Where everybody knows my name

December 20, 2010 8:10 PM

Please help me find an Austin bar where I can be a regular. Looking for a low-key/casual place with music that isn't conversation-inhibiting, where going alone won't seem weird, the patrons are well above college age, and the people are generally friendly.

I'm most likely to be going during the week after work, say 6:30. So if the place gets young and rowdy late, that's ok.

Added bonuses: south of downtown and good selection of beers

If you know Dallas, I'd like a place like the Cock and Bull in Lakewood (circa 2006. I think it sucks now).

Thanks for any suggestions!

posted by erloteiel to Food & Drink (10 answers total)

I don't know what the Cock and Bull is like. Are you looking for sports bar? Dive? Pub? Something swanky? Something hip?

A few ideas downtown and south of downtown

Gibson (looks a bit upscale, but really it's a neighborhood bar and a bit sporty)
G&S (dive)
04
Dog and Duck (pub)
Black Sheep Lodge (neighborhood bar with burgers and patio)
posted by lunalaguna at 8:45 PM on December 20, 2010

It isn't south of downtown, but it sounds like what you want is the Flying Saucer in the Triangle at Guadalupe and Lamar.
posted by jeffkramer at 9:07 PM on December 20, 2010

Response by poster: Not swanky or hip-- don't think I'd fit in! :-)

Neighborhood bar or pub is best, dives and sports bars are not out of the question.
posted by erloteiel at 9:16 PM on December 20, 2010

There's a Little Woodrows at Slaughter and I35 that seems to host a lot of get-togethers. If that's too chain-y, there's the Red Shed Tavern on South Congress just north of Slaughter.
posted by jeffkramer at 9:19 PM on December 20, 2010

Valhalla - my new favorite just-here-for-a-drink bar. Tends to be quiet but the folks leaning on the bar are always willing to chat.
posted by restless_nomad at 9:35 PM on December 20, 2010

Bender can get loud & rowdy later, but it might be a good candidate for the early evening.

Maybe also Horseshoe Lounge on South Lamar? It's divey and I think still smoky, but definitely a neighborhood kinda place. And maybe seconding Red Shed--I've only been once but it was a nice, laid-back atmosphere and had a really nice outdoor area.
posted by aka burlap at 10:38 PM on December 20, 2010

sorry for multiple posts, but forgot to say: the Dog and Duck is great (though not south of downtown)--I always recommend it to people. Going alone is totally fine. I've even taken a book there before. Nice beer selection, friendly staff, I know a lot of people who use it as a regular gathering place. The Draught House, a bit further north, is very similar.
posted by aka burlap at 10:41 PM on December 20, 2010

Though I live south, I love love love the Draughthouse and Billys on Burnet and try to make a point of heading north once in a while just for the laid back vibe. Black Sheep Lodge down does have pretty OK food, but the crowd is definitely sports/ ex-frat boy and can get kinda obnoxious at times. Dog & Duck serves decent beers and food as well. The Gingerman and the new Black Star Coop may be worth a try if you wanna grab some tasty brews. For dives, G&S can be an interesting experience (don't piss off the owner), Ginny's Little Longhorn is worth at least one chicken-shit bingo Sunday visit, and Lala's is the place to if you wanna get your smoke 'n Santa on this holiday season.
posted by ch3ch2oh at 10:43 PM on December 20, 2010

dog and duck
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 6:48 AM on December 21, 2010

It's been 10 years since I lived in Austin, but if Ego's is still there and is as timeless as it ever was, it totally fits your requirements. Beer selection was only so-so, though.
posted by mudpuppie at 8:10 PM on December 21, 2010