I'm a lover of all things dive bars, and am kicking myself for not visiting this gem of an establishment earlier. As you pass the John Wayne graffiti, you know this place is gonna be a good one. From the time I entered, I could not keep a smile off my face, as it reminded me of every small town bar that I have loved. They only serve beer, so it is BYOLiquor and they sell set ups to keep it easy. Grab a table and play some shuffleboard or pool, or take a picture with the amazingly creepy cowboy mannequin, as you get stared down by all the regulars. Don't worry, they will eventually warm up to you and you'll be shuffling across that tiny dance floor to a sad Gary Stewart song in no time. read more

Eight beers for $25? Old country on the jukebox?? And dogs allowed inside the bar?!? I'll be back. read more

The first time I was witness to this amazing little DIVE bar, Buddy's, my friends and I were told by the bartender that there would be no cussing in the bar.... Have you met me?! That is a feat in itself... although the art of non-cussing is against my nature, I followed the rules. I was scared of the regulars. Since then I have been back in the evening for some live music and good times with the Dittys. Buddy's is great local spot that takes you back a few decades to a slow time without all the hustle bustle of fast flowing, fancy cocktails, and ascetically pleasing bar design. It is everything a bar should be. Two bad the men get two bathrooms and the women only get one... sheesh! read more

After a two year hiatus I'm back to write about more set up bars. Buddy's Place is yet another Burnet Rd. gem that is the essence of a good 'ol Honky Tonk. Here are some universal elements of a good 'ol Honky Tonk: Ice Cold Beer Wood Paneling BYOB friendly Liquor License Grandfathered to building codes of the Truman Administration Super friendly bar staff Cheap Pool and/or Darts and Shuffleboard Good Country music played live and on the jukebox Here are some elements that make Buddy's Place an especially good 'ol Honky Tonk: The only place in town you'll get to hear Justin Trevino who is one of the most jaw dropping singers you will ever experience Surprisingly clean bathrooms (the ladies room used to be legendary in it's tastefulness, it probably still is) Anniversary party is a catfish fry It is an oasis of authenticity surrounded by the desert of doucheiness that is Sherlock's, Trudy's, Olive Garden, and Benihana Don't ruin it. read more

Love this place. I can't describe it any better than anyone else here has, so I'll just say the staff has always been awesome, the shuffleboard table is free (though running low on sand), the bands I've heard here were super fun. It is just so comfortable. One Tuesday night I brought my brothers and sisters, boyfriend, roommate and a cousin and it was the perfect spot for such a horde of people. Only reason I wouldn't give Buddy's 5 stars is that it's cash only, which means I have to make my boyfriend buy my drinks because I forgot to go to the ATM again. Oh wait, maybe that should be a plus? I do, however, love being able to buy setups. For those unfamiliar, that means they don't have liquor, but you can bring your own and buy their coke. read more

I LOVE this place. It is my go to dive bar when I want a laid back no fuss place with cold beer, great music, and great company. The juke box has lots of good ole country music and none of that new Nashville junk. That is worth the 5 stars alone. Add in cold beer that is reasonably priced and friendly/witty bartenders and you have one great dive bar experience. And please remember this is a "dive bar" so don't be expecting anything fancy. That is what makes it so great. read more

An Austin Oasis! One of the real "TEXAS" bars we've found out here. If ya like old school, dark honky tonks with a great jukebox n' friendly faces, then John Wayne will welcome ya at the door -"Welcome Pilgrim". You'll be greeted by a tiny security dog, Wyatt at the door. N' if ya go twice they'll remember your name, your beer, n' your story. It's such a relief to places where UT kids pile in & get louder with each drink, pickin' terrible songs on the jukebox. At Buddy's there's not a terrible pick to choose. N' I think they picked their cute Bartender gals right too ;) Live music from a George Jones soundin' fellow on Friday nights. Shuffleboards free, beers are cheap, pool, darts- it's a honky tonk merry go round! read more

So I schooled Jack N in shuffleboard here. Ok, not really, but Veek and I won a couple times. High Five! Buddy's Place reminds me so much of Ego's in South Austin. Like the others say cheap beer, great dive, old country music. Now, let's count the things wrong with the ladies' room. 1. There are steps up to the toilet. I feel like I am on stage. 2. the green padded seat 3. Ads for urinary problems in front of the toilet 4. The full size mirror to to left of the toilet. I had a great time here, but I'm pretty sure it is because of the company I kept. I would go back, but I think it is best enjoyed with a group of friends. read more

Tiny place, mostly dudes. A couple pool tables. The 'outdoor area' is a couple plastic chairs in the rocky parking lot outside the back door. Its BYOB though and thats cool. $10 minimum. So if you want one beer, you have to buy $10 worth. But you can leave with the unopened bottles you paid for!!? Update: I've never been compelled to go back. Just looks like a blue box when I see it while out driving around. read more

If youre a redneck youll love it. If youre like me, and not a redneck, youll like it a lot regardless. Good people, cold beer. Bring your liquor and buy mixers at the bar. I was shocked at how clean and well stocked the bathrooms are for a place like this. If you like old country, youll like the jukebox. Only thing that makes this less than perfect is a gravel back parking lot. I usually park on the street. read more

Classic Austin. A real neighborhood dive bar with an exceptionally friendly staff. The jukebox is flawless given the setting; classic country up to some outlaw 80's stuff. Beer and wine only, but they provide set-ups of you want to bring a bottle of booze along. The clientele is 80% regulars, which is a comfort in a city that had become dominated by generic bar hopping pit stops. This is a place to post up and relax at. The atmosphere is classic saloon, with all the beer promo posters, quirky decor, a pool table and free shuffleboard. It's all cans and bottles at Buddy's so beer snobs beware. But if a Pearl and some George Jones sounds like a perfect afternoon to you, you have found your spot. read more

It's not often that I venture north of the river. I happened to be bowling in a charity event one Saturday afternoon up north when my team seemed to do more drinking then bowling and we needed a place to go after to keep the party going. We stumbled down to Buddys to do a bit more day drinking (so irresponsible I know) and were pleasantly surprised. We walked in, loud and I'm sure, obnoxious. I could almost feel the regulars rolling their eyes at us. But we are all fans of the Horseshoe Lounge and we felt like we found our Horseshoe north of the river. It's dark, old, goofy pictures on the wall, old neon signs, shuffleboard, pool tables- the works. For those of us who love dives it's fantastic. The regulars eventually warmed up to us and we had a blast picking out old school country tunes on the jukebox and swapping stories about dives north and south. I absolutely LOVED the toilet in the girls bathroom, since it's set higher then the rest of the room you truly feel like you're on a throne. The bartender couldn't have been more attentive and she was sweet as pie. I left happy to know I have a home away from home when I get lost/confused and end up in North Austin. read more

Spouse and I like to shoot darts. I gave him the task of reviewing Yelp (Thanks again Yelpers!) to picking out a new place to try. He selected Buddy's, and I am so glad he did. Looks a bit dark and non-descript from the outside, but when you walk in, you're greeted with a big smile and a "What cin I gitcha?" Dart boards are true sisal and there are THREE of them. We did bring our own darts and had a great time. The ladies behind the bar made sure we were never low on beer and made sure to catch our names. Melissa even dangled a few fresh ones to ensure our thirsts were quenched. That jukebox is the cat's meow, and yes, there is Johnny Horton and Marty Robbins, so this girl was happy as a clam. The really good news is THEY TAKE CREDIT CARDS! It's a $10 minimum, and with their low prices, that may be a stretch for the single drinker. Awesome night all around. read more

Oh what can I say about Buddy's Place! Jessica the bartender is the BOMB! After serving you once she remembers exactly what you had when she sees you twice. She tells it like it is and has some great stories to share. The jukebox is old school country and my friend thinks it's the best in town. You will always find the owner playing a game of pool with the regulars. The beers are cold and cheap. Couple pool tables, shuffle board, tables to play cards, and on occasion there'll be a band playing. Beer and wine sold there only so if you like liquor it's BYOL and they will sell you a set-up. Can make for a fun, cheap night out. This place is one of the last TRUE dive bars in Austin where the folks that patron there know one another. They won't turn you away for service, but if you come in there trying to hipster it up you may get a dirty look or two. This place is what it is and that is exactly what it needs to be. read more

I thought this place was great - a classic old school bar - until I went in after the election, to find a a monkey doll labeled as Obama. The bartender thought this was the height of hilarity. I walked out and will never go back. That is just a little too old school for me. Arg. I still get pissed just thinking about it. read more

Rudest owner I ever met of an Austin Honky Tonk. Tried to pick a fight with me and throw me out until he realized I may have never been in there, but I was friends with a decent portion of his talent and THEN tried to apologize for his erratic behavior. Bar staff is nice, good music. Seriously erratic owner. I'd rather go a lot of other Honky Tonks than one with a deranged owner that WAS drunk and may have been on drugs too. Your mileage may vary. read more

OMG. So I went to a conference in North Austin and I was pretty far from "downtown" Austin or anywhere remotely interesting. On previous trips to Austin I did figure out that the bus system is super affordable and the bus drivers super helpful. Soooo I was riding around the bus looking for food and I noticed Buddy's Place. It was a blue concrete building that looked pretty awful EXCEPT that on the outside the words "Home of Happiness" were painted on the wall. Probably BAR was also written somewhere so I knew I had to go. The next day I looked up reviews on Yelp and the reviews stated you could BYOL. Wait-WHAAAAAATTTT! Hell yes, I will bring my own liquor! Being from somewhere like PA that has awful liquor laws, this seems INSANE! So I hopped the bus and fortunately there was a liquor store attached to Buddy's! They sold Four Loco there, but I refrained and went straight for the pint of rum. So I walked in and I'm pretty positive I heard a record scratch as 7-8 older men stared me down. The other reviews were right, this was a dive and VERY country. I loved it! So Ruthy the bartender immediately was looking at me like I was lost, but she was so super friendly! I nervously took out my bottle of rum and asked if I could drink this here. She explained that I needed to buy a "set-up" which is just a mixer and I could be on my way. So I totally recommend this random spot. I will say the only reason I'm giving it 4 stars is because we were in Texas, in a dive bar, and when politics came up some not nice things about classes and races of people were said. This happens everywhere, and the charm of this place made up for those folks who are close-minded. read more

A true original Austin dive bar. Run by friendly locals who have great old-time country & western singers & bands as well as a great juke box. I don't play darts but they have that too as well as a couple of pool tables. It's in a convenient location on Burnet at 183 and the drinks are inexpensive. People are friendly! read more

As you walk in out of the bright sun into this powdered blue concrete rectangular little building that you could easily overlook, your eyes take a second to adjust to the dimly lit room only to realize every regular in the place is staring at the door to find out who is invading their honky tonk haven. These are good old boys and I am a Yankee decked out in my NY Yankee jacket. This is a redneck bar(in the nicest sense of the phrase). The patrons there are good natured and welcoming to everyone country boy, party girl, yuppie, hippie, or "Get the Rope. It's a Yankee" guy such as yours truly. Jackie's the owner and he's quick to shake your hand and welcome you there. Shanna, Melissa, and Gina tend the bar with a smile for everyone. I couldn't do justice in remembering all the other regulars there who were all friendly. there's even a tiny dog that comes up to everyone to get petted. The juke box is filled with old school country. There's a shuffleboard and yes even a mannequin just sitting at a table all alone that you would swear is a real person until you looked closer. Friday nights a live band plays. read more

Overall it's good for being a dive bar. The bartender was friendly and the people there were a bit redneck (but, that goes with the bar and they seemed cool overall). The g/f and I got a Corona each, and each was $3.75. Not bad for a corona and it seems like when it's busy it could be an interesting place! read more

I fancy myself a connoisseur of "dive" bars and Buddy's is one of the best in North Austin. It has, to paraphrase The Simpsons, the perfect amount of "dank" needed for the perfect hang out bar. It's unassuming, not pretentious and perfect for an old school evening out with your pals. read more

We were there Friday night and it was empty. Shuffleboard table was covered too. Bummer.

Everything good you've read about this place is true. I went here Saturday night and heard DAC, Willie, and Johnny coming out of the jukebox, but at levels in which I could still have a conversation. The bartender was super sweet and called me "honey", the beer was cheap and good, and the shuffleboard was free (pool is .50). You want a dive bar where you can relax and have a good time? This is the place! If I had someone coming to Austin who had never been to Texas, this would be our first stop. It makes me sad that they only serve beer and whine, because I want a shot of Jack the second I come within 50 feet of the door. But, as great as Buddy's is I guess I can't complain... read more

Buddy's Place is an Austin institution and a dive where you'll find some of the friendliest strangers you've ever met. Bottle service too. 2 pool tables at the ready. Beer and wine served here, but feel free to bring your own liquor (just make sure you behave). read more

The only reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 is because it gets really hot in there. This small place can get really packed, and no A/C makes it uncomfortable. Other than that, great service, fun people, quaint, cozy place with quarter pool tables and excellent music on jukebox. Love it. read more

Like the laid back feeling. Cheap pool and drinks. I will for sure go back.

Great little dive bar, excellent selection of beers for the right price. Best jukebox in Austin for REAL country. Bartenders are amazing, and the customers are even better! read more

buddy's is just what the doctor ordered when you find yourself in need of a local dive bar. jukebox full of all your favorite dive bar country classics....quick and friendly service...cheap, cold beers (and set-ups should you choose to bring in your own booze) - note: cash only....friendly patrons....low ceilings and paneled walls....requisite freaky redneck mannequin sitting at one of the tables...wait a sec, what? anyway, the place was not jammed for a thursday night - we had easy access to shuffleboard, darts, and a pool table. now, if only i could remember how to do rock/paper/scissors. and is it "go" on three? or is it 1-2-3-"go"? i may have to return to buddy's to find out. read more

cold bottled beer, not pricey, friendly staff, nice place to chill and not be judged :)

Great bar! Very hometown old time feel to it. I think the locals were a little scared of us when we first walked in. We were doing a pub crawl for my husbands 40th bday complete with party bus so we were a little loud and I'm sure annoying as hell. But they warmed up quick and we all had a great time. I wish we could have stayed longer. read more

blast from the past dive. the bartender was extremely pleasant and I enjoyed the old country jukebox