4 Best Nightlife in Central Austin and the University of Texas, Austin

For an intimate live music experience unmatched by any other venue in Austin, head to this café on the UT campus and get in line for tickets. Texas singer-songwriter legends such as Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, Patty Griffin, and Austin-renowned Bob Schneider have graced this tiny stage since the 1970s. It doesn't get much better than this.

For over 25 years, this near-campus joint established itself as the perfect coffee shop escape for studying sessions or catching up with friends. Recently, the full-service bar and café has consolidated and changed up its array of offerings with its adjacent Ballroom space and transformed more exclusively into a live music and event operation, with weekly lineups of local music, theme parties, movie screenings, and stand-up comedy. Their bar still serves hip crowds of locals who can also dine at the on-site food trucks.

Things are always distinctly "fratty" at this wildly popular local haunt for college students and alumni alike right in the heart of the University of Texas campus. The crowds here on game day aren't for the faint of heart.

When they're not tailgating for the University of Texas Longhorns, sports fans can be found living it up at this historic hall. In continuous operation since 1866, the "little beer joint that could" is the oldest operating business not only in Austin but also in the entire state. Although it's not in the downtown entertainment district, this Austin classic hosts live music and other events and always welcomes performers during SXSW.