Good setup for bands, although I've yet to go there and not have the vocals drowned out. Actually asked sheldon from Lucid Dementia (A local Industrial act that has played there many times) and he said it's always a weird venue to try to mix for. The beers are overpriced as is expected, though service is okay. I do have to say the last time I was there, Combichrist came back on for one final song and threw a drum into the audience. I grabbed it, without touching anyone else. It was wrestled around in the crowd for a while and I followed it out, only to hear "just let go" and get bear hugged from behind from what was apparently Elysium security who said something along the lines of 'it belongs to the band' and how they have to escort me out now. Don't know if thats on Elsium or on Combichrist, but really, wtf? It's not a bad place, but it's the kind of place you go to because the band you like is playing there. I couldn't see going there for any other reason, maybe if you really were in to their 80s night or goth night stuff, but..meh. read more

In a city that seems so concerned with trying to prove to the nation how 'weird' it is, Elysium may be the only truly weird place in town! I've been here for 'regular' gothy/ dark/ spooky nights and loved it. But it was last night, for the Jinkx Monsoon / Poo Poo Platter event that the club really shined. They handled a crowd that went around the corner and down the street and packed the club to the gills with great efficiency, from the ID/ admissions staff to the bartenders. The DJs were on point, the laser/ light show was amazing, especially for a 'goth dive', and the owner is so friendly that he actually stood by the front door after the event saying goodbye and personally connecting with the hoards of people leaving after the VERY late event. I love the Elysium, and recommend it to anybody looking for a truly alternative nightlife experience. -CDP read more

This was my first stop during my weekend in Austin. We arrived late (around 11pm) and caught a glimpse of Elysium from afar and decided eh...what the hell. We visited on a Friday night which was the same day as a Cure concert - so they were having a Cure-themed drag show. It was my first time attending a drag show and it was FABULOUS! They periodically do band-themed shows that I would definitely go back for. Elysium was a fine example of why it's okay to step out of your comfort zone. read more

Strong cheap drinks, great for drag shows, 80's night on Sunday's, and industrial/post-punk live bands. Nice intimate patio too.

Always at this venue it's awesome and the staff are so nice, but I would really like to see a renovation on the restrooms. The men's room is absolutely terrible. As someone who tours when a venue has terrible restrooms it really effects the bands that stop by there. read more

I don't have a huge amount of experience with clubs in Austin, but the Elysium is definitely one of my favorite places to go. It's great for diverse and niche musical tastes, be it the Goth/Industrial stuff of Haven and Midwave, the 80's dance nights, the Madchester British nights, or even the occasional hair metal event. They also support a fair amount of thematic events besides musically centered ones, like the steampunk ball or the Western costume party nights. I always keep an eye out on their calendar to see what new and interesting stuff is in the works. The club itself has a great atmosphere. It's very open, the staff are pretty friendly, and the usual clientele are very open and accepting of just about everyone that walks through the door. You'll find people dressed in blue jeans and a t-shirt having tons of fun in the costume parties or Goths dancing at the 80's nights and no one bats an eye. The DJs are very personable and like talking to the clientele, so there's no need to feel shy if you wanna know what particular song is playing. All the DJs I've seen there definitely are passionate about their music and know a lot of great bands. At the end of it all, the Elysium is definitely where I spend most of my nights out. Whether I'm in the mood for 80's Dance Night or wanna enjoy the more industrial bent of Haven, I know I can show up as is and expect to have a great time. read more

Definitely one of my top priority stops whenever I'm in Austin. Very friendly staff and patrons. Moderately priced drinks. Great well and club specialty drink prices. read more

Are we human or are we dancers??? Um, it certainly doesn't seem to be human at Elysium (especially on Saturdays - goth night). Sundays? I love Elysium on Sundays because it REALLY is for us dancers. I abstain completely from all drugs and alcohol so I go out to socialize and dance,dance,dance, dance. Also, as a woman, I feel completely comfortable going solo to Elysium. There are plenty of regulars that come by themselves and if you are new and solo, just get on the dance floor and shake it. You will blend in perfectly and soon you will be up on the stage doing Thriller with Sean. The bartenders are PERFECT at Elysium and I NEVER get any weird vibes when I order ice water. In fact, as soon as I walk up to the bar, the bartenders have an ice water on the bar for me. Elysium is also one of the safest clubs downtown in my opinion. If anyone bothers you or if you already told some creepy-unwanted-touchy-feely person on the dance floor to back off and they haven't, let any one of the Elysium staff know immediately and that sh*t will be taken care of 100% times 2. I think everybody should give Elysium a try on Sunday, 80s night. Go for it. No really. Do it. read more

You have to put these five stars into context. It's not the prettiest, largest, best-sounding club in the land, but it never pretended to be. It's shooting for a certain somewhat grungy aesthetic, and it hits the bullseye, and there's plenty of people who love it precisely because of it. But if that ain't your thing, don't bother going there, or, if you do, just soak it in but don't hold it against the place. It never promised to be the next great ballroom or techno haven. Thank god. But it's got prompt service (within reason - they can be pretty packed), friendly staff, good security, a patio for you smokers, and owners who are extremely responsive. Sundays are obviously the night to go (80s night, with a laid-back vibe), and are the most popular and most fun. But it also offers a wide array of bands, events, and special offerings that you simply wouldn't get out of any other club in town. It doesn't just feed off the community, it feeds into it, and that right there earns it five stars, all on its own. read more

Elysium...... what can one say about this place but be forewarned at what you'll come across. I've never been here on any other night other than Sundays (80's night) so I can't comment other than Sundays. Here's the soup, this is NOT a place to see "pretty people" (sorry, no offense to the 80's patrons of this place), if that's your bag go to W. 6th where that seems to be the ONLY thing W 6th is good for as they offer little in good music & even less in dancing. I like Elysium because it's the only place where one can go & actually dance, holy dance floor batman, would you believe it, a dance floor where people actually dance & not just stand around & "try" to look cool (another reference to W 6th, ie, Union Park). Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to dis Union Park & it's not like I myself don't partake into "that" crowd myself but every now & then it's nice to actually be able to go find a dance floor & a DJ who caters to those who "actually" want to dance & not just stand around, ya know? Anyhow, I will agree, the drink rates could be better it being Sunday n'all but then those who go here on 80's night don't go to drink or be seen (at least i don't), they go here as it's one of the last places who still play 80's music & offer the floor so you can break a sweat....... gigiddy!!! read more

Last night was my first time visiting this venue. Considering the other reviews below mention no one is ever there, turnout seemed pretty good for a Sunday night! Probably 130-140 throughout the whole night. Alcohol prices are decent. Big dance floor, a plus! Lighting, bathrooms, pool tables were all good. Punters seemed carefree and just out to have a good time. It was "80's night", but somehow it was mainly euro synth pop. There are lots of other genres with great danceable tracks! This leads me to the dj's. Have you guys not picked up on the fact that club/dj culture is roughly 45-50 years old depending on when you started raving, club-going, etc.? I mean there is a fn Zac Effron movie coming out about dj culture and how big business it is now. Even the mock film composed w/in the new Entourage movie is about Vinny Chase acting as a dj. Point is.. These days there is NO EXCUSE for SILENCE during a dj set. I was very dissapointed w/tonights experience. The dj's felt like they were performing their 1st gig ever. Austin is changing. Im very happy many other venues are updating themselves and trying to catch up with the rest of the world. Believe me, Austin clubs are behind! So could you please consider letting go of the Austin of 20 years ago, and move forward with the rest of us? All im asking are hiring djs that can put a transitioning set together (beginning-middle peak hour-end), with smooth mixes so the club goers dont stop dancing after every other song waiting on the next vibe. Keeping the crowd interested is key, and there were soooo many moments last night when the dj lost my interest and i wanted to walk out. If I had driven myself, I would have. read more

Definitely my favorite place to go dancing and people-watching, often simultaneously. Around Halloween, it's always fun to play "costume" or "no costume". The place may look a little menacing on the outside, but come in, have a Razztini and watch your anxieties melt away. read more

Here is the deal. I've been there twice on a Friday and once on a Thursday. They are one of the only places downtown that has a cover. You can't see inside at all until you pay your 5 bucks. All 3 times I've paid my 5 bucks and the place has been empty when I walked in. I haven't been on a Saturday, Sunday or Wednesday as people suggested but I have wasted a total of $15 just to look inside an empty room 3 times now. If you're going to try it out, don't try it on Thursday or Friday...shoot for one of the nights the other reviewers have mentioned are good...I can't speak to those nights. read more

The staff here were very friendly. They have a large dance floor. They have a pool table or two. And the environment looks like it could be a lot of fun. However the night I went it was completely dead. Even after 11 there was pretty much no one there. I will revise my review as soon as they can show me a good time! read more

very friendly, all kinds welcome, great music, nice people...cute guys and girls, love it! the owner is super awesome, he walks around and hangs out with regulars, gotta love it. read more

Worse Gothic Club Ive been to, Sound system is horrible, I even talked to the DJ who told me they know the speakers are bad but wont spend the money. Not dark enough to brite (Lights) and ambiance is not Gothic enough. Needs an inside face lift to give it that Gothic feel. Comparing it to say Club Sabbat in San Diego Calf, doesn't even compare. Nothing but an overpriced Bar. If your into Goth, I wouldn't recommend this place. read more

This place was terrible from the first minute my roommate and I walked in. First, there was a cover (only $3 each, but seriously, if you're going to charge a cover in downtown Austin to those over 21 years old, there better be a semi-famous live band, a special event/holiday, or else this is just an obvious clue the club is failing). We still decided to give it a go. I went to the bar to get a drink. The bartender was a complete jerk, asking me (no, more like pestering me) to keep my tab open. I didn't know how long we were even going to stay, given it was very slow for a Saturday night. Then he decided to bark out the name on my card (being transgender and my name not being changed yet, this infuriated me, as I have never had a tender do this before and his tone was very disrespectful). I still tipped him, which I honestly regret, because the Amaretto Sour I ordered was TERRIBLE. I got a water after to compare and it's obvious they don't filter their water; all the drinks tasted burnt, oddly enough. The only perk was the dance floor, but this was overshadowed by one snarky woman when I later took a picture of my roommate and I against the wall. We were the ONLY ones in the picture, but this patron took it upon herself to inform us, in an entitled fashion as though she worked there, that pictures were not allowed. I found that bizarre, but I hadn't meant any disrespect, but that's how I was treated. I will not be going back and I hope this club either shapes up or closes down. Worst club I've ever been to, that's for sure. read more