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    Friends Bar

    3.9 (222 reviews)
    Open • 11:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

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    View from the back
    Andrew C.

    Fairly large pub/bar with a stage at the front and a music venue feel to it. The cover band played a good selection of Texas rock and blues, so a great place if your into that. As they played some SRV their musical skill level seemed quite high. Drinks were small and priced comparable with other places but getting food is a bit of a challenge. Only one guy working and he was doing one order at a time instead of working on multiples. Music and beer - great, food not awful but slow.

    Cheese curds
    Jay A.

    The menu and live music attracted us from the street. Ordered a few items and was very impressed with the seasoning and quality. Would definitely recommend the cheese curds and fried pickles. The chicken tenders, fries, and quesadilla were not as good but still would recommend. The service here is not 5 star nor is it super energetic however, it is still a neat experience.

    Erich L.

    Fun bar in downtown Austin that plays live music. I found it on a pub crawl and had a great time listening to the music and having a drink. Stop by if you're looking for a good place for that.

    Jeff N.

    Friends Bar is a great live music club on E 6th Street, not far from the Driskill Hotel. There, you can enjoy some terrific bands rocking out to rock, blues, R&B, and more. I entered the club as a bluesy rock trio performed on stage, playing songs by Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters. The bar had both bar seating and table seating on the opposite wall. The bartenders were attentive, and the first one fixed me a Friends Barrel-aged fashioned with TX whiskey that was strong and solid. I stayed at the club for about 20 to 30 minutes to enjoy the music and vibes. The club was fun, and I wish I had more time to stay and hear more music, as it was already late for me given all the travel I had done that day just to arrive in Austin. When I return, I'll definitely come back to check out some more live music at Friends.

    Kevin W.

    Staff was amazing. Prices are great and the entertainment kept us there all day. Very clean bar on 6th with a great sound system. They had TVs with football on and played great music videos in between. Great full bar with terrific options. Good food menu as well. Only negative is you better get there early to get a seat/table or you are standing all night.

    Food menu
    Keri W.

    This bar is on 6th but it was a great venue! Free live music and great bands! The bartenders were attentive too. We arrived a bit early so it was not busy. We started off at the bar but then moved to a seat. So glad we did since it got quite busy. Standing room only after a certain point. For a free venue the singers/bands were great! They also have food and my friend got the sampler platter. It literally had everything on it: queso, boneless wings, hush puppies, potato skins and cheese curds. All of it was good bar food. Really enjoyed our evening there and would definitely return!!

    Michelle P.

    Friendly bar with string drinks, efficient service, friendly bartenders, fun music. This place filled up quickly, we were happy to grab a table to enjoy the music. Music and dancing were fun, glad we found this place. Grab a table for your group while you can!

    Robyn F.

    Nice beer selection. Fun live music but loud. Bartender friendly. Cute "food truck" inside. Didn't try the food.

    Outside view of Friends Bar

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    Great place to meet up with your friends and have a great time. Good drinks and great company always makes the best atmosphere!!

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    Page 1 of 6

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    Review Highlights - Friends Bar

    “The first band we heard was Sam Pace--I can't even describe his voice, because it changes.”

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Elephant Room - Sit in the front so you can really appreciate the vibes.

    Elephant Room

    4.1(605 reviews)
    0.2 mi•Downtown
    •$$

    The Elephant Room is one of Austin's most widely known jazz venues. It is located below street…read morelevel on Congress Avenue. If you are claustrophobic, this might not be the best place for you. From the street level, you walk down steps to enter the club. This basement club delivers an authentic jazz experience. The dim lighting, narrow long room, and close seating create an intimate atmosphere. Live jazz musicians are hosted every night of the week, often with multiple sets, featuring a mix of local musicians, rotating house bands, and visiting musicians. Because of the tight space, you are always close to the stage. Tonight's headliner was the Concept Orchestra. Cover tonight was $7. Cocktails range $14-16. The room was pretty tightly packed creating positive vibes.

    Elephant Room in Austin is a cozy basement bar that keeps you cool while you listen to shades of…read moresmooth jazz and blues. It is a fun little place with nice folks working there. The stage is a little weird angled relative to the audience but I guess that's a space constraint. While they do not serve food, that I know of, they have a standard selection of well drinks and cocktails to enjoy. You are coming here for the live music and underground vibes. If you are looking for a relaxed spot in Austin to beat the heat, grab a drink, and catch some amazing live tunes, Elephant Room is a fantastic place to spend an evening.

    Photos
    Elephant Room
    Elephant Room - Mitch Watkins playing on HAAM day

    Mitch Watkins playing on HAAM day

    Elephant Room - We had a very enjoyable jazz-filled evening at Elephant Room.   IG: @coreyd123

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    We had a very enjoyable jazz-filled evening at Elephant Room. IG: @coreyd123

    Continental Club

    Continental Club

    4.0(413 reviews)
    1.3 mi•SoCo (S. Congress Ave.), 78704 (South Austin)
    •$$

    Came here randomly for the 4th of July to a free cover band show. This is probably one of the only…read morefew bars in the small vicinity of south congress. Other things will be a longer walk away. Service here is fine. Expect drink prices to match the area. This is more of a bar with a stage than a club. Good to see some rock and metal in the area.

    A friend asked me was I interested in listening tosome live music tonight. Absolutely! First stop…read morethe Continental Club on S. Congress. This place is an Austin institution and one of the best places in the city to experience live music. This historic venue has been a local hangout for great music since the 1950s. The club was dimly lit with lots of stickers, graffiti, neon signage, paintings and interesting artifacts. While it has been a long time since I have been to the Continental club, it still felt truly Austin and very unpretentious. In the Continental Club you are literally I feet away from the live music. A dog was sleeping on stage, which made the place feel homey. The club is small and intimate, exuding a super personal persona. In addition, the sound quality is excellent for such a small venue. Tonight we listened to Hot Club Cowtown...they sounded folksy and a bit country western yet enjoyable to listen to. Folks were boot scooting, so maybe more country western. Mike the doorman was super personable and helpful. He happily provided the WIFI password and was super engaging. In addition, it is important to note the cover was free until 9 pm. The crowd was a mix bag...locals, tourists, and musicians who love live music. Austin is affectionately known as the "Live Music Capitol of the World". Great music...great time!

    Photos
    Continental Club
    Continental Club
    Continental Club

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    Sahara Lounge - Marquee says it all!

    Sahara Lounge

    4.1(111 reviews)
    3.6 mi•East Austin
    •$
    Free parking
    Free WiFi

    Wow...so many typos in my first review. Clearly I was excited to be here…read more It's one of my favorite places to be in Austin. In addition to stellar bands, singers, and deejays, the staff are incredible. Let's not forget the amazing owner, Eileen. Truly salt the earth. Best place to bust out your dance moves. Even better, they're on the right side of history. Social justice warriors at their finest! Along with dance nights, I've attended quite a few social justice events here. Power to the People!

    On the third Friday of every month, Sahara Lounge features ladies night. You can enter the lounge…read morefor only $5 cash or $7 with card. Prepare for this lounge to rock your world. I met friends here for ladies night...first time this year. What happened? Arrived at Sahara lounge that was in a residential neighborhood...wait...what?! Live DJ spinning tunes from Prince and Michael Jackson to Abba and the Bee Gees and everything in between Low ceilings...looks like this place was a house converted to a lounge. Outside seating for resting between dances or simply chilling or frequenting outside bar Food truck alert...yes on the patio Massive number of regulars that extoll the joys of attending ladies night. Dancing in two locations - on the dance floor and small stage with DJ. Folks jumping up and down and dancing their hearts out. Dancing on the top of a large speaker...how cool was that? It's not aesthetically beautiful, but hugely popular. Dancing with strangers...meeting new people...admiring the dance. Dancing carefree...no judgements Sahara Lounge is a whole vibe!

    Photos
    Sahara Lounge - Topaz and Mudphonic

    Topaz and Mudphonic

    Sahara Lounge - Sahara Dancers

    Sahara Dancers

    Sahara Lounge - Ladies Night!

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    Ladies Night!

    C-Boys Heart & Soul - Outdoor seating

    C-Boys Heart & Soul

    3.9(141 reviews)
    1.8 mi•SoCo (S. Congress Ave.), Bouldin Creek, 78704 (South Austin)
    •$

    Loved this little dive-y, music bar. I was out at dinner when I struck up a conversation with a…read moregentleman who invited me to C-Boys to listen to a live band called Kill Tony. The bartender was easy going and I appreciated the cool water at the bar, as it was hot and the drinks were strong! I was exhausted from my conference during the days I was in Austin, but I was determined to have a good, memorable, trip. And it absolutely was, partly due to this night of merriment.

    C-Boy's Heart & Soul on South Congress is a neighborhood juke-joint featuring classic soul and R&B…read moremusic onstage, a spacious outside patio and the cozy upstairs "Jade Room" lounge styled after 50s era Japanese GI bars. It is a fun spot to experience Austin's live music scene in a laid-back, authentic atmosphere. The venue has a great neighborhood feel, with plenty of character and a vibe that makes it easy to settle in and enjoy the night. The live performances bring the space to life, and it's a great place to grab a drink, listen to talented musicians, and experience a classic Austin hangout. I went here recently with a group to watch John Gaar and band. There were plenty booth seats available to accommodate our large group. The experience was very intimate being so close to the band and immersed in the music. Whether you're a local looking for a favorite music spot or visiting Austin and want a taste of the city's soulful side, C-Boy's is worth checking out.

    Photos
    C-Boys Heart & Soul
    C-Boys Heart & Soul
    C-Boys Heart & Soul - Listening to music

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    Listening to music

    Friends Bar - musicvenues - Updated September 2026

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