Updated September 2023

Austin has it all...character, cute, cozy, casual...and no-frills attached dive bar! We curated a list of our favorites when you’re in the mood for hole-in-the-wall spots that are well-worn and full of crazy stories, bathroom graffiti, and cheap drinks.

Deep Eddy Cabaret

Deep Eddy Cabaret

Slinging beers since the 1950s, this iconic red and black barn-like bar has the full set: neon string lights, a cigarette vending machine, a billiard table, a classic jukebox, and vintage games. Mugs start at $2.20 and pitches for $11! They’re open everyday till 2 AM.

WESTFIELD | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Deep Eddy Cabaret

Ego's

Ego's

Austin’s best high energy karaoke dive bar, open from 1 PM to 2 AM every night. Come for signature shots, big screen tvs, video games, pinball, and late night fun. This spot has been around since the 70s and is tucked away in the basement of a SoCo office building. 

SOCO | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Ego's

Skinny’s Off Track

Skinny’s Off Track

Skinny's Off Track is a newly opened dive bar located in Central East Austin, offering a wide selection of beers, whiskeys, and cocktails like pina coladas, mint juleps, and their signature Orange Cooler made with Sunkist soda. They also have an on-site food truck called Off Track Bites serving comfort food favorites such as Italian beef sandwiches, potato cones, and mini-corn dogs. The bar's ambiance is inspired by 1970s off-track betting parlors, featuring vintage decor, wood-paneled walls, and personal televisions in three booths. Skinny's plans to host sports events and watch parties, making it a great spot for sports enthusiasts. Their hours are from 4 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends.

EAST AUSTIN | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Skinny’s Off Track

Lala's Little Nugget

Lala's Little Nugget

Celebrating Christmas year round since 1972, Lala’s is a strip mall tavern with permanent Christmas decor. They’ve got everything you need for a good time: an old school jukebox, cheap drinks, and games for days. Jolly Hour is 4-7 PM Monday through Thursdays. Don’t miss Bloody Mary Mornins and their unique themed Christmas Parties. 

NORTH AUSTIN | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Lala's Little Nugget

Little Longhorn Saloon

Little Longhorn Saloon

Cold beer, honky-tonk live music, and chicken shit bingo, what more could you ask for? Live music is six nights a week and chicken shit bingo happens every sunday from 4 PM to 8 PM! Country legends like James Hand, Two Hoots and a Holler, and Alvin Crow have graced the stage at the Little Longhorn. Snag a barstool and enjoy ice cold $2.50 drafts on a hot Texas night.

BURNET | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Little Longhorn Saloon

Giddy Ups

Giddy Ups

For all you honky tonk cowboys out there, we’re giving you Giddy Ups, the spot for live music, karaoke, classic shuffleboard, dice and board games, and whiskey flights for days. Giddy Ups is your new fav ATX country dive bar with frequent community events and happy hour weekdays from 4 PM to 7 PM. 

MANCHACA | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Giddy Ups

Hole in the Wall

Hole in the Wall

Drawing in crowds since 1974, Hole in the Wall is Austin's live music scene gem. It serves as one of Austin’s most legendary venues where icons like Courtney Love, Shakey Graves, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Don Henley of the Eagles, Sterling Morrison of The Velvet Underground, and even Quentin Tarantino have enjoyed live music and cheap drinks. There’s only a cover Thursday through Saturday so stop in and check Hole in the Wall off your ATX list. 

UNIVERSITY | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Hole in the Wall

Donn's Depot

Donn's Depot

A dive bar housed inside an old train depot, Donn’s sports two dance floors in old rail cars and is known for its live music nights. This spot attracts and welcomes a diverse crowd and has been since the late 70s. Adorned with hanging string lights and a piano, Donn’s Depot hosts intimate live music events without a cover. Enjoy a drink and catch the owner Donn Adelman performing on stage along with plenty of other talented acts.

WEST SIXTH | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Donn's Depot

White Horse

White Horse

The White Horse prides itself in being “a two steppin’ whiskey slingin’ Honky Tonk” joint in ATX open 7 days a week from 3 PM to 2 AM. It's your new go-to for dancing, live music, or Bomb Tacos outside from 6 PM to 1:30 AM daily. If you want more than your typical dive bar experience, stop in for two stepping lessons or enjoy live country music at a classic honky-tonk.

EAST AUSTIN | DIRECTIONS

Dry Creek Cafe

Dry Creek Cafe

Open since 1965, Dry Creek is one of Austin’s original dive bars. They’re open Tuesday through Sunday from 4 PM to 9 PM. This beer joint is tucked away off Mount Bonnell Road and is a cash only spot with a jukebox and live music. If it weren’t for its bright yellow exterior, this spot would be easy to miss, but drinking at the Dry Creek is an experience we’re sure you’ll never forget.

MT. BONNELL | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Dry Creek Cafe

The Lost Well

The Lost Well

The Lost Well is a local rock n roll neighborhood bar that’s been serving the people since 2013. They’re open till 2 AM every night and offer $5 shot and beer happy hours every Monday. It’s your go-to for all things motorcycles and punk vibes in ATX. 

EAST AUSTIN | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of The Lost Well

Dirty Bills

Dirty Bills

Dirty Bills has been keeping Austin dirty since 08. They’ve got the perfect dive bar vibe: dim lighting, late night hours, and cheap cold draft beers. If you can’t get enough of the dive bar madness, they’ve even got the coolest merch. Rep Dirty Bills skateboards, t-shirts, hats, bodysuits, and masks galore.

DOWNTOWN | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Dirty Bills

Backlot Bar

Backlot Bar

Your local neighborhood bar with a pool table, darts, a full bar selection, and even a deli food truck parked outside. Known for their cheap beer and friendly staff, Backlot has a patio, ample parking, a jukebox, and TVs. P.S. Furry friends are welcome on the outside patio! They’re open everyday (yes, holidays too) till 2 AM every night and they’re LGBTQ+ friendly!

NORTH CAMPUS | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Backlot Bar

Shangri-La

Shangri-La

Wilder Wood is a 100% gluten-free ATX hotspot with a spacious rooftop patio! Dine on their patio under large umbrellas and enjoy their classic silo and cozy string lights. There’s plenty of seating and fans to keep you cool while you indulge on street tacos, brisket enchiladas, wilder fajitas, or ribs and ribeyes. Wilder Wood offers insane specials like $5 wine Wednesday and $20 bottles, 75 cent wings and $4 drafts on Thursdays, all day happy hour on Monday, and so much more!

EAST AUSTIN | DIRECTIONS

Nickel City

Nickel City

For a laid back dive bar kinda vibe hit up Nickel City in East Austin. They started in Buffalo, New York and brought the fun down to the 512. Wash down Detroit style coney dogs with beer, whiskey, or mixed drinks, and meet the friendliest bartenders in all of ATX. The Delray Cafe’s chili cheese tots or cheesy sliders pair great with cheap drinks all night.

EAST AUSTIN | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Nickle City

The Water Tank

The Water Tank

Your local neighborhood watering hole but with a fun twist: karaoke, open mic nights, pool tables, and a dog-friendly spacious backyard with picnic tables, horseshoes, a live music stage. Stop in for a wide selection of drinks, $2 taco Tuesdays, steak nights, barks and brews dog events, and all things Longhorn football.

NORTH AUSTIN | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of The Water Tank

The 04 Lounge

The 04 Lounge

If you’re looking for a local dive bar on SoCo for cold drinks and hours of pool and pinball, stop in to The 04. They’ve got free parking, a barstool-littered patio, a laid-back atmosphere, and a great crowd. It’s a classic ATX dive bar with dim lighting, pool tables, and cheap beers.

SOCO | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of The 04 Lounge

Drinks Lounge

Drinks Lounge

If you couldn’t tell already, we love our neighborhood East Side dive bars. This one has an outdoor patio, pool tables, live music, and chill vibes. Their horseshoe shaped bar slings drinks till 2 AM and they even serve burgers, tacos, wings, nachos, and more. Chug on cheap drinks in their VIP “Asshole Section” and tell ‘em we sent you and your crew.

EAST AUSTIN | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Drinks Lounge

Mean Eyed Cat

Mean Eyed Cat

It's all about booze, beer, BBQ, and Johnny Cash at this 5th street joint. Bring your pups to this local dive bar with free parking, cheap drinks, and an outdoor patio. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 PM to 8 PM. Enjoy specials like $2 cans, $3 wells, and $2.50 bottled domestics- drinks for all! 

WEST FIFTH | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Mean Eyed Cat

Latchkey

Latchkey

One of the cutest dive bars on our list, Latchkey sits on East Sixth and is open till 2 AM every night. Come for the cheap drinks and iconic indoor decor at this “adult daycare center.” They’ve got a patio, crawfish boils, and drink specials for days. The Smokin Rose taco joint is on site too for post drink eats.  

EAST SIXTH | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Latchkey

Casino El Camino

Casino El Camino

Stop into this groovy East Sixth bar and grill dive that has happy hour everyday till 7 PM. They’re known for their giant burgers and ice cold brews. Enjoy music from their old school jukebox or chill out with a beer on their voodoo-tiki style patio.  

RED RIVER DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Casino El Camnino

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE