Sahara Lounge

Still one of my favorite places in Austin. Old Austin at its finest. Good people and good tunes. I love playing at this venue as well. The sound is great and they are really good to work with.

Stumbling into this bar was like waking up in another country halfway across the world. I went on Africa night, and I suggest you do too! After paying cover charge (which allows you access to an African buffet), you are greeted with an atmosphere that is so perfectly unique. The cocktails they serve are well thought out drinks that complement the theme of the bar. The drinks were strong, which was perfectly accompainied by the performers that were playing upbeat jazz with brass, winds, and drums, along with the ocassional singer. The music was incredible, the patrons all seemed kind and everyone was just enjoying their night. I can’t recommend this place enough, it’s truly a special spot. I hope to be back soon!

I love the diversity in age and colors. Its like someone mixed all the m&ms, and skittles and put them on the dance floor. Great vibe. The music is so good

Great bar with international music from all over the world 🌎 ,big patio with food trailer and great staff and bartenders

A very authentic, original and real place. The beer is affordable. The music is surprising, live and authentic too. I enjoyed the night there.

My favorite venue in ATX as a performer and a patron! The owner has done a fantastic job of preserving the “original Austin” vibes! It is one of the few places in Austin that has not only survived through the 2020s, but still continues to thrive, updating their sound system and live streams, and providing a safe and welcoming environment for patrons, and probably, the most welcoming environment for an eclectic and exciting array of bands and artists in the city!

Friendly staff, plenty of parking, and they always have great music going on.

The live music and sound here are incredible. Coming from a local musician who’s played here numerous times. Probably not the place to order a craft cocktail but if you’re drinking beer or straight liquor you’re guaranteed to have a great time here.

Sahara Lounge is so cool! I've been wanting to go to one of their bossa nova nights for a while and finally did, and I wish I had sooner! There were four performers of the night that played a variety of music (only the first act was actually bossa nova, but the rest was all Latin American as well). The crowd was great and everyone was really engaged and having a great time. Enjoyed the drinks too! They have a recurring African night as well as a 70s/80s funk/soul night. I'll definitely be back here soon!

I don't go out much at night, but one NOTABLE EXCEPTION is that I go REGULARLY to Ladies Night (3rd Fridays) whenever I'm in town. This is THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH! Seriously! One night dancing here is better than a day at Disney! ;) EVERYONE is smiling & dancing to the GROOVE that the DJs are playing (70s & 80s disco, funk & soul). EVERY gender, age, race, etc etc are there & having fun! There's a big outdoor area, too, with a food truck, too cool off (it does get WARM inside, so dress LIGHT!) When u go, chances are I'm up near the front dancing by the stage (or ON IT!) COME JOIN THE FUN!! ALL ARE TRULY WELCOME HERE!

I'm not sure why this place isn't a 5. It's a 5 in my book! This is off the beaten path in Austin which makes me love it even more. Love a hidden gem! We went on a Saturday night and the cover was $12 cash for $13 card. The cover included a buffet and not one but TWO live bands! The buffet was showing up! They had an African beef stew, rice, and a vegan bean soup. The food had so much depth in flavor and you knew it was cooking all day. The love! The bands were bringing the sass. The first was a Latin band and the second was an African band. When I tell you I danced 5+ miles according to my Fitbit. It was a vibe all night long. Speaking of vibes - this place is grunge in the best way! It reminds me of a Midwest garage from 1990s. All the twinkle lights. They had fun NA options albeit expensive for no alcohol. I'll be back! I will absolutely be back.

One of the best dance places t eat!, music of the 80's, UPSCALE food, great community.

10/10wi go again !!!! the blue gecko is the spot to go fasho gotta come by and spend a good amount of time!! shoutout to my boy antonio for bringing the vibes

Love this place! Great booking and fun atmosphere. They also make a mean mocktail. fun theme nights and plenty of parking

I came to the Sahara, and it was outstanding. The music was. amazing. I must say you have to try the food. You must go over and meet Anthony. He sells shrimp gumbo omg. It was amazing. I've loved it. At first, I wasn't interested in eating gumbo. A lot of people can't make it very well. But I must say, Anthony did an amazing job and his presentation was superb. Thank you, Anthony. I'll come back again and eat your shrimp gumbo.

I went to Sahara Lounge this weekend for the first time for a friend's birthday get together. They had a live band playing and the bar had an old school Austin vibe with a very diverse mix of people. Cover was $12 if you paid cash or $13 if you used a credit card but you do get to eat their buffet. It had african food and my Fiance got a plate for us to try. There was stew, rice, and vegan beans and it all tasted pretty good with strong delicious flavors. To drink, they had beer and a short cocktail menu that hangs above the bar. There were two bartenders working and the drinks were decidedly different depending on which you went to. Our first visit to the bar, I got a caipirinha and my Fiance got one of their n/a cocktails. It took the guy a bit to make the caipirinha which isn't too unusual but the drink was weird. I drank it but honestly I'm not even sure what it was but it wasn't that for sure. He forgot her drink so we ordered it a 2nd time and he left out one of the main ingredients (crushed mint). She noticed and asked for mint and he added a leaf to her drink so we laughed and went to hang with friends. On my 2nd visit, my buddy had let me sample his old fashioned and it was good so I got one of those from the other bartender. He did a good job and the drink tasted exactly as it should (make sure you stir it a bit before you drink it). I liked that they have outside space as it was a bit crowded inside and the fresh air felt nice.

What Austin use to be. Expensive cover charge, but good vibes. Drinks were cool and the food outside was fire (dude with the BBQ pitt for the win!)

Let's be real- this is an Austin treasure but it's also mad sketchy. Sahara Lounge is a cool hang out spot it is a whole vibe. But at the same time, Sahara Lounge doesn't seem to be super well maintained by ownership. This isn't a pristine high end bar/ club but it is a great spot for a night out.

Why did I not check this place out sooner?! Nice vibe and great music! We came on a Saturday which was Africa Night so there was also a (small) buffet available on the back wall included with the cover charge. The bar top itself is small so you may have to wait for drinks, but it wasn't very long on this Saturday night around 9pm. Their drink selection is decent-several beers, wines, and a selection of liquors. There are 2 pool tables as well to entertain you but the best part is the live music. The group we saw was very energetic and put everyone in a great mood from the get go! There is a parking lot next to the building, and although we easily found a space in it, I could imagine it getting full on some nights.

Horrible area of the city. Did not feel safe in the neighborhood. We did not go inside as we're too afraid as there were two guys outside that looked like they were selling drugs.

the band is not worth paying a cover i wouldnt drink ny beer here the band is not worth paying a cover i wouldnt drink ny beer here

They had super TERRIBLE service. The bartender was rude and acted like she hated her job. I would never recommend this bar if you want good service. The bathrooms were also really gross, no one went out there to make sure everything was clean. Go somewhere else if you want good service.

The live band was great! The drinks could be better but overall would give it another go for the band

Not a huge fan of this place. The drinks have a cool concept but they aren't made well. The food truck kinda sucks too. I did see a great band though.

Love the music and the vibe here. African and Latin bands on Saturday nights are great, and the fire pit out back makes it easy to meet the random cool people that come to this place. Exactly what I was hoping to find in Austin but haven't seen anywhere else in town.

Most definitely one of my favorite hangout spots in Austin! Sahara Lounge is an awesome, old school joint. It's a honkey tonk (dive bar) that represents all the honkey tonks of the world. Live music from all over the world with people from all over the world, dancing it in whatever way they feel. Follow the Sahara Facebook page to see what cool bands or performances are on their calendar. Weekend entrance fee (yes it's totally worth a measly$8!!!) includes access to a free buffet with some damn tasty grub. Meatballs usually have a slight kick so don't be a douche and take a bunch when you won't even be able to finish them all. Sometimes the food finishes quickly and you can't be greedy. Sometimes it doesn't, and you don't have to feel guilty about loading up a big ass plate since nobody is eating. ;) They have a pretty cool outside patio. Usually has a fire going on chilly nights. They have a tiny bar where they serve you beers from igloo coolers, so be patient for them drinks. The staff is pretty chill, so you be chill too. B-) Sahara is an awesome gem outside of Austin's hustle and bustle of downtown or Domain area and I wish we had more like this place. Take a taxi and come party! :) Free parking is available, but drinking and driving is no bueno.

They have good music occasionally. Also the inside is pretty rough. I don't think it's part of the aesthetic, more than just pure laziness and apathy on the owners part. Whiskey still tastes like whiskey here.

Yes!! This place is legit. We can on African night! Amazing. Anda and music. Such a great vibe. They had a free African buffet out. People were dancing. People were laughing. People were smoking. Loved the scene. I think the female owner got up and played bass with one of the bands. Bada**. See my ti for a bit more insight. Really groovy

Quirky place but Sahara Lounge gets it right! Delicious mixed drink options as well as solid beer selection. Hit this place on the right night and you might even get free food. Vibe is everything that is right with Austin and none of what's not. At least on the nights I've been. They do diff world music and queer nights.

Ladie's nite is my favorite time to come here, me and my girls always have a blast! FANTASTIC DJ - Always great music to dance our arses off !!

If Sahara Lounge doesn't make you grateful to be alive, you might need to squeegee your third eye.

$61 2. SMAAAAAALL vodka cocktails 1. Punch premixed punch 2. Beers 2. Topo Chico's 1 double specialty cocktail... bottom shelf liquor Yup... $61... I checked the tab for accuracy.

Came for the Prince tribute. DJ? Really. The sound was an offensive assault on the senses. And I'm an sure there were far too many people packed in to this tiny honky tonk. The Fire Marshall would likely shut this night down in a heartbeat. I will return for some real live music because I think this could be an awesome place.

I've never really understood the whole "keep Austin weird" thing until I came here. The drinks are better than expected and the vibe is so chill and comfortable. I will remove a star because we went specifically for a Kendrick Lamar vs Rihanna event. They had local rappers performing a full set and it was hardly time left for what we wanted. I felt a little unsafe in the building, that place is a fire hazard for sure. Not enough exits and just enough dirty artifacts (read, junk) inside to be highly flammable.

I went for the first time to Africa Night on a Saturday. When I first lived in Austin some twenty years ago, one would not have traveled to this area of town late at night. But today, it is safe. I had the best time. The owners and visitors were all very nice. I will definitely return.

What a great quirky place. I went to Sahara lounge in a whim one night and I'm glad I did. Was there on a Saturday night and they had live music going for a cover. The Afro-latin group that was playing put on a great show with fun energy. One of the nicer parts of Sahara was the free food. The cover price got me as much of a rice and chicken dish as I could handle. Tasty! They had a decent beer selection of around twenty or so beers (6ish on tap). The mixed drinks were strong and not too expensive. Give the punch a try if they have it. As for the space, there was lots of room to sit or dance depending on what you were looking for. The outside patio area had a fire pit, which was nice to have on the super cold night. Was definitely a big fan of Sahara lounge. Staff was nice. Atmosphere was chill. Food was free. What more could you ask for? I'll be back.

This dance spot is a hip stop in East Austin. Sahara Lounge gives the 78723 an identity and delivers culture and fun to an otherwise boring area. While the outside seems dingy, the interior is full of life. You're never too far from a dancing couple. They have theme nights throughout the week, so you can pick your poison. Don't be afraid to cut a rug, they appreciate all skill levels, from beginner to expert. The beers are fairly cheap here, so you won't break the bank. There's almost always a cover charge (which is cash unless you don't have any, then you can ask the inside to charge your card). The cover fluctuates, but last time they told me 100% goes to the band, which makes it worth it.

If you like good music and shaking your tail feather, then Sahara Lounge is the spot for you. It's deep in East Austin, off Springdale, which can be quite a distance for some people but trust me, it's worth it. I come here every month for Ladies night and they play a mix of 80s/ 90s classics and current Hip Hop. Their drinks are cheap, the place is just oozing with culture, and all the people I meet here are up for dancing and in such good spirits . I would highly - 10/10 - recommend this place to everyone.

Sound was horrible, two people clearly drunk and it on drugs apparently just discovered they have genitals, yet totally unaware of anyone else around them in their own sad little childish world plopped diwn next to me and started grinding away. If they had at least done so in time to the music it wouldn't have been so horrible. As it was they ruined the evening even though they were finally kicked out it was at great effort on my part to get management to do the right thing. I want my money back and will not be returning

Honestly, this is my favorite bar in the world. It seems to attract a great group of people, and the music is always killer.

Cool vibe with unique people! Literally around the corner from our Airbnb. The live music was interesting? Wish we were staying for another day for the African night. When in Rome!

If I could give a negative 5 I would. Absolutely the trashiest bar in Austin. Bathrooms are disgusting. Had 2 drinks and they charged $60 Don't waste you're time with this trash hole.

I like Sahara. I liked it more when it was TCs... BYOB, super dive bar with questionable structural integrity and clientele. They also had incredible bands in that just wanted you to sweat and dance your ass off on Monday nights. Sahara retains some of that same charm -- they cleaned up the bathrooms some, reinforced the floors and set up a sweet patio that's perfect when the weather is great. They also added booze and crafty cocktails. I had a hot buttered rum there the other night that totally hit the spot. The sound system here is questionable -- both times Ive been there there's some odd shrieking issues with the mic. If they fix that, and if the soul nights have the same heart as TCs, Sahara could be a one of my favorite spots. Oh and watch out for that parking lot -- you'll take a curb out if you're not careful.

This place is weird and small and you can touch the ceiling! Big no no. I'm sorry, this place sucks.

I've been here twice and both times we left pretty fast. The first time was to see an advertised group who didn't show up. The second was tonight for Disco, Funk and Soul by a DJ - it was terrible. The entertainment sucks. The place has no cross-ventillation or AC. It's an old drive bar on the deep east side. There are a lot of other and better places to choose from.

Nice place. Great music. Opposite of gentrification. Musicians from the other side of the globe. Delicious food. Vegan options. Friendly owner, hanging out at the door. Tell your friends but don't tell your friends. It's like the Austin version of 55 Bar. I want to go back and get to know everyone, but it's a long drive. There is love at this place.

Used to be TCs, but still one of the best places to catch a live show in Austin, TX. You will see everything from well groomed acts, to bands trying to get it together. Great Dive Bar Location. Cover was $5.00 and drinks prices were average. They have some pool tables, dive decor, and good seating around the stage area. Smokers you have a sanctuary in back to get your fix between sets. It is a place that you need to check out. Perfectly Austin without being on the normal beaten everyday path of ATX. Yeah Buddy!!!

Have you been walking around east 6th, wondering where all the hipsters went? Wonder no more, because I found them. They all migrated to the East side and, on a slammin' jammin' Friday night, THIS is the place to be. (If you're a hipster, that is.) I assume it's because gentrification is like the "cool" thing to do now and hipsters can talk about how gentrification is ruining the east side even though they're contributing to the ruination but still want to live in denial. No, not me, just all those other people. Or maybe it's because I went there on a night where they were throwing a feminist party. Are all hipsters feminist or are all feminists hipsters? The world may never know. All I know is that it was a $5 cover, which was weird because it's a dive bar, and the line for the bar was consistently like six people deep. Took a while to get my drank on, but I guess that's just how things work here. Side note: to the smelly hipster bitch who pushed 10 people out of the way to be first in line, you can go fuck yourself with a chainsaw. Your nasty ass unwashed body invaded my personal space and I didn't appreciate you shoving me to get in front of me. Neither did all the other people you shoved who yelled at you and called you a bitch. Also, why is this tagged with ethnic food?? They have food here?! How in the hell did I miss that? Oh, probably because I was being the annoyingly obnoxious drunk girl who was randomly whoopin' and hollerin' about hipsters and how they need to go away. Pretty sure I annoyed a lot of people. Pretty sure I'd do that all over in a heartbeat. It's a dive bar, so of course I love this place with all my little cold, dead heart. Even if it's filled with hipsters.

Best dive bar in central Texas with a wide variety of local and regional music. Wonderful cave like atmosphere that draws a large group of coolness. Best part is Celestial Pizza is there too

Alessandra B.'s review was horrible to read, as clearly she doesn't understand sentence structure and commas. She is totally unaware that her review only slightly touches on the establishment she is reviewing, but instead focuses on herself and her feelings about two unfortunate people who created a spectacle of themselves in front of her. It's really unfortunate that childish, sad people like her have to burden us with her warty little one-star opinions which are not only absurdly hostile but irrelevant to the task at hand, which is recognizing how lucky Austin is to have such a unique place to go on a Friday or Saturday night and listen to music that isn't the same old juke bar cover band dreck. Reconsider not only your triggers, lady, but your methods of venting your reactions to them. You hurt places of business with overwrought nonsense such as what you needlessly shared here.

This is a magical place. Great music, great people, great drinks, great food...Beautiful energy all around. The crowd is eclectic and down to earth. Saturdays are a must for anyone who loves great music and dancing. This is one of the few places left in Austin that you can come in solo and make lasting connections. Saturdays nights are like church to many of us here. Ladies Night on 3rd Friday is always a good time, especially if you like old school. All in all This place has a long history of creating spaces and promoting the voices of under represented populations, artists and creators. I'm especially excited that they are bringing body rock back to its roots. This bar just means so much to me. Never change, Sahara.

I learned about the Sahara Lounge from the Meetup site and found they had a "Salsa Nite's" on Monday's. I figured why not give it a shot? And I'm glad I did! it was so much fun. For a $7/cover you can get Beginner Salsa lessons from 7-8:30, Intermediate lessons from 8:30-10, and then The instructor and DJ, Raul, spins Latin music (Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, etc) for the rest of the night. Also included is a sort of Nacho station that has Crispy thin nacho chips, hot sauce and beans to munch on along with a water cooler. All in all it's a pretty sweet deal, considering there is a bar with happy hour from 7-9 (Beers starting at $2 can't be beat). As an instructor, Raul is excellent. He is patient and goes at your pace, teaching the fundamentals with a twist of expert steps to keep you interested. I've learned more from him in 2 sessions, than I've learned my entire life! His motto is "Practice!" and also "Give me 2 days per week for 3 months and you will be a very good Salsero/Salsera." As for the Sahara Lounge itself, it's a cute little spot. I must admit upon arriving to the location the first time, it was a bit suspicious because the surrounding area is a bit shady and it's not very well lit at night. There are also sketchy characters walking around aimlessly. But I felt that once I got into the lounge it would be fine...and it was! The place itself is pretty small, but still boasts a bar, 2 billiard tables, dancefloor, small stage and even a large backyard patio with a bunch of tables, chairs and benches to drink, smoke and hag out with a group. Although i don;t see myself coming here any other night but Monday's (and maybe Fridays), you just never know.

Someone else already said it, this place is legit. The opening band last Saturday was great, Flamenco jazz fusion, the house band- AMAZING. Punk rock hand made African instruments and drums, AND a young but sharp horn section! We danced for two hours. Kosmic Kool Aid didn't disappoint.

This place is uniquely Austin!! Unlike any other music venue around. I love it as it is a local spot. It's a good mix of people from many different backgrounds and cultures. There music selections for shows are very versatile and changes every day.

This place has all the makings of a perfect lounge. Massive outdoor patio and fire pit, live music, dance floor, sweet lighting, billiards/games, cheap drinks, African buffet. The bartenders are SO nice. One of them hooked me up with a complimentary to go cup of kombucha at the end of the night. All around stellar spot. Can't wait to come back next time I'm in Austin!

This was a fun little dive bar. Nice open area out back. Tiny little dance floor. We were here during a torrential downpour and tornado watch a few months back. It's way down south from the Pflug, so I doubt I'll be heading back down, but if friends wanted to go, I'd hang there again. I enjoyed the live music, beers and patio. And folks were really friendly.

Very cool dive bar to hear local artists. The staff are very friendly and will help you with any questions you have. However be aware of cover charges on come nights when there are certain acts

Out in the middle of nowhere, residential neighborhood. They have a spacious outdoor patio great for warm nights. They have different bands/shows every night. Cheap drinks and they're served in plastic cups, kind of like college... Try the sahara sling...