Dirty Sixth Street (Credit: Ian Aberle via Flickr CC)
Whether you love it or loath it, Sixth Street is one of the most iconic streets in Austin. It’s the epicenter of what made Austin the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
There are three sections of Sixth Street in Austin: West, East and what locals refer to as Dirty. West Sixth is the section of Sixth Street that runs west from Congress Avenue. For the most part, the nightlife scene ends at North Lamar Boulevard.
Technically, and according to street signs, East Sixth starts at Congress Avenue and runs east, but that’s not what you’ll hear from locals. We refer to the section of Sixth Street that stretches from Congress Avenue to I-35 as Dirty Sixth. Then East Sixth is anything east of I-35. Don’t get confused by the street signs; you’ll be talking like a local in no time.
There are actually quite a few wonderful businesses on Dirty Sixth that aren’t as “dirty” as you might imagine. Yes, there are bars that offer dollar shots, and plenty of people who don’t know how to handle their alcohol. But there is also a charm that often goes overlooked. So here are the diamonds in the rough; the best of the best on Dirty Sixth Street.
The Driskill Hotel & Bar
The Driskill Hotel (Credit: John Cabuena)
There is nothing classier than the historical and haunted Driskill Hotel. Located at Sixth and Brazos, its cowboy decor is far from a hipster’s ironic attempt at being Texan. Rather, it holds a traditional and tasteful representation of the true spirit of Texas.
This is great place to start or end the night, where you’ll find live music almost every night of the week. I recommend the bacon-wrapped dates and Sage Advice cocktail.
604 Brazos St. – Website
Buffalo Billiards
Buffalo Billiards (Credit: Mr. TinDC via Flickr CC)
Buffalo Billiards is catty-corner to The Driskill Hotel. This Wild West-themed bar is a playground for our inner child. Considering there’s 22,000 square feet of entertainment, if you’re bored, then you’re not trying. They have pool tables, shuffleboard tables, darts and, if all else fails, they have oodles of TVs to keep you entertained. This is the place to get “active” after your refined experience at The Driskill. And with a typical drink and food menu, you could set up shop for the entire night.
201 E. 6th St. – Website
The Parish
The Parish on Dirty Sixth Street
As you head east on Dirty Sixth, you’ll run into The Parish. This is one of the best music venues in town. Alongside supporting up-and-coming local artists, they host well-known musicians without the high price tag. Be sure to stop by to see who’s playing–if the show isn’t already sold out. You may stumble upon your new favorite band.
214 E. 6th St. – Website
Parkside
Parkside (Credit: Sean Davis via Flickr CC)
Parkside, which in my opinion has the best happy hour in town, sits on the corner of Sixth and San Jacinto. During happy hour, you can enjoy half-off cocktails, beer and bar food such as calamari and shishitos. And if you venture just a tad off Sixth, right behind Parkside, you’ll find The Backspace, one of my five best pizza joints in town.
301 E. 6th St. – Website
Midnight Cowboy
Inside Midnight Cowboy (Credit: Alamo Drafthouse via Flickr CC)
You may miss Midnight Cowboy as you continue down Dirty Sixth because it’s a modern day speakeasy, trying to remain unnoticed. Only a red light leads the way to this reservation-only cocktail bar, which gets its name from the once secret brothel in the same location: Midnight Cowboy Modeling Oriental Massage. This unique space and the outstanding cocktails are a must when hitting Dirty, so be sure to plan ahead and make a reservation.
313 E. 6th St. – Website
Alamo Drafthouse Ritz
Alamo Drafthouse Ritz (Credit: David Ingram via Flickr CC)
The Ritz is my favorite of all the Alamo Drafthouse locations. You don’t go to the Ritz to see a movie. You go to the Ritz for the sing-alongs, quote-alongs and performances such as Master Pancake Theater. There’s something about being in that old building that makes these events even more fun.
320 E. 6th St. – Website
Maggie Mae’s
Maggie Mae’s (Credit: Allert Aalders via Flickr CC)
Maggie Mae’s is another great music venue, which features live music seven days a week. The venue kind of feels like a hodge-podge of bars all in one, but they have the best rooftop patio on Dirty and some of the coolest lounges attached (Gibson Guitar Lounge and Les Paul Lounge both feature amazing guitarist memorabilia). Definitely worth a visit, even if it’s just to people-watch from the rooftop.
323 E. 6th St. – Website
Iron Cactus
Iron Cactus on Dirty Sixth, home to delicious guacamole
Iron Cactus is a triple threat: Mexican food, margaritas and an amazing rooftop patio. I could spend an entire night on the rooftop of Iron Cactus, sipping on fresh margaritas, eating chips and people-watching.
606 Trinity St. – Website
Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar
I often equate piano bars with Billy Joel, but Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar is far from the soft rock of good ole’ Billy. What started as a one-man show grew into a dueling spectacle of good times and good music. Stay five minutes and they’ll have you singing and laughing along to whatever they play.
You don’t have to make reservations, but if you go with a large group you may want to call ahead. There is a cover charge, depending on the day of the week and the time you arrive.
421 E. 6th St. – Website
Chez Nous
Croque Madame at Chez Nous (Credit: Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau via Flickr CC)
Don’t let the location fool you. Located just outside the craziness of Dirty, this amazing and authentic French bistro bears mentioning. Started by three Parisians over 30 years ago, the food at Chez Nous is top-quality. They’re even open for lunch if you are totally adverse to nighttime on Dirty Sixth. Be sure to try the escargot!
510 Neches St. – Website
Casino El Camino Bar & Grill
Casino El Camino on Sixth Street (Credit: Eric Highland)
No Dirty Sixth guide would be complete without a mention of Casino El Camino. This neighborhood bar and grill has been around since 1994. Since then, it has earned recognition from the Food Network and local publications, including the award for “Best Jukebox” from the Austin Chronicle.
Back when we were doing our search for the best burger joint in Austin, we had many locals tell us Casino El Camino had their favorite burger in town. Read our review, then go decide for yourself.
517 E. 6th St. – Website
Esther’s Follies & The Velveeta Room
Stop to watch a comedy show at Esther’s Follies (Credit: me and the sysop via Flickr CC)
What goes best with a plate of laughter? More laughter, which is why I lumped these two comedy venues together. Esther’s Follies offers sketch comedy acts with a side of magic, while The Velveeta Room is straight-up stand up. You can spend your entire evening on Dirty at these two venues alone, and I highly recommend doing so.
Esther’s Follies: 525 E. 6th St. – Website
The Velveeta Room: 521 E. 6th St. – Website
True Blue Tattoo
Getting my white pine tattoo at True Blue Tattoo (Credit: Sarah Williamson)
What fun-filled, crazy night doesn’t include tattoos? Okay, mine typically don’t, but I can’t talk about Dirty Sixth without talking about tattoos, and the top spot for ink on Dirty is True Blue Tattoo.
While it’s technically located on Red River between Sixth and Seventh, True Blue deserves the top spot should you consider a tattoo during your stroll down Sixth Street. Although my decision to get a tattoo wasn’t spur of the moment, I can attest to the quality of True Blue’s work and professionalism.
607 Red River St. – Website
Easy Tiger
Easy Tiger on Sixth Street (Credit: Nan Palmero via Flickr CC)
Basically the last bar on Dirty before getting to I-35, Easy Tiger is not your average, German-inspired beer garden. They have a killer bake shop, which makes speciality breads, pretzels and cookies; several of their meats are made in-house; and they have over 30 local beers on tap.
During warmer months, the back patio is equipped with ping pong tables. The patio backs up to Waller Creek, giving it a fun and friendly backyard vibe. Try anything on the menu! You won’t be disappointed.
709 E. 6th St. – Website
If you purposefully avoid Dirty Sixth Street, I challenge you to enjoy it as it was originally intended. And if you frequent Dirty often, but have never heard of some of the places mentioned above, then stop by next time you’re downtown. These amazing Austin businesses have stood the test of time for a reason.
@jpino9 wants to know:
What’s your favorite Dirty Sixth Street spot?
Fuel, Spill and Pure have all been closed for about a month now. http://www.statesman.com/news/local/details-emerge-about-the-men-behind-yassine-enterprises-2290946.html
Thanks Jacqueline, we’ve added an Editor’s Note at the end of the post to reflect those closures. What do you think will happen with those locations Jacqueline? Have you heard anything?
The bars will go back on the market. Spill is already getting picked up by the Womack Bros. and their partner: http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/austin/new-club-owners-eyeing-yassine-clubs
Thanks cb for the heads up.
GGreat read. I’ve never been down to 6th St, but now I think will!! Thanks for the article.
Ok so I just realized that Spill is closed which is a HUGE bummer. It’s my go to place for good music and dancing. My sister’s bachelorette party is in September and now I’m at a loss for where we will go. Anyone have a suggestion???
Aw, Jennifer! How about Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar?
Hi Brittany, I’m a 57 year old female travelling alone. I’ve never been to Austin so I need some good advice. I’ll be walking or cabbing it from my hotel to the bars. I need to sow my wild oats and plan on dancing as much as possible! What kinds of things should I be on the lookout for? Where I come from, you have to dance while holding your drink, thanks to all the date rape drugs that mysteriously get into customer’s drinks.
Please advice –
You will enjoy your visit, @Abby! It is common to hold your drink while dancing. It usually depends on how busy the venue is and whether you can keep close to your drink – drugs or not! Other than that, use your intuition as far as which venue is best for you. You might spend some time at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar, which is a LOT of fun. I’d encourage you to meet some lady friends who you can party with. Austinites are known to be extremely friendly, so feel free to reach our for direction or help whenever you need it during your Sixth Street Adventure.
6Th street is overrated and drinks are overpriced.
Is the cover free? Going to Austin this weekend. Thanks.
Yes, @Didi, you’ll find a ton of cover free bars on 6th Street.
I have visited 6th St on Saturday nights only, is environment on Fridays same as Saturdays? Does street get closed like Saturdays?
yep.
heading to Austin for the first time in November with my husband for our 1st anniversary! any tips for us would be awesome
@disqus_0NlVDlCsKc:disqus, you’ll have an awesome visit! Use our search bar to look for any type of food or activity you’re interested in. We have over 1,000 articles, so you’ll probably find what you’re looking for. 🙂
This is awesome! Our site helps you plan your night out on 6th street by breaking down the bars into categories based on your interests. Check us out at http://AustinBarHop.com. Thanks!
The 512 on 6th Street is way better…outdoor patio upstairs. Drinks specials and crowd is better.
Continuing to use the term “dirty” to unfairly characterize in a negative light a large and important section of the street that includes many fine bars restaurants and hotels is editorially lazy and wrong. How would you like it if I referred to your neighborhood as DIRTY despite you being there for 15 years and accruing awards and kudos? Stop it please.
@AustinBaze:disqus, there’s nothing negative about this article. We’re sharing all the local businesses in this area of town that we think are awesome. When people Google “Dirty Sixth Street Austin,” because that’s what everyone calls it, we’re proud that our article will show up with good things to say about the city we love. Thanks for your comment.
Yes, there is indeed something negative about this article–the term “dirty.” In what world is that not a pejorative? I can list a dozen words in common use that are negatuve in meaning and intent. You can help change that. How about you and your fellow “Austinot Dirty Writers” come up with a name like “East 6th?” and try that?
The word “dirty” is used in plenty of non-pejorative contexts, specifically as a slang-term for something positive. For example in baseball, a “dirty” or “filthy” pitch is describing a pitch that was particularly awesome/wicked/exceptional. If someone is particularly awesome/exceptional at a certain skill or sport, they might be described as “dirty”. In terms of partying it can be used as slang for a good time. If you’re older you might not be familiar with the words use in this way, but that’s how lingo evolves sometimes.
Dirty usually refers to sin or filth. 6th street shouldn’t have that image so nobody should call it that.
The name doesn’t even need anything beyond “6th Street Austin”. Usually simplicity has more emphasis anyway and makes it sound more iconic.
And I don’t know Steve personally but he has a reason to be concerned because its an insult to call 6th street “dirty”. It might even promote littering because people think its already DIRTY. Its just a disgusting and stupid word to use.
Stop winning go to a wine bar
I like howSteve ain’t replying no more cuz his dumbass knows we right. Lol to bad your stupid huh.
Thanks for elevating the dialogue Kyle. When your livelihood depends on the success of the neighborhood let me know and you can start pontificating, OK?
Go home steve ur drunk
shut up steve
I assume Dirty means good not dirty meaning bad
I wonder how Steve would react if someone ordered a martini dirty at his establishment ¯_(ツ)_/¯
I live on DIRTY 6th Steve it doesn’t bother me a bit, I could care less. Don’t trip… Stay Hip- not hipster. Lighten up and Keep AUSTIN weird bro.
shut up steve
question: all these places are within walking distance of each other right?
Yes, they are, @nia.
I’m getting in late on this thread but Where can you find parking if driving-in?
If you’re going for nightlife, the earlier you arrive, the easier it will be to find street parking (usually what I do). There’s a city parking garage at 2nd and Brazos, and various other private garages around the downtown area.
Can u get in all clubs with mexican passport?
While I don’t know for sure, @Esmer, I don’t see why not. They’re checking for your age. So if it’s a valid passport with your birthdate, it should do the trick.
Is sixth street open every night or only on weekends?
The businesses are open nightly, in some cases during the day, @meghanngotcher:disqus. Of course it’s busier on the weekends.
Hey, great article! Would you ever consider writing a post about the familiar faces you might see on 6th, such as the “F Obama/Money for Weed” guy, or others like that?
Thanks!
Cool idea, @disqus_R11rLOLbMf:disqus. We’ll consider it!
Arguing with children or the permanently mistaken is often a waste of time.
And it would be “TOO bad” not “to bad, and “YOU’RE” not “your” stupid. Ironically.
6th St, highly recommended for street interviews ! Party atmosphere, racially diverse, great people watching.
https://youtu.be/dA0lOqBvhTw
Stay away from 6th street. Nothing but ghetto people and gang members everywhere. It’s completely ruined.
Dirty Sixth is the best! I love seeing the crazy stuff on https://www.yobored.com that happens down there, the other day I even saw a guy was letting people throw pie in his face for 5 bucks!
Got into a fight downtown Austin back in the day… Got sprayed by the police and about ran over by a horse. Good night overall