I was in Austin for a couple of days. I just wanted a cold beer and a fun, relaxed place. The Iron Bear was that place. It looks like the type of bar I would regularly visit if I lived in Austin. The bartender was great. This bar is worth the visit. read more

This is probably the most laid back gay bar in Austin. I really enjoy going here and they have many themed nights throughout the month. They are also open at lunch and they have a nice menu that you can order off of until 10:30pm. The drinks here are served in large glasses which is not typical of the other bars in the area. Saturday's are definitely for dancing but they have plenty of areas to hang out, people watch, and even bar games to play. There are also other events here like trivia, poker nights, country nights, underwear nights, and karaoke. The crowd here is diverse, all body types, and different age groups are represented here. If you want something more chill but also like having a night out this place can satisfy both. read more

The food was so good we ate here twice! Best burger I've had in ages and great bartenders

The full menu has lots of great options. But if you're asking me, I'll give you Two words: spicy bear. . Enjoy! read more

See all

Spectacular! Friendly and fun LGBTQ bar with lots of entertainment options, drink options, great beer pours, and good bar food. Everyone is welcome. A safe haven. A place of love. As it should be. read more

See all

So sad. Bar was packed and only 1 bartender behind the large bar after 5 p.m. We waited over 20 minutes at the bar to get a drink. The bar tender was exhausted and stressed out. Apparently the bar owners hadn't shown up at the bar in several months. $7.50 for a beer and the poor service doesn't work for me. I won't be back. read more

This b(e)ar f u c * s !!! Super hot staff and karaoke is the fuzz, love to have my pitchers here ;)

I literally love this place. If you are in the area or debating on whether to come or not, GO! Josh the bartender was awesome and made the place feel so welcoming. I love Josh!!! read more

On paper I was spending all my money at the bar this weekend but the customer service and staff attitude is spectacularly bad. I'm sure they won't care one bit about it too. I had been seen as waiting by one member of staff who was free, but walked over to chat and laugh with two others for a few minutes. I walked up to them and asked politely for a beer and the guy said "what?"like that was beneath him. So he didn't serve me but whispered something obviously sarcastic about me to the one person they were making serve everyone as they both smirked. They seemed to have about six staff walking round not doing much and ten or so customers at 7pm this Wednesday. At least they seemed to be staff as they were gong behind the bar. This ratio should offer some customer service or at least the promise that you will eventually get served. read more

It might be a bear bar, but doggone these folks make a good burger at a reasonable price. The menu isn't skimpy on choices either. Give it a try. read more

Updated review 4/14/21 I live nearby and this has become a regular goto for meals. This place is a value. The menus was updated and there's so many good options: burgers, hotdogs and corn dogs, salads just some of my favorites. It's easy to strike a conversation w staff and patrons or be left alone. There's various scheduled activities after sunset. I really enjoy the Bear-e-okie and super Mario kart competition that follows. read more

The Iron Bear - Beer at a Iron Bear. - Dance Clubs Near Me - Austin, Texas

Went as a woman and had the time of my life. Truly loved the staff and the environment. I couldn't recommend anything more

Bartender working on Friday August 8th and noon might have been the worst dude in the hospitality industry. No greeting, no refills, and when we asked what was more popular burger or the chicken sandwich - he said it's red meat or chicken , pick one. Like dude - we all have bad days but come on. read more

Was here for the first time. 12/31/2023. Had the Bear Burger with Sweet Potato fries. Both were very delicious!! Burger was a thick meat between two toasty buns! My Favorite. Can never go wrong with that!! Will definitely be back for New Year 2024 this evening! Thanks Iron Bear! read more

The Iron Bear - Bear Burger: Thick Meat between two toasty buns. With crispy Sweet Potato fries. How Perfect!! - Dance Clubs Near Me - Austin, Texas

I'm giving the food so far a 10/10z I got the chicken BLT and it didn't disappoint. It tasted very good and the waffle fries were super crispy and delicious. I'll be back to try other items. I don't think you'll be disappointed in the BLTs. read more

A very welcoming gay bar with a large selection of draft beers and strong mixed drinks. They have a bunch of TVs, usually with the major sports games on (...you can ask them to put on a game, if it's not on already). And the food menu is really tasty and filling, especially for a place that is primarily a bar. Big Daddy: Perfect if you come with a big appetite. Two huge smash burger patties. The edges that were directly on top of each other were quite crispy. Lots of cheese, with a spicy kick. Some crunchy bacon slices. And a good dose of jalapeño peppers. It had a respectable amount of heat. Not insurmountable, but makes you eat this a tad slower and really appreciate the flavors. Potato Dippers: I really enjoyed these! A fun departure from fries. Kinda like little potato skins, though not everyone disc had skin it. Lots more surface area than a regular fry, so a good amount of crispiness. But still a good soft layer of potato filing inside. read more

See all

Kyle was such a fantastic bartender. I know I'm not the typical demographic, but I felt so seen and safe! This is the best place for after Moody concerts / an evening on the town. Really great company, and always really great service! Can't wait to go back next weekend! read more

Bartender was incredibly rude! Was excited to come in for wings but he acted like we were bothering him. Ordered a beer and left. He never bothered asking if we wanted anything So disappointed. read more

My husband and I stopped in here for a drink before attending a show next door. The bouncer was not as friendly to me when I walked in. So I don't know. We ordered a drink from the bar and the bartender was nice and helpful when we asked about a location. Overall a cool vibe and an even interesting one after we walked by it after the show from next door. read more

Cool gay bar, they have wings, sandwiches, hot dogs..... Bartender Robert very cool. Great drinks.outside seating also read more

The Iron Bear - Menu - Dance Clubs Near Me - Austin, Texas

I always love exploring lesbian and gay friendly places. The Iron Bear is a straight up gay bar. The bar tender/server was this adorable and friendly "Bear" who was very attentive. I also learned that during 1 Sunday a month, they have a drag brunch and the brunch menu changes each week. I am not into drag shows personally but I into brunch. I am curious about *maybe* trying their brunch sometime. This first time though, I stopped in for lunch. It wasnt busy at all because I'm sure it's popular more at night. I got the twink burger which is the veggie burger. I found nothing very special about the food. It was really average. Maybe the actual burgers with beef are good but I'll never be able to speak to that. The waffle fries were alright. I think this place probably does better as a bar and maybe a place to hang out to listen to music but I wouldn't recommend it for lunch. read more

Alrighty... So they moved. Which means: They have a smaller smoking area, but it is covered. They have a kitchen, which is pretty damned good. (Fat guys? Good at cooking? WHO COULD HAVE GUESSED?) The place is more wheelchair accessible, as it's just one floor. It's a bit smaller feeling though, and I've not really been during a main night (Plague on and I have a man at home) read more

my friend and i did not look the appropriate clientele. Purchased one well vodka shot and one vodka tonic. Charged $23. On a Sunday. Do not come here unless you want to be hurt not in a good way. read more

The Iron Bear is my favorite place to unwind in Austin proper. It checks all my boxes: it's always comfortable inside (especially on those 100+ degree days), with a laid-back atmosphere and cold beer. Chops (the "GM") and the rest of the bar staff is friendly and attentive, they remember my drink orders and the pours are generous. The food, while not haute cuisine, is solid pub quality; I like the otter bites (breaded and fried cheesy potato and pepper nuggets) and you can't miss with one of their hamburger selections. The crowd is usually entertaining and it gets busy on Country Nights and other events. And although this is a gay bar, everyone is made to feel welcome. This is a mandatory stop on your Austin bar crawl. Highly recommended. read more

Let me set the scene: The weather was so disrespectful outside my cakes already had icing on them... I pulled open the big ass door to the Iron Bear and headed straight for the bar. I got a really nice drink, from a really nice bartender, with a really nice beard. I should eat before I drink but I'm not responsible enough to make those kinda decisions... I make it around the bar and smile at a few dudes who smiled back, I finish my cocktail and my tummy is telling me I need to eat. I walk back to nice beard and ask "y'all got a burger?" and he says "I got you," and hands me a number and a cocktail. What comes to me is a burger that's double stacked, double meat, with waffle fries. I'm thinkin I'm hot shit with dudes lookin over... not checkin me out, checkin out the burger! So here I am tryna hit on this dude while shoving more than half a lb of meat in my face like that one video you watched last week, and I'm actin like a whole gordito thinking I'll never find a man! I was oh so wrong. I ended up spending the evening with a classy man who laughed and joked with me and we have a date set for next week. Best. Night. Ever. read more

One of the best burger's I've ever tried I don't know what to say lol. Waffle fries were perfect and everything was on point

Josh the sad clown was the best!! I came during busy time during the Halloween costume contest & he made a point to make sure we were taken care of!! Hard to find good service downtown these days !! read more

Was at a conference in Austin. Took my daughter, nephew, and husband here for dinner. This was one of the best hamburgers and French fries I have ever eaten. Staff was super friendly and the drinks were strong. Very welcoming to all populations. Will be back. read more

The food here is seriously amazing me and my hubby had the chili cheese burger baskets with waffle fries and the waffles fries were better then chick Fila and the chili could compete in a chili cook off this food was 10/10 will definitely be back once a week to get the same meal all over again! And the bartender with the beard was very friendly LOVE THIS PLACE!!! read more

Josh our bartender is AMAZING!!! We came in yesterday, on a girls trip from FTW - the vibes and energy that we immediately felt from him/gave to us changed the trajectory of our night for the better. He welcomed us, danced with us and even took pictures with us! He's so sweet, we're actually coming back a second time just for him. He is an absolute treasure and necessity to this business. Thank you Iron Bear and Josh! read more

Parking is terrible to find on the street. Found a parking garage behind the bar but it was ridiculously priced even on a holiday (3 bucks every 20 min). Bar itself was alright. Not overly friendly staff. Drinks and food were on the pricey side. read more

The Iron Bear is in my opinion, THE best bar in Austin. The staff seems to always be upbeat and personable. The DJ plays good music! The door guy is welcoming and nice. In my opinion, what would make The Iron Bear a five star rating: If it had less lighting throughout the bar, especially from the end of front bar and Dance floor areas! The vibe is amazing; except for, too much light for a leather bear type bar. Thanks for being a great Austin bar for leather bears to feel welcome. read more

The Iron Bear - Us leather loving bears enjoy The Iron Bear. It is THE best bar in Austin! - Dance Clubs Near Me - Austin, Texas

Great little gay restaurant and bar. The menu is nothing fancy, but it's done well which is what matters to me.

Josh and kyle have went above and beyond. I thought they were efficient and got every order right. Kindness is hard to find especially in "our" Community - this is a safe environment read more

Karaoke is fun and the beer is cheap. Nothing more or less. Dive bar, friendly ppl. ...

Thank you Iron Bear for opening up early on Saturday after the Women's march on Austin. We are very grateful that Joel H. contacted you. The barkeep was very patient with us all. I really wanted to try a frozen crown and coke but that may have been a brain freeze for me. You are in a great location and everyone at the bar that was there was so fun to chat with. I'll see ya again on Karaoke night. read more

See all

Our go to place when in town .Love the energy and the people.lots of theme parties on Weekends..always have a great time ...but you all need different DJs ..dj Todd spins great ..but the little short one dj doesn't do a very good job ..food is great as well ... read more

This place is awesome very friendly staff. Its not much but I met the nicest people here. It was onesie night which i didn't get the memo bc im from out of state but the bouncer still let me in. First gay bar in my life and it was definitely a ten out of 10 read more

My go-to spot to get away from my wife and enjoy time with my boyz. This place is inviting and welcoming. Great dancing!

Everyone working here is extremely rude and inhospitable. Do not go here. It's made up of bad drinks, a shitty atmosphere, mediocre food, and an unacceptable attitude. Save yourself. read more