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    The Sidewinder

    3.5 (15 reviews)
    ModerateMusic Venues

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    Cassette vending machine at Sidewinder in Austin...now I gotta find a player!
    Joe W.

    Luvin' on this dive bar. Slide in for good times, tunes and a rockin' sound system. Check out the cassette tape vending machine. Couldn't resist.

    Small stage. Perfect vibe.

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    Come for the great bands, stick around and converse with the owner. He's a pretty cool human!

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    Review Highlights - The Sidewinder

    I've seen two shows on the outdoor stage, and they were both fantastic.

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    Elephant Room - Sit in the front so you can really appreciate the vibes.

    Elephant Room

    (598 reviews)

    $$

    Downtown

    First off, for a jazz club in Austin, it has all the ambience. Good conversation, pretty solid…read morecocktails and of course, great music. It is a very lively atmosphere that's accompanied with dim lighting after a long day. I really like how it's never too crowded since they control the amount of patrons allowed. However, service is not great. I hope it's a fluke, but consistency is present on how the waiters and bartenders interact with paying music enjoyers. Could not have begged more to order drinks or get a couple waters to a full table. I suggest tipping the musicians before being met with the lack of friendly service. Or even service for that matter.

    The Elephant Room is one of Austin's most widely known jazz venues. It is located below street…read morelevel on Congress Avenue. If you are claustrophobic, this might not be the best place for you. From the street level, you walk down steps to enter the club. This basement club delivers an authentic jazz experience. The dim lighting, narrow long room, and close seating create an intimate atmosphere. Live jazz musicians are hosted every night of the week, often with multiple sets, featuring a mix of local musicians, rotating house bands, and visiting musicians. Because of the tight space, you are always close to the stage. Tonight's headliner was the Concept Orchestra. Cover tonight was $7. Cocktails range $14-16. The room was pretty tightly packed creating positive vibes.

    Continental Club

    Continental Club

    (412 reviews)

    $$

    SoCo (S. Congress Ave.), 78704 (South Austin)

    A friend asked me was I interested in listening tosome live music tonight. Absolutely! First stop…read morethe Continental Club on S. Congress. This place is an Austin institution and one of the best places in the city to experience live music. This historic venue has been a local hangout for great music since the 1950s. The club was dimly lit with lots of stickers, graffiti, neon signage, paintings and interesting artifacts. While it has been a long time since I have been to the Continental club, it still felt truly Austin and very unpretentious. In the Continental Club you are literally I feet away from the live music. A dog was sleeping on stage, which made the place feel homey. The club is small and intimate, exuding a super personal persona. In addition, the sound quality is excellent for such a small venue. Tonight we listened to Hot Club Cowtown...they sounded folksy and a bit country western yet enjoyable to listen to. Folks were boot scooting, so maybe more country western. Mike the doorman was super personable and helpful. He happily provided the WIFI password and was super engaging. In addition, it is important to note the cover was free until 9 pm. The crowd was a mix bag...locals, tourists, and musicians who love live music. Austin is affectionately known as the "Live Music Capitol of the World". Great music...great time!

    The Continental Club is one of those places that never disappoints. If you love live music and a…read moreclassic Austin vibe, this spot is a must. You can check out who's performing on their website, and tickets are easy to grab through Eventbrite. You can also buy tickets at the door, but it's cash only. Shows fill up fast, so plan ahead. We came to see The Peterson Brothers for an 8pm show, arrived about 15 minutes early, and snagged the last couple of seats. Any later and we would've been standing. The venue gets packed quickly, which just adds to the energy. Street parking only in the area, so give yourself a little extra time to find a spot. Bartenders were friendly and efficient, even with a full house. No food menu, just great drinks! I decided to have a sober night and the bartender made a tasty mocktail! If you want a great live music experience, arrive early, bring cash just in case, and settle in for a fantastic night. This place is a staple for a reason!

    The Roosevelt Room

    The Roosevelt Room

    (917 reviews)

    $$$

    Warehouse District, Downtown

    "No I've never been to Austin, but I kinda like the music...all the people say it's crazy but I…read moreknow they don't abuse it..." (RIP Chuck Negron) This was my "Must go to" spot on the first day we were here...and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I made a reservation per recommendation on their website and I am glad I did. As the evening went on it got very busy. The foyer where you check in reminded me of the lobby of a small theatre. There were 2 velveteen curtains separating it from the restaurant. When the curtains parted a huge room with high industrial ceilings and architecture was revealed. WOW!!!! The hostess led us upstairs to the smaller loft bar and told us to sit where ever we wanted...So, we sat with a review to the entire place! We ordered food and drinks from their huge cocktail menu. We watched the bartender make both drinks with fascination. *BTW The bartenders here need to know how to make every cocktail by heart and there are over 50 specialty cocktails! Rosie and I went with: Vodkadora - Wódka Vodka, raspberry syrup, ginger syrup, lime, soda water Cigar Box - Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, smoked black tea syrup, RR lavender bitters, tobacco essence, served on an ashtray with a flamed cinnamon stick Food: CLASSIC REUBEN w/chips - 5/5 sooo good (Rye bread with Rosemary-Garlic Butter, Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese, housemade Sauerkraut & Russian Dressing) SALADE VERTE 5/5 - light and fresh Loved the industrial space and decor. Great for large groups - don't really recommend for children ~ and that's all I have to say about that...

    I went to Roosevelt one afternoon with my friends. We didn't…read morehave reservations but the staff accommodated us at the bar. It had the ambience and gravity of a serious establishment with well knowledgeable staffs, clean decoration with depth. We loved the ambiance and cool interior away from Texas heat. The food and drinks were crafted with meaning, focus and quality ingredients that really justified the price they had set. We ordered their garlic hummus, seasoned nuts and whole bunch of appetizers I don't recall all, but everything stood out. Talking about cocktails- The bartened was extraordinary. We had French 75, Cosmopolitan, Old fashioned, Espresso Martini, El Presidente. In a group of 5 people, we definitely ordered multiple rounds of each. I tried their signature drink called Painkiller (about $20) and also another with blended 12 yr old blended scotch . Left sufficiently satisfied and I will visit this place again in Austin for drinks and some bar bites.

    The Eleanor

    The Eleanor

    (75 reviews)

    Warehouse District, Downtown

    I can't help but wonder if this is a new account, because I am surprised there aren't more reviews…read moreabout how fantastic the Christmas Miracle on 5th Street Pop-up is! I need to know more about how the bar gets ALL THE DECOR up, because there is no surface untouched by Christmas spirit. Tickets are required to get in it seems, you can purchase different tiers and also include a drink if you want. We got a welcome shot, tiny but warmed us up. I loved the drinks I tried, they really seem to make each one unique and so tasty. They are pricey, but consider this part of the experience. Every surface is decorated and I spent some time just slowly wondering, taking videos and photos. The staff are dressed up too. There are 2 rooms and an upstairs that can be reserved for private parties. Even the railings are wrapped! If you want to go somewhere that looks like Christmas threw up while sipping on cocktails and catching up during the holidays, this is your place.

    The Eleanor is right next door to The Roosevelt and is its sister bar…read more It's mainly an event space with a concrete floor, a cool curved bar, exposed ceilings, and exposed brick and wood walls. Similar in design to The Roosevelt. If you want to go The Roosevelt without reservations and waiting for space to open up, this is a great way to pass the time until then. Just like The Roosevelt, they offer N/A cocktails, classic cocktails, and house creations. The N/A espresso martini is primo. The French 75 is one of the best I've had in the U.S. House creations, Show Business, Estatua Verde, and Standing Ovation are my faves! Show Business: Hendrick's Gin, Witch Hazel, Lavender, and other flavors Estatua Verde: White rum, sherry, lime juice, and more including smoke Standing Ovation: Campari, rum, bourbon, espresso, and more. So. Much. Goodness. They get pretty busy too and service can take a bit but never so long that it's bad. In fact, it's good, especially since you're getting high-end cocktails made by talented mixologists.

    3TEN Austin City Limits Live

    3TEN Austin City Limits Live

    (39 reviews)

    $$

    2nd Street District, Warehouse District, Downtown

    Seeing Jon Batiste live at Austin City Limits was one of those nights you just can't ever forget,…read moreeven if time has passed and things have changed with whom you've experienced it with. So let me make sure to give ACL its due props! I was encouraged by my ex to put my name on the RSVP list for this exclusive experience and I hesitated at first. I tend to avoid all things in downtown. But I'm glad I didn't ignore this. Jon Batiste is not just hype. He is the real thing. Pure talent, fully present and full of joy, he is poetry in motion. Being able to experience a performance like that at ACL, free of charge, felt special in a way that's hard to explain. As my baby used to say, it was COSMIC. Austin City Limits ran the event flawlessly. The staff was kind, organized, and they clearly knew what they were doing. Our seats were super high up, but the view of the stage below was very good. We missed part of the intimate opening set down below right in front of the VIP section (an intentional special treat for them), but it was easy to appreciate why special donors were treated to that moment up close. What really stood out was the second half of the show. Jon Batiste and his band turned the venue into a New Orleans style second line, moving through the crowd, singing/dancing/playing music, eventually making their way up to the upper levels by us. It was thoughtful, inclusive, and joyful. No one was left out of the experience. The night itself was bittersweet in hindsight, but the music and talent was undeniable. The memory stands on its own. Thank you, Austin City Limits, for a night I'll always remember.

    3 ten is conveniently located downtown. There are tons of restaurants and shopping around. The…read moredoorman were very friendly and inviting and the bartenders were very quick and helpful. This place has such a cute vibe with an outdoor area and open air feels so people can hear the bands from the street. The sound was great and such a fun venue. We will definitely return for another show

    Clive - Outside entrance

    Clive

    (302 reviews)

    $$

    Clive is one of those bars where you can go with your friends, or your bachelor / bachelorette…read moreparty, or just go alone and meet someone new. My friend and I sat at the bar, ordered our drinks. Bartender was awesome. Red Sox game was playing inside on the TV. We chatted a little then walked around. The patio was playing a different baseball game on the big screen. The DJ was playing music. The couches had a couple people sitting and watching the game. Bathroom area had a written mural. Was a great night to be outside. Wasn't windy even though the patio was open. Dos have walls to cut the wind down. I believe there is an upstairs area too, but it was roped off. But it is a pretty large bar with an upstairs area. L

    Clive is a one of the better bars in the area. It's a house that has been converted into a bar. Few…read moreyears back, they added a third level to the place which is where I spend most of my time. Each floor has a different vibe and plays different music. It gets chiller the higher you go. The bottom floor is definitely more DJ / House / Clubby type vibes. I dont think they host live bands (never seen any but could be wrong. Their outside area would be great for it) but they'll definitely have the occasional live DJ. I've been here a few times and each time they have a semi different menu each time. Drinks cost around 10 dollars. They do have happy hour starting as soon as you open and last until 8pm and you can save a few dollars. The back area is chill. They have some picnic style tables. I like coming here and people watch when I had enough of the music inside. Its definitely a chill dancing bar and always a place I swing by when I'm in town. The line does get pretty long on bigger nights, so expect a wait.

    The Sidewinder - musicvenues - Updated May 2026

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