I've been coming to Sahara Lounge since Eileen opened it. Unfortunately, I moved to SC in 2014, so my trips have been few and far between. In 2018, I came to TX for my daughter's wedding in SATX, which coincided with my birthday. I decided the easiest way to see my friends was to have them come to the Sahara Lounge. My 50th birthday will always be one of my favorite birthday memories! Friends, great music, and a good atmosphere - it couldn't have been better. So, when I needed to make it back to ATX to pick up some family mementos from my aunt, I thought, "where better than the Sahara to see friends and hear some great music?" SL did not disappoint. Africa Night is the best! The music was hopping and I was able to catch up with friends outside where it's easier to talk. My travelling companion needed to leave a little earlier than I probably would have, but I did get some dancing in before the night ended. I'm not waiting 8 years to return to ATX & when I return, SL will be on my list of places to go! Some places typify the best in Austin and SL is one of those places. Thanks, Eileen!! read more

We visited this place after a while since moving back from out of state. We had an enjoyable time listening to the live music as well as chilling on the patio outside for around 2 hrs, When the place was clearing out around 1:20am, we went in to play some pool. Unfortunately, the lady behind the bar with dyed black hair named Brenna cut everyone in our group of 6 people off from ordering anything, for seemingly no reason? We were so confused? She must have had the wrong group. It's unlikely though that we were mistaken as we were the only POC in the Sahara Lounge aside from the artists, ironic right? A bit off putting for sure.... Feeling annoyed about it particularly after paying $10 x 6 = $60 for our entrance fees for the night. I believe they have a buffet of African food, not sure which subspecialty during the weekdays but I have yet to try it. read more

It's a dive bar...for real! Imagine this...an old house that appears to have been turned into a dive bar. The ceiling is low, dance floor raised but sweeky, and dimmed lighting where you see everyone but not with 20/20 vision. The dance floor is sardined packed, music glaring from the DJ and people grooving to the music like it's their last day on earth. Folks ranged from college students to grandma and grandpa. Music genre appears to be 80s popular, dance hall, and R&B. Absolutely loved it... A Yelp friend invited me to the Sahara lounge as she and her friends attend ladies night on the 3rd Friday of the month religiously! The Sahara Lounge is located on the east side and it one of those must visit places in Austin. When I drove up, the building looks totally uninviting. I parked in an unpaved parking lot and followed the people to the front door. I waited in a short line with a woman from Chicago. She informed me that Sahara Lounge was the first place she was instructed to visit when moving here. She said it's an institution, a part of the Keeping Austin Weird phenomena. Entry is $5 cash for ladies or $7 card. Well, I had no cash, so I was going to use my card. The young lady I came in with said, I'm paying for both us. She told the host, It's her first time at Sahara lounge. The host smiled like I had been granted the right of passage. So, sweet of this young lady to treat me to my first Sahara Lounge experience. ok...I'm ready to dance. I had to search a bit to find my Yelp friend and her posse. I dance non-stop for an hour with only a couple of breaks to go outside to get some fresh air. Another rite of passage...dancing on top of the speaker. Of course, I jump right in, 2X, and danced my little heart out. A number of individuals were very complimentary of my dancing style. It definitely was a confidence building evening. I thought since it was cold, I could wear a cotton sweatshirt. Nope!!! I was sweating like I was going to a firing squad. So I had to abort my dancing spree. In full transparency, my Yelp friend forewarned me to wear something cool. Sometimes you suffer the consequences of your own actions. Will I return? Absolutely!!! read more

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When I'm in town I've been going to Sahara Lounge with friends for years for Ladies Night which is every 3rd Friday of the month. We have so much fun! We dance and sweat up a storm. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and bring a hair tie if your hair is long. I like they have a backyard area where you can go chill and have a conversation with people. There is even a food truck that my friends say serves really good food. I haven't tried their food yet, but it's nice to have it handy for those who haven't had a chance to eat or like to have food while they are drinking. My go to drink there is a tall ranch water and they make it authentically with Topo Chico, which I very much appreciate because many places these days just put soda water from a tap. The people who show up for Ladies Night are so diverse, awesome, friendly, and cool. They rotate DJ's so it's not always the same one. Sometimes the DJs or their friends will even play instruments like trumpet or sax with their sets. It is nonstop dancing! I will definitely always be there when I'm not traveling. read more

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Amazing vibes beautiful people awesome music. No better place to get the best music local and International artists in Austin. I love this place can't stay away too long read more

Sahara Lounge - Usual suspects - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

Great place for dancing! Heading back soon. I'm not from Austin, so... :) Everyone there is nice, polite and friendly from employees to customers!! read more

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This place is very interesting! It's indoor/outdoor so the weather outside is pretty much the weather inside. It was hot when I went and they had a couple window units doing the best they could and a few fans moving air around. I'm not a fan of being hot, but I guess if you're dancing you're going to get hot and sweaty anyways! There are two bars, one inside and one outside. The inside bar was pretty busy until the outside one opened, but the service was still pretty quick. It was Ladies Night when I went, and we found out at the door that it's no longer free. Only a $5 cover, but still an unfortunate surprise. Not as many ladies as I would expect because there were lots of couples. I don't really dance, but it still seemed like a fun place to dance the night away if you can handle the weather! read more

I enjoyed returning to Sahara Lounge after being away for a while. Such a nice crowd, delicious and creative drinks - including several non alcohol options - friendly staff and GREAT music. This is truly one of Austin's semi-hidden gems. read more

Sahara Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

Being able to attend a show at this legendary, old-Austin establishment was stuff dream are made of. We met the owner. Eileen and she's just such a rad human. The club and its outdoor patio remind me of the Bahamas, Jamaica, etc. Very welcoming crowd and staff. Bands were so behind incredible! Danced the night away! read more

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I don't go out much at night, but one NOTABLE EXCEPTION is that I go REGULARLY to Ladies Night (3rd Fridays) whenever I'm in town. This is THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH! Seriously! One night dancing here is better than a day at Disney! ;) EVERYONE is smiling & dancing to the GROOVE that the DJs are playing (70s & 80s disco, funk & soul). EVERY gender, age, race, etc etc are there & having fun! There's a big outdoor area, too, with a food truck, too cool off (it does get WARM inside, so dress LIGHT!) When u go, chances are I'm up near the front dancing by the stage (or ON IT!) COME JOIN THE FUN!! ALL ARE TRULY WELCOME HERE! read more

Sahara Lounge - Dress up, dress down, sparkle! ALL are welcome here! - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

Tonight I tried one of the non alcoholic drinks at the Sahara. I had La tigresita, which was delicious. Very nice. Paula Maya was celebrating the 4 year anniversary of her 4th Friday monthly gig. Band was great and the crowd was enthusiastic. Congratulations to Paula on her success. read more

As someone new to Austin and exploring the local scenes, I had SO much fun here! The energy was great, and the dancing was even better--such a fun crowd and genuinely kind people all around. I do wish the drink selection had a bit more variety, but I've since learned this bar is kind of an old-school staple in the area, and I respect that. It definitely has its own charm and character, which makes it special. All in all, a great spot for dancing and meeting awesome people. I'll definitely be back! read more

I'm not sure why this place isn't a 5. It's a 5 in my book! This is off the beaten path in Austin which makes me love it even more. Love a hidden gem! We went on a Saturday night and the cover was $12 cash for $13 card. The cover included a buffet and not one but TWO live bands! The buffet was showing up! They had an African beef stew, rice, and a vegan bean soup. The food had so much depth in flavor and you knew it was cooking all day. The love! The bands were bringing the sass. The first was a Latin band and the second was an African band. When I tell you I danced 5+ miles according to my Fitbit. It was a vibe all night long. Speaking of vibes - this place is grunge in the best way! It reminds me of a Midwest garage from 1990s. All the twinkle lights. They had fun NA options albeit expensive for no alcohol. I'll be back! I will absolutely be back. read more

Sahara Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

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This is a great venue. A little small ceiling wise (I am pretty tall, so I was ducking and dodging all night), but great energy, and the food truck in the back is really good! read more

So fun. Great music, great vibe, great crowd. Everyone else's 5-star reviews are correct. Go for Africa Night, you won't regret it! If your ears are sensitive, consider bringing earplugs, because it gets LOUD! Awesome place. Drinks are very reasonably priced and the bartenders are great. read more

Sahara Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

Sahara Lounge is so cool! I've been wanting to go to one of their bossa nova nights for a while and finally did, and I wish I had sooner! There were four performers of the night that played a variety of music (only the first act was actually bossa nova, but the rest was all Latin American as well). The crowd was great and everyone was really engaged and having a great time. Enjoyed the drinks too! They have a recurring African night as well as a 70s/80s funk/soul night. I'll definitely be back here soon! read more

Fav bar by far in Austin- insanely talented musicians, great vibe, always has a fire going - this place has SOUL unlike most places in Austin read more

Let's be real- this is an Austin treasure but it's also mad sketchy. Sahara Lounge is a cool hang out spot it is a whole vibe. But at the same time, Sahara Lounge doesn't seem to be super well maintained by ownership. This isn't a pristine high end bar/ club but it is a great spot for a night out. read more

Sahara Lounge - a stage set up for a party - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I went to Sahara Lounge this weekend for the first time for a friend's birthday get together. They had a live band playing and the bar had an old school Austin vibe with a very diverse mix of people. Cover was $12 if you paid cash or $13 if you used a credit card but you do get to eat their buffet. It had african food and my Fiance got a plate for us to try. There was stew, rice, and vegan beans and it all tasted pretty good with strong delicious flavors. To drink, they had beer and a short cocktail menu that hangs above the bar. There were two bartenders working and the drinks were decidedly different depending on which you went to. Our first visit to the bar, I got a caipirinha and my Fiance got one of their n/a cocktails. It took the guy a bit to make the caipirinha which isn't too unusual but the drink was weird. I drank it but honestly I'm not even sure what it was but it wasn't that for sure. He forgot her drink so we ordered it a 2nd time and he left out one of the main ingredients (crushed mint). She noticed and asked for mint and he added a leaf to her drink so we laughed and went to hang with friends. On my 2nd visit, my buddy had let me sample his old fashioned and it was good so I got one of those from the other bartender. He did a good job and the drink tasted exactly as it should (make sure you stir it a bit before you drink it). I liked that they have outside space as it was a bit crowded inside and the fresh air felt nice. read more

One of the best dance places t eat!, music of the 80's, UPSCALE food, great community.

Why did I not check this place out sooner?! Nice vibe and great music! We came on a Saturday which was Africa Night so there was also a (small) buffet available on the back wall included with the cover charge. The bar top itself is small so you may have to wait for drinks, but it wasn't very long on this Saturday night around 9pm. Their drink selection is decent-several beers, wines, and a selection of liquors. There are 2 pool tables as well to entertain you but the best part is the live music. The group we saw was very energetic and put everyone in a great mood from the get go! There is a parking lot next to the building, and although we easily found a space in it, I could imagine it getting full on some nights. read more

Love this place! Great booking and fun atmosphere. They also make a mean mocktail. fun theme nights and plenty of parking

I came to the Sahara, and it was outstanding. The music was. amazing. I must say you have to try the food. You must go over and meet Anthony. He sells shrimp gumbo omg. It was amazing. I've loved it. At first, I wasn't interested in eating gumbo. A lot of people can't make it very well. But I must say, Anthony did an amazing job and his presentation was superb. Thank you, Anthony. I'll come back again and eat your shrimp gumbo. read more

What Austin use to be. Expensive cover charge, but good vibes. Drinks were cool and the food outside was fire (dude with the BBQ pitt for the win!) read more

Most definitely one of my favorite hangout spots in Austin! Sahara Lounge is an awesome, old school joint. It's a honkey tonk (dive bar) that represents all the honkey tonks of the world. Live music from all over the world with people from all over the world, dancing it in whatever way they feel. Follow the Sahara Facebook page to see what cool bands or performances are on their calendar. Weekend entrance fee (yes it's totally worth a measly$8!!!) includes access to a free buffet with some damn tasty grub. Meatballs usually have a slight kick so don't be a douche and take a bunch when you won't even be able to finish them all. Sometimes the food finishes quickly and you can't be greedy. Sometimes it doesn't, and you don't have to feel guilty about loading up a big ass plate since nobody is eating. ;) They have a pretty cool outside patio. Usually has a fire going on chilly nights. They have a tiny bar where they serve you beers from igloo coolers, so be patient for them drinks. The staff is pretty chill, so you be chill too. B-) Sahara is an awesome gem outside of Austin's hustle and bustle of downtown or Domain area and I wish we had more like this place. Take a taxi and come party! :) Free parking is available, but drinking and driving is no bueno. read more

Sahara Lounge - Strangest random corner of the bar. Love it! - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

I'm gluten free and was enticed while sitting on the patio one Saturday night by the food truck that said "gluten free options available". I walk up and ask if they have gluten free bread for the grilled cheese and the gentleman behind the window said no. BUT. He can make me a grilled cheese without the bread... I was floored. He said to trust him, and I'm so glad I did. He made me a cheese concoction with tomato that really rocked my world in the best way. He was also very funny and fed me the cheese and tomato combo himself. I would highly recommend asking for this. The cheese was high-qual. 10/10 for real read more

the band is not worth paying a cover i wouldnt drink ny beer here the band is not worth paying a cover i wouldnt drink ny beer here read more

Love the music and the vibe here. African and Latin bands on Saturday nights are great, and the fire pit out back makes it easy to meet the random cool people that come to this place. Exactly what I was hoping to find in Austin but haven't seen anywhere else in town. read more

10/10wi go again !!!! the blue gecko is the spot to go fasho gotta come by and spend a good amount of time!! shoutout to my boy antonio for bringing the vibes read more

They had super TERRIBLE service. The bartender was rude and acted like she hated her job. I would never recommend this bar if you want good service. The bathrooms were also really gross, no one went out there to make sure everything was clean. Go somewhere else if you want good service. read more

Not a huge fan of this place. The drinks have a cool concept but they aren't made well. The food truck kinda sucks too. I did see a great band though. read more

The live band was great! The drinks could be better but overall would give it another go for the band

They have good music occasionally. Also the inside is pretty rough. I don't think it's part of the aesthetic, more than just pure laziness and apathy on the owners part. Whiskey still tastes like whiskey here. read more

$61 2. SMAAAAAALL vodka cocktails 1. Punch premixed punch 2. Beers 2. Topo Chico's 1 double specialty cocktail... bottom shelf liquor Yup... $61... I checked the tab for accuracy. read more

Yes!! This place is legit. We can on African night! Amazing. Anda and music. Such a great vibe. They had a free African buffet out. People were dancing. People were laughing. People were smoking. Loved the scene. I think the female owner got up and played bass with one of the bands. Bada**. See my ti for a bit more insight. Really groovy read more

Sahara Lounge - Count your blessings - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

Quirky place but Sahara Lounge gets it right! Delicious mixed drink options as well as solid beer selection. Hit this place on the right night and you might even get free food. Vibe is everything that is right with Austin and none of what's not. At least on the nights I've been. They do diff world music and queer nights. read more

Came for the Prince tribute. DJ? Really. The sound was an offensive assault on the senses. And I'm an sure there were far too many people packed in to this tiny honky tonk. The Fire Marshall would likely shut this night down in a heartbeat. I will return for some real live music because I think this could be an awesome place. read more

I like Sahara. I liked it more when it was TCs... BYOB, super dive bar with questionable structural integrity and clientele. They also had incredible bands in that just wanted you to sweat and dance your ass off on Monday nights. Sahara retains some of that same charm -- they cleaned up the bathrooms some, reinforced the floors and set up a sweet patio that's perfect when the weather is great. They also added booze and crafty cocktails. I had a hot buttered rum there the other night that totally hit the spot. The sound system here is questionable -- both times Ive been there there's some odd shrieking issues with the mic. If they fix that, and if the soul nights have the same heart as TCs, Sahara could be a one of my favorite spots. Oh and watch out for that parking lot -- you'll take a curb out if you're not careful. read more

I've never really understood the whole "keep Austin weird" thing until I came here. The drinks are better than expected and the vibe is so chill and comfortable. I will remove a star because we went specifically for a Kendrick Lamar vs Rihanna event. They had local rappers performing a full set and it was hardly time left for what we wanted. I felt a little unsafe in the building, that place is a fire hazard for sure. Not enough exits and just enough dirty artifacts (read, junk) inside to be highly flammable. read more

Used to be TCs, but still one of the best places to catch a live show in Austin, TX. You will see everything from well groomed acts, to bands trying to get it together. Great Dive Bar Location. Cover was $5.00 and drinks prices were average. They have some pool tables, dive decor, and good seating around the stage area. Smokers you have a sanctuary in back to get your fix between sets. It is a place that you need to check out. Perfectly Austin without being on the normal beaten everyday path of ATX. Yeah Buddy!!! read more

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