Two words...GREAT TIME! The DJ was playing all the bangers (lots of Britney!!), and that got everyone on the dance floor. The energy here is amazing, everyone is having a great time. The drinks are very reasonable priced, and the bartenders are super friendly. There is plenty of room and you don't feel super packed in the club which is really nice. They have a stage which, because I'm extra, is where I chose to dance all night. Also worth mentioning, a GIANT pink beach ball was being tossed in the crowd all night. I can't wait to come back when I'm in Austin again! read more

Got thrown out for saying goodbye to my friends. Wasn't even drunk. Witnessed multiple people getting dragged out in a choke hold. I was lied to and told my reasoning for getting tossed out was I was dancing on stage which is 100% not true. I personally new a few of the performers and was just saying goodbye and I got manhandled out. I've worked in the service industry for over a decade and I would never behave in a way that would get me tossed out of a club knowing how it is. Very disappointed it will not be returning. read more

This is an awesome place. I'm kind of at a weird age for dance clubs and bars. Having just turned 40, I'm too old for the college crowd and too young (and fun-loving, darn it!) to do the wine tour thing. It's pretty rare that I walk into a club and think I actually might belong there. Highland Lounge gets that honor. I recently went for the seventh time. I've been at various times of day and days of the week. It's only been open for several months, but the crowd vibe of this place is wonderful. There's a nice big dance floor, with the DJ on a raised platform, in what looks like the front of a boat. The whole place has kind of an ocean/sea thing going on, not like nautical-in-your-face, but very subtle. It's very clean and crisp from the white barstools to the uncluttered mirrored shelves holding the liquor. Walking in, you can't but think how open the entire place seems. But... my favorite spots of the entire place is the outside patio and the big cushioned areas beside the dance floor. The patio is a swanky Austin-esque area with table, chairs, an outdoor bar (oh, did I mention there were FIVE bars in the place? They are all small, but they are scattered around so refreshment is always within reach), and really neat décor. I love the coziness of the patio. The cushioned areas inside are wonderful. I went with a group of girlfriends and we commandeered one of these. It's hard to explain, and I'm sure there's some official word for it, but it's like a really big window seat. Just a big square with cushions tossed around. It's a great place to pass out (but we didn't). Actually, this is the perfect spot for people watching. Inside, this is my favorite space. Having said that, I spent some time at the bar as well and the bartenders are super nice. In fact, the entire staff there is fabulous. You can tell that these folks love what they do. They aren't just slinging drinks, this is what they love to do. And, well, if not, they are doing a heck of job of faking it. Ha! I see it's billed a lot as a "gay bar", but from talking to the super friendly staff, (Hi, Elaine!) it really is more of an inclusive bar. I saw all types of people there from all walks of life and from all ages. As a straight, white woman, I didn't feel out of place at all. I felt like there was a good mix of people. My confession is that I don't really know much about DJs. I realize the DJ seems to be a big deal, but really, I just want music. However, twice when we were there, there was a DJ BigFace spinning and he really did a great job of drifting with the vibe of the folks there. I felt like he was doing a great job of taking the temperature of the room and going with it. Overall, just go. I haven't been there too late at night, but I hear that when things get really going for the dancing and younger crowd fun. A nice alternative to the existing gay bar status quo on 4th Street. Elegant decor, fast and friendly bartenders, a killer sound system, and a great patio. Not sure why other reviewers are complaining about the alley entryway; it's another 10 feet off of Colorado St, and I think adds a cool element to the experience. It's well-lit and has always been manned. I agree that the crowds could be larger, but each time I've been back it was more crowded than it was the last visit. I suspect people are still discovering the space, but once they do, they make it their regular go-to bar. It's one of the few downtown that I feel super comfortable in. read more

Weird. Such a weird venue. I like that the bars there have a little out of the ordinary ingredients from a typical club type of bar, so mixed drinks are good, but beer is lacking. There weren't any draft beers (at least not at the 2 of the 4 or 5 bars there). The place is huge. It can hold a lot of people (I think their website states 650, but I think it could actually hold more). I went on a Saturday night and there were less than 100 people inside, and maybe the same number outside, it just felt empty. Now why it is weird, something about it gave me the impression of a church or a high school opening an area for a dance. It was all clean and new. I think the carpet in a bulk of the areas is what felt really strange. Overall it's an alright space, maybe it will take take time to grow on me. read more

Please stop playing the same songs every night... it's really noticeable. Same songs, same mixes, it's like an iPod on replease show some effort. Bartenders are great. Door is great. read more

I've been here maybe 5 times now. The entrance is in a shady alley hidden from the street. Last night we walked past a homeless guy relieving himself. The space has been transformed from Kiss and Fly into something up scaled. Drinks are good, and the bearish bartender is as nice as he can be. The only problem is that the place is always empty. Lame. Save yourself the scavenger hunt for the entrance and just go to OCH or Rain. read more

Five stars just for not skimping on the audio.The state of the art crystal clear booming SURROUND SOUND system steals the show.

I would have given this 0 stars due to how the manager responded to an incident at Highland tonight but the lowest I could do is 1. I was a bystander and witness another lady being brought out by I assume her friends cause they looked frantic and upset. The lady had a HUGE gash on her leg. Just by looking at it I wanted to vomit. When the guys asked for a med kit the staff took over 10 minutes to retrieve the med kit. On top of that they had to ask for the manager to come out which took over 20 minutes due to "other issues at hand". I'm sorry but if a customer came out of my business with a bleeding gash in their leg barely able to walk that would be my priority. The fact that the ambulance showed up before the manager was able to go outside is a big concern. Not only that but the guys helping her had more experience in helping their friend than the staff (which was only one member attempting to help). After they cleaned up her leg slightly which was covered in blood the non staff members were the ones that put pressure on her leg and kept it elevated. The manager was very unprofessional and never apologized for taking so long to attend to the issue at hand. She instead decided to get into an argument about how it could have been lose clothing or glass on the floor. This manager needs some training on how loose clothing or glass on the floor could not cause a gash almost an inch wide and probably half an inch deep. Tip to the manager just because someone is questioning your logic doesn't give you the right threaten calling the cops for public intoxication. I really hope the lady sues the club for how she was treated and how long it took for them to help. It was my first experience here and even though they used a metal detector (only over my pockets), it shows they do not take security serious. I will not be attending this club again and I wish I didn't spend any money here. I hope no one else has this happen to them because it is a scary time in the world right now for gay clubs and people. Highland step your game up. read more

I haven't been here since it was Kiss N Fly, it was like almost the same but different if that makes sense... everything LOOKS the same but it feels smaller than I remember it being. Anywho, we got there at 11:30 and it was kind of dead..lots of fog to get the mood going I guess lol the DJ booth takes up space on the dance floor which I think is a bad idea. There are gogo dancers in a thong/undies shaking what their momma gave them lol Once it hit 12 that is when everyone started swarming in, the dance floor was so packed it was hard to even get on it (which is why I don't think the DJ booth should take up this space) I do not like the entrance for this club PERIOD - Walking into an ally is SKETCHY as crap! I went to celebrate my friends birthday and he had a ball so I enjoyed it! Oh yeah and drink are expensive so maybe get your booze on somewhere else first or just plan on spending $5 for a LONESTAR or $10 for a vodka/club soda that didn't taste like much. This is the definition of a gay club so if you're looking for one to live up to the hype, getcho dance on, come here! read more

They charged $18 a drink for a well vodka soda. Never going back. The total tab was $44 dollars for three drinks. The charge on the credit card after was $50, so I guess they decided to tip themselves. read more

I loved the club but I'm appalled that they would steal from people... I had two unauthorized charges on my card totaling $100.00... I hope they are squared away, I don't appreciate people stealing from me and it's not stopping here... it's the principle of the matter. read more

First, DJ Richard Gear, who played in the Underground last night, was phenomenal. The music was fun and covered every genre and generation. I really like the two separate locations (upstairs and Underground) and the themed nights. Need more of those. My first rating was when Highland was new. Still and great place with awesome music - upstairs has just gotten a little too crazy for me. Haha. read more

staff are very rude and they pick and choose who they let into the club for free why standing in line watched 3 people sneaking into the club definitely don't recommend they don't know how to treat their customers read more

Me and my girlfriend went out last night to highland, this isn't the first gay club we've been to but the first time for Highland. Not even being there for 10 mins we attempted to use a restroom to which we realized had no lock on so we were holding the door for each other while we each went. A staff member repeatedly ripped the door open from both my hands and my girlfriends after repeatedly telling them it was occupied. We were willing to comply with whatever it was he wanted but he was literally opening the door on us while we were exposed yelling at us not explaining, let alone letting us explain. He just furthered escalated the situation as he continued being aggressive and forcibly removed us from the restroom and then the club entirely. Being physical is a last resort not something you use from the jump. We didn't even realize they were staff until we were already removed from the restroom and noticed their shirts, so how were we to know these two men trying open the door on us are staff, we thought they were random strangers. No one came and helped us or explained any further, he actually continued to follow us outside and instigate saying "we're outside now" suggesting he wanted to physically fight. Yea I don't know what kind of pathetic power trip he was on but we're definitely not coming back when they have people as unwelcoming, violent, and misogynistic really, as him working there. read more

Best dance club in Austin hands down! The bartenders are awesome and make tasty drinks! Everyone from all walks of life welcome!

I came here with my friend on a saturday night. The places looks really good. It was packed and fun. The dance floor was full, the music was bumping. The atmosphere was electric. Bartenders were cool and people were friendly as well. Overall when I am in town I will definitely come back for sure. read more

Highland - a group of people dancing at a party - Dance Clubs Near Me - Austin, Texas

Who charges a cover 10 minutes before hey close and doesn't bother mentioning it!?! THIS PLACE! I paid for 6 of my friends to get in only to be told that they'll only serve us Red Bull or bottles of water...not even a soda?!?! Then...they kick us all out. F this place. read more

Just paid $26 for 2 drinks. 1 vodka red bull 1 well whiskey and ginger beer... what a rip off. read more

One word - FABULOUS!! I preface this review with saying that I am partial to a great drag show, good bartenders, and an awesome DJ (but then again, who isn't?!). I've spent many a tipsy dollar here on a fun-filled twerkfest of a Friday night and anyone who likes a good kiki should too!! Ample seating makes it so you don't have to fight for personal space of the dance floor. Multiple bars make getting a drink easy. And multiple levels make post-dancing people watching easy (and so much fun!). read more

Update: went back for the first time since my original incident and while the owner Laura did personally reach out to me about the issue and made me feel safe to come back, I once again was attacked, this time in a more physical way. I was in the outside portion of Highland at the back of the building, sitting with a group of girlfriends and was smoking. Some highly intoxicated guy (way more intoxicated than the bouncer in my original review would have allowed had it been a woman in his condition) comes stumbling out of nowhere, and my cigarette was held down low, he proceeds to bump into me, and then immediately turns around and yells "fuck you bitch you burned me" and then threw his entire tall drink in my face so that I was drenched and my eyes were on fire from the alcohol. All of my friends were in shock and by the time we realized what had happened, this moron had ran away. Went to a few doorman when I couldn't find the guy myself and told them what had happened, almost in tears, and no one at Highland even tried to help me find the guy who had just assaulted me in their club. There was also a bouncer standing right by my group when it happened who didn't help and I'm pretty sure he had to have seen it. I personally feel that Highland is not a safe place for women, and while the establishment is a woman owned operation that I would love to support, I do not feel comfortable here anymore and sick of the harassment and double standards that happen not only by the customers of Highland, but also by their employees. read more

I spent my New years Eve night here. It was a masquerade ball and it was so much fun. They had a big selection of small bites to eat for the vip tickets upstairs and that was very nice. The music and atmosphere was great. I loved the dancers and the vibe. The bar was a bit crowded and they needed a second bartender but that's to be expected at a busy place for new years. It was very clean and a really nice place to spend new years. Everyone was happy and friendly just all having a good time. read more

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Went to the masquerade new years party here, that was our first time there. So much fun! Good music, friendly staff, good drinks, food in the vip was awesome. Clean restrooms and just a nice space overall. Will definitely be back! read more

A solidly designed venue weighed down by tight spaces, a strange sound system, and poor management. Not being let back in for a show I paid and arrived an hour early for because the management was too greedy to keep from going over capacity was a fun time, and even beforehand the space is too tight for any large events. Nice bathrooms, lots of bars. Mediocre sound system, no elbow room, incompetent management. Probably much better if you're going there just for drinks, but it makes a terrible venue. read more

I went for karaoke and everyone that works there treated us soooo nice. My friend was having a bad night and especially the guy at the door and the bartender in the back were so kind even though I'm sure we were annoying. Also, will castle is an amazing dj! read more

This place is over rated! Besides the cover fee they charge to enter this hole in the wall bar, Bartenders are too busy flirting on the clock and "hooking up" friends rather than serving customers who obviously were not too happy with the service. The bartender upstairs with the receding temples and too much makeup was just as dramatic as they come. He was getting upset because his bottles were empty when he was trying to serve drinks to his friends lol smh. The bar downstairs was ok but the dudes are pretty rude to females maybe cus they lack penis? Anywho guys save ur cash. This place is whack. You've been warned read more

I went to Highland on opening night, and I was blown away. The space is modern and sophisticated, while still being fun and a great place to dance and listen to in house DJs. There is a cool dance floor (that transforms from happy hour space to later night dance space - genius), at least 5 bars (so no problem getting a drink) and ample outside patio space. The staff was very diverse and welcoming, and there was a nice mix of people there. The specialty drinks are delicious. I can't wait to go back! read more

Just had to give a 5 star rating for the amazing Beyonce Naughty Girl remix the DJ played last night. I had so much fun at Highland. Definitely a fun fun fun club and where I will end my night from now on when I'm on Dirty 6th. read more

So this place claims to be free until 2:00 AM! I clearly arrived at the door at 1:57 as my phone showed and they insisted it was 2:00! As everyone knows your phone is as close as it gets to proper time so there is no way my phone was 3 minutes slow! This place is BOGUS and SCANDALOUS at the door. Do not go and do not trust! read more

I went Sunday night and met some friends, after a long day in the sun mixed with alcohol, I forgot my phone and wallet at the bar. (Amateur) lol The next day I checked my voicemail and they said they had both for me in the office. I called and they were closed until Thursday. So I was screwed. Left an email and later Monday evening I got a response. Not only was he willing to meet me there on his night off to return my things but brought them to my work. Unbelievable. What a kind gesture. I cannot say enough Nice things about this place. Best of luck to the entire staff and a million thanks to the wonderful man who went out of his way to help a drunk girl:) read more

As a woman, I felt incredibly prejudiced against; I politely approached the bouncer to allow my friend back into the club, after a smoke, however it seemed to me that as a foreigner they would not allow him back in. I noticed this same prejudice against my Indian friend who was not given the same treatment as me, a white woman, at the bar. They ignored him after several people that clearly came after him, but still did not acknowledge him. This was my most prejudiced experience and I hope no one ever experiences this as a minority, gender, race, or otherwise. read more

The bouncer wouldn't let me and my 2 friends in bc I took more than one minute to find my ID in my wallet. Absolutely ridiculous. My friend paid $10 and was not refunded because he paid before I walked in, and it took me less than 10 min to find my ID. Do not come here. You will be ripped off. Take longer than a minute and you will be denied. Aka DON'T COME HERE. Just a bunch of losers who work here. REPEAT: don not waste your time here!!!!!! read more

Garbage music with garbage DJs (the DJs here aren't even gay, so they play an almost an offensive parody of "gay club music", literally 10 Beyonce songs in a night) Gaudy decor, looks like a someone is throwing a shitty rave in Martha Stewart's boat house. No one cute goes there, its literally full of straight white women and daddies, its not even a gay bar anymore. Cocktails are overpriced and terribly mixed. The drag queen shows are tired and trite, makes no improvement over any of the shows at Rain or Oil Can Harry's. They're literally the rejects from the other bars. If you're a straight white woman or an older daddy you'll probably feel really cool hanging out here. If you're a cute gay or lesbian you're better off across the street @ OCH, Rain, or V. Literally nobody comes anymore and this place will be shut down by the end of the year. Everyone thinks this place is a giant flop and has long abandoned it. read more

Great location. Good set up. TERRIBLE STAFF. You'll have to wait 20 minutes for the bartenders to even see you, no matter the fact this place is almost always slow. They obviously have money coming from some place else, not from drink sales. Probably still making money the same way kiss and fly did... read more

I was a huge fan of this venue when it was Kiss N Fly. I went back into this club after 4 years of my initial visit. Went to the Ladies Night that is hosted there and found it to be surprisingly entertaining. The music was on point and everybody was vibing off of one another. The drink prices were as reasonable as the other places in the Warehouse District. I'll be going back. read more

Awesome place , great service, great music and the best sound system in Austin. Always a good time!

This "LGBT" friendly bar was the biggest disappointment. After entering the restroom with my lesbian best friend and watched 3 men walk out of a stall together, I was yelled at for entering a stall with her. I asked why is that acceptable but we could not go in together? The person replied that they did not see it, and as I went to the next stall that 3 more men walked out of I said "so why is this ok?" After using the restroom solo, I was approached by a bouncer who told me I must leave the bar because the manager said I was rude and was kicked out. I asked to speak with the manager to understand his point of view, he proceeded to say that he did not see men walk out of the bathroom together. My best friend, who is femme, was talking to the bouncer who was not femme. The bouncer told her you are not gay so this should not matter to you. This is a major insult, as it seems like the "L" in LGBT is frequently forgotten. Who are you to decide if my friend is lesbian or not, because she does not look a certain way? Moral of the story is this bar practices extreme sexist beliefs, which you would think would not happen in an open minded accepting bar. If you are a femme lesbian DO NOT go here. read more

As a matter of principle, i am recording this. Ordered a Lone star, vodka tonic, and a whiskey shot. The bartender charged me $31. I returned the drinks, the manager accused me of drinks i've never heard of. Do NOT order late night drinks here. read more

Our group was vacationing and exploring Austin Saturday nightlife, and curiosity brought us into Highland. Once inside, we felt right at home. The layout is great for social flow, the bar service is plentiful and friendly, and overall style and decor felt crisp and luxurious. How 'bout that music? Great music mix, with lots of freshness, and nothing stale from "the radio". Wow...just really WOW on the sound system. The music was a bit loud, but was exceptionally clear, with bass that rattled my core...in a good way. The bass was intense and gorgeous, with no distortion. When we return to Austin, Highland is on our nightlife "must do" list. read more

Had a really good time here with friends. Fun selection of music. A lot of throw backs lol

Awesome awesome awesome music was great danced all night long open until 3am on saturday!