Drinks: 5/5 Grackle has killer cocktails at a reasonable price. Service: 5/5 While they don't have as many bartenders as other bars, the service here is stellar. Environment: 5/5 Dark and comfortable indoor seating. I could hang out here all day! read more

The Grackle, a strange southwestern bird. This place is appropriately named. With an aesthetic that can only be described as "the basement of that one person you knew in high school (that really likes pop punk) who's dad has a lot of whiskey." This place has dart boards, a pool table, unfinished floors, and a famous poster of Paris Hilton in a car (for some reason?) They feature TONS of whiskey offerings to the point where it's almost debilitating. Some of their prices are well below the average while others are very inflated and almost insulting for a dive bar. Even the bartender started rattling off prices the second that I asked about things I didn't recognize (which says something as I'm an avid whiskey collector). It felt like this place is self aware enough to know that they're merging 2 different concepts into one and have been burned by angry guests before. I would say to check this one out, but to only stick to the value pricing unless you REALLY want to drop a few hundred dollars while sitting in uncomfortable booths with a mancave aesthetic. read more

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

Not happy to be in service industry No coke No Roy Rogers Handlebar stache Hot inside Lots of foam read more

The Grackle - Floor - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

All the 3-star, 2-star and 1-star reviews made me want to go there! Even more. I mean, I've been before, but like go tonight! Again! Forever! To Each His Own. Some of us like to sit at a bar, NOT make small talk with the owner, get served up professionally and just chill. The outdoor patio is great for my smoking friends and it's covered against rain and the hot ass Texas sun. Pool is cool, bathrooms are decent. What else do you want? Also, I heard they have a rotation of pretty sick DJs that come through. I plan on going this week! read more

Interesting that they have a huge sign outside that states "no hate." Yet we walked inside and were rudely told the establishment wasn't open. Someone was sitting at the bar, the gate was unlocked, and there were no posted hours. A simple/polite hello and we are closed would have been OK. The level of rudeness and extreme racist tone were completely unnecessary. Went across the street to Zilker Brewery/ Spicy Boys and what a difference. Good environment, good music and food. read more

Funny how y'all say on your door you say no to "general hatefulness" when the owner served me and was so rude to me that he made me cry

Definitely a dive bar, but it was cool. Bartenders seemed like it was a tragedy to answer a couple of questions. I realize we're tourist and they probably deal with it a lot, but I mean, you're in the people business and this is coming from former 10+ year bartenders. They did have the best bourbon selection and drinks were good. read more

Walked out of the brewery across the street and saw a sign that said "whiskey, whiskey, beer, whiskey" and I said shew buddy they could've just wrote my name out there would've saved money on the sign. Walk inside and see the whiskey/bourbon selection and I felt like when Indiana Jones found the arc. After I cleared my tears of happiness I met the bartender and he gave me the rundown and cool crowd. Great prices for what you get. Spicy fried chicken food truck across the street read more

Chill dive bar with great music, friendly staff, and lots of fun during a power outage.

Nothing particularly wrong with The Grackle, it's just not my kind of bar. Good food truck out front and a decent selection of whiskeys along with a pool table or two. But it was empty when we went in, and I think we were there on a weekend. It just seemed a tad on the depressing side. I'm sure I'll end up back here sooner or later and can give them a second chance to see if I can change my tune. read more

Great whiskey selection. Cheap drinks. Free darts. Three cork dartboards. Three cork dartboards. Three cork dartboards. Cricket boards and chalk. This establishment in Austin, Texas has cork dartboards and provides steel-tipped darts for you to throw at the dartboards. read more

I've been here three times... and three times I've declined to review it. I think it's time to bite the proverbial bullet and call it an A Ok bar. There is something about this place that I just can't get into. Prices are fine, they've got an outside area and having East Side King & Taco Selene isn't hurting any but I almost die of boredom each time I'm there. The bartenders are nice if uninterested. The patio is smoky with only the hope of a breeze to help... and that breeze usually smells of a fryer. The hipster element is moderate to high. But it's just missing something -- that special "thing" that will make it a destination location instead one of any bar you can pop into. It's relatively non offensive but frankly I think it's probably more economical and more stimulating to indulge in a drink in the comfort of your home. read more

As you drive down E. 6th and turn on Chalmers, you come upon a caged animal. This animal has green "feathers", and a heart made of a billiards table. His two lungs are full of darts, but he breathes on. Seven or eight taps, and plenty of bottles, keep his blood happily replaced by alcohol. There is much darkness inside him, but the glow of televisions inside his eyes will make you feel safe, warm and familiar. Outside of his cage sit two food stands: One is Japanese, the other is Tex-Mex. The poor grackle cannot access this food, but you can, you lucky human. Say what?! Okay, enough literary garbage. Look, this place is dark inside, like most dive bars. Don't worry about being able to see the pool table and dart boards, though; they've got lights for those. And Grackle is a pretty small bar; it's actually more of a wren. Was very happy to get a Lone Star tall boy for two bucks. As much as I hate drinking beer from a can (because it tastes aluminum-in-y), the price was right so I went for it. It does chap my ass a bit that they don't have Lone Star on draft, but I can forgive Randall and Aaron for that. Oh, did I mention that I know the owners? 'Cuz I do. But that hasn't affected my review at all, I promise. I mean, you'll notice the absence of the fifth star (thanks to the absence of draft Lone Star). The patio is quite literally caged, but it's an attractive cage with ample tables and chairs, and a large TV for your viewing pleasure. The shade is nice, as were the people with whom I chatted, both inside and out. They aren't as hipster-y as the folks who overwhelm Randall-owned Rio Rita, thank gawd. Though, you will still see the occasional tight-jeaned, ass-crack showing, "ironic" youngin' who is un-ironically here. I *LOVE* the "21 AND UP ONLY, NO CHILDREN" sign on the way in. 'Cuz let's be honest... When you think of a bar, children are the last things that come to mind (thankfully). I, and many others, go to a bar to escape society's brats for just a little while. I also *LOVE* reading 1-star reviews written by overly-entitled, elitist jackasses who think the rules shouldn't apply to their brats. Congrats to Grackle for pecking their pride and shitting on them. Selene Tacos and East Side King are the trailers that grace the parking lot. If you're expecting the same food at the Grackle East Side King as you find at Liberty Bar's East Side King, you will be sorely disappointed. However, I can safely say the #8 is good. What's the #8, you ask? Don't be a lazy-ass; go look for yourself. Oh, and there's a jukebox, and a high-priced cancer machine inside. And bathrooms. Let's not forget those. With a passion I hate ALL grackles but this one. After all, THIS grackle gives me cheap beer, billiards, and doesn't shit on my car. read more

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Relax, hipsters, relax. Just because one of those West-Siders drives up in an F150 and trips in wearing high heels doesn't mean your uber individualness and super heightened social awareness and superior political views are being challenged. It just means I don't give a damn what I'm wearing and whether or not I fit in wherever I go. Went solo to check out the patio and grab a drink while waiting for friends to reach the downtown area and begin a Saturday of fun and exploration. I've wanted to try Grackle for a while and was pleased overall. Love the darts, the pool table areas inside. I really like the patio and really enjoyed reading some History Channel subtitles while I bided my time. Heard about the Bloody Marys but have yet to try them. They've got so-so beer selection and a full bar, cheap drinks. All in all, in this place I see a casual, off my normal beaten path hangout for a random weeknight of socializing with close friends. read more

The Grackle - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Great bar! I was visiting from California for a bachelor party. An Austin friend highly recommended we check out The Grackle. We did and had a fun time. Darts, friendly staff and patrons, & a wonderful outdoor space. AND I accidentally left my wallet at the bar and the staff reached out to me via Facebook and mailed it back to me! Amazing! Will definitely come back to The Grackle on my next trip. Cheers! read more

My husband and I decided to visit this bar as we love a good dive. We decided to sit outside and listen to music in our headphones and reminisce about our years going out dancing pre-kiddos. The deck smelled of puke and dog shit, which didn't make for the best experience, but they have my favorite beer, so we parked in front of a fan which helped. My husband decided to leave a couple of times to get a break from the smell and use his vape as he walked up and down the block (he wanted to be mindful of other bar-goers that might prefer to not be around the vape). My husband tried to return after his second walk and was told that he was not allowed to enter the bar. The bouncer said that he'd been watching him walking around suspiciously, and that he has the right to deny service to anyone for any reason. The guy's a total asshole and in the process of his power trip, ruined our night out without our 9 and 2 year olds which we get maybe 2-3 times a year. Will not return as long as Jace is working there and strongly suggest you do the same. read more

I'd love to be able to give the grackle a better review. I had a great time here during SXSW and I love the East Side Kings trailer out front ... but honestly the bar itself is just ok. Its nice and divey but the patio doesn't have that much character. You can almost always smell the pork belly roasting on the hibachi grill or food from over at liberty frying.. I don't mind these things. I just wish sometimes it wasnt so drab looking. The beer selection is more than acceptable but nothing spectacular.. as is the liquor selection. I go here more than I should admit to be only giving it a 3 star review and I have had lots of great times but they could do with some work on the decor and environment here. The restrooms are also kinda dirty which is common at hipster establishments such as this and that's not something I can deal with. So I say go here, eat your ESK and then leave.. read more

Place is amazing, love the people here. So chill, great drinks and bartenders are sick.

Don't skip the reviews on this one. Not going to beat a dead horse.Other yelpers have said it best. The one and only positive is they had an umbrella to keep us out of the rain. And if you are hunting for a dark depressing indoor hole to slit your wrists at while listening to your least favorite emo playlist...you've found your gem. Best of luck during the pandemic. read more

A new eastside bar? You're not surprised. Well you SHOULD be! The Grackle is so great. First, it's really cute on the outside. It has a large covered patio, which is wonderful for the smokers and outdoorsy types. The inside has really low, intimate ceilings. Pool tables and darts and a jukebox for your pleasure. With a ton of draft beers, a super friendly bartender, and clean restrooms, you should definitely give it a go. (May I mention that there are 3 lady stalls, instead of 1 like an unnamed bar down the road?) read more

First off the owner was super rude the second I walked in. He had zero knowledge of the menu and ended up suggesting a drink that was awful. When I asked for a different drink and said I would pay the difference he yelled at me and called me petty. I have never been so offended by someone's attitude in my life. There are PLENTY of way better bars surrounding this one. read more

The Grackle - a man sitting at a bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Despite my A-Okay experience on an already buzzed night, I've become progressively more and more disappointed with the customer service and asshole bartender who works there. Rumor has it he has been awarded for his bartending skills. Maybe in opposite land. Major douchebaggery going on here. And it isn't even ironic or adorably hipster. Just plain jerk served right out of a can. One afternoon, my fiancé and I stopped in for a beer to enjoy on our day off one Thursday or Friday. Being relatively educated in the craft beer realm, both inside and outside of Texas beers, he asked with pure curiosity about a Brooklyn or Boulevard on tap. "How's that IPA in your opinion?," He asks. With absolute deadpan, the bartender retorts, "Its shit." The fiancé then asks with surprise, "Oh, really? Huh." Again with deadpan, "Yeah. We only serve shit beer here." .... *crickets* Wait. Was that supposed to be funny? Are we on that level where you can be dry and I'm supposed to take that as a joke? Like, I'm supposed to just know? Ohhhhhkayyyy. But really, with the sas? The boy is an IPA lover and genuinely wanted to know. Hey bartender. The jerk store called. And they're running out of you! Go wipe that mightier than thou off yo'self and remember why someone once named you an accredited bartender. Because that day, I'd certainly want to punch the person who awarded you that prize in the face. Haven't been back since. read more

The Grackle is a laid back, dive bar filled with a variety of people and the amazing East Side Kings trailer in the parking lot. *score!* They have a pretty nice selection in bottle and on tap. It's a great place to meet friends and hang out and, once the weather cools down, it'll be a swell time on the patio, as well. The bar is not too dark, not too bright, the bartender we had was super friendly and funny. Everyone there seemed super friendly and we had a great time. The atmosphere seemed super laid back and totally non-judgmental; everyone's there to have a good time. There's also a TexMex trailer in the parking lot, that we've yet to try... an excuse to go back! read more

Poor service, poor experience. Trying to support small businesses during this time but stay away from this place at all costs.

Grackle, it declares dive-bar from the start. Single bar, single pool table and only a few seats. The bar is stocked and fully. But guess what? The house bourbon is Buffalo Trace. Seriously it's on the rail at the rail price. Drink up! I like the place and really enjoyed my visit but I had to leave to visit all of their neighbors. read more

The Grackle - Name your poison - Dive Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Great whiskey and whiskey cocktail list! It's has a really chill atmosphere for those on East 6th, not usually full of part people.

The beer is pretty cheap and there are food trucks around for food. I sat outside and unless you want to die from Inhaling massive amounts of second hand smoke don't sit there!!! It's DISGUSTING!! They have trivia on Thursday at 8pm read more

I was sat there for a while while my friend was in there bathroom, server walked by multiple times, even had time to to pet a dog and get on her phone, by the time my friend came back she had seen both of us and still did not do anything, she watched us leave. We asked the door guy if they were closing soon or if we were wrong in the open seating (even though he told us it was). I don't know what her problem was but I'm nice so could have at least came by and offered me a water, I'm a paying customer! read more

Im going to keep this short and sweet, because I see many others feel the same and have already noted these issues. My husband and I walked into this "bar" and stood in there for a good 4 minutes. There were maybe 8 customers in there. Only 4 sitting at the bar. Not once did the bartender lady acknowledge us. We simply wanted to order a drink. Super awkward and uncomfortable. I don't think we've ever left a bar so hastily. Do not recommend lol. read more

It's a pity that the bartender tonight couldn't be bothered to be helpful or friendly. Perhaps he was too busy? There were two people seated at the bar including myself... the patio had few guests... a couple were playing darts... Whats this? A girl breezes in followed by her entourage. "He knows what I want!" she boasts. At last! The serving action will commence as the bartender shuffles off his brooding reverie and we'll ALL be deep in our cups! Nay nay! Only those who know this gentleman can immediately get drinks for themselves AND their friends. Sure is nice to have friends in low places and you'd be hard pressed to find lower. So, I left. Ignore me if you're busy but rudeness will not compel me to place my ducats in your buckets... Good bye Grackle, I'm sure Austin will sweep you away soon enough, thrive or die, it's the Austin way. read more

Love the darts and vibe here, i will be a regular now that i moved in the area. the music is PERFECT for the atmosphere. i can legit play darts here all day and never get sick of this place. i tip my hat off to you grackle!! read more

A real true grungy dive bars, no frills about. Some place to come shoot pool, smoke cigs, and drink unpretentious beers. I recommend sitting in the patio area unless you like smelling like second hand stale smoke. Also, kinda confused on why the bartender through glasses into the trash, causing them to shatter. OK place, would most likely come back for a cheap brew. read more

First off, I love it that a bar in Austin would embrace the pesky bird! All-in-all, I'm impressed with The Grackle as a watering hole. The Grackle's pub trivia is done very well. Always a plus. One cautionary note: if you win one of the bonus rounds and receive a drink coupon, it's not actually for any drink. Just for those on the shittier end of the spectrum. read more

The female bartender acted a complete fool last night and has got to go. She was a drunken mess behind the bar (TABC please pop in sometime), was extremely disrespectful to my friends and threw our full drinks (glasses and all) in the trash shattering glass (which flew up in the air) when I finally said something to combat her being extremely rude to us for no reason. People like her give the city a bad name and she has absolutely no business working in the service industry. I hope the owners see this and reach out to me because it was totally uncalled for. As the city continues to grow, places like this will eventually get fazed out. Competition and expectations for excellence in this business will exceed what they can handle if they have people like this working there. She's lucky we weren't undercover TABC because she would've gone straight to jail for drinking like that on the job and their license would've been pulled. I will consider filing a report on this bar. read more

This is a great dive bar on the East Side. We love coming here for the great whiskey selection at reasonable prices. A nice pour while we battle it out on the dart board. It's dark and dingy. Mostly bad music and every now and again there is someone in there spinning records...still not great music...ha! The patio is a great place for day time drinking...as long as the cigarette smoke doesn't bother you too much. read more

This place is awesome, service is great, bartenders are friendly, they follow COVID protocols, for the safety of all of us. Oh by the way, if you plan to come please wear your mask! Mask wearing is enforced, as it should. Kudos to the staff. I will come back, highly recommended. Also food truck food is wonderful! read more

We came by for a birthday celebration for a couple of people. One of them had a bottle of booze in a gift bag. We had been there for about half an hour before someone came up and told us there was no outside booze allowed in the bar. We said, okay it's a gift, no one is drinking it, out car is miles away we took a Lyft. Within 30 seconds the conversation went from, we can't have outside alcohol in the bar, to, literally, "I don't give a fuck get the fuck out". That's literally how the bar guy spoke to us. After a 30 second conversation. I can't even believe that that's how they spoke to us within 30 seconds of saying that you can't have a bottle of booze that's a gift in a bag to get us to leave. Of all the times I've been kicked out of a bar, that was the lamest, most stupid reason ever. If that guy is reading this, you're a fucking douchebag and a fucking idiot. To not even attempt to find a solution to the situation is absolutely pathetic. Put the bag behind the bar. We'll grab it on the way out. Literally go somewhere else for drinks. The guys that run this place are fucking dicks. What a pathetic experience at a bar on a Friday night. read more

7 years later, I stand by my previous assessment. Tim dealt with my shenanigans as the pro that he is and set the tone for a great night. I also really appreciated the opportunity to try a few of the new sours on tap - thank you!! read more

Absolutely rude bouncer, told our group that was going to enter the building to move our vehicle and leave the premises for no reason.