Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Austin North, TX

NORTH AUSTIN. This circus-themed bar gets props just for being quirky. They only serve beer, but they do provide...

NORTH AUSTIN. This circus-themed bar gets props just for being quirky. They only serve beer, but they do provide set-ups, so you can bring your own liquor. Local bands take the stage (backed by a large pink elephant) on Tuesdays and from Thursdays through Saturdays. True to its independent nature, Carousel closes at midnight, so it's better to start your evening here than try to end it.

Hours: Tue-Fri 2pm-Midnight; Sat 2pm-1am

Payment Methods: Cash Only

UNIVERSITY AREA. Texas's oldest tavern is still thriving, even after nearly 150 years in business, and its fascinating...

UNIVERSITY AREA. Texas's oldest tavern is still thriving, even after nearly 150 years in business, and its fascinating history is rooted in the German biergarten tradition. Over the years, the place has welcomed innumerable politicians, writers, artists, and musicians; O. Henry and his wife (both active in local singing groups) even performed here a few times. Today, the place continues to be a favored watering hole, and it offers a good selection of beers and traditional German and Texan foods like bratwurst and barbecue. A great hangout.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun Noon-7pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. This hip bar in downtown Austin is the place to head for a lively night of dancing to a wide array of music...

DOWNTOWN. This hip bar in downtown Austin is the place to head for a lively night of dancing to a wide array of music from punk to gaba to drum and bass. Tuesdays are drum and bass nights, so grab your partner and make plans to check it out.

Hours: Tue-Sun 10pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card

6TH STREET. If you're shy and retiring, you may want to reconsider a night at this "Texas-sized" sing-along bar....

6TH STREET. If you're shy and retiring, you may want to reconsider a night at this "Texas-sized" sing-along bar. That's because audience participation is a big part of the action as folks belt out their favorite songs, accompanied by talented piano players and a club full of like-minded patrons. Eminently singable tunes include those recorded by Elton John, The Beatles, Dave Matthews, ABBA, and more. Since two pianos and pianists are dueling, you'll likely have to give your vocal chords a real workout if you want to be heard!

Hours: Mon 8pm-2am; Tue-Thu 7:30pm-2am; Fri-Sat 7pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

6TH STREET. When Austinites want to hang out with friends and party, they tell everyone they're going to The Library...

6TH STREET. When Austinites want to hang out with friends and party, they tell everyone they're going to The Library (wink, wink). It's not exactly deception, but it definitely means beers before books! Frequented by a collegiate crowd, the casual place offers drink specials, a lively atmosphere, tons of like-minded folks, and pool tables to keep things active. If you're looking to socialize, The Library's got that in spades, too.

Hours: Sat-Tue 7pm-2am; Wed-Fri 4pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

CONGRESS AVENUE. Super-trendy Light Bar sports chic industrial decor, water walls, massaging chairs, and a rooftop patio...

CONGRESS AVENUE. Super-trendy Light Bar sports chic industrial decor, water walls, massaging chairs, and a rooftop patio with terrific views. At roughly 4000 square feet, the club is big enough to accommodate plenty of partiers without feeling overly crowded. Inventive specialty cocktails are on the menu, along with fun themed parties several nights a week.

Hours: Tue-Fri 7pm-2am; Sat 8pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

CONGRESS AVENUE. Copa offers the best Latin flavors and moves as a dance club and restaurant. They cover all of the...

CONGRESS AVENUE. Copa offers the best Latin flavors and moves as a dance club and restaurant. They cover all of the classic Latin dishes like enchiladas, chimichangas, quesadillas, and fish tacos prepared with authentic recipes and fresh ingredients. After a quality meal, dance off dinner with one of Copa's renowned salsa dancing classes offered throughout the week at 8:30pm. On the weekends, the party carries on late into the night as the club stays open until as late as 3:00am.

Hours: Mon-Tue 8:30am-3pm; Wed 8:30am-3pm, 5pm-10pm; Thu-Fri 8:30am-3pm, 5pm-2am; Sat 5pm-2am; Sun 11am-4pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. This sophisticated wine and tapas bar offers terrific atmosphere and lots of scrumptious nibbles. It's a great...

DOWNTOWN. This sophisticated wine and tapas bar offers terrific atmosphere and lots of scrumptious nibbles. It's a great place for meeting up with friends or colleagues and sharing a few savory dishes from the delicious menu. Try garlic-sauteed shrimp, grilled sea scallops, crawfish cakes, fried chicken ravioli, and salmon marinated in adobo sauce. A variety of wines is available by the bottle or glass, along with a handful of specialty drinks.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-2pm, 5pm-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

SOUTH AUSTIN. The Saxon has a history of supporting Austin's singer-songwriters, a large contingency of whom congregate...

SOUTH AUSTIN. The Saxon has a history of supporting Austin's singer-songwriters, a large contingency of whom congregate every night to enjoy performances from the area's best and brightest or to play themselves. The club doesn't restrict itself to just one genre, so you'll find anything from country and acoustic to rock and blues on any given night. An ideal place to hear local musicians. A cover is charged after about 7pm.

Hours: Mon-Fri 2pm-2am; Sat-Sun Noon-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club