25 Under-Sung Music Venues in Austin to Visit for Great Shows

You’re here for: world-class musicians playing to a small crowd.
In the heart of the 78704 is The Saxon Pub, a South Lamar staple that’s been around since the early 90s. Everyone from Kris Kristofferson to Willie Nelson has graced the Saxon stage, and the interior serves as an homage to its 30+ year history of incredible live music.

The thing to keep in mind here is that Saxon is, above all else, a listening room, and its staff and patrons show the utmost respect to songwriters and storytellers. So, if you’re feeling chatty, maybe try a sports bar, but if you want to listen to some of the best musicians you’ve ever seen playing to 200 or fewer people any given night of the week, then Saxon is your spot.

You’re here for: a unique vibe with amazing sound and lighting.
A little further down South Lamar is the 04 Center, a converted church that hosts some of Austin’s most beloved performers along with touring musicians passing through town. The building originally opened as the Faith Methodist Church in 1968, but since 2018, it’s been home to the Austin New Church, a progressive, social justice-oriented congregation.

While the draw here, like any good venue, is the music, the 04 Center also boasts some of the coolest lighting in town, utilizing its towering vaulted ceiling effectively to create a vibe you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.

You’re here for: a piece of Austin history.
The Continental Club has served as the centerpiece of South Congress since the mid-1950s, and is truly one of the OG Austin spots for live music. Over the years, Continental has seen several iterations, moving from a dinner club to a blues bar to a rock club, and now stands as a historical landmark and a go-to spot for roots rock, Texas country, and more. And, if you’re after a more low-key vibe for your night, you can head right up to the Continental Gallery, a speakeasy-ish sidekick to the main club that offers intimate shows in a living room–esque environment.

You’re here for: soul music (and chickenshit bingo).
C-Boys opened a decade ago, but it has the feel of an old school Austin venue, probably in no small part because of its shared ownership with Continental Club. Located just outside the shopping epicenter of South Congress, C-Boys is an unassuming club with a particular emphasis on soul and R&B, plus its famed Chicken Shit Bingo on Sundays (trust me, just check it out). C-Boys has shows every night of the week, but also offers a great patio with a Halal food truck and shuffleboard, plus a classy cocktail lounge upstairs.

You’re here for: a change of pace from Austin’s country and blues scene.
In the basement of the historic Swift Building downtown, you’ll find the Elephant Room, an underground escape for jazz-lovers that’ll make you feel like you’re living in La La Land. Think dim lighting, great cocktails, and immaculate vibes that look and feel out of a different time. There’s no cover on Sundays and Mondays, but even on the nights where they do charge, it’s more than reasonable for what you get out of it.

You’re here for: two-stepping—and a lot of it.
For any Texas transplants who didn’t grow up two-stepping in gym class, The White Horse is the place to go to begin or further your education. The club offers weekly dance lessons, plus plenty of live country for you to show off once you lose the training wheels. You can always expect a fairly packed house at the White Horse, but if you need a breather, they also have an excellent patio with a food truck and plenty of space to cool down.

You’re here for: billiards, cheap drinks, and more two-stepping.
Sagebrush is a proper honkey tonk through and through, flush with cheap beer, pool tables, and down-home live shows that always bring the energy. It falls under the same ownership as the White Horse, so if you’re on the South Side looking to two-step you’ll be well served.

You’re here for: outdoor shows and more.
The Far Out Lounge is many things. First, it’s a bar, but on any given night, it might also be craft fair or a food truck park or, of course, an awesome outdoor music venue. Winner of the prestigious Best New Venue award at the Austin Music Awards in 2020, Far Out Lounge has established itself as one of the South Side’s premier options for music and more.

You’re here for: modern outdoor space and great food options.
Inn Cahoots is a unique hotel on East 6th that caters to group travel and events like bachelorette parties and corporate retreats, but within it is the Austin Garden & Studio, a 12,000-square-foot green space right in the thick of the lively neighborhood. The space was remodeled in 2022 in collaboration with Fender, evoking a retro Austin feel with picnic tables, food trucks and an outdoor stage that features live music, comedy shows, and more every week.

You’re here for: the best variety of shows on the East Side.
If you’re looking for a spot that doesn’t pigeonhole itself into any particular genre, head to East 6th for Hotel Vegas, where on any given night you might find the stage filled with a metal band, a DJ, or some classic country. The club also features a huge outdoor patio that connects to its sister bar next door, the Volstead Lounge. Both spots have become pretty popular, so it’s always a good bet to secure tickets ahead of time, especially for more popular shows.

You’re here for: a night of quiet cozy and smooth jazz.
Monks began as a pop-up listening room in 2016, but when Covid hit in 2020, they pivoted into live streaming out of the founder’s living room. Since then, Monks’ reputation as a spot that emphasizes quality sound and a music-centric environment has only grown, and the new brick and mortar establishment off of East 5th is one of the best places in the city for a chill, inexpensive night of jazz. However, the hours of Monks are somewhat unpredictable, so be sure to check out their calendar ahead of time.

You’re here for: great food and drink with nightly live music.
Along with its standing as one of the best breweries south of the river, Austin Beer Garden & Brewery (a.k.a ABGB) also serves as a venue that consistently puts on some excellent shows. There’s a large stage inside the German beer hall style interior, but if you prefer to sit outside, you can grab a picnic table under a live oak and enjoy pizzas, sandwiches, and bavarian-style beer.

Look out for: small bands before they get big.
If The Hole in the Wall’s walls could talk, you’d hear an endless array of stories that truly encapsulate what made Austin what it is in the first place. Located just off campus, the club is legendary, and former regulars include Austin legends like Stevie Ray Vaughn and Townes Van Zandt. More recent Austin-bred artists like Gary Clark Jr. and Spoon also played the Hole in the Wall, so you never know if you’re seeing an act that’s primed to take off.

You’re here for: bikers, beers, and bangers.
As you walk up to The Lost Well, there’s a chance you might feel a little intimidated by the line of Harleys standing guard to the entrance. But once you walk in you’ll find a welcoming, homey rock and roll atmosphere that scoffs at the faux authenticity of some newer Austin establishments.

You’re here for: happy hour specials and honky tonk vibes.
A little ways up Burnett you’ll find the Little Longhorn Saloon, an establishment whose name is a veritable onomatopoeia — it’s small, divey in all the right ways, and super Texas-y. There’s live music 6 nights a week, and while there isn’t a ton of space, there’s plenty for dancing if you’re properly motivated. Plus, if you need some extra courage to get out there, the Little Longhorn also has one of the best happy hours in town.

You’re here for: weeknight residency shows.
Donn’s is one of those places that feels like it could only exist in Austin. A converted train depot that was purchased for $300 50 years ago, Donn’s started as a simple spot for its original owner to congregate with friends and listen to live music. Donn’s is draped in Christmas lights year-round, and the atmosphere falls somewhere between honky tonk and cozy local pub. Over time, Donn’s has caught on as a nightlife destination and you’ll often see a line pouring out the door on weekends, but head over for any of their weeknight residencies and you’ll have better luck getting in.

You’re here for: shows on the first Sunday of the month.
Austin might be Willie Nelson’s city, but just north of the river on West 5th there’s a bar dedicated entirely to the legendary Johnny Cash. Mean Eyed cat is decked out in Johnny-themed decoration, and while they do play a ton of Johnny Cash tunes, they will mix in some other artists from time to time. Overall, Mean Eyed Cat is definitely more bar than music venue, but its First Sundays shows each month are always a good time.

You’re here for: a family-friendly night out.
The Lady Bird Johnson Center might not be the first place you think to find live music in Austin, but if you’re looking to get outside the city for a relaxing, family-friendly night amongst the wildflowers, you should definitely check out their Tuesday Twilights series. Every Tuesday through May 14th, the center stays open late offering food and drinks along with a local musician in the main courtyard.

You’re here for: a blues tune that will touch your soul.
Just off of MLK, an area that has long been known as a Blues hub of Austin, you can check out the Skylark Lounge, a popular spot for blues, soul, and more. You can hear music five nights a week, cover is typically $10, and there’s really no reason to leave with a full bar, kitchen, and outdoor space as well.

You’re here for: bigger—but not too big—acts coming to town.
The largest venue on this particular list, Emo’s is far from a hidden gem, even going as far to host The Killers for a surprise show when the band was in town last year. However, it deserves a place on this list nonetheless, standing out in the burgeoning Riverside neighborhood where there are fewer venues available, and Emo’s consistently plays host to an excellently curated lineup of touring musicians, and in some ways serves as an edgier alternative to Austin City Limits Live.

You’re here for: a good time and a long time.
Meanwhile is one of the most popular breweries in Austin, but it’s less known as a top-tier venue to see music. The sound engineering will surprise you with its quality, and many of the shows come free of charge while you’re enjoying a beer. Meanwhile is almost always packed, but its sheer size complete with a playground for the little ones makes it a multi-faceted option for all sorts of aims, which means you’ll want to hang out for a while—a mean-while.

Look out for: great wine and a chill vibe.
Hidden off of Barton Springs behind P. Terry’s is House Wine, a converted bungalow with some of the best vibes on the south side. The front porch serves as the stage, and shows here typically consist of a local singer-songwriter. Grab a bottle and a charcuterie board and live your best cozy life.

You’re here for: psychedelic music in a ’60s-style atmosphere.
In the Red River District, just down the street from Stubb’s, you’ll find the 13th Floor, named of course after Austin’s own legendary garage/psych rockers. The club is still fairly new, winning Best New Venue in 2023, but there’s a show most nights of the week, and the 13th Floor is committed to upholding the unique cultural aspects of the scene that’s made Austin a breeding ground for creatives.

You’re here for: Bluegrass night!
Radio is one of Austin’s many multi-purpose establishments slinging out coffee, beer, a variety of food trucks, and live music all at once. This is definitely a place where you want to find a seat outside and enjoy that Texas sun, and the general feel is community-oriented, so don’t be afraid to make new friends. If nothing else, definitely head to Radio on a Monday for Bluegrass night, and also be sure to check out their new location on Montopolis.

You’re here for: METAL.
Some might be interested to find out that a town built on Americana has a thriving metal scene, but Austin does indeed come with plenty of options for head bangers everywhere. One of the best venues for such tastes is Valhalla, located a couple blocks off of Dirty 6th. The cover tends to stay pretty light with multiple bands per night, and you can also enjoy pinball, foosball, and some great food options.