Hover perform on May 27, 2023 photo by Wayne Lim
In 2019, a then-local post-punk troupe performed at the Friendly Rio Market, flier reading “Music Concert Local Band: Blood.” Post-pandemic, the abrasive joy of shirtless drummers and college crowds smooshed into the snack aisle has continued to delight. Backed by a wall of chilled beer and lit by the harsh fluorescents, appearances by national acts like Frost Children during South by Southwest 2023 produced immediate meme potential (to be released on video by Austin filmmaking collective some of that, please). The West Campus convenience store/venue’s perfectly unaesthetic Instagram captures a consistent wave of mosh pits and stand-up comedy welcomed by the friendly owner, Moo.
Friendly Rio Market
620 W. 29th
instagram.com/riovenue
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You can throw a rock and hit a new bar with bites, but a Govalle neighborhood double-patio cocktail bar with elevated fare and chill vibes is pretty rare. Created by a local trifecta of hospitality pals and former Olamaie staff – Erin Ashford, John DiCicco, and Peter Klein – this space is designed for folks in the know. The "fancy" refers to specialty cocktails like frozen Mexi Marts aka perfect patio drinks. Have a few bevs, down some fat shrimp, and admire the beautiful cacti.
Holiday on 7th
5020 E. Seventh
holidayon7th.com
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photo by Lauren Johnson
Courtesy of theaustineagle.com
Austin's gayborhood has a new jewel, in the form of a bar for all kinds of kinks. The Austin Eagle’s main thing is mostly squeaky, aromatic leather. In a time where representation and visibility mean more than ever, this club is important. Yes, Virginia, there is a bootblack on site to shine anyone's boots (please tip generously), but there's no uniform and the Austin Eagle is welcome to all. The menu skews toward "bar food," but promises substance with a thick Tuesday night steak dinner special, and a very long dessert list to entice even the most vanilla in your party to check it out.
The Austin Eagle
8201 Cross Park Dr. Ste. B-2
737/274-0112
theaustineagle.com
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Local label/collective College of Hip Hop Knowledge, founded by Michael "Big Mic" Pereida and Jsun the Prophesor, hosts the free residency at Independence Brewing for all ages. Fresh Fridaze returned during the pandemic in June 2021 and now occurs on the second Friday of each month. Set outside in the patio, artists perform on the simple, intimate stage as either a backdrop for casual mingling or up-close-and-personal, clear rhyming. Totaling over 25 events so far, performers typically include underground local MCs not often showcased around town, in addition to members of the CHHK roster sometimes rounding out each bill.
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Hyder performs during Fresh Fridaze at Independence Brewing on May 12, 2023 photo by John Anderson
via Instagram
Collegiate DIY culture is alive and well in Austin thanks to the efforts of Cristina and Andrea Mauri, the dynamic sister duo who specializes in rowdy co-op shows, boisterous backyard bashes, and sweat-filled tunnel raves. Their recent bashes include a Prohibition-themed jazz & punk showcase at Electric Church and a SXSW takeover of House of Commons, which drew national coverage from the likes of Paper magazine. Outside of show booking, the Mauris document nightlife in West Campus and beyond on their popular Instagram page WormNewz and curate the online art zine I Hate War.
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If you’ve been searching for a real dive bar outside of the Downtown melee, haul buns to the only bar on the Northeast Austin 290 turnaround. It's cozy, filled with Cheers vibes, and has a smallish back patio. Even better, these cool cats offer all your favorite bar bevs plus $2 Jell-O shots. Their hella good menu has options for everybody (gluten-free and vegan, too, but don’t harp on that, okay?) with hot dogs, burgers, and Frito pie. Fellow fans of Liberty Bar and Lovejoys (R.I.P. forever), we’ll see you there and toast to Jesus Lizard.
The Silver Medal
7100 Hwy. 290 E.
instagram.com/the_silver_medal
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photo by John Anderson
Courtesy of Club X
With the transformation of a long-rocking space at 711 Red River to the 13th Floor last summer, a new monthly musical incubator popped up too. Every second Sunday, Club X invites Austin heavyweights in the cathartic, up-and-coming, Dr. Martens-stomping realm – artsy youngsters to sustaining shredders’ side projects. Michele Mas, head of label/booking outlet Mas Music Records, and Misti Watts, player in DAIISTAR and Pale Dian, co-present “the Alternative Red River experience.” Alumni include Lord Friday the 13th, the Pinky Rings, and Sludge. And Downtown on the Lord’s day, parking’s always free.
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As its name suggests, this bar/cafe on East Riverside Drive does everything it can to keep patrons caffeinated, well-fed, and happy from the daytime work hours up through happy hour and well into the evening. Expertly made cappuccinos and lattes, a diverse menu of natural wines, a tap list focusing on local brews, robust seasonal cocktails, and both a taco truck and a Caribbean truck combine with a spacious patio & lawn and a strong Wi-Fi signal to make Ani's an ideal locale for an all-day-into-night hang.
Ani's Day & Night
7107 E. Riverside
anisdayandnight.com
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photo by Jana Birchum
photo by Lauren Johnson
Sometimes small spaces can have the biggest impact, and this isn't a joke about the car crash that only faintly cooled the soft opening of Kelly’s Irish Pub. This is about how a bar just a little bigger than the Blarney Stone manages to function as a pub while also hosting bands, darts contests, and football-watching parties ranging from Austin FC to FIFA World Cup matches. They squeeze all that fun in somehow, just get there early. Kelly’s happy hour extends from 2pm-6pm and they close at midnight.
Kelly's Irish Pub
519 W. Oltorf
fb.com/Kellys-Irish-104797518965498
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Giddy Ups requires preservation and a historical marker ASAP. Not only is it the perfect dive bar and a stellar honky-tonk, it's a home to real players and pickers, from blues musicians to traditional country. Every other Monday, Giddy Ups features the traditional country stylings of Bob Appel, who also features surprise guests like Roger Edgington on pedal steel guitar; meanwhile, blues legend W.C. Clark has a standing Tuesday happy hour residency. Then there's an open mic 8pm Thursdays, and karaoke Sundays presented by locals OTB. No matter the day of week, you're guaranteed something good on the Giddy Ups stage.
Giddy Ups
12010 Menchaca Rd.
512/280-4732
giddyups.com
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WC Clark plays his Tuesday residency photo by Jana Birchum
photo by Jana Birchum
We have plenty of love for karaoke bars that play prerecorded backing tracks, but wailing your own spirited rendition of "Sweet Caroline" while accompanied by a threepiece band just hits differently. On Thursday nights, Baker Street Pub & Grill, a relaxed English-inspired tavern tucked right off South Lamar Boulevard, welcomes Texas Live Band Karaoke to play popular karaoke songs while patrons grab the mic and give it their all. With a supportive crowd of bar regulars, a 200+ song menu, and plenty of liquid courage in the form of house cocktails and seasonal drafts, Baker St. Pub's karaoke Thursdays are a must-try for Austin's elusive chanteuses.
Baker Street Pub & Grill
3003 S. Lamar
512/691-9140
bakerstreetpub.com/south-austin
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The southern stretch of Menchaca Road just below Slaughter Lane is a burgeoning bar district these days, and one of its newest arrivals happens to be an ideal setting for gorgeous social media pics and top-notch cocktails. Lulu's is a boho-chic vision filled with blond wood, rattan accents, lush plants, decorative glassware, a large and airy patio, and vividly hued cocktails that focus on agave spirits. Grab a table by one of the wide windows, set down your margarita or spiked agua fresca, get some potted palm fronds in the shot, and wait for the "likes" to pour in.
Lulu's
10402 Menchaca Rd. Bldg. C
737/320-8654
lulusaustin.com
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