2 Best Nightlife in Austin, Texas

A community beer garden of sorts—locals call it The ABGB—this collaboration of five friends operates as both a full-scale brewery and a beer grub restaurant and music venue. Throughout the year, they offer a rotating selection of craft beers in a wide variety of styles, including lagers, ales, IPAs, and pilsners. The outdoor backyard is shaded by oak and elm trees and is a perfect backdrop for evening rockabilly gigs featuring local artists. Enjoy crisp pizzas, an assortment of super-stuffed sandwiches, and salads while you sip a few suds.

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.