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 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: 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: 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: 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.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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.