6th Street Austin — Bar-by-Bar Nightlife Guide

6th Street is Austin’s live music epicenter — a 6-block stretch of bars and venues between Congress Avenue and I-35 with free live music pouring out of every door.

Dirty 6th (6th Street Main)

The main strip between Congress and I-35 is called ‘Dirty 6th’ — loud, rowdy, and the primary party zone. Maggie Mae’s — multiple stages with live music. The Blind Pig — dive bar with punk and rock. Shakespeare’s Pub — English pub with live music. Midnight Cowboy — a hidden speakeasy behind an unmarked door (reservation required). The street closes to cars on weekend nights and becomes a pedestrian bar crawl.

West 6th / Rainey Street

West 6th (west of Congress) is the more upscale nightlife — craft cocktails, rooftop bars, and a slightly older crowd. Rainey Street is a row of converted bungalow houses turned into bars — each one a different vibe. Lustre Pearl and Banger’s (sausage and beer garden) are the anchors. Rainey is the best bar experience in Austin.

Red River Cultural District

North of 6th Street, Red River is the live music corridor for indie, punk, metal, and electronic. Mohawk — outdoor venue with a killer balcony. Stubb’s Bar-B-Q — legendary venue with an outdoor amphitheater that books major national acts. Cheer Up Charlies — Austin’s best queer bar with DJ nights and a spacious patio.

East 6th

The emerging scene — Whisler’s has a rooftop mezcal bar. The White Horse is the best honky-tonk in Austin (yes, Austin has country too). Lazarus Brewing has craft beer and tacos. East 6th is where Austin’s creative energy is heading.

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