Absolutely love this place. Charming is not the word. It's that hidden local spot that you only hear about in movies. Live music and local drinks. read more

This is the last vestige of old Austin. One night I brought an out of town friend to Sam's. Who walks in? Lana Del Rey and her entire entourage. The woman that opener for her jumped on stage with the band and says bunch of songs. Apparently after their show that night they wanted to experience old Austin. Sam's was the only/best choice. In fact, don't come...forget this review exists. read more

Really nice "hole in the wall" vibe. Fixated on the backside of the "strip" of bars on Menchaca, nestled in the corner of the neighborhood, opposite the H-E-B. Service was nice, we were able to get our drinks in a timely fashion. A gentleman was playing piano live when we arrived. read more

Sam's Town Point - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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A hidden gem in South Austin is Sam's Town Point! If you like dive bars, great music, good vibes, this is your place! read more

This seems like a cool place from the outside but they really need a proper "Know Before You Go" or FAQ on the website. For some context, I'm twenty years old and I'm a huge fan of this folk/country artist that played Sam's Town Point recently. I had been looking forward to this show for weeks and made sure to scour the website, ticket, and other online presences to see if the show was 21+. Nowhere online specified that the show itself was 21+. When I arrived, I checked in and the employee told me that I couldn't attend if I was under 21. I asked if I could sit outside and listen to the music from there and he told me "No, you need to leave." I cooperated and left but told him that they should put that information online somewhere to save people like me from driving for an hour to get there just to be turned away. He insisted that I just didn't look closely enough and that "it says it on the website (it doesn't)." For additional context, I've been to over a hundred shows all over the country in a lot of different venues. Almost every venue I've been to either is or has a bar except straight edge DIY spaces and record store sessions. The bare minimum of professionalism is to specify whether or not there is an age limit on the ticket itself. Also, be careful on the northwest-most side of the parking lot because there are a lot of jagged rocks poking up that would probably have damaged a car smaller/lower than mine. Sam's Town Point, fix your website and fix your parking lot. read more

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What a special place to go see live music to dance. It's a unique dive bar in the middle of a suburban neighborhood. I love that funky vibe. They have a stage inside and outside also a deck to hang out outside tables and chairs. read more

This little neighborhood joint feels like a vintage lake hangout without the lake: converted old house vibe with a stage in the corner and a full bar across the room, a dance floor in the middle, along with an array of 50s bar furniture. There's a gravel caliche parking lot and an outside hangout area that seems to get little use compared to the action inside when there's a live band. Drinks are reasonably priced and bartenders are friendly. It's on the radar for the hipster crowd but also attracts a wide range of folks, most from the south Austin area. We've seen some fun bands there and there's room for a large group to meet up. South Austin vibes. read more

This was an absolute blast. There was live music and we had a totally great time. If you are into dive bars and true Austin hospitality this is a place for you. Specific experience, I actually left my jacket with my phone inside. We returned on a Saturday night past midnight and asked someone at the bar about it and they knew right away and had it handy! This will forever be a great spot for us. Live music, cold drinks and a true Austin feel. read more

Love this place so much! This is a great place to come to listen to live music. They have plenty of options for non-alcoholic beverages which made me super happy during Dry January! The staff is always smiling and wonderful, too. read more

Sam's Town Point - a band on stage - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Old Austin feel. Comfortable seating. Great music. Large venue. Very friendly dog. Helpful staff.

Enjoyed boot scooting and taking on the live band. Can get a bit warm when crowded. Drinks reasonably priced.

Classic old Austin dive joint, which I love. The staff was friendly and attentive. Unfortunately it was so hot inside the bar, that it was difficult to enjoy the music. We'll be back once the weather cools off! read more

Sam's Town Point - Girl Guitar showcase. - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

If you're looking for a divey kind of honky tonk that's in town, you've found your spot. It's the real deal, with a pool table, a good sized bar, dim lighting and a small stage. We got there early enough to find close parking and a table. When we left, the venue was packed and the parking extended down the street in both directions. Bonus: Great people watching and saloon dogs! read more

Sam's Town Point - Saloon dog! - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Best music in Austin hands down. Great bar staff and best crowd. Any night is a good night at the point.

Great South Austin experience! This place has classic honky tonk feel with a cozy interior which is very dated and adds to the ambiance. The back patio has amazing live oaks and a cozy backyard feel. They often have bands with a groovy 2stepn beat and definitely good to hit dance floor for some Texas swing. The pool table is also a nice addition to keep things lively on a week night. Bring your friends out and boogie down! read more

WHAT A COOL VENUE. If you enjoy live music, outdoor venue, classic drinks, GO HERE. This place has live music from local artists every night (check out their website). My friend's coworker was performing and we went to support and it easily became my favorite bar in Austin. The location is South Austin, near some of the new and modern bars like Lustre Pearl. It can be a little difficult to find esp if you are going to it earlier in the day, because the parking lot is a little hidden, but once you find it, you know it! The parking is limited, so I advise arriving early and carpooling! read more

We randomly found Sam's on a wrong turn, let me tell you, it is an OG dancehall/bar of Texas! Some of the best local musicians, neighborhood vibe, everyone is so welcoming and it's awesome to explore! read more

Looking forward to visiting this place someday. I'm hoping I will see the drums I sold them recently. Looks like a great honky-tonk live music venue. read more

About 5 years ago, I reviewed Sam's on Yelp and suggested it add QSC speakers to make its stage even better. They did, it is, and now even hipsters dig it. I take full responsibility, though owner Ramsey maybe deserves some credit too. The place is Austin honkytonk magic now, and way more than a dive bar. Kudos... read more

Excellent place to unwind. Reminds me of a special place back in TN. Friendly staff and cold drinks :)

Simply AMAZING!!! I can't believe I haven't been here before. I love a dive bar and hidden gems. Fantastic music, great atmosphere, and all things I love about Austin. Please don't change it! Will be back!!! read more

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While checking out music show listings for the week, I stumbled upon this show tonight. Only $10 to see Charlie Sexton and Shannon McNally!!!! Awesome...so I thought. I'd never heard of Sam's Town Point and it's in my neck if the woods and looks like old Austin. So I tried to find out more info in the bar and the show. All I could find was a listing in the Chronicle that said $10 entry. I googled and all I could find was a facebook page with no info on this particular show. No website. So I had my family drop me off figuring I'd rideshare home after the show. Only one problem...the place sold advanced tickets and it was sold out. No notice on facebook, or Chronicle, or Austin360. The guy at the desk was very apologetic but another guy came out and boasted "we sold out 5 days ago, everyone knows and it's all over the place!" I asked where the tickets were being sold. He said "Online!" Duh! I said. Who was selling them? He then named an online company I've never heard of and I was never directed to any website from their facebook page. I WA told I could go sit in the beer garden and maybe I could buy a ticket around 10:00pm if they had room. So, while waiting for a ride I wandered to the garden and got a beer. There was a sign on the Bar advertising food. So I asked for a burger. "Sorry, the kind lady said" you have to go inside to order food but you can't get in unless you have a ticket. I told them not to put a sign out here for food." The wonderful and kind people I met working there (with the exception of the "Everyone knows" guy deserve 5 stars. But the management deserves ZERO. Since I can't taste 2 1/2, they get a two. I will return to give them a second try only because it's in a convenient location. UPDATE: Someone with some pull overheard my dilemma and was able to secure me a ticket to get in. Thanks lovely woman in cowboy hat!!!!!!!!! read more

Sam's Town Point - Outdoor patio - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

So cute & fun!!! Local place for dancing and drinks, very casual and great vibe. Had so much fun on my visit to Austin

Great dive bar hidden in a South Austin neighborhood drinks are reasonable music is great. Gives you the dive, feeling without the dive issues. If you ever see a band you like playing at Sam's make sure you take the time to go. read more

It's always a blast to go out to Sam's and play music. Such a comfortable and relaxed setting. But it's especially good because of their sound man. Scott is a super talented, attentive, and gracious sound engineer. He treats the musicians like they are royalty. And he makes my sax sound like butter.. Steven Vague read more

Sam's Town Point is a great little bar in South Austin. I recently discovered it when looking for a place that sells liquor and beer and has music that people make on the spot. Unlike other establishments in my usual Rainey st. stomping grounds the music is made when multiple people play vintage instruments (ones with strings and tube drums etc as well as piano style) all together. The people playing the instruments are often singing the songs as well and because the microphones are not wireless like in a karaoke bar, they tend to stay on the stage instead of come out to the crowd. I had great fun watching the dancers on the dance floor who all seemed to know steps to the songs. I was told it's called two step but there are at least 5 or 6 different steps I could see. I will say I might have frustrated the dancers when I took a selfie video in the center of the dance floor for my tik Tok but it wasn't intentional I was just running out of storage on my phone so I had to keep deleting videos to record new ones. Sam's Town had a sign that said the dog days are over which I was sad about because I love dogs but I understand dogs might get scared with all the musicians making sounds on the stage etc. I ordered a lone star beer which is the local beer of Texas made popular by the Wes Anderson movie Rushmore starring Jason Schwartzman (which was filmed in Houston). The beer was cold and refreshing and gave me a buzz so no complaints there. I was upset that Sam's town lights real candles as that made me apprehensive but I understand everyone has different risk tolerances. The patio is expansive and has many seating options. It was filled with people who had recently visited Allen's boots and are willing to curse in public. Again, something I was fine with but more sensitive patrons might want to come prepared with their own Allen's boots and channel their inner sailor to keep up with the language! The pool table was free! Something you don't encounter often. I finally got a chance to play after the locals all had a go and quickly lost as they were allowed to put the white ball anywhere after I made a scratch. I wish I was better at billiards but I know ultimately I would be extremely embarrassed to become good at billiards given what that would say about my character. Right by the pool table were lovely portraits of the presidents including my favorite, Gerald Ford, an unexpected treat. Overall Sam's Town is a great bar if a little eccentric. My favorite parts were the pool table, the music that was made live on the spot with vintage instruments and the ice cold local beer. My least favorite part was the real fire inside of the candles but I understand that's a personal proclivity of mine and won't deduct points for that. I'm sure I'll be back if I visit South Austin again. read more

First time last night to see The Eggmen. I will be back. This is a very cool dive bar. The staff were very friendly and drinks were excellent and priced perfectly. The live music was great. Nothing better for me than hanging out at a great bar with nice people listening to fantastic music. read more

Best dive bar in town. Great music most nights of the week and food trucks in the back lot.

Oh wow I cant believe I haven't written a review about Ol' Sam's Town Point yet. I have been going here for years and I love this bar! It is definitely a neighborhood bar. The staff is friendly and there is always local music, Ramsay Midwood is one of my favorites, he plays there on a regular basis. Sams is on a residential street and is what used to be two manufactured homes that is now combined to make this rad bar. There are pool tables, darts and a stage for live music, in the back is a big deck with table and leads down to a gravel backyard with picnic tables. Sam's regularly hosts all kinds of cookouts for fundraisers and shows and on the weekends usually has someone out back making tacos so you can get your munch on while your throwing back a few. Speaking of throwing back a few, Sam's only offers beer and wine, you can bring your own booze and pay for set ups. Its pretty awesome watching all of the brown-bagged liquor bottles being passed back and forth, it gives it a feeling that your going to your buddy's house to hang out for a couple of drinks so you byob'd. If you're down South go to Sam's Town Point and have a beer, play some pool, strike up a conversation. I will probably see you there. read more

Sam's Town Point - Front door - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

So, it just came to my notice that I hadn't written a review of Sam's Town Point yet; WTF, I've been hangin' out there for what seems like forever. I've mentioned before that when "rating" a business on Yelp, I feel ya gotta rate it based on what it's "trying to be". If you rated Taqueria La Escondida, for example, against Fonda San Miguel, using the same standards, it would not be a level playing field. You MUST consider that one place is "trying" to be just a "comfort food" stop, while the other is "trying" to be upscale. You can't use the same standards, unless you wanna look like an idiot, imho. Sam's is just tryin' to be yer basic local, Neighborhood BAR, and they succeed quite well at that! Sam's is perhaps the truest example of a "Neighborhood Bar"; it's not only FOR the Neighborhood, it's IN the Neighborhood. I don't mean "nearby"; it's smack dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood! Don't ask me how or why; I assume maybe it was there FIRST, then the rest of the 'hood grew up around it, and it got "Grandfathered" in, as the legal term goes. Doesn't matter now; it's here, and it's here to STAY. I can't go so far as to say it's a place where "everybody knows your name", but more importantly, everyone's FRIENDLY. Not like those fuckin' "trendy" places, where ya don't even get past the Proverbial "velvet rope" unless you've got a 'tude (English translation: "ASSHOLE"). There's a sign hanging over Sam's entryway (look at the picture); that pretty much sums up the sort of reception you'll get at Sam's. I started hangin' out at Sam's quite some time ago; they used to have a Friday night "Rock" Jam. Sadly, they discontinued that; I wish they'd bring it back, as there are enough Blues Jams around, but NO Rock ones (though there's still live music on Fridays). Rock Jams allow a little more diversity of music than the mundane 1/4/5 cadence of Blues tune-after-tune, not only for the player, but also for the AUDIENCE. Sam's, wouldja, couldja consider bringin' back the Friday Night Rock Jam? I, for one, would support it! They do still have a Wednesday night Blues Jam (gee, can ya tell, from my pictures? I'm stating the obvious now). It's one of the BEST in town. Don't let the fact that Sam's is "off the beaten path" fool ya; some of the BEST Blues players in town frequent the Wednesday Jam. And if THEY like it, YOU will like them! Breck is usually there to run the Blues Jam, making sure everyone that wants to play, GETS to play. Mary and Cody, two of Sam's bartenders (who seem to always be there when I'm there), will take excellent care of ya! Please remember to tip 'em, and tip 'em HANDSOMELY. There are pool tables and several dart boards, an outdoor patio (in back; very peaceful). An no, it's NOT all "fifty-somethings" that hang at Sam's (as if that's a "negative"?); lots of younger folks there too. I had a great conversation with a 23 year old lady, after our show, last time I played there. I don't know who was more impressed: ME, at her (extensive) knowledge of music that came out before she was born, or HER, cuz an old fart has knowledge (and can PLAY the shit out of) music of HER era. I gotta give Sam's Town Point a full FIVE STARS. Please check 'em out. You may have a little trouble FINDING 'em, but it's worth the time and trouble! larrythediner . read more

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Don't know what this says about me exactly, but every time one of my girlfriends drags me to some bar downtown (*but there are sharks in the floor, isn't it kewl?!?!?!*) I immediately feel the urge to remove one of my ridiculously uncomfortable high heels, mercilessly beat her to death with it, and then flee to the small town from which I came. Fortunately, there's Sam's where my beer comes with a koozie, and the last time I saw a woman in heels she was wearing an ankle monitor. The only downside to Sam's is that they usually close up at midnight (presumably because people live there). But if you make friends with the locals you might score an invitation to an after hours bar [garage] for a few more drinks and a chance to armwrestle Super Scuba Dave. read more

Sam's Town Point - dance floor @ Sam's - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

I love Sam's. It's that hidden gem hole in the wall place you love to go and feel like you're at a friend's place for a backyard party. The beer selection isn't awesome, but it'll do. Also, you can byob and pay a small setup fee (I think it's $5) and you're set. Looked like lots of folks do that. We have been a few times and went to some SX stuff out there that was so great. I love Sam's. read more

Great cheeseburgers! Live music. Big dance floor. Friendly people. Enjoyed the outdoor stage too. Just a great place to grab a cold beer and meet new people. read more

Favorite bar this far south. Drinks are more expensive than the other bars around but the vibe/music everything is great.

The address is located in Austin, and I believe that's because its mailbox and parking lot are within city limits. The bar itself is outside city limits, so if you want to smoke at a bar, get on down to Sam's Town. They serve cheap beer and cheap (cheap) wine. Wednesday nights feature Ramsay Midwood, and there is a great variety of live music you can catch there most nights of the week. Tuesday nights are open mic. It's a Reno casino meets Cheers meets your great aunt's 1970s family room. Be warned -- it's a bit tricky to get there. If it feels like it's planted right in the middle of a residential neighborhood, well -- it is. I think of it as an unspoiled diamond in the rough, maybe what Austin was like about 20 years ago. read more

Sam's Town Point - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Best bar in south Austin! They book the best bands, have the nicest staff, and have great outdoor seating under beautiful live oaks.

The management SUCKS. Guess I'm not a local so I wasn't accepted. Texas folks used to be friendly. Don't take photos or Video because u might make the band nervous at least that is what the pot smoking breath manager said... thanks for spoiling my trip and visit, it didnt effect me as much as it effected your venue. What a shame. FYI..... I wasnt approched professionally. I was approched and he said: "You really need to stop". Remind you that he never said stop What.... He didnt introduce himself and his title. Very Rude. Let me also note that there are NO signs say no photography allowed. Let me also note that i have had many reach out to me saying they have videoed before with no issues. Maybe you just knocked yourself out of a once in a lifetime chance at the big screen/ big stage. Maybe you shouldve ask me who I was. Good things have been heard about this venue and good reviews but your interaction to me was very unprofessional. read more

Um, wow. Where do I begin? First of all, it's not just a bar, it's a compound. Seriously. The owner, Wally Sr. lives in a trailer on the property. His son, Wally Jr. lives in an apartment ATTACHED to the bar. The sliding glass doors just off the dance floor lead to Wally's place. Classy, no? If that isn't hardcore, I don't know what is. The beer is cheap, the menu 100% fried, and the patrons are the real deal. This is full on South Austin, folks. This 'ain't no hipster bar. The trucker hats are not meant to be ironic. The people wearing them really are truckers. The average age in the bar is about 50, and there are some hard drinkers here. There are some cool old folks here, but also some scary, scary individuals. It's a great spot for people watching, and I enjoyed every minute I spent here. There were so many priceless things in this place. I like that you get a coozie for your beer. I like it even more that they have a sign on the door that reminds you to leave your coozie. The chalkboard sign behind the bar was cute. It said that "Wally" was our bartender on duty. I thought it was even funnier when I found out that "Wally" is always the bartender on duty, because it's Wally Sr. during the day, and Wally Jr. at night. They never change the sign. Priceless. This place is a bit of a drive, and kinda hidden. Definitely not the place to end your night, but a pretty sweet place to get a beer from Wally (Sr. or Jr.), take in the scene, and begin a fun, fun evening. read more

Dear Honey - I am leaving you and moving in with Sam. You and the kids can come over and see me anytime - you know where to find me. I'll be working sharpening my pool game and beer drinking skills. Love, Leemur read more

I suspect I'm in the minority, but I am a non-smoker who likes a good second-hand nicotine buzz, especially if it's coming from a table of elderly dominoes players who are alternately taking nips out of a brown paper bag and shit-talking each other between plays. And that run-on sentence pretty much sums up what I like about Sam's. Secondarily likable things: Friendly bartenders, cheap beer, decent blues jam on Mondays, pool tables, wood paneled walls, and the overall feeling that you're drinking in the basement with your grandpa and a bunch of his friends. read more