16. Molotov
City: Austin, TX
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (512) 499-0600
Address: 719 West Sixth St.
Description: The decor as this quasi-neighborhood bar in the loft-sprouting neighborhood near Whole Foods Landmark Store is retro-Communist with hammers and sickles, splashes of red, even a pointer on the website that turns into a flaming Molotov cocktail (the handmade gasoline bombs were contemptuously named after a Russian official by the Finns after Stalin invaded their country in 1939). But the atmosphere is much more pleasant with the open-to-the-street walls and the upstairs deck decorated with some very non-Commie, large comic-style portraits of bikini-wearing girls. There is also a karaoke night where it is doubtful you will hear the Internationale, the Communist workers’ anthem.
17. PECHE
City: Austin, TX
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (512) 495-9669
Address: 208 West Fourth St.
Description: With the legalization of absinthe, often called the Green Fairy, in 2007 this potent, herbal distillation is back on bar menus. Peche highlights the historic drink that often inspired the artists and writers of 19th-century Paris.
18. Star Bar
City: Austin, TX
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (512) 477-8550
Address: 600 West Sixth St.
Description: Just beyond the downtown Warehouse District, West Sixth Street has developed into one of the hottest spot in town for new restaurants and bars. Star Bar once was a paint shop, but the ’50s-style building is now a very hip place to be seen and to watch Austin’s 20-something set at play. The store’s big plate-glass window looks out on a small street-side patio, while inside the low ceiling and retro furnishings give the place an intimate, jazzy sort of feel.
19. Townhouse
City: Austin, TX
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (512) 472-5288
Address: 303 West Fifth St.
Description: This warehouse district bar serves classic cocktails plus ingenious new concoctions made from spirits infused by exotic flavors, spices, herbs, and even rose petals.
20. Aussie’s Volleybar and Grill
City: Austin, TX
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (512) 480-0952
Address: 306 Barton Springs Rd.
Description: Volleyball takes center stage at this South Central Austin bar and grill, but sports enthusiasts also gather at the bar to watch sporting events on several television sets. A favorite drink is, of course, Foster’s—the national beer of Australia, mate.
21. BLACK SHEEP LODGE
City: Austin, TX
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (512) 707-2744
Address: 2108 South Lamar Blvd.
Description: A combo neighborhood bar, hamburger joint, and sports bar, the Black Sheep has 20 beers on tap, a streetfront deck, pub grub like fried pickles and jalapeños, burgers and hot dogs, plus plenty of screens tuned to the sports channels.
22. COMMON INTEREST
City: Austin, TX
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (512) 453-6796
Address: 8440 Burnet Rd.
Description: This sports bar in North Central Austin boats 20 big screens, plus a paintball karaoke stage where patrons can vent their frustrations if their team loses.
23. Dirty Martin’s Place
City: Austin, TX
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (512) 477-3173
Address: 2808 Guadalupe St.
Description: Faithful Longhorn fans have been flocking here since the 1920s, long before HDTV, when it was known as Martin’s “Kumback.” Classic burgers and fries are on the menu for fans watching the big game inside or out on the patio. Dirty’s is open daily for lunch and dinner.
24. Legend’s
City: Austin, TX
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (512) 343-0888
Address: 8901 Business Park Dr.
Description: Housed in the Holiday Inn in Northwest Austin, Legend’s focus is simply sports, cold beer, and all-American fare. This is the quintessential sports bar: The 22 televisions are always tuned to sports, and the menu features food like hamburgers and steaks. Occasionally there is a cover charge when special sports broadcasts are scheduled.
25. Shoal Creek Saloon and Sports Parlor
City: Austin, TX
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (512) 477-0600
Address: 909 North Lamar Blvd.
Description: New Orleans Saints fans are drawn to this Central Austin sports bar, perhaps because the pub’s menu features Cajun dishes like gumbo and fried catfish.
26. The Tavern
City: Austin, TX
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (512) 320-8377
Address: 922 West Twelfth St.
Description: Opened in 1916 as a grocery store on what was then the edge of the city, the building has had several incarnations including, legend has it, serving as home to a brothel. After Prohibition, the Tavern came into its current life and is now a popular place for friends to gather for a burger, a game of pool, or a beer or two during a football game on the big screen.
27. Warehouse Saloon & Billiards
City: Austin, TX
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (512) 443-8799
Address: 509 East Ben White Blvd.
Description: This large pool hall is also home to a sports bar where patrons can watch regularly televised events or pay-for-view specials. In addition to 25 tables, the Warehouse also offers video games, pinball, and shuffleboard.
28. B. D. Riley’s Pub
City: Austin, TX
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (512) 494-1335
Address: 204 East Sixth St.
Description: This is a real Irish pub that was built in Dublin and shipped over to Austin by owner John Erwin, whose grandmother, Bessie D. Riley, gave her name to the joint. Beer here is served in Imperial pints for two-fisted drinkers, and the pub grub is some of the best in Texas. In addition to being home of the Austin branch of the Notre Dame club, Riley’s offers music, football nights, and pub quiz nights, a popular tradition in the old country.
29. The Blind Pig Pub
City: Austin, TX
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (512) 472-0809
Address: 317 East Sixth St.
Description: Thirty varieties of beer and ale are offered at this pub-cum-sports bar on Sixth Street. The pub has a small beer garden, Foosball, and pool tables, plus big-screen televisions for watching sports events.
30. Copper Tank Brewing Company
City: Austin, TX
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (512) 478-8444
Address: 514 Trinity St.
Description: This Sixth Street brewpub attracts a diverse crowd, including a large college contingent and sports fans, drawn by the bank of big-screen televisions. Local brewery critics give Copper Tank high marks for its brews like Big Dog Brown Ale and Firehouse Stout. Happy hour on Wed draws a large crowd, and the bar is popular among downtown workers who want a cold one on hot days.