I have been coming to this place since before I moved to Austin when visiting friends that live here. Since moving her a few years ago this bar has been an accepting fun place to visit that’s a little off the beaten path. The drinks are strong, the staff is amazing, and the atmosphere is just right for a chill night or start of the night drinking. I highly recommend visiting them.
Best dive bar in downtown. Generous pours at great prices. Good place to meet up before or after a show or just to hang out all night long. Friendly staff. I’ve been coming here since they opened almost 20 years ago & never had any issues. Don’t believe the internet lynch mobs.
Hands down the best bar in Austin! The staff and owners are so friendly that you feel like you’re just hanging out with old friends. Really keeps the atmosphere friendly and welcoming. I’ve met a lot of really cool people here.
I’ve spent many years at side bar and have always felt safe with the staff. There have been numerous occasions where they let men know they were watching them and would not tolerate any creepy behavior or mistreatment, on behalf of my friends and me, and fully kicked people out for making others uncomfortable. I’ve always had a fun time here. I don’t trust many people or spaces, but I trust the staff at side bar.
The reviews here that claim the bartenders DRUG them are surreal. Red River service workers are some of the best people in Austin. They may not be warm and lovey all the time but they have integrity. Reading the reviews that they DRUG you make my entire being cringe into oblivion.
Sidebar is and always will be one of the best bars in Austin. The best drink prices and the best bartenders around. It's really sad and f'd up to see people accusing this place of foul play, when there are multiple druggings happening in the bar scene all over Austin right now (i.e. rainy, dirty 6th,). To come after this business when they had no idea and had no part in it is childish and disgusting behavior. Y'all will hear one thing and try and ruin an entire business with no facts or evidence. Get off reddit and maybe actually contribute to the community LIKE SIDEBAR DOES- instead of causing drama and spreading rumors.
Side bar has the best prices for a good pour downtown (besides their sister bar better days). The bartenders are awesome and I always have such a great time!!
Side Bar is an Austin staple. The drinks are cheap and strong and the staff there is top notch. Make sure to stop by and leave big tips!
The folks who work here are the sweetest people, they remember your face, and show you love when you come in. This is my a bar I do not fail to visit whenever I come downtown.
Started going to the Side Bar when they first opened a couple decades ago (hooray for outing age!)…
There still is no BETTER bar in Austin where you can truly vibe local, be treated like royalty in that dive bar way, and leave with a stranger (or friend, your call…)
Probably one of my very favorite bars in Austin. Bartenders are lovely, photobooth is a must do and I'm a huge fan of the people watching.
I’ve been frequenting side bar since moving to Austin years ago! Love the staff here, they always take good care of me and my girlfriends :)
This is one of the best damn bars in Austin. Stiff drinks, chill vibes, and amazing staff. Love this place!
Been coming here since I’ve been 21. I’m 36 now. Best bartenders and great owners.
I've been going here for a decade and they always stand against creeps and have always been a safe place to go to.
Dope energy, cheap drinks, good music and a great outside patio. When we road trip down from DFW we always hangout at the Side Bar in Austin!
William Tompkins (Live Music in Austin)
+4
Love this place. Cool little hole in the wall. A must visit place if you're in the Downtown area. Cool vibe.
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