I enjoy this bar and the staff. Nice atmosphere, enough seating, and a great patio. I've never had and issue or a problem here at all. A pool table, two dart boards, and a Ms. Pacman/Galaga standup. Good drink selection and staff is helpful with making a selection. Locally and independently owned, all of which I support. Bonus: East Side Kings japanese style food trailer just outside the door. read more

Bartender was a total bitch. Got pissed when I asked her what her feet looked like. And then said she wasn't going to make my drink. She then changed her mind and made me the worst lemon drop I've ever had. She had a terrible attitude the entire time I was there. If you want a bar that has terrible drinks and shitty service, this is the place for you. If you'd rather live your life 1/4 mile at a time, I suggest avoiding this bar. read more

I've always heard about the Grackle as just the "other" place with East Side King in the parking lot, but last night, its iridescent feathers finally lured me in (according to Scott). The place is dark in a kind of cool way, with a lit pool table, a counter with a few seats and no physical menu, and an ambiance that I'm feeling slightly judged and maybe even uncool, but since there's so few people here it doesn't matter too much. Quite a bit of empty space inside, which I half-expected to be filled with people, but since it's so dark, that doesn't matter either. Either way, pretty decent selection of black/darker beers on tap--I ordered a $7 Rasputin while my buddy got a $3 porter. The patio is a pretty sweet place to eat and chill, although if it's too windy the wooden blinds smack you around, like in the case last night with the table next to us. I imagine it's nicer on a calm summer night. I'd give them 3.5 stars in the summer just for the patio, but just 3 for the chilly winter... Don't forget your dark-rimmed glasses. read more

Nice trivia night. Quiet inside. The vertical metal bars on the patio make it look like a "hipster jail". They have a pool table but nothing too remarkable. The food truck out front is one of the best in town though. A good spot for a young crowd and with friends. read more

Love this neighborhood dive bar. Great whiskey and beer selection. Friendly, knowledgable bartenders. Large, covered patio. Excellent vegan-burgers food truck. Amazing, soul-filled jukebox. What more could one want? read more

The bar is just fine. More of a whiskey/beer joint. My only beef with the place is the food truck they have in the parking lot. It should be removed immediately. Served us bloody fried chicken and when we complained she told us that's the way it's suppose to be...If the Grackle thinks salmonella is good for business they should rethink that. boot the truck. read more

Franks hot dog food truck is positioned at this location. It's a good place for a late night bite. Enjoyed our hotdogs and waffle fries. read more

The Grackle - Chili Cheese dog with jalapeños, spicy mustard, onions - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

There are lots of great bars on the East Side these days. Feel free to check them out. This one had very little character. It was too hot outside and too dark inside and the bathrooms were dirty. I know it's a dive bar, but still. It reminded me of a dirtier, darker version of Crown and Anchor. The food trailer wasn't open when we went there. And the one thing it definitely had going for it was that it opened earlier than most of its neighbors. read more

The Grackle is cheap, dark, and sparsely populated...just like I like it. Been here 3 times for afternoon fun and have enjoyed a well-thought out beer selection on tap, stiff drinks, and free darts. Bonus points for their marathon of "The Mighty Boosh" and for their secret selection of breakfast cereals. IPA and Lucky Charms? Why Yes...Please. read more

This is one of my go to bars on the east side for sure. I've read some of the other reviews and I'm not sure why it's scored so low. It's very divey and a place to just chill and drink a beer. The prices are super reasonable and is usually why we end up hanging out here for a while. The firs time I sat inside was this weekend because it started to get super chilly outside and it was ok. I would much rather sit outside in the patio. I do have to say that it is pretty enclosed so if smoke bothers you I would not sit there. They have two food trucks outside. They've been the same two for a while now The Micklethwait Deli truck (which is called something else. Can't remember) and Pueblo Viejo (delicious Mexican tacos). Cannot go wrong with either one! They always have a great tab list for craft beer which is great. My only complaint is that it isn't posted anywhere. So you constantly have to ask the bartenders questions, most of whom want nothing to do with anyone. The service isn't the worst or the best. I will continue to frequent this place for sure! read more

This is a great little bar on the east side. I like the interior of the bar - dimly lit but not dark, kind of like a home with lamps on the tables. The bar is small but good for socializing. The draft beer selection is decent with 10 or so on tap. The bartenders are very nice and the bar is dog friendly. My dog loves it. There is a patio outside that is good for hanging out, and it's covered to protect you from the rain. There is a pool table inside and a cool pac-man / Galaga game from the 80's, one of the few left in existence. There are 3 dart boards even though I'm not interested in darts, really. There are 2 food trailers outside - East Side King and some other one that serves other interesting food. I recommend it! to sum it up: 1. nice bartenders 2. dog friendly 3. covered patio 4. decent beer selection 5. far away from douchey dirty 6th people. read more

Nothing special here, just another dive bar with mediocre prices and service. The best thing about the place is the dartboards in the back. They do charge 1$ per game of pool so if youre a pool player, make sure to bring that roll of quarters. The beer is nice and cold and they have a decent selection. The place could be a little more upbeat and cleaner, but none the less, you cant go wrong with this place. read more

The Grackle - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Service can be slow but they have the full range of pappy Van Winkle and a great happy hour. The whiskey selection is surprisingly impressive and I've been here twice in a week read more

For a night of cheap time travel, look no further than The Grackle. An Autotune-free mixtape finely crafted of jazz and soul sets the mood. A single television screen behind the bar plays classic films. A cigarette vending machine recalls the late 80s or Waffle House in the late 90s. Friendly bartenders work quickly and attentively; a throwback to a time before eye rolling became an acceptable response to a drink request on East Sixth Street. When it comes to enjoying my favorite Lone Star, there is no better time capsule than The Grackle. read more

Refused service bc the way I walked in, when I asked the bouncer to explain he just said "the bartender won't want to serve you." I made him clarify it was bc the way I walked, he said yes. I have not had a drink all day, so it's not bc im "stumbling drunk", I can only conclude it was because I am gay. Mind you, the bouncer couldn't keep his eyes open he was too fucked up on generic pills. read more

I dig this place and feel it has set the standard for bars on the eastside. Things you must now have to own a bar in 78702: *beards *fancy mixed drinks *food trailer in the parking lot I agree with the fact that people will say this is part lounge and part bar. I think it's completely appropriate to bring a date here, but you can just as easily pony up with a big group of co-workers and sit inside or outside. Great choices in beer on draft and the nicest owners in town make this bar a bar I wish I went to more. I heard the jukebox is killer too. read more

Incredibly divey, but not in a good way. Didn't seem clean, people weren't friendly, no music playing...gave me sketchy vibes.

I wouldn't call the Grackle a sports bar but it met our need that day! Spent the afternoon on the patio watching the Pats in the playoffs. Decent beer, TV, sunshine, some company (maybe 6-8 others)...not bad at all. Especially since we could snag tasty trailer food! (Note ESK is closed Sundays) Inside is pretty dark, I can't say it was very welcoming, but it was a Sunday afternoon and empty, so...The bathroom was a bit frightening, but I didn't have high expectations anyway. Bartender was friendly, but had one (or ten) too many and had to be escorted out mid game. It was an amusing distraction from the game. I would like to go back when this place is in full swing, no bar looks great at 2pm on a Sunday. read more

I no longer live in Austin, but the last 4 times I've been to Austin, I've gone to The Grackle. Of course I get the bloody mary. It really makes you feel alive. Literally. Before my most recent trip, I had just finished up my last session at Bijou Studio just a stone's throw away. I had a green smoothie that morning, but that's all I had consumed all day. I just forgot to eat. Anyway, I lost a lot of blood and I was really out of it. I was bandaged up and I knew instantly I wanted a Bloody Mary. My hair was matted from laying down for the past couple of hours, I'm pretty sure my lipstick was smudged, and I proceeded to walk down the sidewalk with dried blood on my leg. I dug around my purse until I found a Luna bar. I was definitely one of East Austin's most upstanding citizens at that moment. I go inside. I know how good the Bloody Marys are. You don't have to convince me. I wanted whiskey too, though. That's my thing. So I told the bartender: "hey I already know this is weird, but I'm just gonna say it. I want a Bloody Mary, but can you make it with whiskey?" "Where did you hear about that from?" "I don't know, I just want it." "Sounds good. You want salt?" "Yes." "Alright, let me know how it tastes." And it was fucking good. I loved it. I'm glad he didn't think it was so weird that he wouldn't make it. I dragged my delirious ass out to the benches, opened my Luna bar, and sat in the Austin sun and drank my delicious drink, my semi decent meal, and waited for a friend to meet up with me. I soon felt like I was back to my old normal self. I've always had (regular) Bloody Marys everytime I come here. They don't have as many garnishes as I'd like, but I absolutely love them. They're second only to Showdown in San Marcos (in my humble opinion). I spent a really lovely New Year's afternoon here as well. My friend completely geeked out with the jukebox and played a million songs. I had a beer on tap (I forgot the name, but it was similar to Blue Moon), and I kept sneaking drinks from his whiskey. The bar was dark, and even though there were plenty of people inside, it felt cozy and intimate. So, The Grackle is probably my favorite east side bar. I love it. Next time I get a tattoo, I'll eat something. But I'm gonna come back here and get a BM afterward. read more

Cheap beer, awesome food trucks out front, chill vibe, dog friendly. It's divey in the good way. There's nothing to dislike about this place. Unless you don't like those things, and then, by all means, don't crowd my favorite spot. There's a pool table inside, a sweet porch and picnic tables outside. It's one of the better spots on east sixth. read more

Ambiance: Chill as hell. Might be because we were here at 11:30 AM on a Sunday...pretty quiet, nice mix of music, and a couple TVs in the outside area. Drinks: Free water like most places, if you are feeling ill from the night before. And a pretty good Bloody Mary if you are feeling ill from the night before. Honestly, that's why this place is getting its stars. 99% of the time I ask for a bottle of hot sauce but this guy looked like he knew what he was doing, so, I gave him the benefit of the doubt...First sip, Felt the heat and was instantly blown away...What, there's Guinness in this?? SOLD! Seriously, this was one of the best I've ever had. Besides this, they had a pretty good selection of beer. Cool place without being pretentious. read more

HORRIBLE service right now. Rude terrible unprofessional bartender who ever is working this shift who got Pissed at paying customers because he poured the wrong beer and now doesn't want to serve anymore. Really? Get a life. read more

It's hard to separate the Grackle from Taco Selene in my mind, but I will try. The grackle is the kind of bar you go to when what you want to do is sit on your friend's porch and have a beer, but said porch doesn't offer enough traffic for good people watching. It's very, very chill, and I enjoyed switching my brain off for a very low-key time, drinking a so-so white wine and eating delicious, delicious pork from Selene. As mentioned, the wine was only average, but it was white (I'm a red drinker), and someone else picked it for me. This is more of a beer drinking joint anyway, and if I were cooler, I wouldn't have even noticed that wine was on the menu. I say you should try this place out when hungover, tired, or just in a very laid-back mood. read more

Dive bar with the Arlo's food truck parked in the outdoor seating area. Drinks are cheap, but service is a bit on the sluggish side. Sticky floors. read more

Whiskey, beer, and divey-ness. Not much more to it than that. I'm a vodka drinker and there wasn't much of a choice in that department but the bartender, Heather, introduced me to the local stuff called dripping springs. Mixed it with a really delicious ginger beer I wish I could remember the name of. Also had my first Topo Chico here which is a bottled sparkling mineral water from Mexico. What can I say? It's the little things in life like bubbly water that excite me folks. We loved that Heather played Always Sunny in Philadelphia on the tube and the jukebox had some pretty choice music. This is definitely a locals spot. Pool tables, darts, outdoor seating. Food truck in the parking lot serving up something or other. Bathroom was gnarly tho. But yea that's to be expected in a joint like this I guess. read more

Cheap drinks and service was good. We were the only ones in there. They only have one vodka which is Dripping Springs. I found out that I don't do well with that vodka since I had it there. Not their fault. read more

I'm only giving the Grackle 3 stars simply because my experience there was limited. However, i can say the prices are affordable, and the bartenders make the drinks strong. If you're a music fan, they have a "punk rock happy hour" on Friday afternoons which I very much enjoyed. If you're hungry there are 2 food trailers in the lot next to the patio. read more

I know that a lot of people harp on this place, but I've always liked the darkness and the drinks. The bartenders can be rude from time to time, but I've seen them be aggressive or anything. Perhaps my favorite aspect (in addition to the East Side Kings trailer) is the Twin Peaks soundtrack on the jukebox. They get an extra star for admiring David Lynch! read more

This is my bar. There are many like it but this one is mine. The bartenders know their drinks and have the best damn Bloody Mary in the city. That is all. Uh-oh. Yelp is prompting me to write more. Seriously yelp, not going to post my review without "deets"? "Put some mustard on that review"? Who writes the crap material at yelp? Guy Fieri? read more

The Grackle - Beer on patio on table. - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Good luck getting service unless you're a regular. The only nice person was the Door Man. The bartender yelled at my friend when he couldn't get the machine to charge her card. Austin used to be a place where you could wander and check places out, but they make you feel bad for being new there. Forget what the front sign says. If you're not a dude covered in spikes or tattoos, you're not getting served. As a woman, totally didn't feel welcome here. read more

Great bar to check out when you are doing bar hopping on the East Side. I would have to say that I prefer Whislers or Zilker Brewery in that immediate area but the Grackle does have a nice front patio and the prices are great. read more

When visiting E 6th in Austin, I make it a point to stop by The Grackle along with White Horse and Violet Crown and a few other places. It had always been a nice, relaxed place with an easy-going crowd. Maybe you can blame it on SXSW being in town, but that was not my experience when I was visiting earlier this month. Maybe the bartender was having an off day, but service was incredibly slow and surly at that. One of my friends even joked that he was going to go to a nearby establishment and come back. I know some people think that's part of the atmosphere of a dive bar, but I personally disagree. In a town with so many really different restaurants and establishments, I'm not sure if I'll return. read more

This is a super cool place, the place is awesome the company was fantastic the space and layout is open so you don't feel cramped, and they have the benefit of having Arlo's which might me the best food/vegan food we had in Austin.... this place is out of the way of 6th but worth veering off the tourist beaten path read more

Are.you.serious? I came here for happy hour after my long week of determining eligibility for healthcare for low income individuals in travis county. I'm just hangingout, playing their mrs. Pacman, and I die "agh, no!" I exclaim. The bartender shouts out: "INSIDE VOICES!" I was like ok sorry....then I died, cause honestly, I'm not the greatest at pacman. "Ahhh no! Omg....sorry!" Then he proceeded to tell me to shut up...are you serious? I was like.... "ok no tip..." he 's like "ok get off the pacman then." Then proceeded to tell me that (and I quote) "COME BACK WHEN YOU GROW UP." Uhmm....what? I'm a young professional who busts my butt all day to help people...and I need to grow up? Lmao...get a grip. read more

This place sucks number one. Number two, went to have a drink on 4th of July, it was not busy, and the bartender completely ignored us and overlooked us and never acknowledged or took our order. They were all too cool, too wanna be East side, hipster, pretentious for us normal patrons that must not have fit their ideal customer. Grackle is a fake, pretentious, unfriendly place. I've been before and had a nice time which is why I went back. What a huge disappointment, I'll spread the word to steer clear unless you want to feel ignored and unwelcome. That's really a shame bc I support local. I'm an indie Film Producer and love to share my local haunts with Austin visitors. Too bad Grackle is off the list. read more

My friends and I sat in an outdoor cage and drank beer. Smoke on the right from all the smokers and smoke from the left from the food trailer. We were hot and the beer was good but just not cold enough. The street was noisy. Grumble grumble. Bartender was great. read more

This place was okay. Bartender made some good drinks and was friendly. Door guy also friendly. Heard the bloody marys were good, but no reason they should cost $10! That was a steep surprise. It was a normal sized drink with nothing fancy about it..most places charge $5 or less..wont order that again if we come back ever read more

I returned to the home of (so far) the Best Bloody Mary in Austin, last night as we were winding down Errol M's "Guided Tour of East 6th Street" Again, I had a bloody mary, and had some classic moments with my fellow Yelpers. I do love this place--sitting in the outside cage (now I know why the caged bird sings--he was having an amazing bloody mary!). Last night seemed to be Steely Dan night on the jukebox. We heard just about every song they recorded--to my delight, and Sarah P's chagrin. I knew there were two food trucks in the parking lot, but never gave them much though until last night. One is another ESK truck (love those guys!) and the other is a kinda rocket ship theme, called Go Bites. The Baby Cakes from Go Bites were amazing! Like potato pancakes. Just YUMMY! I also had a bite of their BLAT (BLT with avacado) in a wrap. Yummy, but messy. Pehaps the highlight of this visit, was a Yelper-who-will-go-unnamed spitting a bloody mary olive in my face! So random, and so hysterical! That was the cherry on top (or olive, if you will). Too funny! (Please keep in mind, the randomness and spontaneity of it was the funny part. Don't try and get on my humorous side by spitting olives in my face. That ship has sailed.) Another great night at a great bar! read more

Based on an initial exposure to the Grackle at 7ish on a May Saturday evening, I beg to differ with the overall consensus. Inside, it's as dark as a cavern. And empty. The outdoor seating is clearly the attraction, but the patrons here are anything but diverse. Heavily skewed toward terminally hip twenty-something white folk, the kind who would take great offense at my pointing this out. But the least attractive aspect is the hostile service behind the bar. Maybe they hire here based on the length of the mustache? It's baffling to me. read more

Whisky is crazy overpriced. A scotch that costs 10 dollars else where cost 22!