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The Mean Eyed Cat

4.2 (345 reviews)
Closed 11:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
Updated over 3 months ago

The Mean Eyed Cat Photos

Business Info

THE MEAN EYED CAT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Divey
Casual
Moderate noise
Live music

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Recommended Reviews - The Mean Eyed Cat

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Reviews With Photos

Mia R.

Stopped by The Mean Eyed Cat during a pub trolley tour. This was our first stop and we were the first ones there (only ones there) and I think it might have opened just for the tour, to be honest. It was a pretty typical dive bar but was a Johnny Cash tribute with cool memorabilia spread throughout. A different experience coming in the day time but was pretty cool to have the place to ourselves. We used our limited time to walk around, check out the area with a pool table and spent a bit of time outside. We were in town for a bachelorette on this tour so I also bought a round of shots (espresso martini shots I believe) to help us kick start the day. Overall, a cool spot, especially if you're into Johnny Cash.

Michael M.

Solid happy hour specials here. Great food and drink options between $4-$8. Spacious venue with two floors and an outdoor patio. Tons of TVs for sports fans. I personally recommend the deviled eggs, stuffed avocado and poblano pork tacos.

This place filled fast. Lots of friendly regulars and interesting characters.
Mark D.

The Mean Eyed Cat is one of those places that just gets it right. The bartenders are genuinely friendly and make you feel welcome the moment you walk in. The drink selection is solid, whether you want a simple beer or something stronger. The Johnny Cash theme is done perfectly, not cheesy, just cool and authentic. It has that laid-back Austin vibe where you can actually relax, talk, and enjoy your drink. Easy place to love and even easier to come back to.

A restroom, DUH
Becky L.

This is your typical DIVE BAR!!!! and I LOVE IT Nothing fancy, even the bathrooms are named Johnny & June as a salute to Johnny Cash ~ featuring lots & lots of Cash memorabilia. Lots of TV 's for sports, plenty of seating and don't forget CHARM the bartenders are sudo friendly but pour a good drink . Back in the pool room food is available on the weekends, and the server is as pleasant as can be Be sure to stop by on a nice day, order y put t drink and have a seat out front on the patio and just ENJOY

Scott T.

Mean Eyed Cat is pure Austin charm... Think of a Johnny Cash-themed dive bar with strong drinks, and rustic vibes. The backyard patio feels like a laid-back hangout, perfect for good conversation and easygoing fun. Admire all the photos and enjoy a cold pour! Great bartenders!

Suliman S.

This is my regular dive bar in west and gives me exactly the ambience that I like to hang out in: cigarettes, rock/country music, cheap beer, and a pool table in the back. Usually you can catch me on a weekday night relaxing from work. I've always felt welcome and relaxed. Been coming here for about 7 years now and will probably always come here. I love the tree in the middle of the patio.

Hazy IPA on the table while hanging out on the couch
Steffie S.

I LOVE dive bars, and decided to give this one a try. I cannot tell you how many times I've driven by The Mean Eyed Cat, and thought, "I gotta try that out sometime". Or, "where's the parking?". Well, folks, there's TONS of free parking in a garage right behind it! This place is Johnny Cash themed, and who doesn't love the Man in Black. The interior is classic dive bar- lots of memorabilia on the rough wood walls. The music is loud for conversation, but there is a patio where it might be quieter (I didn't go out there). There are comfy couches to hang out on if you opt to stay in and speak a little louder with your friends/date/coworkers. I enjoyed it, and would definitely go back. Check it out, and let me know if you dig it too. Cheers!

Menu
Erin T.

Such a cool, unique bar! My friends and I came across this place after getting dropped off during the Pub Crawler. I got the "Drink Named Sue" which was a cocktail including Stoli cucumber vodka, lime juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, soda & a tajin rim. It was one of the best cocktails I've ever had. Great service. Bartenders were friendly. Highly recommend!

Suzanne H.

This is a must visit in Austin for the atmosphere and photos! I saw a photo of this place on a ceramic drink coaster in a shop near the capital building. While in the store I went on Yelp and it looked like a place we needed to visit. Headed over there and had some drinks from the bar but got queso dip and chips and brisket from the place inside but considered "next door" Worth a stop and a drink!

Drinks
Carrie M.

This dive bar has fun historical decor and good vibes. The crowd is more millennial. My friends and I had a good time chatting here as the music wasn't too loud, and we claimed a small table. It was cold when I went, so everyone was inside, but they have a patio area with really nice lights. They have a small parking lot, but it was full when I went. I found free street parking nearby.

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2 months ago

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Peter S.

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3 months ago

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Peter S.

Thanks for the review Angela! Hope to see you back soon!

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Peter S.

Thank you for the kind review! We hope to see you back soon!

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Peter S.

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2 years ago

Great pours!! Great service !! And I LOVE LOVE LOVE the vibe and atmosphere!! Looking forward to going back!

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10 months ago

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Peter S.

The best compliment we could ask for. Thanks for coming by Ash!

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Ask the Community - The Mean Eyed Cat

Are kids allowed at all or before a certain time?

Per web site - A 21 AND UP ESTABLISHMENT

Are kids allowed?

Yes, before 7pm

Review Highlights - The Mean Eyed Cat

This bar is named after a Johnny Cash song, and Johnny Cash is everywhere you look!

Mentioned in 73 reviews

Read more highlights

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Dirty Bill's - Cold beer and Dirty Bills Hat!

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Nickel City - Frozen Irish Coffee

Frozen Irish Coffee

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Elephant Room - We had a very enjoyable jazz-filled evening at Elephant Room.   IG: @coreyd123

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Elephant Room - Stage

Stage

Elephant Room - Looking out from stage left. IG: CoreyD123

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Lala’s Little Nugget - Four roses neat

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The Mean Eyed Cat - divebars - Updated May 2026

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