I live nearby O' Death and the fact that it exists here in the Westside is an anomaly to me. Not to say that there isn't an interest in Goth, Dark or New Wave music in this area. I would peg this coffeehouse, bar and music venue more in keeping with the Southside than this area. I suspect owners were trying to find a place that is inexpensive to rent. Living in this area my whole life: hip hop, Tejano, cumbia and everything Selena reign supreme here. Unfortunately I can already sense the pushback by the neighborhood toward this bar. But for now we will see how long this place can stay open.
O' Death is nearby St. Mary's University, for a point of reference or a landmark. Sliding into find any available parking is very problematic. We did find parking in a residential area in the back. Although in the few minutes we walked from the car to O' Death, I could already hear intensely loud music. Approaching closer the noise was met with patrons in: dressed in black, spikes, guyliner and gutter punks. If you're the person who fancies a gimlet whilst Coldplay is playing over you, "Run!"
But as a recovering Metalhead, Yelp affords me the opportunity to be more than a passive observer. So in the back there is a front door. You pay whatever the cover is. They I.D. Even me, who saw the first cavemen create sound. I must tell you I came to see my friend's band from Mississippi perform here. A major thing I liked about it is its ability to merge different worlds. For example I saw: people dressed as witches, old school punks, LGBTQ, black metalheads, death metalheads, regular metalheads etc. Maybe these groups feel marginalized in the city and this place provides a safe space for them. If they crossed the street to the mini-mart, for a Topo Chico the outcome might not be good.
Although the outside is spacious with finite seating and a stage for bands. I think the interior is what the focus, moving forward should be. It is dark inside with tiny lamps. Like the outside there is limited seating. I really appreciated its ambience and aesthetics. Maybe as I grow older I appreciate a place trying to be its authentic self. If this existed on the St. Mary's Strip the suggestion would be for them to make it more approachable. It does remind me of the Faust Tavern or the short-lived Torche bar. As far as drinks are concerned they serve coffee, Lonestar Beer, and cocktails with Goth themed names. I believe on the food end they make small pizzas and some simple bar items. Everything is reasonably priced. The door cover charge is contingent on the musical act playing.
They do have dj's and national acts playing on any given night.
One of my biggest critiques is having shows outside, in a residential neighborhood. I say this after my friend's band played, law enforcement thereafter came to intercede. Later I learned neighbors complained about the noise. I like that O' Death has a specific identity. It knows its intended audience and what its demographic likes. If this were a Tejano club would complaints be forthcoming? I'm not sure. Only time will tell if this place will survive. Or turn into yet another neighborhood cantina. My lasting impression was seeing the young-uns jumping in a moshpit. Maybe it's time to close that chapter of my life, to include Yelp. read more