Best Dive Bars in Austin
Jukeboxes, pool tables, and no pretense — ranked by real Google rating. Several of these double as neighborhood diners: skip the fancy cocktails, the kitchen is the actual reason to stay.
Last updated August 8, 2026
1. The Lost Well
Rock-&-roll bar offering draft beer & a lineup of local bands & musicians in an upbeat setting.
4.8 stars, 533 reviews.
2. Donn's Depot
Piano bar with live music, 2 dance floors & a diverse crowd, set in old rail cars & a former depot.
4.7 stars, 827 reviews. Quirky chalkboard menu with surprisingly good burgers and wraps.
3. Mama Dearest
Mama Dearest is a budget-friendly dive bar in East Austin.
4.7 stars, 237 reviews.
4. The Silver Medal
The Silver Medal is a budget-friendly burger spot.
4.7 stars, 180 reviews. $. Burger-and-beer joint in a rough-hewn building downtown — the double burger and dirty fries (cheese and chili) draw crowds.
5. Lala's Little Nugget
Strip-mall tavern with year-round holiday decor, an old-school jukebox, drinks & games.
4.6 stars, 1,478 reviews — the most-reviewed spot on this list.
6. Nickel City
Retro watering hole with craft cocktails & a laid-back attitude plus coney dog food truck.
4.6 stars, 1,306 reviews.
7. Mean Eyed Cat
A down-home Johnny Cash-themed destination featuring a full bar & a welcoming patio.
4.6 stars, 1,000 reviews.
8. Workhorse Bar
Rustic-chic local bar with tree-stump chairs, varied burger options & craft beer on draft.
4.6 stars, 949 reviews.
9. Kitty Cohen's
Retro bar offering specialty drinks & punches, plus a spacious yard with shaded poolside seating.
4.5 stars, 989 reviews.
10. The Hole in the Wall
Simple bar with booze, karaoke & regular live music, both inside & out on the patio.
4.5 stars, 869 reviews. The chicken-fried steak sandwich is the reason regulars come back.
11. Barfly's
Laid-back saloon with an eclectic music selection on the jukebox, billiards, foosball & a patio.
4.5 stars, 793 reviews.
12. The White Horse
The White Horse is a moderately-priced bar in East Austin.
4.4 stars, 2,324 reviews. $$. Karaoke and live country nights, plus a kitchen well into the early morning — known for breakfast tacos on Sunday.
13. Dirty Bill's
Dirty Bill's is a budget-friendly bar in East Austin.
4.3 stars, 298 reviews. $. Low-lit patio with a freight-container kitchen serving fresh tacos and migas.
FAQ
- What's the top pick in "Best Dive Bars in Austin"?
- The Lost Well is our top pick.
- How many spots are in this guide?
- We've featured 13 venues in "Best Dive Bars in Austin."
Featured venues
The Lost Well
Rock-&-roll bar offering draft beer & a lineup of local bands & musicians in an upbeat setting.
Donn's Depot
Piano bar with live music, 2 dance floors & a diverse crowd, set in old rail cars & a former depot.
Mama Dearest
Mama Dearest is a budget-friendly dive bar in East Austin.
Lala's Little Nugget
Strip-mall tavern with year-round holiday decor, an old-school jukebox, drinks & games.
Nickel City
Retro watering hole with craft cocktails & a laid-back attitude plus coney dog food truck.
Mean Eyed Cat
A down-home Johnny Cash-themed destination featuring a full bar & a welcoming patio.
Workhorse Bar
Rustic-chic local bar with tree-stump chairs, varied burger options & craft beer on draft.
Kitty Cohen's
Retro bar offering specialty drinks & punches, plus a spacious yard with shaded poolside seating.
The Hole in the Wall
Simple bar with booze, karaoke & regular live music, both inside & out on the patio.
Barfly's
Laid-back saloon with an eclectic music selection on the jukebox, billiards, foosball & a patio.
