11 of Austin's Oldest Bars That Are Still Pouring

Austin changes fast, but a handful of its bars have been pouring for decades.

Some started as grocery stores or supper clubs, and one keeps its Christmas lights up all year.

Here are 11 that are still open, oldest first, with founding years from the Handbook of Texas, local press and the bars' own websites.

1. Historic Scoot Inn

Sam and Nancy Wilson opened a grocery here in 1871 to serve travelers arriving on the new railroad, according to Clio.

It had a name for bootlegging but did not officially become a saloon until 1940, when it was known as Red's Scoot Inn. Today it is one of the city's busiest live music venues.

2. The Tavern

The building went up in 1916, and the bar's own history says it has been serving cold beer and burgers since 1933, the year Prohibition ended.

During Prohibition, it is rumored to have run a bar, casino and brothel upstairs, its website says. The neon sign still touts air conditioning, because the Tavern was one of the first places in Austin to have it.

3. The Continental Club

The club says it opened in 1955 as a swanky private supper club. The Handbook of Texas puts the opening at 1957.

The Handbook calls it the first venue in Travis County to sell liquor by the drink. Today its website promises roots, rockabilly, country, swing and blues every night of the week.

4. The Little Longhorn Saloon

As a bar, the Little Longhorn dates back to 1963, though the building is older, according to Austin Monthly.

It is the home of Sunday chicken bingo, a game where a chicken picks the winning square. Austin Monthly credits the idea to Dale Watson, who played there for years.

5. Carousel Lounge

Cecil and Myrtle Meier opened this circus-themed lounge on East 52nd Street in 1963, according to the bar's website.

It has always served just beer and wine plus setups, even after Texas allowed liquor by the drink in 1971. Their daughter Nicki Mebane took over in 1988, its website says.

6. The Broken Spoke

James White opened the Broken Spoke as a cafe on Nov. 10, 1964, according to the Handbook of Texas.

When customers started dancing to the jukebox, he moved the pool tables to make room. It still calls itself the last of the true Texas dance halls.

7. Lala's Little Nugget

Frances Lala founded this North Austin bar in 1972, and it has kept its Christmas decorations up all year, according to its website.

Nobody agrees on why. Its website lists three stories, including one about a son who went to Vietnam and never came home.

8. Hole in the Wall

Billie Cugini and her son Doug opened the Hole in the Wall across from the University of Texas on June 15, 1974, according to the Handbook of Texas.

It was never meant to be a music venue, but the Handbook says it has hosted Stevie Ray Vaughan, Shawn Colvin and Fastball. The Statesman reported that longtime Austinites took it over after owner Will Tanner retired.

9. Cedar Door

The Cedar Door opened in 1975, according to Eater Austin, and it has moved several times since.

It calls itself the home of the original Mexican Martini, and it still pours them at its patio bar near Lady Bird Lake.

10. Texas Chili Parlor

The Texas Chili Parlor opened in 1976 at 1409 Lavaca St., one block from the Capitol, its website says.

Lawmakers, musicians and journalists have filled its bar ever since. Its website says Quentin Tarantino filmed part of Death Proof there.

11. Donn's Depot

Austin musician Donn Adelman opened Donn's Depot, according to Eater Austin, which dates it to 1972. The bar's own website lists it as established in 1978.

Its website still bills it as a place for live music, cocktails and dancing.

Hours change, and some of these bars only open at night, so check each bar's own page before you go.

Ready to explore?

Which old Austin bar did we miss? Tell us in the comments.