Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Friends Bar

    3.9 (217 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

    Order Friends Bar Takeout or Delivery

    Friends Bar Photos

    Business Info

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Friends Bar

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    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.

    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!

    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.

    Outside view of Friends Bar
    Sabrina L.

    We were visiting Austin and wanted to hear some live music but it was around 3p. As we were walking along the 6th street area we stopped some police officers and asked where we should go. They suggested Friends Bar. My daughter loved it since her favorite series in Friends. This place was handicapped accessible for my mother who is in a wheel chair. We arrived about 20 minutes before the next performer. We ordered some food from the back. The quedo and chips and salsa and chips were really good, especially to share among 4 people. I got my mom the fries which looked like Mc D's. We got a high top table with both bench seating and high bar stools. Performer was mostly covers of songs. Initially we were pretty much the only people there but the music I think drew about 10 more in. Bartender was okay, not really welcoming and when no one was ordering, was on her phone texting. We had to get her attention to close out our tab. Bathrooms can really need some updating. I recommend this place when a good band or music is going and if you are a Friends fan.

    Robyn F.

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

    Stage
    Jeremy N.

    Loud nightlife bar with great drinks, live music and big shots! This a narrow bar in the heart of 6th street. During our stay in Austin, we ended up here a couple times and experienced some great live music. It's pretty loud in here when there's a band playing, so forget about having a conversation with anyone if you aren't in the back of the bar, but that's okay! We got some cheap beer here and did a green tea shot one time before left. Holy jeez was it a shot! It seemed like it came in a rock glass because it definitely took two gulps to finish it. Thanks for the treat there, worth the money for a shot!

    Lizzy K.

    Loved this place so much that we had to go back every might while on Austin! Laidback vibes and superb music draws a great crowd but not overly packed even during a gorgeous weekend. No cover and pretty decent Cajun spicy fries! Honesty - home to the best bands (blues rock) in Austin we've seen, such incredible talent!

    Menu

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 22
    Thanks 8
    Love this 18
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lissa G.
    1175
    1431
    239

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jay A.
    2
    38
    19

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 2
    Love this 14
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of G B.
    1
    133
    57

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Leo S.
    25
    3
    2

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sonya M.
    177
    728
    1401

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of CR J.
    350
    265
    1069

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan Z.
    18
    7
    1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Great place for Blues music and similar. Fun times. Enjoyed the artists and the vibe.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Ordered 3 vodka sodas with lime and got vodka water. Don't even think they used soda water it was like water from the tap. Flat and gross.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 6

    Friends Bar Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Friends Bar

    Is it 21+?

    Friend's Bar is 21+

    View All 2 Questions

    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

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Music Venues 642 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

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

    Elephant Room

    (598 reviews)

    $$

    Downtown

    First off, for a jazz club in Austin, it has all the ambience. Good conversation, pretty solid…read morecocktails and of course, great music. It is a very lively atmosphere that's accompanied with dim lighting after a long day. I really like how it's never too crowded since they control the amount of patrons allowed. However, service is not great. I hope it's a fluke, but consistency is present on how the waiters and bartenders interact with paying music enjoyers. Could not have begged more to order drinks or get a couple waters to a full table. I suggest tipping the musicians before being met with the lack of friendly service. Or even service for that matter.

    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.

    Parker Jazz Club - Entrance

    Parker Jazz Club

    (210 reviews)

    $$

    Warehouse District, Downtown

    I have bookmarked this place a long time and didnt have the occasion to go until recently. We…read moreattended the Sinatra Birthday event and there was a whole orchestra and singer. They did an amazing job with great pieces selected, the host/singer was captivating with his stories behind the songs and background of Sinatra. Sound quality was superb and venue is pretty. I like the small candles on the tables. I'd recommend to book before hand since seats fill fast especially for popular themed shows. They serve pizzas and some drinks but it's nothing to write home about. Music is where is at!!

    Parker Jazz Club has been touted as one of Austin's great places to listen to jazz music. It is…read morelocated in the basement of a downtown building. The ambiance appears to be upscale and feels like a speakeasy. At the back of Parker Jazz club is a very colorful bar, which is something you might likely see in New Orleans, LA. The place is charming, cozy and welcoming. In addition, it is important to note there is a parking garage across the street and ample street parking. Performances range from jazz and swing to Latin influenced sets and special themed nights, featuring both local and touring musicians. It is great to find a venue like Parker Jazz Club that offers live music other than primarily rock and country western music. Drink service is available along with a food menu...limited primarily to pizza. It is a great jazz spot!

    Continental Club

    Continental Club

    (412 reviews)

    $$

    SoCo (S. Congress Ave.), 78704 (South Austin)

    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!

    The Continental Club is one of those places that never disappoints. If you love live music and a…read moreclassic Austin vibe, this spot is a must. You can check out who's performing on their website, and tickets are easy to grab through Eventbrite. You can also buy tickets at the door, but it's cash only. Shows fill up fast, so plan ahead. We came to see The Peterson Brothers for an 8pm show, arrived about 15 minutes early, and snagged the last couple of seats. Any later and we would've been standing. The venue gets packed quickly, which just adds to the energy. Street parking only in the area, so give yourself a little extra time to find a spot. Bartenders were friendly and efficient, even with a full house. No food menu, just great drinks! I decided to have a sober night and the bartender made a tasty mocktail! If you want a great live music experience, arrive early, bring cash just in case, and settle in for a fantastic night. This place is a staple for a reason!

    Friends Bar - musicvenues - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...