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The Grackle

3.2 (209 reviews)
InexpensiveDive Bars, Whiskey Bars
Closed 12:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

The Grackle Photos

Business Info

THE GRACKLE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Hipster
Divey
Casual
Juke Box

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Recommended Reviews - The Grackle

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Reviews With Photos

Karla D.

Fun bar. Great prices. Nice beer selection. Good service. Indoor and outdoor seating.

A wide shot
Greg H.

We only popped in here for a moment, to have a quick shot to end our day. We had just left Lefty's Brick Bar and found a flea market thing as Zilker beer garden that drew us in. After that we headed here as it looked cool. It is a dive bar, just what it claims to be and is very laid back. There were some people playing pool and a few people at the bar. Dr. Who was on the television which was fun. In a weird twist the fellow people at the bar were talking about how they were going to Galifrey, the Doctor Who convention in Cali. They had just introduced their friend to NuWho and the Doctor altogether. It has some fun art, the bartender was patient and talked with everyone. Again the 3 starts is mostly due to the fact we really were in and out and didn't get a chance to really get into the place. Seems a cool place to hangout and have a few drinks.

Interior
Steffie S.

Hitting another dive bar....and this one missed the mark for me. It felt devoid of personality. The bartender was very nice, and the beer was cold. They have a large outdoor patio area too. There are tables inside and couches to hang out on as well. The place felt like it lacked a theme, and the music was not noteworthy- I can't even remember what was playing. Sorry, Grackle. I'll try again, but my first impression was "just okay".

the outside of the restaurant
Victor H.

Perfect definition of a dive-bar with a hipster wooden interior. Upon walking in, you feel like you're in a basement of your friend who's dad/uncle stores their record collection, old furniture, and vintage memorabilia that reminds them of the good ol days. Only when you're in here, you just have the basement look with the smell of the things I mentioned in the previous sentence. While you have that, there are some cool collectibles within the scene including some vinyl records, an old cigarette vending machine, and the horseshoe shaped wooden bar area. There's plenty of spirits to choose from and beer. Not sure about cocktails but if they have the ingredients, they can make it for you. Just don't be one of those people expecting fancy martinis or mojito type stuff; mainly either beer pours or hard liquor + mixers. At least that's my impression. There's also only one bartender so patience will need to be practiced. There's a taco truck outside for eats. Tacos are expensive but tasty; the chicken and carnitas tacos are what they're known for so those are recommended. Not a bad place to start or finish your evening for night out in Austin.

TOMMY makes the BEST cocktails in all of Austin. Give him a visit. You'll not be disappointed! Just a sweet, friendly bartender with a heart of gold!!!

The Grackle
Rick S.

Had a recent late-night stop at The Grackle, a divey bar located in the gentrifying portion of east Sixth Street. Named after one of the common varieties of blackbird this drinking establishment is a bit downcast although the saving grace is the outdoor seating. The cool neon sign out front may be the highlight here. Our bartender did keep the drinks flowing though so kudos to her. Overall, a good place for one drink before moving on to somewhere more interesting.

They have a food truck but it wasn't open.

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10 days ago

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8 months ago

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11 months ago

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8 months ago

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8 months ago

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9 months ago

Genuinely one of the worst bars I've ever been to. Super rude staff and overpriced drinks for super average stuff

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9 months ago

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9 months ago

Decent drink prices but got robbed here won't be back. Staff was no help put some cameras up!

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Favorite bar to play some darts or pool in East Austin. Great selection of whiskeys too

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2 years ago

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Cool place but kicked my friend out for accidentally hitting on the bartenders girlfriend

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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5 years ago

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2 years ago

Good bourbon, service is just ok, its a dive and the atmosphere leaves plenty to be desired but im a fan.

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2 years ago

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

Drinks were good. Bartender was a dismissive dickhead that was unnecessarily rude to my fiance. Sexist?

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Review Highlights - The Grackle

There are 2 food trailers outside - East Side King and some other one that serves other interesting food.

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Nickel City - So magical!!

Nickel City

(232 reviews)

$$

East Austin

Once the kitchen closed at the Rosewood Social Club, we went over to Nickel City for some food…read more Fortunately, most bars in Austin don't require a cover charge. My Yelp friend struck up an energetic conversation about Australia and New Zealand with two out of town guests. It turns out Nickel City is considered a must-do activity when visiting Austin, and I've even seen it listed as a tourist attraction. My friend's boyfriend and I talked about various Texas cities, the bar itself, and details about East Austin. The bartender was making faces at the fur baby, causing its ears to perk up...there seems to be a playful love-hate dynamic between them, especially since the bartender gave the pet some treats. Although the bar was busy, it wasn't too loud; it was easy to hear people talk without any trouble. I've now experienced Nickel City both during the day and at night.

I have to say, I did not have insane expectations for this place, but i'd heard good things. And,…read morewell, it was better than expected. I had a solo evening while on vacation with family, as my parents had dinner with friends. I had just walked over from Cuantos Tacos (which, go there, delicious), and planned on being here for maybe two drinks. Welp, lets just say I ended up sitting at the bar drinking and taking in the environment for 3-4 hours. As you'll see in the photos, I got suckered into a frozen drink (whip-it-good) and the Miami Vice. I also had a beer and some whiskey (not photographed). I had a great time, some people ended up talking to me throughout the time sitting at the bar, bartenders were nice even as the shift changed (or one bartender went on break for a long time). Either way, when i'm back in Austin, this will be in my rotation. I can see this place becoming insanely hectic on a friday or saturday evening, but that wouldnt be my jam. On a weds at 6pm-10pm, it was great.

Low Down Lounge - Inside

Low Down Lounge

(27 reviews)

East Austin

Low Down Lounge is one of those East Austin bars that makes you feel like you've stumbled onto…read moresomething cool--but not in a try-hard way. The vibe is effortlessly retro, with warm lighting, vintage stripes, cozy booths, and a playlist full of R&B and soul that sets the tone for a laid-back night. I came in for happy hour (which goes until 8pm--major win) and had the Tropical Depression, a passion fruit hurricane-style cocktail that was way better than its name implies. Their frozen drinks are also a hit--flavorful, strong, and dangerously easy to sip. They also do Jell‑O shots if you're feeling nostalgic (or just want something cheap and fun). The bar is small but super welcoming, with a good mix of indoor and outdoor seating. The patio is shaded and breezy, perfect for summer nights. There's even a pool table and a big screen outside if you're into low-key games or catching part of the game. Staff was friendly and efficient--shout out to the bartenders who kept the drinks flowing without any attitude. That said, it's a small space, so depending on the night, it can feel either perfectly mellow or a little too quiet. Not a party bar, but a great pre-game or chill hangout spot. If you're looking for a low-key lounge with strong drinks, good tunes, and an easygoing crowd, Low Down Lounge should definitely be on your East Side rotation.

Here's the Down Low on the Low Down. This lounge is not…read moreactually "low down." It's actually up high. You've got to climb one of the staircases to get up here to this bar that's perched above the street level. My gripe is that, as far as I can tell, there's no accessible way in for a wheelchair. There's only lots of stairs. Inside, you'll often find cool bands playing out on the back patio, or a DJ spinning on the inside. The place is a chill vibe with a Phil Collins drink special. (Insert drum solo here). The staff was attentive and kept the drinks flowing. The place is clean, and it's nice to be able to literally look down upon the barflies outside of Hotel Vegas. As far as I can tell, this bar doesn't have any air conditioning to speak of. It's hot. But, the beers are cold. The back patio that's covered will give a breeze.

The Cavalier - Cavalier Burger

The Cavalier

(130 reviews)

$

East Austin

The Cavalier is one of those spots that just hits every time, especially if you catch them on a…read moreMonday. Buy one get one burgers is already a win, but the fact that the burgers are actually that good makes it even better. The vibe is laid-back and a little bit neighborhood bar meets casual hangout. It's an easy place to meet up with friends, grab a drink, and not feel rushed. The burgers are solid, satisfying, and definitely worth going out of your way for, especially when you're essentially getting two for one (even if you don'tsplit with a friend!

The Cavalier ATX is located on the east side on Webberville Road. The Cavalier ATX features…read moreSouthern comfort food in a casual bar setting. The Cavalier ATX is known for its flavorful wings, burgers, and brunch. The vibe is laid-back with dart boards and throw balls to entertain you. If you were invited to baby shower at a bar, would you believe that you are being pranked? That was my initial thinking, however, this was the real deal. The baby shower was held at The Cavalier ATX on a small patio sectioned off from the main bar. The staff was very attentive without being too intrusive. The drink menu was a hit with guests, and the bar provided a creative mocktail for the mommy-to-be, which was a nice touch. The food was delicious with the deviled eggs and finger sandwiches being the standouts. The chill vibe made the baby shower feel relaxed and engaged. Great event, great venue!

Dirty Bill's - ipa beer fire eagle $1

Dirty Bill's

(160 reviews)

$

Market District, Warehouse District, Downtown

What Five Stars? because this place is exactly the kind of dive bar that makes Austin weird in the…read morebest possible way. Dirty Bill's is gloriously unapologetic. You walk in and immediately know you are not in some polished Instagram cocktail lounge. It is loud, a little gritty, and full of people who are clearly there to have a good time and not pretend otherwise. The beer is cold, the Lone Star flows like Texas water, and the vibe is pure old school Austin. And yes, the legendary bathroom situation deserves its own paragraph. The men's room features a giant ice filled trough for a urinal, which feels like something out of a 1970s roadside saloon documentary. Somehow it is both ridiculous and perfectly on brand. It actually becomes a conversation starter because you walk out laughing and immediately tell your friends they have to see it and go pee. The crowd was friendly, the bartenders were quick with the beers, and nobody was taking themselves too seriously. I ended up staying longer than planned, drinking Lone Stars and talking to random people like we had known each other for years. If you want craft cocktails served with a rosemary sprig this is not your place. If you want a hilarious, slightly chaotic, authentically divey night in Austin with cheap beer and great stories, Dirty Bill's absolutely delivers. Five stars and I would go back in a heartbeat.

Dirty Bill's (gotta love the name) is literally right next door to J. Carvers where we had dinner…read more Dirty Bill's was on and popping!!! We were drawn in by the music. They were spinning some popular tunes. The place was packed with a very fun crowd. It appears to be a bar you come to have drinks and chat. There was a small area where dancing could take place, but no one was dancing at the time. The staff including the general manager was super friendly. It felt like a wedding reception as you came into the club where you were greeted...very warm and welcoming. We had a drink and stayed a short while. It looked like a place you could come for a girls or guys night out or celebrating a fun occasion. Will definitely consider Dirty Bill's for a future fun evening...

The Grackle - divebars - Updated May 2026

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