Just wanted to update my Yelp review for the Skylark Lounge since it had been over 5 yrs from my previous review left back in 2019. Skylark Lounge is still a great spot to check out live music & we recently saw The Reverent Few band and Brian Scartocci perform on 09/21/2024 ( see the videos included in this review of the live action!) For those who have never been to Skylark before here are a few highlights - This venue does have several tables & booths inside however, it isn't very big inside so I would definitely recommend you get there a bit earlier to grab a table. Parking is free. No food options to order. Clean restrooms! Small dance floor to get your groove on!! Till next time! Rebecca read more

Great spot to enjoy live Blues and Soul Music. Drinks are reasonable and strong, try the tropical thunder punch. There's a guy that sells nice hats and another that sells bleach art t-shirts. The back patio is big and has plenty of seating to enjoy the night air. read more

Skylark Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

A austin gem... Dark, Ecclectic, funky cool vibes Great local music Strong drinks It's a nice reminder for anyone who forgot what attracted them to Austin to begin with read more

This gem is a true little hole in the wall but it always serves up great music. It's not your local tourist spot, it's more of a local spot where you are amongst folks who are grown and looking to have a good time. I've been coming to the Skylark for many years whenever I'm in town and I've had the pleasure to hear some of Austin's greatest musicians. From Soulman Sam & the SMS band to Mary Mac & the Macdaddies . . . You are in for a great show. Recently they have added food service - nothing extravagant but you can get some fries, chicken tenders and such. Get there early to grab a seat, call them to reserve a table but either way get there and enjoy some live music. read more

See all

I went here for the first time this weekend. We went on a Saturday night around 8:30, and the place was already hoping. There was a $10 cover which was not to bad. Butter and Jam was the opening act, and they didn't disappoint. I enjoyed all the songs they sang, and their band was on point as well. They had a second band that started at about 10pm, but we only stayed for a couple of songs, but I liked the songs I heard. My only complaint is that the drinks were a little expensive, we bought 2 mixed drinks and one beer and spent $30 so that was a little bit more than I wanted to spend but I will say the drinks wete decent considering. I will definitely go back next time I'm in Austin. I love live music and I love that the location wasn't downtown, it is by the airport. They also had a decent amount of parking and it was free. read more

This place has announced that it will close its doors. It's gonna be very tough for the musicians to make a living now with this place closing I've always had a great time with spectacular blues music here. read more

See all

This place was great!! The drinks were strong and fairly prices. Bartenders were good! Everyone was nice. Great space and music was amazing!! I went on a Thursday night. Great vibes!!!!!!!! Really had a great time and got to hear amazing music. read more

Skylark Lounge - a wall full of posters - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Skylark is an intimate dive bar with live music. We visited on a Saturday night, and it was a $10 cover. We saw two separate acts, and were able to snag a booth since we got there pretty early. Drinks were good. We ordered onion rings and they were average. I would visit again for more live music! read more

Skylark Lounge - a glass of cocktail on a table - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

We came here last night for some live music. It did not disappoint the bar itself is nothing fancy but, it's low lighting gives a grown sexy feel. We had a wonderful time. The band was fantastic. We will definitely come again, so far in Austin this is my favorite spot. It made us feel at home with the people, the music and the ambiance. read more

Skylark Lounge - For the grown and sexy. - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Here in Austin on vacation, and I have a former coworker who lives here and he wanted to take me to some live music. I have never been to a hole in the wall lounge and I admit when we pulled up I was a bit skeptical because parking lot was dark, it's literally like behind an abandoned building and if I was alone I'd prob bypass it lol. But once we got inside, it was a vibe. Those musicians were so amazing! Truly put their heart and soul in it. And it was jam session now so anyone in the audience who was a musician could sign up and play wjth the band. Let me tell u, everyone was getting down with the get down! Lol. I had the time of my life read more

Great music venue. Was a $10 cover charge. Awesome blues band that night. A bit crowded but they have an out door patio with games and fire pits if you so choose. read more

If I could give more stars I would. The warm feeling vibes you get when you walk in, the dim lighting is so relaxing and everyone was so friendly. Even the performers introduced themselves to us. The music was wonderful. This place will definitely get you into the dancing mood it was just what I've been looking for. Their is parking out front and the bathroom was clean. I didn't get to go check out the patio but when the party is inside who has time right! The drinks were continously strong and I can now understand why they have such a great rating. Keep it up we will definitely be back! read more

See all

Man this place is such a gem!! The ambience, music, service .. all of it was awesome - perfect actually!! The location seemed kind of shady but once I got inside I didn't have a care in the world. It's super dive-y and there is barely enough seating to hold everyone so you will most likely end up standing if you get there on the later side. Weekends are packed. We went on a Sunday and it was super duper packed! Don't worry though cuz if you can't find a table then you'll just end up dancing more and having more fun!! I can't wait to go back and check out all the different bands that play here. Drink prices were decent. Lighting inside is super dark inside so watch your step! Parking is very limited and if you are handicapped then you must tell the people there so they can move cones around to make space for you. read more

See all

Picture this, two girls out and Austin looking for some live music. Asking around for some good places to go. Getting ready and then calling an Uber. Once in the Uber the driver asks us where we're heading. We tell him that we are looking to listen to some music and the place that we're going to is somewhere that was suggested to us. Imagine our reaction when he just told us, "that's mainstream." Apparently where we are going was too mainstream and he asked us if you wanted to go to a place that had real music. I mean yes? So he changed courses and brought us to the Skylark lounge. Granted we were a little skeptical just in the parking lot because this lounge is it also in the middle of nowhere, and we didn't know where we were. but the Uber driver assured us that this was the place that people go in Austin to hear music, good music. I can't say for sure if he was right for the people of Austin. But I can say for sure that it was the best night that we had in the city. The music was amazing we even ate some of the food and that was delicious, to the point that we ordered another basket, and we danced the night away. It didn't matter who you were you were invited to dance and people included you like you were best friends. This was the best suggestion ever. I wish I could tell the Uber driver he was right on and give him a bigger tip. If you are looking for a place to go in Austin for music check this place out. It's not going to be fancy but it's going to hit the spot. read more

See all

Came for our 4 year anniversary and wanted to see a live show in Austin. We had great drinks and had a fun time! I would recommend this place and you definitely need to come see Soul Man Sam! read more

Skylark Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

The kitchen was closed really early in the evening (we asked maybe around 7:45), and that was a disappointment that no food was available. If we had known before we paid the cover, we could have gotten something to eat first. What really bothered me was one employee's decision to put BOTH of his hands firmly on my petite female friend's body and physically move her out of the way when he wanted to walk by. The bar was not crowded and he did not attempt to ask politely or tap her on the shoulder. It was gross and bothered me a lot, even though I wasn't directly affected. I did not see him touch any men this way during our hours there. read more

Bad customer service, bar guy was more interested in serving free drinks to the lady singing with the band that night and taking smoking breaks at the patio than in serving our group! Disappointed:( read more

Wasn't sure what to think when we pulled up as the exterior looked a little beat up. But inside was poppin! Excellent ambiance. Music was great! Goldie Pipes was grooving hard!!! Moscow Mule was on point! Wonderful staff too!! read more

Packed house for soul man Sam. Great music! Come early if want to sit otherwise standing room in back read more

WHY I WENT My brother was in town and he is a musician and a prolific researcher. His research led him to believe that ATX is the music capital of the world, so he asked to check out the scene. I asked around for live music recommendations, and Skylark was one of the options. I don't remember why we landed on Skylark, but I'm glad we did! WHAT I GOT - 4 The cover charge was 10 bucks (pay at the door) and I ordered a beer from the bar (Lone Star). The bar has a lot of options and interesting sounding cocktails, but I didn't drink much. We arrived in time to see Butter and Jam, and they were phenomenal. My brother (who is a classically trained musician) was equally impressed, especially with how the band connected with the Audience. The band played a mix of funk and hip-hop, and all of the songs were either catchy or very motivational. I couldn't help but to dance in my seat, and eventually I went up to dance by the stage. Only a few people were dancing, but I loved how intimate the dance floor was. The music is really easy to move and vibe to, and its the kind of place where you can dance without being judged. HOW I WAS TREATED - 5 The customer service was great; one of the club owners came up to me and shared that Skylark was 9 years old and slowly returning to pre-pandemic energy levels. The bartender was really sweet, and in general I felt very comfortable. read more

My wife and I came to Austin for the weekend. I love live music!!! My wife had looked up places for live music and this spot popped up. When we drove up, she immediately said, 'I don't know about this place.' We got there around 6 because we thought we'd get something to eat as well. Unfortunately the kitchen was closed but they said we could get delivery and so we did! After we walked in, my wife was still feeling sketchy about the place. After listening to the band for a bit, I think she felt better. Around 9PM another band came on stage and a whole different group of people started pouring in. Within minutes the place was hopping. The band was really good. There was a lot of diversity in the crowd of all different ages as well. That made us feel better. It was a great time. Don't let the entrance fool you. Everyone there was great that night. read more

I loved the fries. They have a good and unusual taste ans they are fried well and squishy. The vibes were pretty good. The scene was meh. It's old white ppl dancing. read more

Definitely a place you have to visit you if you like soul, jazz and blues. I was a little bit sad because it was a Monday I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to enjoy a night out and then I found this place on a blog and it says that they had daily shows with live music so I went to the side and I saw that this guy called Brian Scartocci Was going to be playing that night so he was calendarize I suppose he was a very good musician or singer I got there a little bit earlier around eight and this guy was supposed to be out around 9/ 9:30pm so I just sat there and enjoy the vibe it felt like an old bar but in the very right way. There was another band playing and they already set my expectations are really high because they were good I just order a Moscow Mule and the bartenders were so nice they were so kind and to fast. Then as the night went by the bar started to fill I couldn't even believe how lucky I was to get there early to get a good seating because it plays forceful then the band start playing this amazing soulful funk music and this guy Brian was just so much fun and talented and they had great music I had a Grilli great night even that I was just by myself I enjoyed it and the ambience with the people everybody was saying singing and dancing and it was just a fun fun place read more

See all

I cannot say enough positive things about skylark lounge. If I could rate it 6 stars, I would! Phil (who is currently my favorite Austinite) runs and cooks for the place. He also makes the meanest cocktail called the Skylark 77, Available upon request. Last night was unbelievably crowded, but there's a good reason why. Birdlegg & The Texas Tight Fit Blues Band was playing and this has been the kind of music I've been searching for since having moved to Austin months ago! Lively, soulful blues, and if I'm being frank... A lot of the people left early to go home with their partner because the music really got them in the mood. If you weren't in love with someone or something before the show, you certainly might have been after! read more

Great music, and very dive bar feel! Not to many seats, so I like to get there early to get good seats! Very chill area to listen to the jazz, employees are very sweet! Love this place! read more

Fan! Fucking! Tastic! This place is everything you want in a bar. Good drinks and good music. read more

This is a wonderful spot to grab a drink and listen to some great music. They have a tiny parking lot so get there early, grab your seat, and get ready to be blown away by some great blues, jazz, or whatever they have playing that night. I came in on a weekday and there was no cover, the place was pretty packed. The bartender pour my drinks so strong I had to go back and ask for a top off of soda! That's rare for me because your girl can DRANK! I can't wait to get back and listen to other bands they've got lined up! read more

The Skylark Lounge is the Austin I've been looking for! Take a seat, I have so much to say. Before moving here recently, I had a perception of Austin, one which I had yet to experience--until now. While the husband and Daughter #4 were off to the Fleetwood Mac concert at Frank Erwin Center, Daughter #2 and I also planned a night of good music, blues or jazz, but where? I didn't want to pay $20 (Note: husband paid shockingly way more than that for their concert tickets.) for a band I'd never heard of. And I didn't want to meander down 6th with the youngins. So Daughter #2 and I put our best research skills to work. We found a bunch of places with live music (duh, it's Austin), looked at online photos to find the right vibe, compared cover charges and listened to clips from featured acts. Skylark Lounge came out on top. Parking is very limited. Somehow we managed a spot right in front (I think because it was tight, few ventured to try it. Thanks, Mom, for teaching me how to parallel park all those years ago!) Frankly, I'm not sure where people park if not in the lot. From the outside, it looked like a long, wooden shack. No...a roadhouse...yes, it looked like the quintessential roadhouse. The cover charge was $7 (higher than the $5 listed online.) Very dark, low ceilings, limited seating. To the left as you walk in, it is long and narrow with three main sections: a bar with some seats on one wall, a row of tables (low and high tables) in the middle and booths along the other wall. Every seat was taken when we arrived and the aisle between the bar and the tables was also jam-packed. The stage is at the far end and next to it is a doorway leading to an outdoor patio. I believe there is a room to the right of the entrance with a pool table. We managed to get our drinks, then I moved to stand in the aisle between the booths and the tables, where there were fewer people. Within 15 minutes, a couple at one of the high tables was leaving, so we were able to grab their seats. Here's something I loved: besides the booths, it seemed that those sitting together at the tables were strangers. I watched as three 20-somethings sat at a table with two 60-somethings and, soon, all were chatting and laughing as if they'd know each other for years. Our seatmates weren't quite as chatty, but nice just the same. Performing when we arrived was Oscar Ornelas. OMG. The guy was FANTASTIC! I simply cannot say enough about Oscar and his band. The talent, the energy. At one point, Oscar was playing the piano with one hand, playing the saxophone with the other hand and singing in between blows. It was simply spectacular. There was a very long intermission as the second act--Birdlegg and the Tight Fit Blues Band--were waiting on a band member. I ventured outside to the patio to find Birdlegg himself. Such a character (and a flirt!) Had a lot of fun hearing his stories and he even wrapped his coat around me when I got chilled. When Birdlegg took the stage, he became the consummate professional. Singing, playing the harmonica, and dancing in a manner that defied his 71 years. He owned the stage and the crowd loved him. We didn't order any food, but my Moscow Mules were quite tasty. The pour became a little weaker as the night went on (sorry, guy, I wasn't too drunk to notice) but it was remedied upon request. Not only would I go back to Skylark Lounge for sure, I cannot wait to go back! read more

Skylark Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Came here to see a friend of a friend's band play. I had always passed this place when visiting a friend who lived off Airport and Manor and always wondered what it was. Well...now I know. So, parking here can be kinda tricky and thankfully, though the lot was full, there was a guy directing traffic for parking and able to guide the large truck we were in to a suitable makeshift spot. There was a cover at the door and the place was absolutely packed. The seating layout here is a bit weird and not conducive to walking through at all, so we kinda had to elbow and push our way towards the stage. Luckily another friend was there and secured a corner booth w/some wooden chairs. The chairs were extremely uncomfortable, btw. This place is pretty old and run-down looking and very much had a neighborhood dive bar feel. The crowd was a pretty eclectic mix of older folks, young folks, hipsters, cowboy types, and barflys. The band was great, but the acoustics are not here, so it was very loud and raw, especially right by the stage. People also tried making a dancefloor and were doing two-step, swing moves which was fine until my friend got elbowed in the face by one of the dancers sitting by the booth. I ventured out to the patio which is an open, weird, and quirky space with all sorts of brick-a-brack and definitely had a much different crowd than the one inside. It was also where the smokers were hanging out, so I went back inside.I decided not to have a drink here for three reasons: the drinks were way over-priced for a dive bar, the bartender was rude when I asked about their drink offerings, and I have been told by several other people (including the friend I went to see the show with) that they grossly water down their drinks. That being said, I am glad I came to support my friend's friend's band as they were fantastic, and got to check this place out. I can see why this might be the kind of place certain types enjoy and frequent, but it was not my kind of dive bar or scene. Even if the band were playing again, I do not think I'd come back here as this place seems to have their regulars and I felt instantly like an outsider not being one of them. read more

See all

What a fantastic hot spot. Hidden away and off the main road, Skylark is the quintessential Austin music venue you hear about. I brought my mom here on a Saturday for blues/jazz and she was blown away. The live music was fantastic and entertaining. $7 cover for a Saturday night, cash only. There is one main room, with the stage in the back corner. Luckily the music can be heard throughout, however, seating is limited, and standing by the bar does make it challenging to see the band. We were able to snag a seat from a couple leaving after about 15 minutes of arriving. Out back is a garden/patio with a fire pit and seating. Many use for smoking. My mom had an opportunity to meet the extremely charismatic harmonica player who was going on at 10pm. He was extremely warm and friendly. Made watching him perform on stage so much cooler! Such a talented gem who we would definitely return to see. Overall, this is the place you go for a lively, but chill night. Great mixed aged crowd with some scattered regulars. Recommend to get there earlier (before 8:30pm) to snag a seat, although if you come later, seating is possible, but be prepared to potentially stand until someone leaves. Only complaint was that the pour on some Moscow mules was weak. We addressed this with the bartender and he returned to his original pour. Appreciated his willingness to listen and adjust. Despite this, prices are great! read more

Skylark Lounge - Packed venue tonight - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Came to Austin to visit a friend and she ended my visit with this dope place! Phil the owner of the bar is nothing but chill vibes. He's also a pretty snazzy bartender, he requested to make a drink for my friend and she loved it! The funny thing is he waited for the show to be over to finally tell us the name of the drink (Skylark 77) all for a great price. The live performance was a sight to behold interacting with the crowd and telling us his story. If it were up to me this place would get 8 stars, you're missing Austin if you don't go here. read more

Brown Sugar!! I don't need to say anything more, but I will. Like others have posted, I also have been living in the area for a couple years now and it feels like there is a disparity of sorts. I'm in my 30's and I feel like my soul is too old and irritable for most of the young Austin scene. I have been to other places like Elephant Room and Brass Tap, but they don't capture the funk like Skylark does. When I first arrived, the owner greeted me (and everyone else) in the parking lot. We spoke for awhile and he told me about the history of the bar. They don't advertise at all from my understanding, so it's pretty much a secret. It's a neighborhood bar that caters to the locals before anything, and he probably doesn't care about being commercial, which is so refreshing. After you visit a few times and speak to people, they remember you and regard you as extended family. Brown Sugar and her band were jamming some Down Home Blues the night I went. She did a great job and I'm glad I got to see her perform. I think she said she is there every 1st Friday? I can't wait to go back. The drink prices were good and no matter where you are in the club, the bar is right there, which is good for some and great for others. There is a pool table in the back, and an outside smoking area so I was told (didn't go see it). For live Blues, I prefer this spot to anything that I've seen on 6th street. Just my preference. I like the hole in the wall, not pretending to be cool, grown-up feel that Skylark has going on. Will try to get some pics next time I go. read more

I don't know how I spent almost 2 years in Austin already without knowing about this fine establishment just down the road from where I reside, featuring amazing music and vibes. Skylark Lounge is where it's at! Austin calls itself the Capital of Live Music, and Skylark must be one of its finest live music venues. Not only is the music great, but the staff is also extra friendly, embodying the best of Texas' renowned southern hospitality! The bar is very decent, very dive-y, and the food... Well, I actually can't speak about the food because they seem to have "lost" their cook, as in "we just don't know where he's gone" as the doorman explained earlier tonight, and as a result, they're looking to hire a new cook right now. But I can't be that bad, can it? To be honest, the blues are so amazing I don't give a rat's ass about the food. Skylark is authentic, lively, moving and an amazing hangout place to have a good time with friends. A special shoutout to my good friend and Yelper Aron for suggesting we go there. Marvelous idea! We're hooked. Here goes the harmonica, I'm going to go enjoy that now. Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen... See you at Skylark! read more

One of the great live music venues and hidden gems in Austin. Skylark is ideal for friend groups and date nights alike. When not watching the outstanding (and oft legendary) performers who frequent the stage, check out the pool table in the room by the entrance or sit by a fire pit on the large open-air patio out back. Drink prices are super reasonable too. The blues HH is awesome for after work gatherings. read more

Skylark Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Great Vibe. The music was the best part. Seating is challenging, and you'll have to twist your neck to see the stage if you want to watch the performers. But if your looking for a spot to chill, the ambiance is spot on. Great hole in the wall. read more

The Skylark Lounge is a great little music club in what I consider to be central/mid-town Austin. I came here the other day to reconnect with someone and it was a great place to listen to music and catch up through conversation. read more

A friend an I wanted to hear some music and do something new on a Saturday night. I have been hearing great things about Skylar Lounge so we went. I will say its in a odd location and looks a little sketchy from the outside but we had a great time. We got there a little before the first act went on (a suggestion so we could get a seat) and we got a parking space up front (they have someone directing for parking - and he was great). Went in and found a booth and got a drink. They have great prices and the bartenders were wonderful. Loved the live music, vide and crowd! We were super hungry and got food from the spot inside (random hole in the wall - by the pool table). I'd eat beforehand and not eat there. It was the most plain/basic fried chicken sandwich ever. I can't wait to go back for more shows! read more

I simply ADORE this sweaty, sincere, soulful sweet spot! The Skylark Lounge is right in my wheelhouse. The staff is super sweet and I immediately felt at home. The clientele was not sketchy either. It is one of those Austin haunts where people actually come to pay attention and FEEL the music. The atmosphere is true dive bar. Red lightbulbs. Bohemian artwork. Actual wax candles set ablaze. David Lynch would put this place in one of his movies. I am a back if the house kind of chick who likes to kick back with a Lone Star and a plate of something sinful when the mood strikes me. Skylark did not disappoint. I had a drool worthy double bacon cheeseburger that gave me right proper food baby. They have a spacious patio out back for chit chat and gunning smokes. Parking is slim. Come early, like seven. Freddie is the lot attendant and a true gentleman. He will help ya out. Check this place out read more

Skylark Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Don't set your hopes too high, and you will never be disappointed. This 'off the strip' / 'this is actually a club' / 'oh, it's a classic Austin club' dive bar is easily in my top 5 'go to' places in Austin when someone comes to town. I don't hype the place much, only that we're going to a divey music club. Sometimes I don't have a clue who is playing that night, or how 'off-blues' the act is. The venue does a great job of bringing in some real talent, and the sound is quite good. To top it off, there's a soul food kitchen near the entrance in the pool room. Grab a chicken or fish sandwich and you will not be disappointed with your choice to come here read more

The place is mainly for live music. Drinks are standard as in all bars. Pretty dark and cramped, but when there is live music, the atmosphere is cool read more

Skylark Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas