6 Best Social Clubs
Community, A Priceless Commodity
Words by Deven Wilson | Photo from Fierce Whisker
The feeling of exclusiveness may be the hoity-toity aspect of why some people covet a club, but there’s a priceless benefit to membership at these Eastside social clubs. From private courtyards to open pickleball courts, there is something for every eclectic East Austin experiential fancy.
Other Racquet Social Club
Opening with a tight limit of 75 members, joining Other Racquet Social Club means an expectation of open courts and chill vibes. Armed with a clubhouse featuring locker rooms, a cold plunge pool, a sauna, a private lounge with TVs, a co-working space, and a dining room, Other Racquet will quickly be the must-join pickleball club in the city.
2717 Manor Rd. | otherracquet.com
The Pershing
The Pershing is a palace for partiers and playmakers looking to embrace a more local approach to a social club. With a kitchen churning out Michelin-star caliber food, a cocktail bar, and a massive arcade, it’s a playhouse for Austinites looking for somewhere only found in East Austin.
2415B E 5th St. | thepershing.com
The Barrel Club
Whiskey fanatics can rejoice with Fierce Whisker Distillery’s whiskey club offerings: two tiers of a members-only groups for the casual sipper to the whiskey connoisseur. The first tier is The Barrel Club, open to anyone with one grand to spare for the first year’s access to quarterly private tastings, chef dinners, and private bottling experiences. The Cut, capped at 500 members total, is more exclusive, with first invites to free events, samples of their spirits, and virtual tastings. Membership is only accessible via unique Instagram posts.
5333 Fleming Ct. | fiercewhiskers.com
Visitant Social Club
Is there anything more East Austin than a members-only speakeasy inside a trailer? From the creative minds behind bars across Disney properties, Visitant Social Club blends the refinement of a membership with the kitschy fun of hanging out in a trailer. Built to help members break down their social barriers, put down their phones, and build out their community, this is the one trailer park you’ll clamor to visit.
3421 N I-35 | visitant.club
Highbrow Lowbrow
True to their name, Highbrow Lowbrow is a social club that offers the best of both ends of social standing. Highbrow House is their bougie and beautiful escape filled with antiques, Persian rugs, and 100-year-old wood walls encasing the space. At the same time, their Lowbrow Outdoor Garden is a perpetual patio party with a rustic aesthetic. Members can enjoy both areas and access to their clubhouse and Wi-Fi password.
207 Chalmers Ave. | hblbatx.com
East Austin Athletic Club
A gym… really? East Austin Athletic Club is no ordinary Haz n’ Franz pump-up house. They’re more about building up their community than flexing on it. Hosting pub runs, potlucks, corn hole tournaments, and happy hours, they aren’t only friendly after you pick up the weights. They want to strengthen bonds made at their gym while providing a great space to work out.
4909 E Cesar Chavez St. | eastaustinathleticclub.com
Did You Know?
Various lowriding groups like Austin Lowriding and Hands Full of Cash Car Club gather at Fiesta Gardens to continue the heritage of hotrods on the Eastside. There is no cost to join unless you want to buy a new ride to show off. Being a staple of the community for decades, these displays of car culture have brought the community out to socialize long before it became the hive of activity it is today.
To the eastsideatx.com owner, Nice post!