Saxon Pub

One of the best places to hear good music ... sound systems Great.! The staff is great.!! When you pick a band that you like or one that you don't know, it turns out to be great, lots of fun, it's a great place to listen and sometimes even inter mingle with some of the artist....

One of the few Austin legends still left. Outstanding experience. The weight staff does a great job of juggling a very small space and keeping everyone served well. Really good food truck outside too! Got to hear Dave Scher here, which is always a treat.

Finally, after never visiting the Saxon pub when I lived in Texas, I was able to catch two shows while I was in town. Checked off a bucket list item by seeing Bob Schneider at the Saxon pub but also getting to see Walt Wilkins again after 20 some years was the bonus. Fantastic experience, fantastic music, and fantastic staff. Gonna be back.

Great venue for live music! My friend and I went here when they had a live band playing for free; we enjoyed delicious drinks and great music in a comfortable indoor environment!

Came here for a performance by Bob Schneider and Lonelyland. It was a great show. Our server wasn't the friendliest, but the show was great! Had pretty good seats and fun was had by all!

A top and cozy location on S. Lamar for enjoying live music just about every night. The food truck features Chicago Dogs and Vienna Beef.

We loved this Austin music venue. It is definitely small but the bartenders and music were great! It would be nice if they had greater food options. The only thing available was a hot dog truck the night we went. If you are seeing a show, make sure to arrive early. Seating is limited. Otherwise you might have to stand by the bar.

Great place. Good music and tasty cider

Saxon bleeds British and if you're a fan of the music then you're at the right place and also a must-visit for Live Music in Austin! After dinner, we noticed the Saxon Pub by the sound of the music, and it did not disappoint! The venue is intimate and cozy, with a rustic charm that feels Austin. It is well-decorated with coats of arms and armors that reminded of Game of Thrones. The live band was phenomenal, and the crowd's energy made the experience even more enjoyable. The drinks were reasonably priced, and the attentive bartender made a great Old Fashioned. There was no entry fee or cover. If you're a fan of live music or just want to experience a piece of Austin's music scene, Saxon Pub is a must-visit. I'll definitely be back for more great music and good vibes!

I had an amazing time at the Saxon Pub on South Lamar! This cute and cozy bar is the perfect spot to enjoy live music, and it truly comes alive on a Friday night. The atmosphere was vibrant and energetic, with a great crowd that made the night even more enjoyable. The live music was fantastic--great performances that set the tone for a fun evening. The drinks were equally impressive, well-made, and added to the overall experience.

After a late dinner we were lulled into Saxon Pub by the sound a live music! We fell in love with this place. Great drinks and service from the sweet bartender including old fashioned, ginger beer, and an amazing cold cup for water. Prices are fair and the bartender was so attentive! I love when any place has purse hooks, because all purse holders know how much space hooks save, how much safer they are and in general the thought that went into adding them is heart warming. The band was amazing! I can't recall their name but they were performing Christmas music on the news the best day! I love the rustic decor, from the fair lights to the armored suits and the elephant bar sconces. There was a 5$ cover fee but it was worth it! I had a great time and would recommend and return!

What can I add to the many glowing reviews already in place for the legendary Saxon Pub, whose motto is "No Bad Days"? If you came to Austin to partake in what makes us the "Live Music Capital of the World," you probably need to see at least one show here. And if you're a local like me who loves music with a bit of twang, some country/blues/rock, more than one guitar, and an enthusiastic audience, you probably already know why Saxon is beloved by so many in this town. Heck, they even have their own documentary on Prime - that's something! The Saxon is a dark, cozy, intimate listening room, with space for only about 150 seats, ages 21+ only, and the door fee's usually around $10 depending on who is playing. Shows tend to be around 90 minutes with a mid-point break, and evenings may include up to 3 or 4 different acts, with the house cleared after each act. Snag a table near the stage, a stool at the bar, or one of those tall cocktail tables over by the wall. When the music starts, hush up! A cocktail waitress will visit periodically to see if you need anything. Otherwise, share a beer (they have 14 on tap, plus a full bar), talk up a storm, watch the big game on the TVs, or attend a private special event. They host everything from weddings to fundraisers to milestone parties to memorial celebrations of life. When you get up to use the restrooms in the back, be sure to take a look at all the years of autographed photos and other memorabilia collected since Saxon opened in 1990. Full drinks and merch menu with prices can be viewed on ToastTab here: https://www.toasttab.com/local/order/the-saxon-pub/r-977be539-9775-4c19-aa2e-ff5fc299bcd1 . Note that "Happy Hour" doesn't mean discounted drinks at Saxon; rather, it's "no door fee," usually from open to 6p. No food is served inside, but there's a decent hotdog & burger truck in the parking lot outside, and some great restaurants are nearby on South Lamar. Speaking of parking, there is hardly any, so take a rideshare if you can. Several of my favorite local artists play Saxon on a regular basis, people like Robynn Shayne, Bob Schneider, Patrice Pike, Charlie Mars, and Cari Hudson, just to name a few. If you subscribe to the Saxon social feeds and newsletter, you'll see that they also often host incredible all-star shows and the occasional touring legend. Live music fans, I hope I've convinced you, the Saxon needs to be on your regular rotation. See you there!

Great venue! It's small and there is a mad dash to grab a chair at a table....kinda stressful but we made it work. Drinks are good...just wear your track shoes....our table actually got roughly taken over by 2 belligerent women. We were sitting at the table and this woman gets in front of our table and just took the chairs...no excuse me or are these chairs taken. If you can get past the table dash a wonderful waitress will take all your drink orders so you don't have to worry about somebody taking over your seats. Great venue really enjoyed listening to great local musicians. You do have to buy a ticket for the show you want ahead of time. If you get there early they will kindly check you in and ask you to sit at the patio or down 3 stairs in a waiting room area until your show is up. We actually got a great Chicago style dog at a food truck when we left! Fun night!

Old school music venue/bar that also has a location at the airport. Great sound. Good service. Good prices.

They sell more tickets than they have seating, and there appears to be a secret way of getting to the main viewing area even if you get there early enough to be at the front of the line when they start letting people in. Turns out there were already a bunch of people inside and we had to stand behind the noisy bar or to sit at a table, watch on tv in an adjacent room w bad speakers. So okay if you get there early on a night when there isn't a real popular act.

Our first time here. I was excited about coming here, one, I really wanted to see the band that was playing, two, I've heard about the Saxon Pub. All good things. Parking is very limited, we got lucky and got a spot. I don't know if there are any places to park. The place is pretty small, we had a reserved table at the front, which was cool. Our ticket purchase was just for this one band, if we had to stick around for the other bands, you had to purchase another ticket. Which to me is a bummer. Service is great, the staff are super friendly and polite. They move quickly also. They have a food truck outside, but we ate somewhere else. I really enjoyed the sound here. You can really hear all the band, not just one member. I would definitely come back here.

Loved this little dive bar! It was such a great environment, parking is a bit light but get there early! The live music is great and enjoyable with a great wait staff to make sure you don't go thirsty!

Come for the music, if you want, I guess, but don't come for the drinks. The Margarita was made with sweet and sour mix instead of lime juice. 'Nuf said. My Lemon Drop barely filled the lower (smaller) half of the glass. See photo. And it had no sugar rim. Hard-working bartenders -- they were prompt to take my orders, to make my drinks, and to close me out. I don't want this to be a knock on them. I blame management. But the drinks were really bad. Edit: I wrote most of this review before I paid the check. It turns out the Margarita was $6.47! The Lemon Drop was $8.32! Now I understand -- at those prices, the Margarita has to be made with sweet and sour. So if you want bad drinks cheap, this is the place to go.

The Saxon Pub is more than just a music venue--it's a time capsule of Austin's vibrant history and an integral part of its soul. As someone who has watched the big changes of this city, stepping into the Saxon Pub feels like embarking on a reminiscent journey back to the heart and soul of Old Austin. The moment you walk through the doors, you can almost hear the echoes of legendary musicians who have graced its stage over the years. From blues to rock, country to folk, the Saxon Pub has hosted an incredible array of talented artists who have left an indelible mark on Austin's music scene. It's a testament to the rich musical heritage of this city. The intimate setting of the Saxon Pub creates an unparalleled atmosphere that makes you feel like you're part of something special. Whether you're sitting at the bar or claiming a spot near the stage, you're instantly transported to a place where music takes center stage, and nothing else matters. The close proximity to the performers adds a level of intimacy that is hard to find elsewhere. One of the things I love most about the Saxon Pub is the genuine sense of community it fosters. The regulars and staff create a warm and welcoming environment that makes you feel like you're among friends, even if it's your first visit. Conversations flow easily, and the shared love for music creates an instant bond between strangers. It's a place where you can strike up a conversation with anyone and leave with new friends. The authenticity of the Saxon Pub extends beyond its atmosphere. The drinks are reasonably priced, the service is friendly and efficient, and the sound quality is top-notch. The staff clearly understands the importance of preserving the legacy of this iconic establishment, and they do so with great care and passion. As Austin continues to grow and change, it's comforting to know that the Saxon Pub remains a steadfast pillar of the city's musical heritage. It's a place where the spirit of Austin lives on, where you can still catch incredible live performances, and where you can experience the magic that has drawn people to this city for decades. If you're visiting Austin or have been away for a while, do yourself a favor and make a pilgrimage to the Saxon Pub. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Austin's music history, indulge in great drinks, and connect with fellow music lovers. The Saxon Pub is a living testament to the beauty of Austin's past and a beacon of hope for its future.

Good parking (get there early) People and culture is laidback with no Drama. Turn off you're phone, have cold one and enjoy the music

Paid $84 for three of us- sitting at the bar while band played- LITERALLY having a family reunion while the band played- lovely.... They said our normal conversation- at the far end of the bar - was TOO LOUD.... I mean I had 2 70 year olds there... and asked us to leave - the band was great- the venue was a horrible pos..... I would never come here- wasted $84 dollars on cover for a HORRIBLE venue........ DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY- THEY DONT CARE!!!!!! Went to the continental afterwards- THE MUSIC WAS BETTER - the staff was better -- YOU ARE WASTING YOUR TIME IF YOU GO HERE!!!! DONT EVER PAY A COVER HERE!!!!! They will toss for no reason!!!!!!!

This is an Austin institution. Great bands and music...everyone is nice and welcoming, I enjoy going there for my favorite bands.

We had a really nice time checking out the Saxon Pub! Really enjoyed the artist we bought tickets to see- we fortunately got a table but be sure to arrive early to find seats. Drinks are average, what you might expect at this kind of venue, and really hard working bartender/waitresses who are very kind. Did not try the food, but they had a truck with vegan options!

Great place for music. Even have a food truck with wrigleyville hot dogs! We got there early for 6pm Thursday show and place was packed. Very friendly staff. Parking sucks. Garage around the corner and next door guitar shop won't allow you to park there.

We loved this Austin music venue. It is definitely small but the bartenders and music were great! It would be nice if they had greater food options. The only thing available was a hot dog truck the night we went. If you are seeing a show, make sure to arrive early. Seating is limited. Otherwise you might have to stand by the bar.

Everything is everything and Mr Ray Prim had me so hyped. I loved your performance. The service was ok and a little Spicy is what I will say from the bar but they figured it out! Let's do better.

I love the place but it drives me crazy. I've seen some incredible artists in this small room who could sell out much larger venues. Pros: Great artists play here Great sound system Cool vibe Cons: Horrible parking options Room cleared after every band Can't just hang out for an evening because ^ Almost always massively overcrowded

Great place to see a show; Saxon pub is historical and you definitely get that vibe when you go inside. It's intimate, yet still has enough space for a good amount of people. The drinks are always great, and they have a front patio with ATX Sliders food truck right on the side of it. It's hard to not have a good time at Saxon pub. Parking is a bit limited, so be prepared for that.

The blood orange boulvadier was on point, and they have a decent tap list of beers. Our server was super friendly, the atmosphere is casual and slightly divey, and it was a great small venue for the artist we came to hear. My only complaint for which I removed a star was that the doorman was a complete asshole to us. It nearly ruined the experience from the start, but thankfully the rest of the staff was friendly and the ambience was great.

Great vibe. Fantastic music. We saw the Resentments. Really entertaining. We will return when we are in the area.

I have been here several times in the 17 years of living in Austin, however I think we'll pass on this spot in the future. A group of friends went to the movies at Alamo Draft house and we thought we would have a couple of drinks at Saxon Pub maybe they would have music, but it was early 5:30pm. We had a couple of drinks. This dude with heavy black framed glasses started telling us we had to be quiet and couldn't talk or have any conversations. Then he told us we each needed to pay $10 per person because music was playing-we went to the area he designated us to go to so we could chat with one another. A bit later I went up to the bar to get another beer and "eyeglasses" started in again about paying for music now the price was $17 each person. We were drinking and paying for those drinks, but that was not adequate-the drink prices were also increasing in price‍ this place is a dive bar that then turns into a music venue-they only charge some people though. The man my husband and I were chatting with did not pay a charge-- I'd skip this place. Austin has live music you can enjoy freely and the establishment pays for the music out of the drink sales

My group walked up to the door guy outside and learned of the cover charge.  So we walked to a nearby ATM. When we returned with cash, we learned that there was an ATM inside and card was accepted as a form of payment. When I asked the door guy why he didn't inform us that cards are accepted and an ATM was inside, he played coy. Make people put a little extra work into paying your cover charge right? We waited in line for drinks. Once we got to our turn, the bartender took our order (2 drinks). After she took our order, she served 4 people who were behind us in line first and then she my friend his one drink. She then proceeded to serve 3 other people who ordered after me (and were also behind us in line) before serving my drink. Tip your bartenders right?

We stumbled into this spot after dinner at Uchi. My in laws were visiting and wanted to see some live music. None of us have been here before it was an interesting vibe. The security guard asked us if we were there to see someone specific (can't even remember the name) I told him we just googled and saw this spot and he checked our ids then let us in. He was very nice. It wasn't overly crowded but not a lot of seats. It isn't a socializing spot because they kept telling ppl to shhhh. Then when I looked around I did notice they have signs to keep quiet out of respect to the singers, which was fine. We were there for about an hour, bought drinks and even tipped twice for the ppl singing. Then randomly one of the bartenders (she was short and had big eyes) walked up to us and said: "I noticed you guys snuck in here and got by without paying but you either need to pay or leave." I was literally speechless. My in laws are in their 70s I couldn't believe how rude she was. It left the worst taste in my mouth. I will never be back nor recommend anyone to go support this spot. There is an approach to get your message across but she meant to be rude even smirked at me afterwards. There are a lot of live music spots in Austin. Do yourself a favor and skip out on this one.

Saxon Pub was my first local music show when I moved to Austin in 2010. not much has changed since and I like it that way. This is old Austin. Amazing musical acts, friendly service, and icy cold drinks. The patio is where you'll meet some interesting folks in between sets. I hope the vibe never changes

Authentic pub and great local live music venue. Good acoustics and lighting with ample seating and clean restrooms. Intimate stage setting that fit 7 musicians easily. $10 cover to see Lara Price and her seasoned musicians. Friendly service. Parking in front. Highly recommended!

The Saxon Pub is Where Boomers Go To Die. But they get to hear some pretty decent music. * * * The Saxon Pub is a legendary music institution in Austin. It fills a distinctive niche. If your guitar requires some eighteen different consoles to get the exact sound you want, you ain't getting a gig here. If high school students are listening to your music or your influences, you ain't getting a gig here. What plays at the Saxon Pub is strictly inspired by the seventies. It has been made finer by forty years of practice and purification. If you are a songwriter, you need to channel your inner Van Morrison. Guitar God is still a meaningful concept at Saxon Pub. Do you play licks from Robbie Robertson? You have a home here. Were you doing Texas Country while LBJ was still alive? You are an honored performer here. And if you are an Austin legend, there will be room for you on the stage. This includes Storyville, Patrice Pike, and anyone who backed up Stevie Ray Vaughan. In fact, a large percentage of the talent consists of people who backed up someone else in an earlier era. The backup players were commercially unknown back then. But everyone else in the band knew how good they were. They rarely got a chance to play what everyone else knew they could play. They rarely got to perform the fine songs they were writing. They now have their own band, are headlining and are picking the material. They are getting the recognition they have long deserved. * * * The Saxon Pub crowd is geriatric - but Grateful Dead geriatric. They picked their music to rebel from their parents. They are older now than their parents were then. Many of their parents have since passed away. This crowd wants nothing to do with reggaeton, dark synth, or postrock. No musical frontiers are ever to be crossed. But country-rock and folk-rock still count for something here. And the Saxon Pub always has room for the blues. Here, the audience can still hear musical legends. Those legends may still not be making money. Those legends may still be struggling to get known at the national level. But here, they get the full recognition they have long deserved. * * * The Saxon Pub is like finding a jar full of weed that was somehow left over from your college days. You wouldn't think that weed that old would still be good, But you can get really high off that stuff.

All these years in Austin, and I've never been to the Saxon until about six months ago. On my very first encounter, I walked in the wrong front door (there are no less than three of them, mind you) and got fussed at. While it wasn't an auspicious occasion, it also wasn't the end of the world, and I've since patched things up with the fellow that chewed me out the first time. The bartenders here are friendly, but also busy. If it's a small crowd, they will circulate among the tables to catch you up on drinks. I have to say that, as bars go, the staff is a friendly bunch. The best thing about the Saxon, however, is the sound. Although I haven't yet been to every one of them, I consider it one of the best listening rooms in town. You're comfortable, the band is comfortable, and the sound is superb, so you're set up for some great times. If your favorite band is here, don't give it a second thought. Just go. You'll be glad you did.

We have gone to this music venue (bar) a few times. Not because we like the venue but because a band we REALLY like was playing there and we thought "What the hell..." This bar/music venue books approximately 3 bands a night. Yep, 3. And no, that does not mean YOU get to hear 3. They have a music performance at 6:00, 8:30 and 10:30 (approx). If you go to listen to a band at 6:00... a band you to PAY to see, as soon as they are done (to the minute!!) you are ordered out sternly to make way for the band and next paying crowd. No lingering, no enjoying your drink or finishing your conversation, no saving your table, YOU. ARE. OUT. The owners must rake it in. Wow, a truly brilliant business plan. But completely horrible customer service and a complete lacking to embrace the music loving community that is Austin.. Watered down drinks, crowded, dirty bathrooms with no toilet paper, hot, absolutely NO parking within a mile vacinity. Truly horrible. Will we end up going back? Sigh. Yeah, probably. Inevitably a band we like will be playing there. A very overrated Austin icon

Our favorite place in Austin for live local Music. This place rocks with the loud and listens with the not so loud. Shhhjhhh are you listening? Our week is not complete without a trip to south Austin's very special Saxon Pub. Our date night and Thursday church! Praise the Lord for live music!

LOVED this place!! It is important to realize it is all about the music! Not a dance place, not a chat or be rowdy with friends place. It's about the music. Get there early if it is important for you to sit at a table. I had no issue standing at the rail. So much energy and great sound. I had the pleasure of seeing Guy Forsyth here. 1st time since things closed down. So great to have live music again. I will definitely be back when I'm in town.

Great music in an intimate atmosphere,. I love this spot for really listening to live music. No dance floor distractions, good drinks, attentive wait staff. Local music as well as national touring musicians, but be sure to get Tix in advance for those.

I know the Saxon Pub is an Austin legend and I felt grateful to get a chance to visit and listen to some really great talent: John Gaar and his band. On a side note: my boyfriend who is also a musician born and raised in Austin gave me a brief history lesson on the Austin music scene and that made it even more special. I was impressed with the variety of Mr. Gaar's band, country, rock, blues and at times a little gospel like. I really wasn't sure what to expect since it's such a small place but inside is so much fun and I believe they have happy hour every day so drinks are on the cheap side. I'm planning on coming back to their next show on Cinco de Mayo and will check out other musicians in the future, too.

None of us weary walkers were in the mood to pay the cover charge when we strolled in here on a Saturday at 6:30 PM. We explained we were only going to be there for just 30 minutes at most but we'd like to have drinks, so we were made by the doorman to wait on the outside patio, and he rest assured us that a barmaid would be right out. As we walked that way, he apologized but reminded us once again that the only way inside The Saxon was to pay the $4 toll when live music is happening. While we sat and waited, we watched and listened to the lone chap inside on the stage with his guitar, all there on the patio's CCTVs. After three of this crooner's original songs were performed, we were glad not to have spent the extra fee to enter, but even more dreadful, we were still drinkless, as no soul had come out to even ask for drinks. We'd been sitting there for more than 15 minutes. With the doorman nowhere in sight, my friend suddenly jumped up and took it upon himself to defy the guard's warning not to enter The Saxon without paying. The doorman would deny us passage to our drinks no more! About five minutes after my friend had entered the forbidden zone of Saxton Pub, the promised barmaid appears, followed by my friend with our beers. Too slow, too late, my dear. But you know what? My Lone Star was cold and tasty, and for that, I thank you. Thank you for serving them cold, Saxon Pub.

We've been coming here for years. Recently (Sunday afternoon, April 2nd, we returned for the first time since Covid started, bringing newbies to the pub in our group.) We had a family group and had an early dinner reservation awaiting us later across town for 6:00 p.m. l, so we were just trying to share an afternoon in one of our favorite authentic, Austin places. We arrived during School of Rock, stayed through the kids performing and ran up a $242 bar bill. The cover guy/doorman came to our table to collect the cover charge for the next set. I explained that we "wanted to finish our drinks that had just arrived at our table and then leave in about 10 minutes, as we had a dinner reservation across town and (weren't) staying for the next set. Could we stay about 10 minutes?" We had just tipped the band (first tip in the jar and was gratefully acknowledged by the band at the time) because we were sitting in on the first few minutes (5-10 minutes) of their set to finish our drinks. FIVE minutes after coming to our table, the cover guy/bouncer returned and told us we had to get up and go to the patio to finish our drinks if we were not paying the cover. I explained to him that we'd just tipped the band and had literally a minute earlier paid a bar bill of $242, and asked "shouldn't that give us five minutes to finish our last drinks? We are almost finished... five minutes and we're gone." There were PLENTY of empty seats, and people were NOT waiting at the door to get in. The band had played one song. The doorman said he didn't know we'd paid that much (referring to the bar tab), but we had to get up. (We've been coming here for MANY years and have recommended this pub to many friends and family. I wonder if this pub has lost its Texas hospitality and Austin common sense during Covid or if the issue is not their policy-- but simply this guy. This was not the "welcome back" we expected, and it certainly didn't impress our guests. Saxon has been a friendlier and better in the past; maybe it's just this particular doorman. The wait staff was great, and had the pub otherwise had same friendly vibe as before. We'd never seen School of Rock and loved that Saxon supported this group. I hope this rudeness was an anomaly that will be addressed. If the place had been crowded, it would have been different....We really liked this pub and never had a negative experience there until April 2nd. A sad Saxon experience....

Went to see Love & Chaos from 6-7 pm. Many tables were reserved for Patrice Pike but we were allowed to sit until she came on at 7pm. Band was five stars but the seating is cramped and the food service is a trailer out front. My Bourbon and Cokes were $5 each. Parking is very tricky. Service was slow but friendly.

Live nearby but hadn't been much -- except when a friend was playing there a couple times. Another friend lured me there to see Lonelyland...they promised I'd see another side of Bob Schneider in this band (I'd seen his Christmas show & walked out -- because he was "mailing it in".) They were right! He was engaging, charming & EXTREMELY talented! They play there every Monday night & we've been twice since! :) Now we want to see other bands there -- this is a good venue to see anyone who's there -- it's a true dark "honky-tonk" feel & a great staff who'll wet your whistle with an array of bar favorites! A PLUS is that I can walk there!

Visited the Saxon Pub for the first time this past weekend. Great service, the bartenders and staff are very friendly. Really great vibe inside the pub -- dark, cozy, and a fair amount of room to sit or stand. Definitely a music-focused pub. The walls are lined with photos of past performers. There are also TV screens around the pub so you can still see the band playing without being near the stage. There's a good amount of parking on-site considering it's a small pub on South Lamar. The drinks were a little watered-down and pricey for the quality, but the overall experience is great! A must-go if you're looking to experience a little bit of Austin music history.

The Saxon is one of Austin's few vintage live music clubs that has survived the raised rents and the influx of people and traffic over the years. This is a great place to see quality local bands in a singer-songwriter, intimate setting. It will just probably be way more crowded and intimate than you were counting on when you decided to go check them out. The live music room is small, with the stage in the corner, surrounded by an array of tables, booths, and stools at the bar. The walls are wooden, and this fact, along with a skilled sound man, makes the sound quality warm, rich, and clear. The room fills up quickly, and on weekends or nights with popular artists, you can count on having to stand in close proximity with, bump butts with, and re-breathe the happy exhalations of fellow Austinites around you. No communicable diseases or smoking allowed. I love Austin. I've been there several nights when the place is so packed that everyone is standing around the tables where people are sitting, and you can barely see the top of the artist's head from across the other side of the bar, where you can squeeze up and order a drink if you're lucky. But I will keep going back because they book quality artists and present them well, their cover charges are reasonable, they have great tap beer selections, because it actually feels like I'm in Austin and not LA, and because there is a possibility of a seat if I get there early enough or know someone who did. Early happy hour shows are a safer bet for less crowding and a coveted parking space in the tiny lot. Otherwise, plan on a walk and don't wear heels, ladies. Because not only will you be walking on them, you will probably end up standing on them all night. But you will like the band and you will feel like you're in Austin, and that might make whatever trouble you encounter worth it.

If I could give less than one stars I would. The door guy was exceptionally rude. Discrimination against ADA- per owner supposedly and trash talking his own employees who has originally assisted us. We are not from the area, sought this place out; we will not be back!

Saxon Pub has the best shows. One of my friend's bands did the Friday night happy hour show for 5 years. That's when I spent most of my time at Saxon. But of course I stayed for the later acts. They draw great talent like Patrice Pike, Guy Forsyth, Carolyn Wonderland, Malford Milligan, Bob Schneider, and many more. No cover for happy hour shows & later shows are a small cover. It doesn't matter if you get there early or late, the cover is the same if you stay for the later shows. Reserved spots are also available. Happy hour bands get paid on tips only, so be generous! Someone is always passing that tip jar around - don't be a cheapskate! Typical dive bar booze selection. Drinks are reasonably priced. Servers are attentive. Sets last quite a while - great entertainment!

When I get to the Saxon I feel home. I love the staff. I love the performers. I love the door men. I love the Saxon. If I could spend every minute of every day with the people I have met at the Saxon Pub, I would never be sad again. Some of my favorite acts to see, The Resentments on Sunday night, Bruce Hughes and The All Nude Army on Tuesday at 8:30, The Leavers on Monday nights after Bob Schneider, Johnny Nicholas during Wednesday Happy Hour, Shawn Pander whenever he plays, and The South Austin Moonlighters whenever they play. One warning, the parking situation can get a bit messy. especially since the Speed shop put up No Parking signs. Also, Monday night. Bob. Last few times I have been there on a Monday night, it has been VERY crowded and the crowd is very loud. But the good news is, they now charge for seats. So if you want to possibly have a better chance of not being next to the chatty people by the bar you can pay $25 for a seat at a table.

Place is in a good location with some parking up front...there is retail parking at the apartment building next door. Not sure that it is copesthetic to park there. I was not ticketed nor towed, so yay! Place inside is full of wood, quaint, giddy up style. Barnwell it took a long while to get a beer and for friends to get well drinks, but there was one bartender and one gal circulating. If they would have had more help, more drinks would have been bought for sure. Music...well I came to see one band, and that is all I saw. They were great. First time seeing Matt Kruetz and I would definitely like to see him and the band members play again. Great sound Matt.

Nice venue in a good location. Attended for a sold-out album release party on 8/17, which lent itself to a pretty great atmosphere towards the end of the night. IMPORTANT: The Saxon Pub prides itself for historically being a "listening venue." There are some incredible singer/songwriters who play here, and I really appreciate the owners wanting to encourage the crowd to enjoy and appreciate the music. There's a back room and a patio designed for folks to sit and visit, but in the main listening room you're expected to keep quiet. Half the crowd didn't quite get the memo, so it killed the vibe a little when the other half kept shushing the room. Perfect spot to sit and actually listen to music, not the best choice for a family reunion.

Boy do I love this very intimate venue! I have seen some great local bands perform on this stage. Robynn Shayne, Guy Forsyth, Mickey and the Motor Cars to name a few. I like that Saxon is a huge supporters of local music, the shows are reasonably priced, there are happy hour shows even on Saturdays and as mentioned before it is an intimate setting. They are a full bar with some local taps and liquors. Come early if you want a seat. Oh and purse hooks at the bar! As Austin grows we are losing many of our beloved music venues. Come out and support this local establishment and support your musicians while listening to some of Austin's best. Parking: They offer valet service on Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday starting at 7:00pm. After 6:30pm customers can park at Genie Car Wash.

If you want to see legendary music, either already created or being created, come here. How cute that some reviewers mentioned their uncomfortableness with gray bearded old guys. It's the gray bearded old guys and women (who may or may not have gray beards) who put Austin on the map 40 years ago. It's very laid back and people you don't know might sit down at your rickety old table. Get over it. The Merlot might be sour. Get over it. The bathroom might be small. Get over it. Someone might get up in your face and dance. Get over it. Just a smattering of the talent includes: Lavelle White, a legendary blues singer, who can belt out a song at 86 years young. John Gaar, a gifted musician and his fabulous group of harmonious and talented folks who play every Sunday. The Resentments, each band member musically and comedically talented with their own separate accomplishments, show up every Sunday, too. Pauline Reese, who can rock a country song with her kick ass band and will give our son and his friend a kiss after her show. Johnny Nicholas, former member of Asleep At The Wheel and owner of The Hilltop Cafe near Fredricksburg, can keep you entertained with his New Orleans cajun blues. Hayes Carll, a very talented songster, who will delight you with humor and wit Bob Schneider.....well, if you can't fill in the blanks for him, you might as well leave Austin. And if you leave, I'm guessing you don't have a gray beard.

The Saxon is a good place to catch live bands on S. Lamar, although the layout is a bit odd (the old-school three-sided bar takes up way too much room, for example) and sight lines to the stage are frequently obscured. Drink prices and selection are more okay than good, and the parking is generally inadequate in a location that doesn't have a lot of places in the neighborhood to park a car. All that said, the place attracts music enthusiasts more than tourists and the sound and feel of catching a show here makes it one of the more enjoyable and intimate live venues in Austin.

Twenty-four years in Austin, and I'd never been to the iconic Saxon Pub. I think I've seen it on public access. And for some reason, I get it mixed up with that traveling gun show. But: - intimate place to see some of Austin's up-coming talent: +1 star - decent acoustics, a lounge area with tv (presumably to watch the sports games), and an outside patio: +1 star - friendly staff serving reasonably priced drinks, including amaretto for the wife: +1 star - air conditioning that easily blasts away the humid warmth of the first day of summer: +1 star I get the impression that it might get very crowded for Bob, and it may at times be a little more gray-beardy-old-guy than I'm usually comfortable with. But I'm betting it will be less than 24 years before I stop by again. And if not, then I'll just be one of the gray-beardy-old-guys! 3.9 stars.