Love the bar. It's laid back and great to simply hang out. I've never hung out inside (it generally seems too crowded inside, the outdoor is pretty open and has a lot of tables. The outside is one of the reasons to go here. If you're game feel free to ask the bartenders for their creations - Wit with a splash of cider is good. read more

This was pretty cool and laid back bar in a great bar neighborhood!! Visiting from out of town I loved the whole area. My friend chose this bar because its a little more laid back. The bartender was really knowledgeable and knew exactly how to make friends drink.. which I have never even heard of, so I thought that was cool. It was a small bar inside but it was done up nice. There were some people dancing in a small area but this was a work night and I bet it might get crowded on the weekend. read more

The bartender jimmy here was great, good drinks and an overall awesome vibe. They've also got a nice list of drinks for the winter. read more

Clive - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

I wish I could live here. This place is absolutely gorgeous - dark wood, softly lit, creamy leather, rustic outdoor furnishing, ample patio seating, hot, friendly bartenders who know their shit. Total win. Came here with my boyfriend for our anniversary. He had a White Russian, I stuck to my ol' faithful - the French 75. We both loved our drinks, tasty and well made. Prices weren't bad either considering the caliber of the drinks/bar. Door guy was super welcoming and thanked us on the way out too! The crowd is varied and oscillates between urban 20-something yuppies, Westlake moms having a Sex & the City night out and Eastside hipsters. Music was fantastic - everything from Will.I.Am to Otis Redding. I will be coming back for you soon, Clive! read more

Clive is officially the warmest-coziest bar i've discovered in Austin. The bartenders here shake your hand and introduce themselves to you when you order, and every drink regardless if simple or complex is poured, shaken, and served with a smile. The decor is modern yet rustic with wood panel walls, vintage peacock embossed white bar chairs and stools. Candle light illuminates the interior, and the bar is one of the best lay outs i've seen. Outside is a very welcoming patio-perfect for a date, or a group of friends unwinding after a busy work day. Classy, fun, and impeccable attention to detail all define the experience you'll experience at Clive. read more

Loved the outdoor setting with great wooden deck and tables. Very relaxed atmosphere (as outlined in other reviews) that is perfect to meet up with some adult friends and have some great drinks in a great atmosphere. They mixed me a great manhattan and have Negro Modelo on tap, which I've never seen before. Beautiful night, beautiful bar. I'll be back! Enough said... read more

This place is beautiful. I came in for my first time a few weeks ago for a friend of a friend's 30th birthday bash. Such a cool place to have a party. They had food catered from East Side King, which was definitely hard to resist. Clive itself, however is quite nice. I love the aesthetic. White leather chairs and barstools and dark wood and soft lighting all definitely set a comfortable but slightly swank mood. People seemed to be a bit more dressed up than at some of the other bars in the area, and certainly more dressed up than on East 6th. The bartenders were nice. The drinks were moderately priced and shortly poured (probably our one major complaint). I will definitely be back for a drink with a gentleman friend or on a ladies night. Any excuse to dress up a bit and see some unfamiliar faces is nice. read more

This has quickly become my favorite bar on Rainey Street. The atmosphere is unique and beautiful, the bar is small enough to feel comfortable while being big enough to hold a decent crowd, and the bartenders are phenomenal. We asked one of the bartenders about the bottles of homemade bitters they keep at the back of the bar and he took the time to explain what they use the bitters for and how they differ from each other. He even let us sample them and then made a drink for us to try. I realize he probably doesn't always have time to sit and do this with every customer, but you can just tell that these guys know their stuff and are good with the customers. You don't typically find this combination at a casual bar like this. Very impressed and will definitely be back. read more

Was in town this weekend and went in for a few drinks on Friday night. Loved the atmosphere, very laid back and casual. The deck is mostly covered and roomy, so you have plenty of seating options. We pulled up some stools next to a tall wooden table, made ourselves at home and enjoyed a few rounds of cold beer. I mention that the beer was cold because it was NICE AND COLD, just the way it should be. Very cool place to kick back with a drink on a nice evening out! read more

best apple pie martini I have ever had. Well balanced and not too sweet.. definitely crafted with thought and not syrupy ingredients. The music on patio was great... beats and a really talented keyboardist. Friendly staff was just the right amount of hipster without being too cool for tourists. We appreciated that. read more

Bartender Tom is kind of unbelievable. First of all, I was with someone who used to go to one of his bars like five years ago and he remembered him and bought him a drink. Also, he's bartended all over the world (London, Tokoyo). Not to mention, he was super personable and nice while being really professional. And really, that's all just fluff because he mixes a seriously good drink. We told him what we liked and he came up with some awesome drinks--a south side for a friend who usually goes Mojito, a paloma for a friend who likes tequila and non-sweet, I don't remember the name of my tequila-grapefruit drink, but it was amazing. He's awesome. Also, the decor and vibe of this bar is great--I'm 33 and I don't love the party-hard vibes I used to, this place feels mature and sleek and welcoming. It's a little dark, a little modern, the music was great, the lighting was just right, I could have spent all night happily sidled up to this bar. Seriously, top notch. read more

Wow this place is the fucking worst. Was told that we were not allowed inside because i was in a group of 50 where one person was kicked out. They should be lucky that 10 people are at their bar. read more

Awesome bar right in the midst of the strip. Excellent service, drinks, live music and ambiance.

We've been here a few times before, I can't say the service has been incredible, but I've certainly seen worse. Tonight was an exception, after being accosted trying to walk out with a *paid for* Topo Chico. The security staff was shockingly aggressive, and unnecessarily escalated a very simple situation. This establishment, while I'm sure is raking in the bucks with their location, would do well to take a look at their staff. read more

This bar is amazing. I love the decor and was impressed by the ambiance and crowd here. It was packed, but the decor and the outdoor area were impressive. The only thing I can ding them on is that their bathroom was gross, but this being after a night of debauchery, I can imagine it would be gross. But it would have been nice if they had someone to clean it up. Also, they kicked us out immediately at 2 ("Get out in 2 minutes!"). Maybe I would have been able to get out faster if they had cleaned up that bathroom stall... read more

Great time every time I go! Indoor & spacious outdoor area :) Bartenders were knowledgable & made the best apple martinis... I hardly ever ask for them but I was craving one... They didn't have puckers so they crafted their own version & it hit the spot! read more

Usually I don't write, but tonight was special. The Matthew Pecanaughey has changed my life - for the better. The mescal bar was off limits, unless you know someone, but the #livemusiccapital scene made it gravy. I'll come back, with friends, or alone - and have one hell of a time. read more

Clive - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

This bar is awesome, the bartender was super nice. Myself and my two girls went there this past Saturday. We were actually going to Bar Illegal, located on the same grounds. Bar illegal was closed, of course its just us three thatw ant Mezcal at 3 in the afternoon. Anyway the bartender at Clives unlock teh door and let us look inside bar illegal, then we sat outside Clives bar and had a few drinks, love the feel and the tranquality as well, I did say it was 3 in the afternoon and we were drinking. I recommend this place!! read more

Don't be afraid. Billy will take care of you. First, order up Billy's drink. you'll get to the sippin' Mezcal in a bit. He crushes some sour apples, mixes in a touch of the finest Mezcal; just a touch. He follows that with some ginger beer and the rest is a secret. really, it is... This drink is hands down, by far, the best drink I've ever had. And I've had a lot of drinks. Editors note: It was the first drink I had when I got there. 2nd Editors note: I had likely had a few drinks before I got there. On to the Mezcal. Not liking Tequila is not a good barometer for whether you will enjoy this sophisticated drink. Liking Scotch is. If you enjoy a good Scotch, a good earthy scotch, you will really enjoy what Billy and Bar Illegal have to serve up. Swing by Clive, Bar Illegal is the old stone out building in the back. Really fantastic place. And tell Billy The Founders sent you. See what he says. read more

Good cocktail (and decent bourbon) selection with a great atmosphere. Imagine a hipster hunting lodge with a courtyard and you got this place. Staff is very friendly and you can expect to receive your order quickly. One of my favorite spots to start a night of 'time traveling' when back in Texas. Definitely worth a visit! read more

I've always loved this place. Took some out-of-towners here tonight. Josh was fantastic and made a GREAT rusty nail. I work service industry in town and I wish I could train my people to be as accommodating as y'all's staff. Wish I could give y'all six stars! read more

Cool atmosphere and the staff is super friendly and funny! Definitely enjoyed our time here and will be back soon!

Love. Rainey Street is a great scene - vibrant, fun, off-beat, and (for now) a nice alternative to Dirty or West Sixth. Like all good things, I do believe it'll come to an end as the college kids and the riff raff stumble over... but for now, I really love this nook of Austin nightlife. And Clive Bar is at the top of my Rainey Street list. The Bar is inside with some limited seating and a dart board, but you don't come here to be inside. The patio is sprawling, with covered areas, more privarte areas around the front, great spots for groups. But my favorite part of Clive Bar is the Mezcal bar. It's the obscure, windowless hut on the South of the patio yard. I always assumed it was a bathroom until being dragged in last weekend by a friend (that part was terrifying). If you haven't tried Mezcal - it's an agave tequila native to Mexico (correct me if I'm wrong, but do it nicely). We ordered flights, which you take in a descending order of flavor and strength and are served with an orange slice. I think what's special about it is the buzz you get is quite unique. For me, it's an energetic feeling, a happy (but not euphoric) buzz. We all know how different alcohols affect us as individuals - red wine and I'm in bed by 10. White wine and my hangover is murder. Vodka and I can down enough to... well, enough, and tequila (Jose / Patron... you know, crap tequila) does make my clothes fall off. Anyway, that's neither here nor there... the point is that I like the Mezcal effect. Warning - it tastes unique... like... well, like band aids. But that didn't bother me. It was a unique experience in a creepy hut behind a bar. A creepy hut with a little wooden man sitting at the top of a flight of stone stairs that go nowhere. A creepy hut with a giant painting of a rabbit-faced naked woman on the ceiling. A creepy hut I'll revisit. ... I realize that I haven't made this sound all that appealing. But buck up and try it anyway - you're there to drink, so try something new. read more

I've never been all that impressed with Clive bar, but I also didn't have anything against them. This all changed however when I was recently there for a SXSW showcase. I have to say this bar gave me one of the worst bar experiences of my life. I understand that SXSW puts a lot of pressure on venues, and bartenders can get a little overwhelmed at times, but there's no excuse for the attitude I received from the staff. Clive bar had removed all the water coolers at the bar and were forcing customers to pay 2 dollars for a bottle of water. When I approached the bar to get a glass of water I was rudely told by the bartender that "We don't do that here bro...". I kindly asked him if there was something wrong with the tap, to which he replied "if you want water so bad you can leave". For somebody who's been waiting an hour in line to get into an outdoor venue on a 85 degree day after walking eight miles to get there, I find the refusal to poor a glass of water to be unethical, and even go as far as to say it is a borderline legal issue. Clive bar used the fact that long lines make it almost impossible to leave and re-enter venues to make more money. I will not support such greedy and dangerous behavior, and I urge those who read this to join me. I understand the bartenders were probably just following orders, but they didn't have to be so rude to me. If I hadn't walked so far and waited so long to see Aloe Blacc, I would have left immediately. Clive Bar's owners should know better, wasn't it Luster Pearl that had a DWI case brought against it? A bar refusing to make water easily accessible to it's patrons is almost as bad, if not worst than a bar that doesn't recognize when a customer has had too much to drink. Every other venue I attended at SXSW had easily available water FOR FREE. I hope Clive bar closes like the rumors suggest, and the sooner the better.... read more

For mixed classic cocktails my favorite place on Rainey Street! Great large outdoor patio, and a great cozy vintage classic indoor atmosphere full of personality. I always love to get a seat at the bar to talk with the staff. The service here is phenomenally friendly, talented, wise, and unpretentious which is hard to find it seems now in these classy cocktail joints. I like that Deep Eddy isn't too good for them to carry. They aren't just cocktails, they do a bit of everything, but their specialty is the classic vintage cocktail. I loved that their menus had some backstory on some of the vintage drinks they make. I am a history buff, so loved the factoids. I also learned here that as they don't have a restaurant license they aren't able to have dairy or egg on the premise so one of the bartenders has made up his own version of a dairy free foam for coffee drinks, which he was whipping up when we were there, and tasted great! Hard to believe that this place is owned by the same people who run the Lustre Pearl. read more

See all

I love the patio and the outside seating area which makes it a great place to hang out with your friends. Though I don't know if I would hang out during the wintertime. The bartender is friendly and blink an eye when I didn't order an alcoholic drink. When I go here, I feel like I just crashed someone's patio to get a drink. His is perfect for a big group of friend. Just FYI, they don't serve food but youna welcome to bring food from across the street. They even have menus and the restaurants even deliver to Clive. How cool and laid back is that. read more

Not much to say about this place. We got a pint of Sierra Nevada and a Rum and Coke. The rum and coke was with Atlantico and it was pretty weakly made I thought. Service was decent. Tap beer selection was minimal but had some decent stuff. Music was playing somewhere out on the patio area. Not my favorite spot right of the bat, but I can't say I disliked it either. read more

The guys that work here are the nicest and most professional people I have ever interacted with in a bar setting. I was having a great night with my friends - just hanging out, doing our thing, not trying to bother anybody. We decided we wanted to go to a bar down the street so we could dance. It was a little crowded as we were trying to leave, but it was a bar. No biggie, thats what you expect. So we're a little stuck trying to get out and my best friend mutters something along the lines of "ugh fuck this" under her breath, referring to the traffic jam of people. Another woman, turns around and screams at Rachel "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!" To which Rachel responded, "oh nothing, sorry excuse me." The woman then repeats "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!" So I stepped in and said "She said excuse me." and then tried to proceed walking. That is when this bitch went full on fight club. Home girl clocked me right in the eye. Terrible form, but that's beside the point. Just out of nowhere. Like I'm sorry who the fuck punches someone for literally just trying to walk through a bar. I know 2018 is crazy, but let's not act like animals. Your party goblin is a real thing @IlizaShlesinger but don't let them convince you to punch a chick. Anyway, she punches me, and I fight back, of course. This was not at all a "Regina George punched me in the face once. It was awesome" moment. But I'm pretty small, I have no muscles for fighting abilities. (I would definitely have died on the Oregon Trail, fyi.) She is just clawing me (I have scars and several bruises.) Luckily, one of my guy friends broke it up before she ripped out an earring or something. I was wearing a white top, blood was not on the agenda for the night. After that, we quickly excited the bar. As we're leaving, Andrew (said guy friend) says I should tell someone that works at the bar since that psycho chick definitely needed to be kicked out. So, I walk up to the bartender or whatever and tell him what happened. He goes and checks their security footage and confirms that my friends and I were doing literally NOTHING wrong, just trying to exit the bar, and this crazy ass bitch just fights me. Another member of the staff was super sweet and got me an ice pack - it was cute because they didn't have plastic bags so they put it in a glove, made for a lot of quality snapchats btw, thank you. The staff then proceeds to kick that insane woman with anger management issues out of the bar. They also offer me and the two of my girl friends that stayed with me FREE DRINKS. It was awesome. Every single one of them was so sweet and beyond helpful. 100/10 recommend. They were also pretty cute so that's an added bonus. The bouncer also saw the psycho bitch and her squad of creatures waiting right outside the bar and talking about how they were looking for me. So they told us about that and made certain that when we left we didn't get hurt. I was a dumbass and dropped the glove icepack thing on the ground. The immediately got me a new one. (This time in a towel, so if I dropped it, it wouldn't pop. Like I said, these guys are phenomenal and so fucking nice. Aside from the fact that I was assaulted here, I would definitely come back to this bar. They have a great patio. Tons of good vibes, chill but also rowdy at the same time. And the best customer service I have seen in my 22 years on earth. I hate people that say "if I could give zero stars, I would" (like we get it, you're upset, sit down bitch) but if I could give a million stars I would. (Insert gif of Dr. Evil saying "one million") read more

A great place to grab a drink. They have nice selection alcoholic beverages. Stop by during your Rainey Street bar crawl. They have a nice outdoor patio area you can hangout and enjoy your drink. read more

Clive Bar is definitely not your local dive bar! As I scaled the newly built steps that lead to the entrance, I noticed the dark wood bar with excellent mood lighting!! First reaction, "wow this is a really nice place" . This definitely feels like a place you would go to enjoy a glass of wine after work, first date, or a place to begin the evening. It's a bit pricey (which shortened our visit) but within reason considering the ambiance. They do have a great patio and lower seating level as well. As for the staff, they were genuine and very helpful. Always a plus!!! Not my first choice if I'm in the mood to belly up to the bar, but still, if I 'm in the mood to girl it up a bit and even shave the ol' gams...this is where I'll go!! read more

Clive Bar impressed me in decor, comfort, and friendliness, but totally disappointed in beverage quality. The good stuff: It was quaint, cozy, cool (patron bottle lighting fixtures, mix of white leather furnishings and dark wood), and comfortable (even though I was sitting out in the cold on a wooden bench, I didn't seem to mind because I was under a well-placed heat lamp and the atmosphere was just so...nice). Also, for what it's worth, the (womens') restrooms were clean and pleasant. Also, the bartenders were warm, friendly, and eager to please, although they couldn't make a classic cocktail to save their lives. If you are a BAR, and you serve nothing but beverages, you should be good at making them. Which brings me to the bad: Neither bartender could make a blood and sand - which is not as common as a Jack & Coke, I know, but it's a simple classic that's been popping up left and right on cocktail menus and blogs around town, and I would hope that a hip new bar would keep up with industry trends (NOTE TO BARTENDERS EVERYWHERE: AT THE VERY LEAST, PLEASE KEEP A BASIC RECIPE BOOK ON HAND BEHIND THE BAR). Too demanding, you say? I next tried to order an old-fashioned, but they couldn't make it because they "didn't have all the ingredients (no muddler)" - well, a muddler is not an ingredient, it's just a wooden stick, and you can just as easily use the back of a spoon. My third try (still no drink in hand) was a manhattan - it was served on the rocks (I think it should be served straight up), and I honestly can make one better at home. I gave it to my friend and, all hope lost, ordered whisky straight, and even that was not served in a decent glass. In addition, they should hire one or two cocktail servers, so you don't have to go to the bar to order drinks. Despite what seems like a 2-star description, Clive gets 3 stars, and I will probably return (although with lowered expectations and dumbed-down cocktail requests) because it was just so darn cozy, and somehow enjoyable despite my inability to get a decent drink. UPDATE: I went back a few months later, and no improvement in the bartender's mixology skills. I asked the bartender if he made a good manhattan, and he replied, "Well, I could make you one, but I can't promise it will be good." Still frustrated...Is it just me, or shouldn't patrons be able to order something more complicated than a classic martini at an upscale-ish bar? read more

I always like visiting clive bar after some time at lustre pearl. I love the outdoor seating. the bartenders have been nothing but nice & drinks are priced nicely. there's plenty of room & finding seating hasn't been a problem. there are TVs in case you wanted to catch up on some espn. this place just tends a very casual, relaxed vibe that I just crave some nights. clive, see you again soon. read more

If I were reviewing based on ambiance alone, it would be 5 stars, hands down. But a place that looks as nice as Clive does should have a signature drink or two. I don't mind drinking G&Ts at crappy 6th Street bars, but a beautiful bar should have a few good drinks! read more

These guys are horrible! My buddy and I share a birthday and brought 30 of our friends to Clive on a Wednesday night. If you're a bar downtown and someone brings you 30 customers ALL NIGHT ON A WEDNESDAY NIGHT, you should treat them with respect right? WRONG 1) Having called ahead AND mentioned how I brought 30 people to their bar ALL NIGHT for my birthday I asked for a birthday shot. The bar tender scoffs: "I think you're in the wrong bar for that kind of thing" then walks away from me. 2) $5 shots on a Wednesday night. Seriously? 3) The bartenders mocked us for wanting to buy birthday shots I forgot--the customers always wrong when they want to pay you to mix the easiest drink to mix, ever. 4) They lost my friend's ID, found it, then threw it at her 5) They berated my friend who is of south asian descent and wouldn't let him buy a shot on his tab. In a nut shell, To: Naveen From: Clive Dear Naveen, Thank you for giving me gobs of money on your birthday. Go !@#$ yourself. Love, Clive read more

Some friends and I came in to check this place out last saturday after the football game. It was amazing! Very dark, awesome white leather chairs, great music and a good selection of beer on tap, including locals. You gotta check out the light fixtures, made from old patron bottles. The bar was slow that night, the weather wasn't the best. The bartenders (Charlie and Cory) were amazing and they were both HOT which definately makes the night more fun. They were also extremely polite, with that southern charm I have always heard about. I just moved here recently but will for sure be back!! read more

We went by Clive Bar on opening night after ACL. We have become pretty good friends with these guys, so maybe this review will be a little biased. The feeling is that of Lustre Pearl (there first bar in Austin), if Lustre had dressed up for a night on the town. The bar is much more refined. It has beer on tap, including some local brews like (512) and Real Ale. It has top shelf liquor including some scotches. This is a great addition to our local, neighborhood bar scene. Can't wait to see what Bridget comes up with next! read more

Ohhhh, Rainey Street. I just don't know what to do with you. Back before it blew up, back when there were just a few bars on the street, Rainey Street was a wonderful place. Now, it's swarming with tribes of bros. Nevertheless, before they all descended from their Friday night home on West 6th, there was Clive Bar. Always one of my favorites, this house turned bar has an incredible layout. It's just so open! Plus, it's got one of the better patios in Austin and, out to the side, there's a tequila shed. So, if you've gotta go to Rainey, go to Clive. read more

a bar. comprised of: bartender, liquor & beer, decor / setting & clientele. that and cost of course. clive bar: bartenders - very good. friendly, fast, make quality drinks with what they have. drink selection - meh. generic bar setup; same as lustre pearl and most generic bars downtown: lots of fancy vodkas, very little in nonstandard quality spirits, liquors or cocktails. decor / setting - not as strikingly deconstructed as lustre pearl or shuck shack. a mid-fancy fallacy that has a very nice porch but still has to conform to all accessibility codes. disconnected. clientele - lustre pearl overflow and a bit older of a crowd. still in flux. prices - the standard pearl beer special and expensive drinks (even the wells). unknown if any specials exist. overall - very little character as of yet. suggestions: make the liquor and drink selection match the decor - if speakeasy/cocktail dark wood & stools is what you're going for; stock craft bourbons & learn to make a selection of classic cocktails; if shot & a beer (quality beer) is the goal, throw in a special or three. neighborhood bar? more affordable drinks and outdoor seating. also parking: drifting towards very difficult. in conjunction with lustre pearl (same owners) the neighborhood parking situation is being taxed. prepare for a bit of a walk and the likely eventual weekend overcrowding. read more

The good: really good malbec, nice, spacious patio. The bad: they charged my credit card 4x the amount that i wrote on the receipt. be a little more careful, clive bar! read more

First, this place smells terrific. I don't know if it is a candle or a Glade plug in, or just all the good wood that the place is made out of, but whatever it is, it is cozy and delicious. Second, the bartenders Corey and Charley were super nice. In fact, I ordered a White Russian and they were out of half and half to make it. Charley left and drove somewhere and got the half and half; now that is service. I like the low keyness of the place, and would definitely love to canoodle with some man in the corner there - got to work on that part, though. read more