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Live Music Capital of the World Tour
Walk in the footsteps of countless musicians by visiting some of the venues which influence Texas music.
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Stevie Ray Vaughan, Willie Nelson, Janis Joplin--these renowned musicians harnessed the creative energy of this city and packaged it musically. Now, thousands of music fans and struggling musicians flock to the "Live Music Capital of the World" for the vast number of live music venues and the city's rich history.
 Day Note
For your own taste of Texas music, embark on a two-day journey beginning with an authentic Mexican breakfast at El Sol y La Luna on the South Congress strip. From there, spend some time mulling over memories at the Texas Music Museum before making your way to Iron Works Barbecue for some of the city's best pork ribs. Although the legendary Armadillo World Headquarters is long gone, pay tribute to the live music venue once frequented by Willie Nelson, ZZ Top and Ray Charles by checking out the historical plaque. Next stop: the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue just a few minutes' walk away, along the southern shore of Lady Bird Lake (previously known as Town Lake) and just west of the South First Street Bridge. Finish your night with a down-home meal and some live music at Threadgill's before taking a nightcap and a two-step at the Continental Club, just steps away from your cozy room at the Austin Motel.
Neon beer signs and vintage clocks line the walls of this Austin institution, a gas station-turned-restaurant that also offers up live music. If comfort food is your pleasure, this is the right place, and if you like your vegetables, you will be in heaven. Whatever the entree, seconds on vegetables come free. Pork roast and fried chicken are great, but the chicken-fried steak is not to be missed. The San Antonio Squash will please even those who turn up their noses at the vegetable. And of course, the mashed potatoes and black-eyed peas are heavenly. Rich, crumbly cornbread comes free, but white-flour rolls are extra (and worth it).
The old Weigl family iron works no longer forges metal, but a tasty assortment of fine Texas barbecue. With walls adorned by branding irons, the motif is quintessentially Western, perhaps for the benefit of conventioneers from the nearby convention center. At the counter, order your choice of sliced beef, chicken, beef ribs, pork ribs, pork loin and sausage for a two-meat combo plate completed with sides of potato salad and beans. Or make your choice of meat by the pound. The spicy sauce is a tangy counterpoint. And if you are craving barbecue somewhere far away, note that Iron Works ships their goods anywhere.
This venue south of the river is a throwback to the 1950s. Roots-rock and country rule supreme in this bar where one can often find men in leather jackets and classic Cadillacs out front. With live music nightly, tributes to Elvis, and celebrations of Hank William's birthday, this place is great for dancing, drinking and kicking back on the high stools. Happy hours feature some of Austin's favorite songwriters. The venue has broadened its range of live music to include occasional indie rock.
In a space leased from The Austin Motel is some of the best Mexican food in the city; certainly the best Mexican breakfast. Huevos rancheros, Migas (even a variation with mushrooms), breakfast tacos. The Posole, a chicken soup with a masa broth, is heavenly; it is only available on weekends. Enchiladas and tacos can also be had, as well as Central American specialties. A large patio beckons on fine days, and the inside dining space is cool, light and comfortable, with a sun-moon-and-stars mural on the floor and overhead. Relax in the morning with a coffee and a taco, and at night (on weekends) with a bottle of beer and some mole poblano.
The ground where the One Texas Center stands was the site of the beloved Armadillo World Headquarters. One of Austin's most popular music hall, the Armadillo was a popular hangout for all kinds of people. The list of famous musicians who've played here is illustrious; from AC/DC to Frank Zappa, they've all graced the stage. The Armadillo World Headquarters shut down in 1980 on the grounds of bankruptcy. The commemorative plaque is still a testimony. Music may die, but it'll be remembered forever.
This museum holds a special place in the heart of Texans, especially in Austin, the Music Capital of the World. Founded in 1984, the museum's mission is to promote and preserve Texas music. By presenting two or three major exhibits a year in and around Austin, often including musical performances, the organization works to keep music alive and well. Along with funding these projects, the museum conducts research, sponsors touring exhibits and collects photographs and documents related to all aspects of Texas music.
Late blues guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughan became an Austin transplant when he was still in his teens, drawn to the live music scene and its endless opportunities. In 1994, four years after his tragic, premature death, the city of Austin erected a bronze statue in his honor on the southern banks of Lady Bird Lake. This area, known as Auditorium Shores, was the site of several Vaughan concerts, a fitting place for an eternal tribute to the musical great. With loads of live music venues and entertainment events such as South by Southwest and the Austin City Limits Music Festival, the "Live Music Capitol of the World" attracts thousands of fans annually who visit the memorial, making the Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue of the city's most popular tourist spots.
Built in 1938, this retro motel is a welcome departure from impersonal corporate housing, drawing recommendations from publications such as The New York Times, Spin and Rolling Stone. It is located close to downtown, The Capitol, Congress Avenue Bats and eclectic shopping. Austin's Therapy Clothing is just a short walk, as well as many vintage and resale shops.
Iron Works Barbecue
Day Note
Sixth Street and Red River are both valuable avenues for the local music scene. Get a close-up look at them beginning with the Mohawk Lounge, a laid-back, lodge style bar that books emerging indie acts on their small stages. Just one block south on Red River is the legendary Stubb's Barbecue, a popular meat-and-potatoes eatery and well-known live music venue, named by Rolling Stone as the 'Best Rock Club in America' in April 2008. Continue walking south and you'll find Emo's, the premiere hang-out for the alternative and punk crowd on the corner of Red River and Sixth Street. With three stages, Emo's pulls in a barrage of music fans on a nightly basis, particularly since it's one of the few venues that allows for customers under the age of 21. A couple blocks west on Sixth Street perched just above the Cajun restaurant named Roux, sits the Parish Room, a frequent stop for touring singer/songwriters and other more mellow acts. Reggae fans will want to stop by another SIxth Street venue, Flamingo Cantina, for a peek before heading over to the dark and initially off-putting Casino El Camino for a thick and juicy burger. Don't let the 'we don't care about you' vibe deter you. This bar/burger joint attracts just as many for the blase attitude as it does for the surprisingly tasty food. Continue on for more music-related fun with a stop in Wild About Music, a music-themed gift shop and art gallery located on West Sixth Street near Congress Avenue. Once you've stocked up on souvenirs, continue west to the intersection of Fifth Street and Lavaca. At this corner you'll find the iconic Antone's, the unofficial "Home of the Blues" in Austin. Everyone from Sandra Bullock to Matthew McConaughey stop by this no-frills venue for some live music entertainment. When your stomach starts calling, drive south for a taste of Tex-Mex with a side of live tunes at Jovita's before dancing the night away at the true Texas honky-tonk dance hall known as the Broken Spoke.
Delicious Tex-Mex is served at this long-time South Austin diner. The environment is casual, with Mexican art and murals adorning the walls. Three separate dining areas are available, one being an enclosed patio. It offers a range of breakfast tacos, combination plates and a la carte items. Juan's Plate, the Vegetarian Plate, and the Carne Guisada are highly recommended. This popular hangout showcases well-known local musicians several evenings a week at happy hour and beyond.
Broken Spoke is a western honky-tonk established in 1964 and rapidly became an Austin favorite for country-western dancing. The "Spoke" is true country in a real dance hall with a real wood-plank floor. Watch cowboys and locals two-step the night away to live bands from around Texas. This dance hall provides an excellent atmosphere for those just learning to two-step or die-hard country fans driving in from the ranch for the weekend. Practice the Polka, Texas Two-Step or the Chicken, and be sure to try the Cotton-Eyed Joe. There is also a restaurant that serves traditional country food like chicken fried steak.
Besides providing some of the best barbecue in town, Stubb's has a huge outdoor venue for rock bands. Past acts have included Liz Phair, Flaming Lips, Peter Frampton, Bad Religion, DJ Spooky, Guided By Voices, Sonic Youth and more. You can expect to pay under $15 for a BBQ plate of chicken, pork or turkey breast. End your meal with a Banana Pudding or a Brownie. Come early to get a bite to eat, then stay and watch the shows.
Besides its great name, this bar is a fabulous place to grab a beer and one of the largest burgers this side of the Mississippi. The jukebox is always crammed with your favorite rock 'n' roll hits, and the staff is very friendly. The lighting inside is subdued, and patrons enjoy the outdoor patio featuring its own birdbath.
This is an intimate venue for those with sophisticated taste. From jazz to house, from acid rock to rap, from shoe-gaze to dub, the place runs the musical gamut. Touring acts such as Smog, Guided By Voices, Autechre and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club have graced the stage. Texas artists Sub Oslo, Lift To Experience, Explosions in the Sky, the Swells and more have also played here.
This club on Sixth Street is all about music. The Cantina has been providing Austin with original diverse music for years. Depending on when you stop by, you will hear everything from reggae to rock, ska to dub, and punk to metal. This is a great place to encounter local people and hear their great local music, although occasionally it can get a little hot. Plenty of beer is offered to cool you off.
This renowned blues hall showcases a variety of music in the genres of blues and rock. Bands from home and afar play here in hopes of gaining national attention. Stevie Ray Vaughan used to be a regular and Willie Nelson sometimes makes a cameo appearance. Bob Schneider is the current popular favorite. This live music venue provides an upbeat atmosphere for all ages and lifestyles. Dance up front to the band or relax in the back with a cold long neck beer.
This live venue provides music on the cutting-edge. Its main entrance is just off of 6th Street, attracting alternative and mainstream patrons looking for local and national acts. You are always greeted with a cold beer at the bar. The front room holds the pool tables, pinball machines and a small indoor stage, while out back the larger bands play on a partially covered outdoor stage. In between the stages lies a courtyard with picnic tables for lounging.
This unique shop showcases gifts with a Texas music theme, offering jewelry, furniture, T-shirts, posters, books and more. The large gallery space features sculptures and oil paintings, among other artworks, all capturing the music spirit of Austin and the state. Local, national and international artists are represented and all work is for sale. One of the featured artists, Larry Plitz, creates beautiful and eclectic aquariums made from old television sets.
Jovita's
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