Austin Travel Forum

We are planning a trip to Austin to see my favorite blues singer (Susan Tedeschi) on March 17. She is playing at a club on 6th Street. What bars/clubs would suit our age? I am concerned as I read the information on this web site that 6th Street is for the 18-25 crowd. The music we like is more eclectic... some blues, jazz, or the liking of Texas natives Lyle Lovett, Nanci Griffith, etc. Anything but hard rock/head bangers/rave/wrap. Any suggestions?

I don't know what you read, but 6th Street isn't just frat boys and metal bands. Austin has a very eclectic music scene (probably the best in the country), much of which is the sort of Texas music you're looking for, and Sixth is the hub of it. Because Austin is a pseudo-college town though, a lot of the bars will be catered toward the 20-something set, but many bars are just bars, and attract all kinds of crowds.

I live in Austin, and I agree with the above poster.

The great thing about 6th Street is you can walk up and down the street and bar hop to several places. If one doesn't suit you, go next door. Also, there are some great places farther west down 6th that are past the main entertainment zone. The warehouse district on 4th street is usually considered the place for an older crowd, but I don't find it as lively. South Congress has some great bars too.

Enjoy your stay in Austin,

Marc

The area called SOCO or (south congress) is a lot of fun...there might be music at El Sol Y Luna for dinner, Continental Club, Beck's on South Congress, Jo's coffee and Threadgill's has some good music too. Another club closer to the UT campus called the Cactus Cafe has top musicians. Check the website www.austinchronicle.com for information on what is playing at the time. However, I notice you will be here during South by Southwest....and during that time there is music literally everywhere. But lots of places will require an expensive badge to get in. South Congress will be the place to go to have fun for free without the badge. There will also be free concerts sponsored by south by southwest at Auditorium Shores, check www.sxsw.com for information on what is playing.

If you're coming to Austin during South by Southwest, all bets are off. The clubs on 6th will be playing a variety of music & everything will be very crowded. B.D. Riley's is an Irish pub on 6th that generally has an older crowd.

It's a short walk to 4th street where the bars cater more to the 25 & up crowd, but the music scene there is much more unreliable.

Other suggestions:
The Saxon Pub on South Lamar plays great Texas music & Antone's has blues every night of the week. The Broken Spoke is home to lots of local country acts & is an Austin landmark.

Oh yeah, last time I was at the Broken Spoke (about a month ago) I saw David Carradine of "Kill Bill" & "Kung Fu" fame. He was just chilling out & having a drink. Nobody bothered him....that's Austin.