Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Vortex

    4.0 (56 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    Services - The Vortex

    Venue rental

    The Vortex Photos

    Business Info

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Vortex

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Edwyn A.

    The vortex is an intimate performance venue off manor road. It has a small indoor theater and an outside stage. Most of the ticketed events are inside. You check in at the box office and they give you a coin to use as your ticket when entering the theater. There's a main seating area and a side seating area. They put on variety of show throughout the year. At they have mutt cracker a nutcracker inspired show performed with rescued dogs. It's great to support community theater especially works that are in the periphery and cutting edge, The butterfly bar and patrizi's are also on property so it's popular for drinks and food too.

    Griselda
    Christa C.

    This is a very quirky, keep austin weird vibe bar. They had open mic when we went and there was good energy all around. Lots of college age students. I got the Griselda drink and it was a very fruity sweet choice. This is also the location of the Italian food truck Patrizis. I didn't get to try but would like to come back next time to!

    Alica S.

    BUTTERFLY BAR!! Where?!? Didn't see a single butterfly but had a shit ton of mesquitos. Had a SOLID French 75. Need to try the pasta place next time I come!!

    the entrance to the restaurant
    Heather B.

    This is a terrific community venue. I've seen some good productions (plays and other performances) here and attended some merchant/fair events. Their courtyard is designed perfectly for events like that, as it's not a flat, square space. The Butterfly Bar is on-site as well, which can add to the Vortex experience you are having. I look forward to seeing what is happening here.

    Stage

    Edit Annie was fantastic! I'm so glad my partner and I came here for our first visit to Austin and we can't wait to come back for another show. The venue was very cool as well. Delicious house made pasta at Patrizi's. The intimate theater was indoors adjacent to the Butterfly Bar, really loved the vibe of the whole venue. Enjoy live music outdoors before the show. The only downside to the theater seats was that they were a bit uncomfortable. My arms were falling asleep from resting on the metal arm rests. There was a reclining feature at least, so just scootch forward for some extra seat space. Tips: - Come early to eat Patrizi's delicious pasta beforehand, give yourself 1.5 hours, maybe even longer for larger parties of 4+. - Theater doors will not open until 15 minutes before the show, so you can relax and grab a drink until then. - Get tickets and all other theater rules and details on The Vortex website. - ENJOY!

    View from the box area seats.
    Sarah F.

    Support the arts! This place is a gem. It was my first visit and I felt unsure of where to go. Luckily, the staff are friendly and helpful; they were all willing to explain things and point me in the right direction. I didn't arrive in time to eat from the Italian food truck in the beer garden, but I did get to sit at an outdoor table with my drink from the Butterfly bar (beer, wine, full bar + mocktails). Ten minutes before showtime, the manager rang a bell and announced it was time to come in. The play was awesome -- a mono drama carried by an actor who was a force of nature. It's incredible what one person can conjure up for an audience. I will be back!!

    See all

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of T S.
    0
    26
    3

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    This place sucks. Food is terrible. Children everywhere asking for weed and the bartenders are shit. DONT GO HERE.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Melissa V.

    Melissa V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J J E.
    11
    286
    110

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Maybe I am stupid, I have my own ways finding places. My girlfriend loves it, she find good places this app.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Melissa V.

    Melissa V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J J.
    0
    19
    0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Vortex

    Review Highlights - The Vortex

    The intimate theater was indoors adjacent to the Butterfly Bar, really loved the vibe of the whole venue.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Austin Playhouse - "Pretty Filthy" pre-show slide show

    Austin Playhouse

    4.7(17 reviews)
    1.5 miWest Campus, University of Texas

    Saw my third show here this past weekend. Awesome place. Awesome shows! Reasonably priced, great…read moreentertainment. Great snacks and drinks available for purchase. Can't wait to visit them at the new facility when built.

    This is one of Austin's best kept secrets, and a locally owned operation…read more Don Toner and crew have taken what was a small production company using a stage at McCallum High and evolved it into a year-round full two-stage facility with comfortable seating in an intimate atmosphere. AP relies on a cast of seasoned local talent, including the brilliant and talented Michael Stuart, to provide a broad variety of theatrical productions each season. For live theater, the prices are reasonable, with half-price student tickets and guest ticket discounts for season ticket holders. The one thing I really appreciate about this venue is (and I repeat myself) the intimacy of the seating and stage. The stage literally ends at the edge of the first row. The most distant seats are no more than twenty feet from the stage, making the production even more real and audience connected. You get the feeling you are literally part of the play; there is no significant degree of separation between the actors and the audience. The other thing that I love is that it's literally a working company. Don Toner himself will often call back to confirm seating reservations. If it's not Don, it's frequently one of the other cast members. When you have a special request, there is no "box-office" detachment. And, at the end of the play, Don's waiting at the door to shake your hand and welcomes your comments regarding the performance. If you'd asked me ten years ago if I would ever be caught dead watching five plays a year, my answer would have been an emphatic "no". Thanks to one of Don's Actor's Equity members, John Hoff, I got hooked. John's no longer connected with the group as he's living in Colorado, but I thank him for instilling the appreciation for this troup in me. P.S. One of their most acclaimed productions is "Dead Presidents' Club", which is showing for one more day (11/9/2008) at Evans Auditorium at Texas State University-San Marcos. If you have time to catch this production today, do so. If you miss, pray for a summer revival in 2009!

    Photos
    Austin Playhouse
    Austin Playhouse
    Austin Playhouse - Play bill for Nevermore

    See all

    Play bill for Nevermore

    Paramount Theatre For the Performing Arts - Classic scares

    Paramount Theatre For the Performing Arts

    4.0(291 reviews)
    1.8 miDowntown

    Fantastic place to catch rock concerts or old classic films. But be aware of their insane security…read moreto get in and very high drink and snack prices. You won't successfully sneak anything in, so I always grab happy hour nearby if i must have a drink for a show. Also a great place to catch film premieres during SXSW.

    We came here to see Justin Willman, a magic comedy guy whose special we saw streaming Jan…read more The place was late to fill up and never quite fully filled which was weird as when we got tickets it was already close to filling up. He does a family friendly show so there were a lot of people there with kids, Full families, moms, dads, grandparents. We were one of the few without kids. The staff was very friendly at the entrance, the bar, and when seating. The place is pretty big and has upstairs and downstairs seating as well as a bar on several levels. Two points that did bring the visit a little down. The seating, you are packed in like sardines. No room to stretch even a little, you bump against the stranger next to you or them into you. It is almost worse then an airplane. Two no handrails on several stairs which are also uneven. I have some ongoing spine and foot pain and it caused me issues but I saw several other people struggling and one almost falling themselves. Had it been just me or maybe one other person that would be bad enough but as several people struggled that is a huge safety issue and should be fixed. The ushers helped when they could but sometimes they were helping others and didn't see it happen. Still it was a fun time, if a bit cramped. The staff is great and I love the history but that also means it is very outdated and not very comfy to sit for an hour or more, especially with no intermission.

    Photos
    Paramount Theatre For the Performing Arts
    Paramount Theatre For the Performing Arts - Pat Matheny - March 6, 2026

    Pat Matheny - March 6, 2026

    Paramount Theatre For the Performing Arts - Balcony views during SXSW

    See all

    Balcony views during SXSW

    Broadway in Austin - Moulin Rouge

    Broadway in Austin

    4.8(227 reviews)
    0.8 miUniversity of Texas

    What an amazing show! This Tony-award winning musical was filled with great comical timing,…read morebeautiful choreography, wonderful performances, and more Dad jokes than you can count. A feast for your eyes and ears, directed by Jack O'Brien, who directed Hairspray. I'm still thinking about the stage design, and how it blended with the choreography. Joe did they balance on the wooden slats?! Lulu (Miki Abraham) stole the show. "Independently Owned" was my favorite song, and she was great in every way. Broadway In Austin made ticket pickup easy. Also they've removed the clear bag policy. Bass Concert Hall now offers additional restrooms past the foyer on four floors in a separate building; there were two people in front of me in line and zero behind me. The pedestrian traffic was well organized by the ushers and helpful volunteers. Her your corns up Austin, and take my kernels of wisdom to motivate you to see the Broadway show of the year.

    Went to see Clue tonight at Bass Concert Hall for their opening night and my wife and I were just…read moreblown away by the production and talent of the show. Clue was comedic from beginning to end - like actually funny. The writing was witty and smart, the entire cast completely talented from head to toe. I love this venue because its clean, the aisles are spacious, the seats aren't as compact, and the staff members are so friendly and welcoming to the guests. 11/10, I would recommend seeing Clue to all my friends and to those I don't even know.

    Photos
    Broadway in Austin - Moulin Rouge

    Moulin Rouge

    Broadway in Austin - Moulin Rouge

    Moulin Rouge

    Broadway in Austin - My fair lady scene

    See all

    My fair lady scene

    Salvage Vanguard Theater

    Salvage Vanguard Theater

    4.6(17 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    I haven't been to much theater in Austin (except the big productions) because I never know which…read moreones to go to. And i loathe sitting in shows that are bad because I've paid $15 a ticket and feel compelled to wait and see whether it will improve. Luckily, the show I saw here was funny and well done. Part of the Frontera Fest (long fringe) and the whole process was quite efficient. You're on the guest list? Great. Here's a program and a seat. In fact they were nice enough to provide me with a chair so I didnt have to traipse about the chairs on the risers. They've got sodas for sale but it may be BYO (check first) and they've got plenty of bathrooms. All good things to know when you're headed to a performance. If you get the chance to see a show here, do. Its a small theater so there are no bad seats and if you make sure you're not seeing bad theater, well then you're most likely in for a treat.

    A fucking puppet show? Are you kidding me?…read more That's what I went to see at Salvage Vanguard Theater, and I liked it so much I went back for another show. I'll be back again. Now, I've only seen their puppet shows, I have no idea if they do other things. The puppet shows are different from anything you've seen: excessively dark, and no strings attached. The puppeteers wear dark beekeeper like suits and hold the brightly painted puppets up and manipulate them from behind. You can see everything that's going on, but within a minute or two, you forget the puppeteers are there and the characters take a life of their own. And what characters! It's obviously all-original and all home made, but they do such a good job of creating compelling characters and stories for them to tell that you'll wonder why they aren't more successful. My girlfriend and I still endlessly quote the shows we've seen and we keep trying to describe the characters and stories in a way that makes sense. It seems we utterly fail at that, and it's why I'm going to keep my review short. This place doesn't make sense. The show doesn't make sense out of context. It doesn't look like much from the outside ... or the inside. But trust me. I give it five stars for a reason, and this isn't even ordinarily my scene. I've tried to convince all my friends to go with varying levels of success, but no one has been disappointed and they all want to come back for more. If you've found it, go experience it.

    Photos
    Salvage Vanguard Theater
    Salvage Vanguard Theater
    Salvage Vanguard Theater - SVT

    See all

    SVT

    Esther's Follies

    Esther's Follies

    4.6(590 reviews)
    1.7 miDowntown
    $$

    Loved this experience. This place has definitely been around for awhile and I can see why. Got…read morethere early to scope out the location and upon entering you provide your name and they provide a paper to give upon entering the show room. There was a group on the patio area where you can order tacos, I did not partake. Then the bar area inside. You can take drinks into the showroom as well. Scoped out the venue which was bigger than anticipated and really enjoyed the fish tank TVs. So fun! The show was entertaining and up to date with references all relevant to the current times. Everyone on stage was great and their chemistry can be seen. The audience was laughing 99% of the time and the show went back fast! I'd totally go back for a local Austin night out with good laughs.

    Esther Follies is an Austin staple!…read more They've been performing for 50 years, providing amazing entertainment for all guests attending their shows. They do a mix of comedy, magic, music , and just overall great entrainment for their shows. It's mainly themed around local and world politics + the LGBTQ community. Tickets are approximately $40. The show is about 90 minutes, with a 5 min break halfway through. They have a bar on site, and a taqueria that's connected to their building as well. Highly recommend the taqueria, it's authentic and delicious! Absolutely recommend for locals, visitors, and those who just want to enjoy a great show in the best city in the country!

    Photos
    Esther's Follies - June, 2023

    June, 2023

    Esther's Follies
    Esther's Follies

    See all

    Springdale Station

    Springdale Station

    4.5(17 reviews)
    2.0 miEast Austin

    UPDATE: We just read Christina's review. Yikes. Didn't know one couldn't research vendors, that a…read morepotential host had to use one only allowed by Moya the owner. Not good. Christina also confirmed this in her review, you HAVE to use one of MOYA's vendors. So sorry, Christina, for your horrible experience at Springdale Station, and for getting ripped off. We ALSO definitely do NOT recommend Springdale Station! Honest review for those considering this as a venue: The indoor space is very SMALL. It is not a good location for a large amount of guests. You will find three rooms inside (one with some stairs that are required to access it). The foyer serves as one of these rooms, so once you make it through the line to get inside, you are inside one of the three small rooms! The event we attended was very crowded and everyone was bumping into each other. Again, in OUR experience, this is NOT a good venue for a large group of people. The outside has a very small patio, with a LARGE amount of dirt. Definitely not a good location for anything even slightly dressy. Something casual, cowboy-like, perhaps a kids' casual party...those might work. The dirt area is large. (And VERY dirty!) We came home with dirt up to our calves. Gross! Keep this in mind, and check this out thoroughly before signing any contract with Moya. Buyer beware!!! Outside seating on the small patio was extremely limited. Literally only ONE sofa. Moya needs to addressed this. Would be nice if guests could actually sit down. Ridiculously inhospitable! We have attended several events in Austin, this one is only suitable for a super casual OUTDOOR event. (And hopefully it is priced accordingly...). Again, please prepare to get dirty if the weather is dry, and if it rains you will have muddy shoes. If you wear any type of heel, you will sink into their wet mud. Again, this is another item that Moya still needs to address. (Hello? GREATLY enlarge that tiny patio!). Good grief. Last issue - parking. Many other reviewers have also mentioned this. The parking lot was large, but it was (is) shared by other businesses so finding an actual parking spot was very difficult. Highly recommend if you have to go to Springdale Station that you use a taxi, (etc.) to get there and back. Again, research thoroughly before committing. There are so many other decent venues in Austin, we don't know why anyone would pick this one!

    A great place to hold and event! I have been here a few times both working and enjoying events…read morebeing held. They have friendly staff and a great location in East Austin where you can make any vision happen!

    Photos
    Springdale Station
    Springdale Station
    Springdale Station

    See all

    The Vortex - theater - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...