Buzz Mill Team Opens Music Venue Grizzly Hall on East Riverside

Restored wood outlines the walls of Grizzly Hall, creating the same rustic vibe as co-owned Buzz Mill
(Credit: Dave Creaney)

The Buzz Mill on East Riverside has been serving caffeine and booze for the past three years, enticing customers with its lumberjack decor, live music, a spacious outdoor patio space and delicious in-house eats. I particularly enjoy grabbing a brunch plate of chicken and waffles paired with grapefruit mimosas and a large group of friends.

Now, the crew behind The Buzz Mill is expanding operations with Grizzly Hall, their debut music and event venue. Showcasing music and comedy shows, art exhibitions, film events, and beyond, the space is poised to become a popular nightlife option.

Former Sports Bar and Music Venue Revived

Grizzly Hall hosts a full bar on both floors of the venue (Credit: Dave Creaney)

In the space previously occupied by Midway Field House, founder and owner of Grizzly Hall, Jason Sabala, has transformed the former two-story, 7,000-square-foot sports bar into an extension of The Buzz Mill. The building also once housed other music venues such as Antone’s Nightclub and Beauty Ballroom.

Sabala previously owned and operated Emo’s when it was located downtown on Red River Street and heads Grizzly Discovery, the parent company that brings Austinites The Buzz Mill and associated ventures Buzz Mill Coffee, Bootleg Supply Co., and 1776 Cheesesteak Co. The familiar lumberjack theme runs strong at Grizzly Hall, with wooden logs and taxidermy lining the enclosure of the stage, walls and concert pit area. Able to house 500 people with additional seating outside, the venue is ready for lively evenings.

Bears, Beers and Beats Fill Grizzly Hall

The scene wouldn’t be complete without taxidermy (Credit: Dave Creaney)

At a recent private media preview party, I left the sunlight outside and stepped into a dark, rustic-meets-dive space. The Buzz Mill’s standing bear greeted me, boisterously beckoning me to come inside and order a drink. With a DJ blaring Oldies on stage, a few couples danced or lounged by the bar. Buzz Mill Frontier Brunch prepared a display of antelope sliders, organic wild pancakes with house-smoked wild salmon, jalapeño poppers, and assorted cheeses and fruits.

Upstairs, there is a separate bar, a pool table and multiple lounge areas with televisions airing any activities on the stage below. There is even a private area dubbed “The Bear’s Den” that can be rented for family and friends, or client gatherings. String lights administer a relaxed vibe on both floors, inviting you to shake off the day and engage in fun. Enjoy a beer and beat your friend in a game of pool, or catch one of the many shows already on the hall’s calendar.

Grand Opening Featuring Metal Band and Local Talent

Grizzly Hall’s stage will host musicians, artists, comedians and filmmakers (Credit: Dave Creaney)

Although Grizzly Hall soft-opened on April 30, 2016, the grand opening is set to take place on Saturday, May 28. The event will feature a headlining show from High On Fire, an Oakland-based heavy metal band who recently released their critically-acclaimed album, “Luminiferous.” Local Austin metal groups such as Eagle Claw and Bridge Farmers will entertain as well. Doors open at 7 p.m. with music slated to begin around 8 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets for upcoming shows, visit grizzlyhalltexas.com and their Facebook page. There are a ton of shows coming up, so don’t miss out. Grizzly Hall is located at 2015 East Riverside Dr.

@lainey_bird_ wants to know:

What is your favorite go-to event venue in Austin?