Off the Beaten Path

Dive Bars/Music Venues

Prior to the tech industry arriving in Austin, things were a lot more… divey. If you want to experience Austin like a local, you might want to stray from the immediate vicinity of Downtown Austin, and step into some divey places that locals still love. For that, you’ll need to bring a car or be ready to hop in an rideshare.

Important: Schedule your visit around the music!! Visit the venue website, find a show, and then plan your visit. If you just show up, there might not be anything going on.

Sahara Lounge

Music, Food, Bar

Sahara didn’t open until 2011, but the spot has been a music venue since the 60’s and has stayed true to it’s origins.

Sam’s Town Point

Music, Booze, No Food

Sam’s Town Point used to be a music venue outside the city limits, but Austin grew and now this venue features great local artists in South Austin.

Carousel Lounge

Music, Beer & Wine, Bring Your Own Liquor & Food

This place is a time capsule. Years ago I spoke with a young touring band in the parking lot of the Carousel Lounge. They were upset and refusing to perform their scheduled gig. They believed they were way too cool for the circus-themed decor, outdated furniture, sparse mixed-age crowd, and Bring-Your-Own-Liquor policy. Those kids weren’t ready for the Carousel Lounge. If you’re looking for a hip scene, maybe skip this one. If you want to know why “Keep Austin Weird” was our slogan for decades, this place holds many secrets. This is a favorite of mine.

The Draught House

Booze, Food

Located on Burnet road, this place has been brewing beer since 1969. It’s a well-known hangout spot for locals, but a bit out of the way for tourists. Some of the best beers in town, and there’s a food truck outside that serves up halfway decent pub grub. What more could you want?