6 Best Dive Bars in East Austin
Drink Up without the Need to Dress Up
Words by Tanya White Photo of Nickel City by Shelby Bella
By definition, a dive bar is an unglamorous setting serving up low-cost drinks. In East Austin, the dive bar culture runs deep. Beloved eclectic environments offering simple drinks to varying tunes is the heartbeat of this celebrated nightlife. Visit one of these unique local watering holes where jeans and boots are welcome.
Shangri-La
Located on the busy section of East 6th Street, this small entryway expands into a gorgeous patio serving unique drink concoctions. The Austin Tea Party cocktail is an unmissable local fave. With abundant pool tables and an on-site food truck most nights, it’s the perfect hideaway to hang with friends and enjoy the open air. shangrilaaustin.com | 1016 E 6th St.
King Bee
Tuesday is the best night to visit King Bee on East 12th Street. Live bands bring down the house with the blues, the perfect midweek pick me up. This place has a dark interior where every conversation feels private and a large patio out back when you need fresh air. Despite the ownership change a few years ago, they still make their own pizza on-site, and that alone is worth a visit.
kingbeeatx.com | 1906 E 12th St.
Long Play Lounge (East)
The former Stay Gold location has turned into a cool place to hang with your dog on the patio while listening to retro tunes played on vinyl. The patio has a utilitarian feel to it, and inside, the glittery curtains shimmer and bring a little glam to the live bands that play there regularly. Check the schedule and take your dance partner for a spin on the cozy dance floor.
thelongplaylounge.com/lpeast | 1901 E Cesar Chavez St.
Sahara Lounge
Driving far east, just to the point when you think you must have missed it, you’ll bump into Sahara Lounge. Amongst the growing residential area, the bar might seem a bit dilapidated, but it’s not. A dirt parking lot and an uneven dance floor make this spot 100% Austin weird. Saturday night, a local fave, is Africa night and includes music and a buffet. Second is ladies night with ’70s and ’80s disco funk—just two examples of the breadth of music you can find at this quirky dive bar.
saharalounge.com | 1413 Webberville Rd.
Nickel City
Nickel City is the quintessential neighborhood bar, sitting in an original brick building that has hosted watering holes for longer than anyone can remember. Their approach is simple cocktails for fair prices that keep locals coming back for more. They also have an extensive whiskey list that we love. No live music here, so there’s never a cover.
nickelcitybar.com | 1133 E 11th St.
Skylark Lounge
Considered by many to be ‘the’ dive bar in Austin, the Skylark Lounge is known for the blues bands that play there regularly. It’s not uncommon for musicians to jump on stage and start jamming with their friends, and you can often hang out with them on the patio out back after the set. Sunday with Soulman Sam is one of the best (and under the radar) blues acts this city has to offer.
skylarkaustin.com | 2039 Airport Blvd.
