Donn's Depot
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Had a great time at Donn's! It's a fun little spot with lots of character and a great crowd. The live music was great, and so were the drinks. The establishment is quite small, so expect it to be absolutely packed on weekends. Another nitpick is that the stage is tucked away in the corner of the building so you won't see much of the band unless you hit the dance floor.
Who doesn't love a great dive bar complete with the grumpy guy slinging your drinks? Not grumpy but more like a schtick, and I am here for it. If you looked up "dive bar" in the dictionary, there you would see a photo of Donn's. The place has got its regulars; in fact, I would say most patrons are regulars. Everyone is just really cool and welcoming. Beers and drinks are priced affordably. Watch out for that batched margarita, it'll knock you on your rear. It's delish & potent. Yee-haw, y'all.
This place is an Austin staple! It may not have been dusted in about 40 years but it's super quirky and definitely has a charm to it. I couldn't believe how crowded it was on week night. There was a great mix of people of all ages (20's to 80's) that come here. A band was playing, people were dancing and the free popcorn was flowing. The band was great! It was nice to just sit with my friend, listen to the music and watch people dance. I recognized the bartender from when I used to visit this place years ago. She was very friendly! I remembered the women's bathroom being worth seeing. I'll include a photo in the picture section of this review. Parking can be a beast when it's busy. I ended up parking a few blocks down on the street.
What a wonderful Austin gem! This is a great spot to bring out of counters or just to go if you are feeling upbeat and ready for fun. The bartenders are super friendly and can make anything! This is a piano bar with a full band. Put on your dancing boots! Parking seemed limited, but the fun was definitely not. This is a much needed visit.
One of Austin's premier dive bars and two-step joints! My partner and I go for (free) lessons and dancing on Wednesdays. It's a very low barrier to entry class with lots of tourists and young locals. The dancefloor is small and the way socializing spills onto and off of it into the seating areas feels very old Austin. Friendly bartenders and classically graffitied bathrooms.
Is Donn's a dive bar, honkey tonk bar, or a hybrid. Donn's, IMO, is a hybrid as it has all the characteristics of the dive bar but they also play some great country tunes. Plus, you can order buckets of beer and strong mixed drinks served in plastic cups, of course. Donn's was all decked out for Christmas and I was told that they do the same for Halloween. On the night we visited the band that played everything from George Strait to Neil Diamond to Freddy Fender. The crowd was rocking and singing along with the band, us included. We had the pleasure of sharing a table with a few regulars who were great company. Oh yeah, almost forgot "free popcorn" for one and all! Good times!
We're closing in on 200 reviews and the sum of what many yelpers have already said is this place is an old Austin institution. It has its devoted older locals, drinks in plastic cups, popcorn, dancing, live music, and lots of Christmas decorations. However, on my visit in October, most of the decorations were gone. The only issue you may encounter is the parking situation which consists of paved and gravel areas of limited slots. I actually have not been here since the 80s when my mother and her best friend used to come here to drink and sing along with Don. I have to admit, it doesn't look like much has changed since then. I will admit the place is pretty dimly lit and it's easy to trip over all the steps. They even still have one of those old cigarette machines from the 70s. Donn Bob typically plays on Friday evenings, so if you wanna check out one of Austin's nostalgic places that may eventually fade away, best to get here before the powers that be relocate it permanently. Nine photos to peak your interest included.
3 months ago
I came to Austin for the week to cat-sit for my daughter and asked two strangers on South Lamar where a woman traveling alone could find live music. Without hesitation, they both pointed me to Donn's Depot. They were absolutely right. From the moment I walked in, the place felt authentic. Not curated. Not trendy. Just a room full of people genuinely enjoying one another. The bartender was friendly, the regulars immediately welcomed a complete stranger to their table, and before long I was swapping stories with some of the kindest people I've met in a long time. Murphy's In-Laws were fantastic. Their musicianship was outstanding, and after I asked about a James Taylor song, they dusted off Steamroller--a song they hadn't played in years--and performed it like they had played it during warm-ups. Definitely not for the "first time in 15 years." They threw in "Shower the People" for me afterward! Donn's is one of those local favorites that is unforgettable because it provides moments you can't plan. One thing to know before you go: they don't serve meals, but they do have complimentary popcorn (which was great to discover if you haven't eaten anything prior to liquor)! What stayed with me most wasn't just the music. It was the hospitality. A stranger (who overheard my desire to hear Steamroller) quietly paid for my song request. A table of regulars pulled up a chair and made room for me. No one asked why I was there by myself. They simply welcomed me and nick-named me, "San Antonio." From a mic. If you're looking for polished nightlife, this may not be your place--but you probably need to go anyway. If you're looking for authentic Austin, genuine people, excellent live music, and an evening that reminds you how kind strangers can be, don't miss Donn's Depot. Keep Austin Great, y'all! read more
This unpretentious, eclectic, festive, multi-generational dive is off the rails. Get it? Named after Donn, a local legend, who plays piano or tends bar at least once a week. The authentic but repurposed train station opened in 1972. In fact, a vintage railcar serves as an elevated viewing area of the dance floor, and you may want to check out the women's caboose. Literally, the depot has a caboose for a restroom! Going on a Friday night, we paid the $10 cover and it was a little crowded, but there were a few seats at the picnic tables in the wrap-around patio and I managed to step on only a few feet on the small dance floor, dancing to Donn and his Station Masters playing honky-tonk soul, western swing, and rock and roll covers. If you want a fun night, choo-choo-choose Donn's Depot. : read more
We stopped by on 12/23 as we'd heard good things about this dive bar and were excited it was decorated for Christmas. We got there at 6 and got one of the last open tables. They had xmas themed drinks along with your normal assortment. Not a ton of craft beer but not unexpected for a dive bar. The drinks and shots we had were all pretty good and despite the constant line at the bar, it wasn't as hard as I expected to get drinks and we had several over the two hours we were there. I appreciated the free popcorn and decor and would like to go back when its not xmas themed. read more
1 month ago
Had a great time at Donn's! It's a fun little spot with lots of character and a great crowd. The live music was great, and so were the drinks. The establishment is quite small, so expect it to be absolutely packed on weekends. Another nitpick is that the stage is tucked away in the corner of the building so you won't see much of the band unless you hit the dance floor. read more
Who doesn't love a great dive bar complete with the grumpy guy slinging your drinks? Not grumpy but more like a schtick, and I am here for it. If you looked up "dive bar" in the dictionary, there you would see a photo of Donn's. The place has got its regulars; in fact, I would say most patrons are regulars. Everyone is just really cool and welcoming. Beers and drinks are priced affordably. Watch out for that batched margarita, it'll knock you on your rear. It's delish & potent. Yee-haw, y'all. read more
This place is an Austin staple! It may not have been dusted in about 40 years but it's super quirky and definitely has a charm to it. I couldn't believe how crowded it was on week night. There was a great mix of people of all ages (20's to 80's) that come here. A band was playing, people were dancing and the free popcorn was flowing. The band was great! It was nice to just sit with my friend, listen to the music and watch people dance. I recognized the bartender from when I used to visit this place years ago. She was very friendly! I remembered the women's bathroom being worth seeing. I'll include a photo in the picture section of this review. Parking can be a beast when it's busy. I ended up parking a few blocks down on the street. read more
What a wonderful Austin gem! This is a great spot to bring out of counters or just to go if you are feeling upbeat and ready for fun. The bartenders are super friendly and can make anything! This is a piano bar with a full band. Put on your dancing boots! Parking seemed limited, but the fun was definitely not. This is a much needed visit. read more
2 months ago
Friendly atmosphere and clientele. Don's repertoire of music is awesome and the drinks are reasonably priced. Highly recommend a Friday or Saturday night visit. read more
One of Austin's premier dive bars and two-step joints! My partner and I go for (free) lessons and dancing on Wednesdays. It's a very low barrier to entry class with lots of tourists and young locals. The dancefloor is small and the way socializing spills onto and off of it into the seating areas feels very old Austin. Friendly bartenders and classically graffitied bathrooms. read more
3 months ago
4 months ago
2 years ago
6 months ago
Is Donn's a dive bar, honkey tonk bar, or a hybrid. Donn's, IMO, is a hybrid as it has all the characteristics of the dive bar but they also play some great country tunes. Plus, you can order buckets of beer and strong mixed drinks served in plastic cups, of course. Donn's was all decked out for Christmas and I was told that they do the same for Halloween. On the night we visited the band that played everything from George Strait to Neil Diamond to Freddy Fender. The crowd was rocking and singing along with the band, us included. We had the pleasure of sharing a table with a few regulars who were great company. Oh yeah, almost forgot "free popcorn" for one and all! Good times! read more
We're closing in on 200 reviews and the sum of what many yelpers have already said is this place is an old Austin institution. It has its devoted older locals, drinks in plastic cups, popcorn, dancing, live music, and lots of Christmas decorations. However, on my visit in October, most of the decorations were gone. The only issue you may encounter is the parking situation which consists of paved and gravel areas of limited slots. I actually have not been here since the 80s when my mother and her best friend used to come here to drink and sing along with Don. I have to admit, it doesn't look like much has changed since then. I will admit the place is pretty dimly lit and it's easy to trip over all the steps. They even still have one of those old cigarette machines from the 70s. Donn Bob typically plays on Friday evenings, so if you wanna check out one of Austin's nostalgic places that may eventually fade away, best to get here before the powers that be relocate it permanently. Nine photos to peak your interest included. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
4 years ago
Friends and I stopped by for drinks and Christmas cheer. This spot may not be much to look at from the outside but it's certainly charming and cozy with friendly staff. Overall solid experience for a dive bar. It's worth the trip if you're visiting or new to town - I do recommend! read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
9 months ago
3 years ago
10 months ago
Donn's is freaking awesome! Such a homey honky tonk vibe. Awesome little red lit dance floor with classes and lots of talented regulars. Great house band filled with passionate iconic old timers. They play deep cut country classics!! Cheap good well drinks! This was one of my favorite places to visit in San Antonio--it's obvious that this is a beloved institution with loyal regulars. Can't recommend enough!! read more
2 years ago
1000% the best Christmas bar in town!! It gets busy on the weekends as they have live music. It is decorated in lights and Xmas decor from head to toe. They also have a long list for festive cocktails...they were delicious!! On the night I went (Friday) there was a $10 cover. The music and atmosphere was great and I'm already looking forward to coming back soon! read more
First time was during the holidays - and it's super decked out. There's a seasonal drink menu with lots of options but most importantly Shiner Cheer on tap. It's got that good dive bar laid back feel with lots of seating and two step lessons on Wednesdays. A handful of parking spots and free parking after 3pm. The drinks are ATX prices tho. read more
3 years ago
Amazing ambiance! Plastic cups, lots of regulars - so if that's your jam this is it! I came while the Xmas decor was up, and it's absolutely AWESOME! Will definitely be back! read more
2 years ago
It's a dive bar with a live band and a small dance floor. They mainly play oldies and classic country songs and occasionally, Donn himself will hop on the piano. The crowd is kind of weird here. There's a mix of over 60+ folk, people that look like they're from Gatlinburg, TN, and young early 20s people. There's seating everywhere, if you get tired from dancing, you can sit and people watch. The bathroom is crazy and indescribable. You have to go see for yourself. read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
We're visiting Austin for a family wedding and ALL of my friends recommended this local bar -- it did not disappoint! Michelle took such great care of us and the drinks were delicious, plus the Christmas decor is so fun and the music was amazing. Strong & cheap drinks, one of a kind experience If you visit Austin do NOT sleep on this place! read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
Fantastic dive bar! Wonderful live music. Found it with my gal pal that just moved to town and it's a great atmostphere and love the drinks! Great diet martini read more
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More info about Donn's Depot
1600 W 5th St
Austin, TX 78703
Directions
(512) 478-0336
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http://donnsdepot.com/
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Ask the Community - Donn's Depot
Do they offer dance lessons?
Yes! Double or Nothing Two-Step teaches beginner two-step lessons every Wednesday at 7:30pm, followed by live music with Frank Cavitt. No partner needed - partners rotate so everyone gets to dance.…
Line dancing allowed here?
Not typically, no, but you can book Double or Nothing Two-Step & Line Dance for a group line dance lesson at Donn's Depot! DoubleOrNothingTwoStep.com
Is this 18+?
I would say 21 plus. It is for an older crowd that enjoy life and have a blast!!! It is amazing to see older people acting like kids.
Is this two step dancing?
Yes, there is 2-step---or put a dollar in the fish bowl and Donn will play anything and you can dance anything you want!! We love to waltz and polka.
When does Nash Hernandez go on tonight (Saturday)?
Music starts at 9pm at Donn's. Music every night. Closed on Sunday.
Review Highlights - Donn's Depot
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