Sixth Street: Nightlife and Entertainment
Did you know about the Pecan Street Festival on Sixth Street? In 2010, it drew over 300,000 visitors and had a $43 million economic impact. This area in Austin’s heart offers more than just bar food. It has award-winning beers at Central District Brewing and rooftop meals at Iron Cactus. Plus, you can find over 400 kinds of tequila at Las Perlas.
Sixth Street in Austin is known for its fun vibe and historical beauty. It’s a must-visit for locals and tourists wanting to feel the city’s heart. You can go from the lively Casino El Camino to The Driskill’s elegant hotel bar. With its mix of places, the entertainment district captures what makes Austin special.
Key Takeaways
- Sixth Street Austin offers a wide range of bars, restaurants, and live music venues.
- The neighborhood is famed for landmarks like The Driskill hotel and Flamingo Cantina.
- Each spring and fall, Sixth Street transforms into the bustling Pecan Street Festival.
- Casino El Camino and Iron Cactus offer unique dining experiences beyond bar food.
- Central District Brewing and Las Perlas provide a rich selection of beverages, from award-winning beers to premium small-batch tequilas.
Exploring Austin’s Sixth Street
Sixth Street is the heart of Austin’s entertainment. It’s known as the Live Music Capital of the World. Tourists and locals mix here, checking out shops and enjoying nightlife. Sixth Street also has a rich history that adds to its charm.
Overview of Sixth Street
This street is the cultural pulse of Austin. Visitors find themselves in a lively and historic atmosphere. It’s a mix of old and new, creating an experience to remember.
The Four Entertainment Hubs
There are four main areas in the Sixth Street district. The Red River District is all about live music. West Sixth Street offers upscale lounges and fine dining. East Sixth Street draws a hip crowd with street art and quirky bars.
The original area, known as Dirty Sixth Street, is famous for its nightlife and history. Here, places like the Blind Pig Pub offer live music and great downtown views.
Top Attractions on Sixth Street
Esther’s Follies combines comedy, magic, and music for a unique show. Flamingo Cantina has live bands playing Latin and reggae. The Blind Pig Pub is known for its vibe and views.
- Top Attractions
- Esther’s Follies: Comedy, magic, and music show.
- Flamingo Cantina: Latin, reggae, world beat, and ska.
- Blind Pig Pub: Rooftop patio with live performances.
- The Driskill Hotel: A historic venue with live music nightly.
- Antone’s Nightclub: Hosts legendary blues and R&B acts.
- Las Perlas: Offers over 400 small-batch tequilas and mezcals.
Esther’s Follies and Flamingo Cantina offer comedy and reggae. The Blind Pig Pub features diverse musical acts. Whether you prefer the neon lights of Dirty Sixth or chic West Sixth bars, it’s all here.
A Guide to Sixth Street Bars
Austin’s Sixth Street bars are where the city comes alive at night. They offer a mix of historic spots and modern speakeasies. Whether you want a classic drink at the Driskill Hotel or a fun night at a speakeasy, Sixth Street has you covered.
Iconic Bars and Pubs
The Driskill Hotel, built in 1886, stands as a pillar of historic Austin bars. The hotel’s bar serves classic Old Fashioned cocktails with timeless elegance. For a more lively scene, Casino El Camino on Sixth Street offers huge burgers and a rowdy atmosphere. This place was even featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
Hidden Gems and Speakeasies
Hidden spots and speakeasies on Sixth Street offer an intimate vibe. The Firehouse Lounge is entered through a secret bookcase. It welcomes guests to a cozy, vintage space. Meanwhile, Midnight Cowboy, known for its refined cocktails, needs a reservation because it’s quite small.
Happy Hours and Drink Specials
Looking for happy hours or drink deals? Sixth Street has loads. You’ll find special offers across the street. These deals help you enjoy good drinks without spending too much. So, whether it’s a chill pub or a fancy place, Sixth Street’s drink specials are worth checking out.
| Bar Name | Location | Average Rating | Price Range | Notable Features | No. of Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violet Crown Social Club | East Austin | 4.3 | $ | Outdoor Seating | 188 |
| The Roosevelt Room | Warehouse District | 4.4 | $$$ | Full Bar, Takes Reservations | 795 |
| Elephant Room | Downtown | 4.1 | $$ | Outdoor Seating | 529 |
| Midnight Cowboy | Downtown | 4.6 | $$$ | Outdoor Seating | 385 |
| Casino El Camino | Dirty Sixth Street | 4.5 | $ | Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor Seating | 1.4k |
Live Music Venues on Sixth Street
Sixth Street is the heart of Austin’s music scene, famous as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Here, musical acts of all types perform, making the Red River music scene richer. Fans of any music genre can enjoy memorable nights out.
Famous Music Venues
Antone’s Nightclub is a star among Austin’s music venues. Legends like B.B. King and Ray Charles have played here. With a 4.2 rating, it’s known for its impact on the music world. Esther’s Follies mixes comedy and music, delighting crowds for 45 years. Flamingo Cantina offers reggae and world music, scoring 3.8 from reviews, showing Austin’s diverse music taste.
Local Bands and Artists
Austin’s local talents shine on Sixth Street. Venues like The Driskill host live music every night, keeping the city’s musical legacy alive. A mix of indie, rock, country, and blues gives these performances a unique edge. Places like Poodies Roadhouse and Flamingo Cantina are prime spots for artists to connect with fans.
Planning Your Music Night Out
Planning music nights is easy with Sixth Street’s full schedule. With venues like Antone’s hosting around 8 events, there’s always something happening. The range of performances ensures a dynamic night of live music. Aside from concerts, there are tribute nights and record release parties, adding to Austin’s lively nights.
| Venue | Rating | Reviews | Total Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antone’s Nightclub | 4.2 | 141 | 8 |
| San Jac Saloon | 4.3 | 138 | – |
| Friends Bar | 3.8 | 191 | – |
| Maggie Mae’s | 3.1 | 259 | – |
| Blind Pig Pub | 3.4 | 252 | – |
| Flamingo Cantina | 3.8 | 56 | – |
| Thirsty Nickel | 3.2 | 102 | – |
| The Green Jay | 5.0 | 5 | – |
| Swan Dive | 3.5 | 83 | – |
| Emp.ire Control Room & Garage | 3.1 | 104 | – |
Exploring Sixth Street’s live music is an exciting adventure. Each venue adds to the vibrant Red River music scene, promising nights filled with Austin’s soulful tunes.
Dining and Nightlife Experiences
Sixth Street in Austin is a hot spot for food and fun. It’s perfect for those who love food or enjoy the nightlife. Everyone can find something they love here.
Popular Dining Spots
There are many famous restaurants on Sixth Street. Casino El Camino is known for its huge burgers. They were even featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
For those who prefer a fancier meal, Iron Cactus has a rooftop patio. It offers great views and delicious Mexican food. Beer fans can enjoy unique brews at Central District Brewing.
Unique Nightlife Experiences
The nightlife on Sixth Street is more than just bars and clubs. Cielo Nightclub offers Latin and reggaeton music. It’s a great place to dance the night away.
Las Perlas has over 400 kinds of tequilas and mezcals for spirit lovers. Vulcan Gas Company is for those who love electronic music. It has a big dance floor for local and touring artists.
Where to Get the Best Cocktails
Austin has amazing cocktail bars on Sixth Street. Midnight Cowboy is reservation-only. It offers unique cocktails. Firehouse Lounge is cozy and has live music. It’s great for enjoying drinks.
Upscale places like Maggie Mae’s are known for rooftop parties. Historic spots like Antone’s have hosted legends like B.B. King. These places make Sixth Street’s nightlife exciting.
Sixth Street Austin: A Historical Journey
Sixth Street has a rich and fascinating history that connects Austin’s past and present.
Located at 30°16′2″N 97°44′23″W, Sixth Street was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 30, 1975. This highlights its lasting importance.
The Driskill Hotel was built in 1886. It showcases the area’s dedication to keeping its history. The following year, the West 6th Street Bridge was built, adding to the area’s historic architecture.
In 1910, the Scarbrough Building was built. Its eight-story brick design stands out. Then, in 1911, George Littlefield added a 9-story brick and limestone building at 6th and Congress. This added to Sixth Street’s importance in architecture.
The Ritz historic theater opened in 1929 at 320 E. 6th Street. It marked a key moment for Sixth Street, making it a cultural spot. Locals call East Sixth Street Dirty Sixth, showing Austin’s dynamic history.
The Pecan Street Festival began in 1978. By 2010, it drew over 300,000 visitors and had a $43 million economic impact. The event celebrates handcrafted works, keeping Sixth Street’s creative spirit alive.
- Coordinates: 30°16′2″N 97°44′23″W
- Driskill Hotel built in 1886; celebrated its 130th Anniversary in December 2016.
- West 6th Street Bridge built in 1887.
- Scarbrough Building constructed in 1910.
- George Littlefield’s 9-story building at 6th & Congress, built in 1911.
- Ritz historic theater opened in 1929.
- Pecan Street Festival started in 1978; attracted 300,000 people in 2010.
The area is even more appealing with places like the Susanna Dickinson Museum and the O. Henry Museum. They offer insights into the past. The bi-annual Pecan Street Festival is a key event. It features hundreds of artists, adding to Sixth Street’s cultural scene.
Conclusion
Sixth Street is a big part of Austin’s rich culture and fun scene. It has gone through many changes since the ’70s. Back then, nearly 50 bars and clubs made it a lively place. Today, it faces new challenges but keeps changing and growing.
Even with the loss of places like Easy Tiger and Alamo Drafthouse’s Ritz, Austin is working hard to revive the area. Stream Realty’s plan is to update over 30 properties. They want to mix the old charm with new excitement. This keeps Sixth Street’s special vibe alive.
The city wants to make Sixth Street safer and more welcoming for everyone. They’re creating a mix of uses for the area through different plans. Efforts to cut down on crime are also in place. Sixth Street shows the city’s ongoing story. It’s a place locals and visitors should not miss.
