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    The Saxon Pub

    3.8 (236 reviews)
    ModerateMusic Venues, Bars
    Closed 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    The Saxon Pub Photos

    Business Info

    THE SAXON PUB ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Live music
    Loud
    Good for dancing

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    Recommended Reviews - The Saxon Pub

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    Marianne L.

    Saxon Pub is one of my favorite places to watch live music. The listening room is very intimate and the vibe is sooo Austin. The bar staff is friendly and quick with service, even when it's crazy busy. They don't serve food, but there is a food truck out front. My only complaint is the parking is terrible. Get there early!!

    Live music
    Michael M.

    My wife and I went to Saxon Pub for the first time and we definitely enjoyed our experience. We went to see Micah Edwards perform. Although we had not really listened to his music before, my wife saw some great TikTok videos of him performing and it drew us in. First, I'm a huge fan of small, intimate music venues. It's one of those places where there are no bad spots to watch a concert performance. I would recommend getting to the venue early though. There are limited seats so the earlier you arrive, the better your chances are of obtaining a seat. We weren't able to secure a seat, but we still had a great time and enjoyed the view. Secondly, the artist was phenomenal. Micah Edwards exceeded our expectations. We loved his storytelling and he provided details on when and why he wrote each song before performing each track. I felt like he let us into his life as he spoke about his wife, kids, and upbringing. He has an amazing voice and his band was fantastic. I always enjoying listening to live music. Third, my wife and I are taking some time off from drinking alcohol to live healthier lives. I was pleasantly surprised that Saxon Pub had some great non-alcoholic drink options available. I thought I was just going to have to drink soda or water during the show. But there were some great non-alcoholic options from breweries. Lastly, the staff were extremely friendly and responsive. They served you with a smile and danced as the artist played music. Just a great experience overall! After attending this concert, we will definitely return to Saxon Pub to see other shows and we are now fans of Micah Edwards so we plan to listen to more of his music as well.

    AJ B.

    After a late dinner we were lulled into Saxon Pub by the sound a live music! We fell in love with this place. Great drinks and service from the sweet bartender including old fashioned, ginger beer, and an amazing cold cup for water. Prices are fair and the bartender was so attentive! I love when any place has purse hooks, because all purse holders know how much space hooks save, how much safer they are and in general the thought that went into adding them is heart warming. The band was amazing! I can't recall their name but they were performing Christmas music on the news the best day! I love the rustic decor, from the fair lights to the armored suits and the elephant bar sconces. There was a 5$ cover fee but it was worth it! I had a great time and would recommend and return!

    Robynn Shayne giving us a little "What Dolly Would Do"
    Shannon B.

    What can I add to the many glowing reviews already in place for the legendary Saxon Pub, whose motto is "No Bad Days"? If you came to Austin to partake in what makes us the "Live Music Capital of the World," you probably need to see at least one show here. And if you're a local like me who loves music with a bit of twang, some country/blues/rock, more than one guitar, and an enthusiastic audience, you probably already know why Saxon is beloved by so many in this town. Heck, they even have their own documentary on Prime - that's something! The Saxon is a dark, cozy, intimate listening room, with space for only about 150 seats, ages 21+ only, and the door fee's usually around $10 depending on who is playing. Shows tend to be around 90 minutes with a mid-point break, and evenings may include up to 3 or 4 different acts, with the house cleared after each act. Snag a table near the stage, a stool at the bar, or one of those tall cocktail tables over by the wall. When the music starts, hush up! A cocktail waitress will visit periodically to see if you need anything. Otherwise, share a beer (they have 14 on tap, plus a full bar), talk up a storm, watch the big game on the TVs, or attend a private special event. They host everything from weddings to fundraisers to milestone parties to memorial celebrations of life. When you get up to use the restrooms in the back, be sure to take a look at all the years of autographed photos and other memorabilia collected since Saxon opened in 1990. Full drinks and merch menu with prices can be viewed on ToastTab here: https://www.toasttab.com/local/order/the-saxon-pub/r-977be539-9775-4c19-aa2e-ff5fc299bcd1 . Note that "Happy Hour" doesn't mean discounted drinks at Saxon; rather, it's "no door fee," usually from open to 6p. No food is served inside, but there's a decent hotdog & burger truck in the parking lot outside, and some great restaurants are nearby on South Lamar. Speaking of parking, there is hardly any, so take a rideshare if you can. Several of my favorite local artists play Saxon on a regular basis, people like Robynn Shayne, Bob Schneider, Patrice Pike, Charlie Mars, and Cari Hudson, just to name a few. If you subscribe to the Saxon social feeds and newsletter, you'll see that they also often host incredible all-star shows and the occasional touring legend. Live music fans, I hope I've convinced you, the Saxon needs to be on your regular rotation. See you there!

    Karla D.

    Old school music venue/bar that also has a location at the airport. Great sound. Good service. Good prices.

    Drum set.
    Raul Z.

    Our first time here. I was excited about coming here, one, I really wanted to see the band that was playing, two, I've heard about the Saxon Pub. All good things. Parking is very limited, we got lucky and got a spot. I don't know if there are any places to park. The place is pretty small, we had a reserved table at the front, which was cool. Our ticket purchase was just for this one band, if we had to stick around for the other bands, you had to purchase another ticket. Which to me is a bummer. Service is great, the staff are super friendly and polite. They move quickly also. They have a food truck outside, but we ate somewhere else. I really enjoyed the sound here. You can really hear all the band, not just one member. I would definitely come back here.

    Austin's own, Ray Prim
    Shani S.

    The Saxon Pub is more than just a music venue--it's a time capsule of Austin's vibrant history and an integral part of its soul. As someone who has watched the big changes of this city, stepping into the Saxon Pub feels like embarking on a reminiscent journey back to the heart and soul of Old Austin. The moment you walk through the doors, you can almost hear the echoes of legendary musicians who have graced its stage over the years. From blues to rock, country to folk, the Saxon Pub has hosted an incredible array of talented artists who have left an indelible mark on Austin's music scene. It's a testament to the rich musical heritage of this city. The intimate setting of the Saxon Pub creates an unparalleled atmosphere that makes you feel like you're part of something special. Whether you're sitting at the bar or claiming a spot near the stage, you're instantly transported to a place where music takes center stage, and nothing else matters. The close proximity to the performers adds a level of intimacy that is hard to find elsewhere. One of the things I love most about the Saxon Pub is the genuine sense of community it fosters. The regulars and staff create a warm and welcoming environment that makes you feel like you're among friends, even if it's your first visit. Conversations flow easily, and the shared love for music creates an instant bond between strangers. It's a place where you can strike up a conversation with anyone and leave with new friends. The authenticity of the Saxon Pub extends beyond its atmosphere. The drinks are reasonably priced, the service is friendly and efficient, and the sound quality is top-notch. The staff clearly understands the importance of preserving the legacy of this iconic establishment, and they do so with great care and passion. As Austin continues to grow and change, it's comforting to know that the Saxon Pub remains a steadfast pillar of the city's musical heritage. It's a place where the spirit of Austin lives on, where you can still catch incredible live performances, and where you can experience the magic that has drawn people to this city for decades. If you're visiting Austin or have been away for a while, do yourself a favor and make a pilgrimage to the Saxon Pub. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Austin's music history, indulge in great drinks, and connect with fellow music lovers. The Saxon Pub is a living testament to the beauty of Austin's past and a beacon of hope for its future.

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    3 days ago

    The drinks were amazing and cheap! Listened to a blue/rock band called TG Bad and they were really good. Highly recommend both.

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    8 months ago

    Great music and drinks at this longstanding venue on South Lamar. I recommend a visit!

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    Jodie W.

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    3 years ago

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    4 months ago

    Great music, great stage and reasonable drink prices. Friendly service and a good looking food truck out front.

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    2 years ago

    This is an Austin institution. Great bands and music...everyone is nice and welcoming, I enjoy going there for my favorite bands.

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    1 year ago

    One of Austin's finest music venues. If you love live music this the place to be. Saturday nights at the Saxon are always stellar.

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - The Saxon Pub

    Can I bring my 16 and 18 year old kids?

    No, the Saxon is a 21+ venue.

    View All 2 Questions

    Review Highlights - The Saxon Pub

    John Gaar, a gifted musician and his fabulous group of harmonious and talented folks who play every Sunday.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    The Saxon Pub - musicvenues - Updated June 2026

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