The very best 12 nightlife spots in Austin, United States

Welcome to the city of live music, tequila shots, and unforgettable nights! We're here to navigate you through the vibrant nocturnal scene of Austin, where the nights are as hot as the chili sauce. Amongst the city's darlings are the legendary Broken Spoke, home of boot-stompin' country tunes, the Hole in the Wall, where locals go to pretend they're still in college, and the wacky Ego's, a dive bar where karaoke stars are born (and occasionally forgotten). So oil up those dancing shoes, grab a Lone Star beer, and get ready to discover the hidden gems in the heart of Austin's never-ending party!

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1. Pete's Dueling Piano Bar

4.7 (1811)

421 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Welcome to Pete's Dueling Piano Bar, where the keys to a legendary night out in Austin are just waiting to be tickled! This vibrant, toe-tapping gem is not your average watering hole. Prepare yourself for a harmonious showdown as dueling piano maestros take center stage, dueling it out with their nimble fingers and playful tunes that'll have you dancing like nobody's watching (even if everyone is). So leave your inhibitions at the door, bring your best singing voice, and get ready to join the eye-catching spectacle that is Pete's Dueling Piano Bar - where music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses blend to create an uproariously good time that you won't soon forget!

www.petesduelingpianobar.com

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2. The Roosevelt Room

4.6 (1790)

307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Austin, The Roosevelt Room invites you to embark on a spirited journey of libations and revelry. As you step into this den of mixology, get ready to have your taste buds dance like a tipsy ballerina, for this bar boasts an impressive arsenal of concoctions that will make your liver beg for mercy, but your adventurous spirit yell, "One more round!" The bartenders here are like alchemists, transforming ordinary ingredients into liquid gold, so whether you're a seasoned cocktail wizard or just a thirsty wanderer, your cravings will be satisfied with grace, charm, and possibly a few wobbly steps.

www.therooseveltroomatx.com

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3. Midnight Cowboy

4.5 (745)

313 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Welcome to Austin, where the vibrant cityscape meets the wild west, and their wildest west is none other than the Midnight Cowboy. Not your typical cowpoke saloon, this iconic establishment boasts an immersive experience that will transport you back to the raucous days of the Wild West, minus the tumbleweeds. From its red velvet interior to its expertly crafted cocktails and world-class peep shows, Midnight Cowboy is where cowboys and cowgirls unwind after a long day of roping cattle and avoiding the occasional stampede.

midnightcowboymodeling.com

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4. The Ranch

3.7 (345)

710 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Welcome to The Ranch in Austin, a delightful getaway where city slickers can experience a taste of the Wild West without having to face off against angry tumbleweeds or duel with cowboys named Slim. This charming ranch offers a unique blend of rustic living and urban convenience, granting visitors the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors while keeping one eye on their Wi-Fi signal. From roping cattle to sipping craft beers, prepare for a weekend of cowboy escapades mixed with a dash of Austin eccentricity at The Ranch.

theranchaustin.com

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5. Barcelona Austin

3.9 (261)

209 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Welcome to Barcelona Austin, where the lively spirit of Spain meets the laid-back charm of Austin. Get ready to indulge in mouthwatering tapas while tapping your feet to some Texan tunes. Don't be surprised if you find yourself torn between ordering a margarita or a sangria; just remember to pace yourself, as merging Barcelona's vivaciousness with Austin's vibrant music scene can lead to some delightfully unpredictable dance moves!

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6. Rainey Street

Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Welcome to Rainey Street, Austin's charming neighborhood where hipsters and history collide! Once a quiet area, this stretch of old bungalows has transformed into a vibrant strip of bars and eateries, providing a glimpse into what happens when craft beer and real estate meet. Let the lively atmosphere whisk you away as you hop from one quirky house-turned-bar to another, sipping on artisanal cocktails while pretending you have your own secret speakeasy.

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7. Ego's

4.2 (960)

510 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, USA

Welcome to Ego's, where self-proclaimed divas gather like moth to a flame in Austin! With a name that screams confidence and importance, Ego's caters to those who want to be seen, heard, and worshipped like pop idols. This bustling nightlife spot is not for the faint-hearted; it's where dreams of becoming an overnight superstar collide with reality, and where karaoke is taken so seriously, Mariah Carey herself would kneel in reverence.

egos-karaoke-bar.business.site

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8. Container Bar

4.1 (1342)

90 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Welcome to Container Bar, a quirky and contagiously hip oasis nestled in the heart of Austin. This one-of-a-kind watering hole quite literally lives up to its name, as it ingeniously repurposes shipping containers into vibrant and lively social spots. Step into a whimsical world where drinks flow as smoothly as the bar's excellent service, and where the funky decor will leave you feeling like Alice in a booze-infused wonderland.

dunlapatx.com

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9. The Broken Spoke

4.1 (1744)

3201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, USA

Welcome to The Broken Spoke, the place where cowboy boots meet dance floors in the quirky city of Austin! This legendary honky-tonk joint has been booming since dinosaurs roamed the Texas plains (or at least it feels that way). Step inside and prepare for a wild ride through a time warp where country tunes, two-stepping, and Lone Star beer reign supreme. Don't be fooled by the vintage exterior; this place could make even the most timid city slicker grow a spontaneous twang and develop a sudden urge to ride a mechanical bull – just go with it!

www.brokenspokeaustintx.net

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10. The Townsend

4.3 (270)

718 Congress Ave. #100, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Welcome to The Townsend, where Austin's charm and elegance collide like two overly enthusiastic Yetis at a tea party. This picturesque haven is a delightful fusion of southern hospitality and chic sophistication, the kind of place where you'll find cowboy boots and martinis shaking hands like long-lost lovers. With its charming vintage décor, live jazz streaming through every corner, and a bar that boasts more spirits than Casper the Friendly Ghost, The Townsend is where the hipsters come to upgrade their cool factor.

www.thetownsendaustin.com

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11. The White Horse

4.4 (1791)

500 Comal St, Austin, TX 78702, USA

Welcome to The White Horse in Austin, where the vibe is as iconic as your uncle's embarrassing dancing at weddings. Prepare to twirl your way into this honky-tonk heaven, where the boots are dusty and the music is louder than your grandma's TV during her favorite soap operas. As you walk in, be ready to embrace the charmingly rustic interior, complete with cowhide-covered walls that will make you wonder if they're actually from a retired rodeo champion's living room.

thewhitehorseaustin.com

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12. Dirty Sixth Street

4.4 (236)

511 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Welcome to Dirty Sixth Street in Austin, the prime destination for thrill-seekers who enjoy a mix of debauchery and a side serving of tacos. This cultural quarter combines the sophistication of a popsicle stick castle with the elegance of a muddy puddle. As you wander through this neon-lit jungle of dive bars and peculiar nightclubs, remember to bring your sense of adventure, an affinity for the bizarre, and a strong resolve to resist the siren call of questionable decisions.

www.dirtybillsaustin.com

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Austin by plane is to fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which is located just 5 miles outside of the city. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United all fly into this airport from various cities across the United States.

Car

Driving to Austin is a popular option, especially if you are coming from within Texas or a neighboring state. Major highways such as I-35 and US-183 connect to Austin, and there are several car rental agencies at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Austin. The closest Amtrak station is in San Marcos, about 30 miles south of Austin. From there, you would need to take a bus or taxi to reach Austin.

Boat

Since Austin is located in the center of Texas, there are no direct boat routes to the city. However, there are several nearby lakes and rivers that you can explore by boat, including Lake Travis and the Colorado River.

Bus

Taking a bus is a great option for getting to Austin from other major Texas cities such as Houston or Dallas. Greyhound and Megabus both operate in Austin, with a station located in the heart of downtown.

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