Austin’s Sixth Street is home to more than 50 bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues where you can enjoy an adult beverage. Dubbed “Dirty Sixth” by locals and often overlooked by new arrivals over 30, the iconic nightlife hub has a timeless charm to it. If you’re a first-timer or it’s been a while time since your last hurrah out on Sixth Street, here’s an up-to-date guide to some of the thoroughfare’s finer watering holes.
Alamo Drafthouse Ritz
The Ritz screens blockbusters and award-winning independent films like other Alamo Drafthouse locations. But it also hosts sing-alongs, dance parties, comedy performances, and other events that make it feel more lively. The multi-course meal and cocktail menu satisfy hunger and quench thirst. The Alamo Drafthouse Ritz is a 15-minute walk from AMLI’s Eastside and downtown Austin apartments.
Buffalo Billiards
A 10-minute walk from AMLI on 2nd, Buffalo Billiards is a Wild-West themed sports bar that’s hard to leave. Comprehensive and affordably priced food and drink menus keep your basic needs fulfilled. Dozens of HD TVs screen sporting events of all kinds. Pool and shuffleboard tables, dart boards, and other bar games fill up 20,000 square feet of entertainment space.
Casino El Camino
Casino El Camino Bar and Grill is a Dirty Sixth institution that’s been recognized by the Food Network, Austin Chronicle, and other publications for its mouthwatering food and remarkable jukebox. Austinites rank Casino’s Tex-Mex burger among their favorites, and the green chile fries make a great accompaniment. This old-school Austin bar is a 10-minute walk from AMLI’s Eastside Austin apartments.
The Eastern
This Eastside Sixth Street dive has one of the cheapest happy hours in Austin. The Eastern, a ten-minute walk from AMLI Eastside, also throws a happening hip-hop party every Friday night.
Easy Tiger
Just about the last place to drink on Sixth Street west of I-35, Easy Tiger is a German-inspired beer garden and bakery. Wash down any cakes and pretzels you eat with your choice of over 30 beers on tap. This Sixth Street gem is a 10-minute walk from AMLI Eastside.
Firehouse Lounge
Its hidden entrance behind a fake bookshelf in the Firehouse Hostel gives this lounge a certain novelty, but the real reason to come is for the cocktails. The menu balances classic cocktails with innovative house creations, but Firehouse’s knowledgeable bartenders can shake up just about any drink you desire.
The Gatsby
True to its name, The Gatsby’s interior is 1920s-inspired. But the biggest draw to this Sixth Street watering hole is its large and well-styled patio. The reasonably priced premium handcrafted cocktails are another reason to check out The Gatsby, a 10-minute walk from AMLI’s Eastside Austin apartments.
The Jackalope
This Sixth Street dive bar hosts happy hour daily from 2pm to 7pm, with tall boys and well drinks each. On Wednesdays, burgers are half-priced after 5 pm. Other food and drink specials and a welcoming environment make the Jackalope popular among more than just the college crowd. Jackalope is located within walking distance of AMLI Downtown, AMLI on 2nd, and AMLI Eastside.
Midnight Cowboy
Fancy cocktails in a tasteful speakeasy setting make Midnight Cowboy feel like the stuff of sophisticated socialites’ dreams. Make a reservation because you can’t get in without one, and look for the red lights on the south side of the street between Trinity and San Jacinto.
The Violet Crown Social Club
Sixth Street is no longer the only place to get your booze on east of I-35, but it does have some of Central East Austin’s hippest bars and lounges. The Violet Crown Social Club, another Sixth Street establishment known for its jukebox and friendly staff, has a spacious patio and 16 beers on tap. They also serve Via313 pizza and Iron Whips, a Dreamsicle-flavored frozen drink. The Violet Crown Social Club is less than 10 minutes’ walk from AMLI Eastside.
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst