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The Side Bar

Bar$$$$

Downtown Austin, Austin

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The Side Bar

6.4^/10

184

ratings

"Veronica is the best <3"(4 Tips)
"Best, most personable bartenders in town!"(2 Tips)
"all-nighter with a bunch of hipsters."(4 Tips)
"Make sure to try all the homemade infused vodka."(2 Tips)

54 Tips and reviews

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veronica
hipster
darts
trivia
infused vodka
outdoor seating
beer
great value
good for singles
ice cream
staff
liquor
well
inexpensive
homemade food
movies
river
Christmas
(13 more)

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Zoe TronsonMarch 20, 2016
Been here 10+ times
The drinks are strong, so order a hard drink rather than a beer to get your money's worth. But the prices are great either way and it's a good place to start your night. Maybe to finish it too.
Josiah David ChapmanJanuary 26, 2018
One of the best dives in Austin! Quick, friendly staff (get to know them if you can, Brittney and Mikey are as solid as they come), 3$ wells all day every day, 3$ drafts on Mondays. 5/5
exfmFebruary 24, 2012
The drinks are strong and cheap and the bartenders are awesome. Make sure to try all the homemade infused vodka. If you're a hipster here for SXSW this place will feel like home.
Matt PercyDecember 4, 2013
Been here 5+ times
love this bar! The bartender with the backwards hat usually gives divided attention because there's alway a girl he's talking to that's more important. Veronica is the best <3
Michael WilkinMarch 16, 2015
Really fun spot, but prepare yourself for some of the strongest drinks out there! Found this beauty on Supper: http://supper.mx/places/side-bar-austin/
Jeremy TeelDecember 15, 2015
Three dollar well drinks are always good. The most I've ever spent there was $18 and I left pretty happy.
Jennifer MartinezMarch 14, 2011
Salvatore, the Italian doorman, is the sweetest. He will hug you when you show up crying and serenade you as you leave. Sit by the bar, enjoy a Sidebar pour, and tip Meghan and Veronica well!
Uber ShaunaMarch 16, 2013
I love the staff and the owners. What a great place to hang out! The drinks are always special.
Matt ParkAugust 14, 2010
Great place whether you love early happy hours chilling with a few people and a movie, or if you want to pull an all-nighter with a bunch of hipsters. It'll be a good time either way. Great staff!
Greg AckermanMarch 1, 2014
Been here 25+ times
Huge patio out back. Great spot for pre-show drinks in Red River District.
Sierra ClarkSeptember 8, 2014
The sweetest bartenders and greatest outdoor seating around. Nice little break from dirty sixth.
Lauren FachMarch 13, 2013
I felt right at home here! A little hipster and divey, but I'm cool with that!
JenniferAugust 29, 2011
Been here 10+ times
There's a new house-made infused vodka at almost every visit -- seriously worth trying every flavor.
alex hopesJuly 4, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Someone played Built to Spill - Stab on the juke box. Legendary. Oh, and the drinks are insanely cheap/stiff.
Do512February 17, 2012
Heaviest pours for a mighty nice price ;) Athens in Austin 25th Anniversary party during SXSW - check out do512.com for more deets!
Dylan HeimbrockSeptember 19, 2012
The pool tables are made even using napkins! Watch out for faulty rolls!
JP PerezSeptember 15, 2014
Patio area is well lit. Grab a drink and head outside.
John KreicbergsMarch 13, 2013
Authentic Austin right here. No frills but who need frills?
Corey WardJuly 18, 2015
There's a fee for paying without opening a tab. In other words you have to pay to pay if you're not sticking around.
Tara DieringerAugust 13, 2012
Been here 25+ times
STRONG DRINKS! I always have to order a coke back for my Captain and Coke.
U1ahbme JTFebruary 5, 2013
Been here 50+ times
Awesome as always. Best, most personable bartenders in town!
Brian ChangNovember 18, 2016
for the price conscious - never light on the liquor
stephen stacyFebruary 9, 2012
Go see Veronica, tip her well! Tell her Steve from St. Lou sent you.
Gregory RobinsonOctober 2, 2017
Good times and even greater drinks.
Corey JaramilloJune 16, 2012
Been here 10+ times
Order whatever well you want for $3 (and rest assured you'll be tipsy off 2).
Jay BAugust 18, 2013
Been here 5+ times
The drinks are 9 parts whiskey, 1 part sour.
Stuart LovinggoodNovember 2, 2011
Been here 25+ times
Try the salted ice cream - a must try!
Kaitlyn ClementJune 10, 2014
Been here 10+ times
Cheap, stiff drinks for $3. Don't even need to ask for a double
Cyril BernierFebruary 13, 2023
2 pool tables, no more darts now.
R GoMay 28, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Love Veronica! She's our favorite :)
Stuart LovinggoodSeptember 19, 2012
Been here 25+ times
I hope you like graffiti! Otherwise it'll be hard to urinate here.
Alex LepoutreMay 16, 2011
Been here 10+ times
Would you like some tonic with that glass of gin? (via Scoville) Read more
Michelle DavisMarch 20, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Back patio is where it's at!
Brittany ForksDecember 5, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Come on Tuesdays for free skee-ball!
Nicholas CDecember 4, 2012
Been here 25+ times
Pint night Mondays for $2.50
Dan AddyAugust 11, 2011
Been here 25+ times
Cool bar and new dart boards.
Brenna SNovember 9, 2011
Been here 25+ times
Don't miss the Christmas party!!
Andra LittonMarch 14, 2009
Go to the side bar. avoid ordering doubles, they already come strong. sit at the bar, nicest bartenders in town. put chance in the jukebox, worth it.
Wesley CloudenMarch 19, 2012
#sxsw2012 @inartmedia www.inartmedia.com official artist promo location Drop off
Karen RileyApril 9, 2013
Drinks are strong :)
Vickie VeeJuly 22, 2012
$3 GIN AND TONIC FOR PRESIDENT
Kaitlyn ClementJune 6, 2014
Been here 10+ times
Stiff ass drinks that are cheap AF
Sabrina VelaSeptember 21, 2011
Been here 5+ times
bring your own sharpie, and dont get in my face
Stuart LovinggoodFebruary 25, 2012
Been here 25+ times
Do you remember being here last night? Neither do I.
William RobinsonMarch 12, 2012
remember balls in mouth
Jonathan Monjaras 👾August 1, 2010
Been here 25+ times
Great wells here.
Jacob RobenaltJanuary 24, 2011
They won't except temporary IDs!
Barry HobbsSeptember 7, 2009
Been here 10+ times
watch movies on Mondays during happy hour with the Gargoyle.
Keith JonesApril 1, 2012
Never again! Tryna get over on me cuz its Texas relays! I live in austin and come here all the time!!! Never again.
BluLabel DailyDealsMarch 15, 2010
hipsters welcome here

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