Top Rated Nightlife in Austin

Operational for over a decade, Ginny's Little Longhorn Saloon has earned the reputation for being the city's country-music stop. It's not your usual nightclub with thumping music; but is a great place for drinks and good music. It hosts live musical performances every Thursday- Billy Dee & Redd Volkaert, Justin Treviño and Dale Watson have kept this place alive on several occasions. So stop by for a memorable night at this simple place, which not surprisingly, has a cult following.

Violet Crown Social Club is a lively dive bar that is a great night out spot to hang out with friends or groups. The interiors of the bar truly lives up to its name with red booths lining the interiors and dim dark lights. The bar has a great selection of draft beers and some amazing bites to go with it. Make sure to try their pizzas that are simply amazing. They have a lovely patio area that is warmly lit for those wanting to relax and unwind in an outdoor atmosphere. Make sure to carry a valid ID to enter this bar.

Unwind and relax with friends over some good live music and divine drinks at The Skylark Lounge while in the city. Local artists take to the stage and perform some groovy numbers in different music genres and styles. While swaying to some foot tapping music, you can enjoy some creative cocktails complemented with American snack dishes, either in the dimly lit indoors or in the outdoor patio area.

This venue, south of the river, is a throwback to the 1950s. Roots rock and country reign supreme in this bar, where one can often find men in leather jackets and classic Cadillacs out front. With live music nightly, tributes to Elvis, and celebrations of Hank William's birthday, this place is great for dancing, drinking and kicking back on the high stools. Happy hours feature some of Austin's favorite songwriters. The venue has broadened its range of live music to include occasional indie rock.

Walking into the Crown & Anchor is like walking into the University of Texas boathouse. The HD screens showcasing games, burgers and fries and a good selection of beer make the pub a popular hangout among college students and professors too. For the wagering kind, there's the dartboard and pool tables to win a few bucks. If you don't worry about parking and enjoy being a part of a boisterous crowd then spend an evening at this unofficial Austin Institution.

Technically, there are six Alamo Drafthouse locations in Austin. The popular belief is that, if you're in Austin and you want to see a movie, this is the place to be; it's a theater where you can order drinks and food from a strong menu to be served to you during the film (the aisles are wide enough to accommodate dining tables). Arrive one hour prior to showtime to find a good seat and to start ordering if you're going to dine heartily here - last call is 45 to 30 minutes before the movie ends.