the new hip spots along Airport, I'm liable to find myself climbing up those stairs to the dark little bar above Burger Tex for a trip down memory lane. Also good to know if you go: $10 minimum for credit card transactions. A limited food menu is available and the burgers aren't half bad. Other entertainments include pool, foosball, and few video games. Smokers still welcomed, they just gotta do it outside. read more

I covet a dive bar; this one is cheap, has foosball and pool, a kicking jukebox, and yes, characters that make it all the better to hang out in. Many Hyde Park denizens frequent this dump, but don't let that deter you. Some may work at UT or are looking to settle down, but many are career drinkers and other unsavory types that make drinking in dives interesting. Once I came in here with a few heavily tattooed friends, and a regular here started chatting us up - let's call him "Bug." Bug is a tattoo artist and quite proud of his work. He admired the ink in our group, and then summoned his lady friend over to show us a sample of his work. She had to pull up the leg of her jeans and balance on one leg to show off the work on her calf. Bug illuminated his work with the light from his cell phone - Barfly's is dark! We all checked out her tattoo politely. This is why we go to bars, people. To sum up: Cheap, stiff drinks. Dank, dark bar. Foosball. Pool. Jukebox. And characters. read more

This is a neighborhood bar. A good one. Neighborhood bar = Basics. Want gourmet food? Sorry, no kitchen. (There is a Burger Tex downstairs.) Want live music? Sorry, see the jukebox. (More on the jukebox below.) Want 248 sports events on 648 screens? We got two TVs. Want artisanal cocktails with eight ingredients not counting the doubleshot of unpasteurized Peruvian rum? Sorry, but we can get you a margarita. They got a basic but fully stocked bar. (Your basic whiskeys, vodkas, liqueurs etc.) A dark room with basic chairs and tables. Lots of wood - with your basic bar//basement rec room feel. Several pool tables - and a Galaga machine. Not unlike plenty of other neighborhood joints in Austin. So what's their edge? a) A very cool jukebox. All CD's. The most ancient material is Joan Jett and Motley Crue and it goes up through all through the Black Keys, Morphine, the Flaming Lips. (Ok I forgot the one Sinatra CD). Basically one each of a lot of very cool bands - and little your parents would want to listen to. This is a place where putting a buck in the jukebox is actually rewarding. b) You can talk here. The music is not so blaring that conversation (or pool) gets squeezed out. This is a great place to get plowed with an intelligent companion and have an extended discussion of what happened to music after Nirvana or whether Kathie Tovo has sold out. c) The crowd is very very cool. Nearly everyone looks like they could play in a rock band - or are the boyfriend or girlfriend of someone who plays in a rock band. Plus most people bring their own company. Few people with unfulfilled glands on the make. Few depressing loners trying to hide from life. The feel of the room is mellow and cool. d) STRONG drinks. Good prices. The bartender is generous with the contents of the bottle. For anyone who has had flavored water pretending to be a drink on Sixth Street (and worse yet - in a plastic cup) it is a pleasure to find a place that pours value. If plain old drinking is the order of the night ... a buzz and good conversation is what you are looking for and you don't need 7000 beers on tap or a cocktail designed by a ph.d. in mixology ... this is a place to just drink the basics and dial back. thumbs up. read more

Barfly's is exactly what every great dive bar aspires to be. The bartenders and owner are super friendly and make you feel at home. The drinks are reasonably priced and the jukebox has a great selection (When I walked in, I heard the Velvet Underground's "Heroin" playing - that's always a good sign.) A good bar's supposed to be a place to get together with friends, relax, or even disconnect from daily life - if even for just a few minutes. Barfly's is the perfect place to take a break or finish the day off in Austin. On a personal note, as an El Pasoan, I appreciated the touches and references to my birth city - classic Diablos poster by the bar, EP lotería cards, bumper stickers, etc. Will definitely stop by next time I'm in Austin. As the great Hank Chinaski said: "to all my friends..." read more

It looks like I've found my favorite neighborhood bar. I've been to Barfly's three times already and each time I've visited, I struck up great conversations with complete strangers who then became friends. Its a good gathering ground for non-pretentious, cool people who just want a good drink or a cheap beer. Unlike many newer bars nowadays, this place isn't gussied up and gimmicky. This place is established. Its old, dark and has the basics all covered. Friendly bartenders, a really good jukebox, pool, darts, some cool old movie playing on TV and an outdoor patio. The beer is cheap and the well drinks are strong. What more could you ask for? read more

Best spot in this hood. Go here instead of The Grand if you want to have a good time and enjoy the chill atmosphere!

I've been hanging out at this place since before it was barfly's. It was called.....damn, what was it called? Well I remember they had a life sized Jenga game, and if you lost it could be painful with a real live 4X4 jenga piece coming down on your foot. Can't believe I can't remember the name...oh well. Something about an attic I think. Anyways, great bartenders and it is close to my house. It gets crowded late especially on Th-Fr-Sa. I usually go earlier during the week and watch movies with the bartenders. $1.50 lone star longnecks, or you can order a Happy Meal - which is a Lone Star and a shot of Jaeger for $4.50(Or maybe it is $4.00). read more

Barfly's - Barfly's Neon Allure - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

So.. I'm not sure if the bar is actually named after the Bukowski film but it should be. It smells and feels exactly like a place I would think Bukowski would spend hours swilling cheap booze in. Oh yeah the booze, is crazy cheap here! You can get hammered at Barfly's for as cheap as any place in town. In fact I'm pretty sure from the heavy pouring to the low prices its easier to get wasted here than anywhere else in the whole town. So deep down in side I want to give Barfly's five stars.. but honestly it sometimes smells weird. The smell is sort of musty and I just don't like it. I know its a dive bar.. I know that maybe the smell is socially acceptable at such and establishment but I don't like it. If you are in the area go to Barfly's ignore the smell and have a great time! read more

This place is a high quality dive bar...that may seem like an oxymoron to some, but I stand on it. Gritty feel, cold beer (at good prices), pool tables, a great jukebox, and above all, really friendly bartenders. The only drawback...look out for that first step down out of the door, it's a doozy. Any place that patches holes in the floor with license plates is good in my book! read more

Barfly's - Now that's what I call "class"! - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

This is one cool little spot! I hear it's kin to Mugshots which is probably why it's so awesome! It's very laid back. They've got cheap drinks with strong pours. Bartenders are super friendly. I've only been a couple times but it's a great place to kickback with friends and drinks. Ladies watch out for those stairs! read more

Bartender was unnecessarily rude to me and all of my friends because we weren't in a rush to order drinks as soon as we got there, and it was a pretty boring atmosphere. Ended up leaving soon after. read more

Not very busy. A weekday eve. It's summer and the college crowd is outa town. I pop in for a cold one and to hopefully catch the end of the College World Series game... Dark. ACed. Nice juke. Good tunes. The game is on. $4.00 Knob Creek. $3.50 Wild Turkey 80. The bartender was very cool. $1.50 Lone Star and Miller High Life. I like it. Recommended. read more

Barfly's - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

One of the Austin originals. This bar is perfect exactly how it is. And do you know how it is? It's like your older, much cooler, older brother that saw Metallica when Cliff was the bassist and the best vibes in north Austin around. Seriously though this is one of those essential dive bars that need to stay alive for the sake of Austin. Great atmosphere, perfect prices and super small so you can bring that chick here and talk to her without having to yell. Come here if you were born between '80-'91 and love hip-hop and punk music. It's a dive bar doggy; don't expect to dance but do expect to chill and sip. I love this place because it's as Austin as you can get. Don't ever change Barflys. read more

Nomad - I apologize... please don't leave me... sometimes a girl just has the wandering eye. I cheated on my bar last night and O MAH GAWD was it worth it! I had the best time at Barfly!! The variety of people, everyone playing so nicely with everyone else. This torrid affair may not end after just one night. Added Bonus: The bartender, after me ordering my "lite because I am driving" drink of Malibu and Pineapple makes sure to let me know that there isn't much alcohol at all in Malibu. *gush* He actually cares that I get my pahtay on! Cheap drinks, good times... who could ask for a better reason to cheat?! read more

The best dive bar that ever existed. A successful night out should consist of these 3 things: extra-strong jack and diet, a foosball table, a jukebox. There's also a parking lot and plenty of seating inside and out. read more

Best dive bar in town. When my company had me posted up nearby last year I came here at least once per week. Cold strong drinks and great prices. Talking no more than $5 for anything you order. Now the beer selection needs a few more ipas but I can get by. Cool patio out back. Pool tables in the front and juke box. They always have some odd movie playing. Blade was playing last night. Service with a smile and the patrons are welcoming to everyone. No food but come get you 1 or 2. Thank me later read more

Waiting for a tow truck, having a lone star... crowded bar... bartender turned away one guy because he entered bar yelling beer beer beer saying he seemed like he already had a lot... few minutes later another guy asked for a double and bartender asked if he had already had a double. Dude said yes so bartender recommended a single. You can tell these people care about their customers. read more

It's divey as fuck, and I love that. Last time I was here was on a Tuesday evening and it was a legit good time. There were a good amount of people in the place and everyone was chill and relaxed. It's a great place to sit, have a beer, and meet a stranger. If that sounds cool to you, then I recommend swinging in sometime. read more

Grungy, depressing atmosphere. Very convenient spot to congregate after Workhorse closes. The micheladas are ok.

I've been here 6 or 7 times since it opened. Drinks are ok and staff is friendly. They offer pool tables and the cues are decent. This place also offers outdoor seating on a patio. read more

Legit divey bar. Doesn't try too hard unlike 90% of Austin bars these days. God help us if this place closes