The Iron Bear

Home of some of the best waffle fries I've had. The drinks are great and reasonably priced (I went at lunch, gin and tonic was $5.72), and I enjoyed the fried chicken sandwich but star of the show really were the fries. Whatever coatings they use are excellent, and they're fried to perfection. Couldn't recommend them more.

Went their for lunch and ordered the Bear smash burger, came with sweet potatoes fries. The burger was delicious, the burger roll was also delicious and fresh.

Been to a couple of events and tried the food. Am pleasantly surprised at the taste of the entrees offered at this grungy bar. Getting a burger whenever possible is a must. It's the right amount of fresh and simple. The greasy patty cannot be argued with. Events are lackluster, and meant for the target audience. Messy Bear: chili, queso, onions, & pickles (I had tomatoes added and there was a mess from eating this burger)

I live this bar. Every time I go or pass by Austin I need to stop. My goldendoodle lives to get attention from the bears.

It was good until I tried to order a drink. I get there and waited to be served. The bartender once he was done and charged the other customers, walks by me and then turns around to have a conversation with the people he just finished with. The other bartender came from his side of the bar and got me the drink I ordered. I've always felt at times the Iron bear (some people there) are kind of racist but that's just me. Besides that issue, the drink was awesome and the atmosphere pretty chill. I only went because my friend had never been there but at least next time he knows where it is so he can go on his own because I sure won't.

Great ambiance! Loved the crowd but people probably shouldn’t get stuck at the entrance. It’s hard to move to the karaoke

Typical gay dive bar l, good crowd, cute drinks and some cute food

Great gay, bear-centric bar. Big, lively depending on when you go. Went on karaoke night. Great song list, but the DJ that night caters to regulars, not visitors. All good, but don't expect to sing your song anytime soon in a room full of regulars, lol Super fun to watch though. Customers and staff are super fun!

Updated review 4/14/21 I live nearby and this has become a regular goto for meals. This place is a value. The menus was updated and there's so many good options: burgers, hotdogs and corn dogs, salads just some of my favorites. It's easy to strike a conversation w staff and patrons or be left alone. There's various scheduled activities after sunset. I really enjoy the Bear-e-okie and super Mario kart competition that follows.

Was here for the first time. 12/31/2023. Had the Bear Burger with Sweet Potato fries. Both were very delicious!! Burger was a thick meat between two toasty buns! My Favorite. Can never go wrong with that!! Will definitely be back for New Year 2024 this evening! Thanks Iron Bear!

Alrighty... So they moved. Which means: They have a smaller smoking area, but it is covered. They have a kitchen, which is pretty damned good. (Fat guys? Good at cooking? WHO COULD HAVE GUESSED?) The place is more wheelchair accessible, as it's just one floor. It's a bit smaller feeling though, and I've not really been during a main night (Plague on and I have a man at home)

Cool gay bar, they have wings, sandwiches, hot dogs..... Bartender Robert very cool. Great drinks.outside seating also

Josh and kyle have went above and beyond. I thought they were efficient and got every order right. Kindness is hard to find especially in "our" Community - this is a safe environment

A very welcoming gay bar with a large selection of draft beers and strong mixed drinks. They have a bunch of TVs, usually with the major sports games on (...you can ask them to put on a game, if it's not on already). And the food menu is really tasty and filling, especially for a place that is primarily a bar. Big Daddy: Perfect if you come with a big appetite. Two huge smash burger patties. The edges that were directly on top of each other were quite crispy. Lots of cheese, with a spicy kick. Some crunchy bacon slices. And a good dose of jalapeño peppers. It had a respectable amount of heat. Not insurmountable, but makes you eat this a tad slower and really appreciate the flavors. Potato Dippers: I really enjoyed these! A fun departure from fries. Kinda like little potato skins, though not everyone disc had skin it. Lots more surface area than a regular fry, so a good amount of crispiness. But still a good soft layer of potato filing inside.

Our go to place when in town .Love the energy and the people.lots of theme parties on Weekends..always have a great time ...but you all need different DJs ..dj Todd spins great ..but the little short one dj doesn't do a very good job ..food is great as well ...

Bartender was incredibly rude! Was excited to come in for wings but he acted like we were bothering him. Ordered a beer and left. He never bothered asking if we wanted anything So disappointed.

One of the best burger's I've ever tried I don't know what to say lol. Waffle fries were perfect and everything was on point

Josh the sad clown was the best!! I came during busy time during the Halloween costume contest & he made a point to make sure we were taken care of!! Hard to find good service downtown these days !!

The food here is seriously amazing me and my hubby had the chili cheese burger baskets with waffle fries and the waffles fries were better then chick Fila and the chili could compete in a chili cook off this food was 10/10 will definitely be back once a week to get the same meal all over again! And the bartender with the beard was very friendly LOVE THIS PLACE!!!

I always love exploring lesbian and gay friendly places. The Iron Bear is a straight up gay bar. The bar tender/server was this adorable and friendly "Bear" who was very attentive. I also learned that during 1 Sunday a month, they have a drag brunch and the brunch menu changes each week. I am not into drag shows personally but I into brunch. I am curious about *maybe* trying their brunch sometime. This first time though, I stopped in for lunch. It wasnt busy at all because I'm sure it's popular more at night. I got the twink burger which is the veggie burger. I found nothing very special about the food. It was really average. Maybe the actual burgers with beef are good but I'll never be able to speak to that. The waffle fries were alright. I think this place probably does better as a bar and maybe a place to hang out to listen to music but I wouldn't recommend it for lunch.

There's one bartender here who just sucks if you get him. He's not interested in really being bartender - more just like chilling and hanging with friends then gives you attitude for wanting to order a drink? Incredibly slow at making said drink. Maybe find another profession. Rest of the staff is great and helpful. Usually a pretty fun place. But one bad apple (or bear) ruins the bunch. Do better Iron Bear.

Josh our bartender is AMAZING!!! We came in yesterday, on a girls trip from FTW - the vibes and energy that we immediately felt from him/gave to us changed the trajectory of our night for the better. He welcomed us, danced with us and even took pictures with us! He's so sweet, we're actually coming back a second time just for him. He is an absolute treasure and necessity to this business. Thank you Iron Bear and Josh!

My husband and I stopped in here for a drink before attending a show next door. The bouncer was not as friendly to me when I walked in. So I don't know. We ordered a drink from the bar and the bartender was nice and helpful when we asked about a location. Overall a cool vibe and an even interesting one after we walked by it after the show from next door.

Great bar, decent bar food. The bartenders are great. I like to come for food before the bar gets packed, but they actually serve food until 11. It's a cool little spot, but does get kinda loud (as all good bars do). There's a little smokers section out on the patio where you can catch a little breeze and people watch.

The Iron Bear is my favorite place to unwind in Austin proper. It checks all my boxes: it's always comfortable inside (especially on those 100+ degree days), with a laid-back atmosphere and cold beer. Chops (the "GM") and the rest of the bar staff is friendly and attentive, they remember my drink orders and the pours are generous. The food, while not haute cuisine, is solid pub quality; I like the otter bites (breaded and fried cheesy potato and pepper nuggets) and you can't miss with one of their hamburger selections. The crowd is usually entertaining and it gets busy on Country Nights and other events. And although this is a gay bar, everyone is made to feel welcome. This is a mandatory stop on your Austin bar crawl. Highly recommended.

Loved the super cunty bartenders!! 100/10 would definitely recommend!!! And the beer is good too!!!

Might seem inclusive but it's not. Still mean gurl around here. Not really great service.

Let me set the scene: The weather was so disrespectful outside my cakes already had icing on them... I pulled open the big ass door to the Iron Bear and headed straight for the bar. I got a really nice drink, from a really nice bartender, with a really nice beard. I should eat before I drink but I'm not responsible enough to make those kinda decisions... I make it around the bar and smile at a few dudes who smiled back, I finish my cocktail and my tummy is telling me I need to eat. I walk back to nice beard and ask "y'all got a burger?" and he says "I got you," and hands me a number and a cocktail. What comes to me is a burger that's double stacked, double meat, with waffle fries. I'm thinkin I'm hot shit with dudes lookin over... not checkin me out, checkin out the burger! So here I am tryna hit on this dude while shoving more than half a lb of meat in my face like that one video you watched last week, and I'm actin like a whole gordito thinking I'll never find a man! I was oh so wrong. I ended up spending the evening with a classy man who laughed and joked with me and we have a date set for next week. Best. Night. Ever.

This place is awesome very friendly staff. Its not much but I met the nicest people here. It was onesie night which i didn't get the memo bc im from out of state but the bouncer still let me in. First gay bar in my life and it was definitely a ten out of 10

Karaoke is fun and the beer is cheap. Nothing more or less. Dive bar, friendly ppl. ...

My go-to spot to get away from my wife and enjoy time with my boyz. This place is inviting and welcoming. Great dancing!

Great little gay restaurant and bar. The menu is nothing fancy, but it's done well which is what matters to me.

The Iron Bear is in my opinion, THE best bar in Austin. The staff seems to always be upbeat and personable. The DJ plays good music! The door guy is welcoming and nice. In my opinion, what would make The Iron Bear a five star rating: If it had less lighting throughout the bar, especially from the end of front bar and Dance floor areas! The vibe is amazing; except for, too much light for a leather bear type bar. Thanks for being a great Austin bar for leather bears to feel welcome.

Parking is terrible to find on the street. Found a parking garage behind the bar but it was ridiculously priced even on a holiday (3 bucks every 20 min). Bar itself was alright. Not overly friendly staff. Drinks and food were on the pricey side.

Everyone working here is extremely rude and inhospitable. Do not go here. It's made up of bad drinks, a shitty atmosphere, mediocre food, and an unacceptable attitude. Save yourself.

I'm all for acceptance and inclusion but when I go to a gay bar I'm like Homer Simpson and if you know the show you will know the line. This bar has it all! It was created in the time between...never mind! I love this place. It's a guys bar where they don't care if you are wearing last season Prada or a pair of ripped Wranglers. The beer is ice cold and in Sunday it's almost free. Unlike some of the other bars in the neighborhood I see fewer bachelorette parties here and it's a little refreshing given that they can get a little crazy sometimes. I like the casual atmosphere and the music is a mix of country, rap, club, and old fashioned disco. The parking is like all Austin parking. They want us to visit downtown but take all the parking....oh silly Austin. If you're tired of the same 'ol same 'ok this might be the Bear bar to try. Thanks

Don't know, a place that is open but not the kitchen? A bartender that gives you a witbeer when you ask for a lager? Attitude right to left! Nope, I pass!

My burger was tasty, however it lack seasoning. My top shelf margarita tasted like lemonade. I did stir My drink and still taste like lemonade. I end up buying a extra shot which did not make it better. Our waitress was amazing and granted the food was not my cup of tea her service was A1.

Thank you Iron Bear for opening up early on Saturday after the Women's march on Austin. We are very grateful that Joel H. contacted you. The barkeep was very patient with us all. I really wanted to try a frozen crown and coke but that may have been a brain freeze for me. You are in a great location and everyone at the bar that was there was so fun to chat with. I'll see ya again on Karaoke night.

First time on 6th street , stopped in and ended up going back 3 times in 2 days . Great bar, staff was awesome!

The staff is really nice! Also the food, man the food. Loved the fried pickles, and the smash burger was delicious! There are still more than a few items I want to try as well! Definitely coming back for more!

The burgers were as juicy as the wait staff .... gone are the days of cruising & boozing, here are the days of an almost upscale eatery. The burgers and BLT are fresh, the onion rings are golden perfection. It a wanting and a promise in the air of dancing and finding that perfect person to make your Saturday night complete. You just know when the pandemonium is under control this place will once again be a bright star in the rainbow flag.

I come to The Iron Bear every time I'm in Austin. It's a great place for bear sighting. I love the flashing disco lights that gave me creativity juice flowing to write more reviews. I like the friendly staff, cheap drinks and clean restrooms. Watch my in-app video for the music the DJ played on a Saturday Night (wrong day posted on the video). I wish there was a bear bar in Houston. Oh well, I'll just come to Austin more often.

Gay bar. Had no idea we were walking in to a gay bar, we had a blast. Pool table lots of room great music. Everyone was fun! Had some drinks met some really great people. Didn't interact much with staff. It's definitely a straight friendly gay bar.

First time in Austin, my wife and I got absolutely sloshed on 6th st and wandered our way in this wonderful bar. We were greeted by The bartender who was wearing some short of tiny underwear which was so cool. We had never seen anything like it. The karaoke selection was incredible as well, all of the hits I listen to on a daily basis. One downside, it was kind of a sausage party. My wife left halfway though the night unfortunately. But all the patrons and Austinites are so nice, I didn't pay for a single drink the entire night!! If you come to Austin you must come to the bear. What a time of my life.

I have ordered food from Iron Bear a few times since my initial review. It seems clear that that staff were having a difficult start to food service but the kinks have worked out. I love it! The food is delivered hot, reasonably quick, and most importantly...good. Recommend!

I love coming here for drinks or snacks. To watch the game or hang with friends. The bartenders are always very friendly and the owner is too. The food is REALLY good and I highly recommend the pork tacos. They're amazing!

Had an amazing experience with great food and drinks, staff made the service safe and always welcoming! Try out their fried green beans and take down The Daddy Bear!!!Kyle Kline

Great welcoming staff on Karaoke night. Had a fantastic night and the drinks were amazing.

I'm glad the IRON BEAR is open. Nice safe place to meet. Eat great burgers, chicken sandwiches, wings yo die for and those damn Egg Rolls. Gotta love Mac, Jason, Alpha, Chops , KYLE. And all the guys.

I can't really give a review on anything but the trivia night I went to. I went for geeks who drink trivia night on Thursday and had a great time. Some of the trivia questions that were visually based were shown on the projector screen.

My first time here and I have to say, this is closer to my gay scene back in Indy (I never in a million years would have thought Indpls would have a more happening gay scene than someplace like Austin...but go figure?). Don't let the name fool you...this place is more panda than grizzly and a good time waiting to happen (if you're willing to let it). You can shake your money-maker, just chill, or stand around amongst old friends and new and enjoy people watching or eye-guzzling the yummy chunks of manmeat behind the bar. As a straight female who loves her gays, I can come here with my gaggle and everyone will have a great time! There is no "stranger danger" vibe and It was surprisingly easy to meet and talk to people here as they are much more approachable than the cliques you tend to see at OCH or Rain. Drinks were almost on the pricey side, but the crowd and atmo more than compensated.

Sorry service!!!....got no service!! Waited 30 minutes! Just left the place. Service across the street was awesome!!!! Latin cuisine!!

The old place on 8th Street was awesome. The new place on 6th street is going to be that much better. More room, seating, a stage and - they will be serving food. I had the mozzarella sticks, chicken strips and onion rings for lunch and couldn't have been happier. The new place isn't fully open yet but will be very soon and I encourage anyone to check this place out. The staff is super friendly and dedicated to making the place a success - so let's show them some support!

A cool friendly downtown gay bar. Older, younger, hairy or not. Typical Austin laid back vibe. Dog friendly and you don't have to war a collar :)

Usually enjoy the crowd and atmosphere, but last night we had a terrible experience. I brought my straight, black, female friend to enjoy some karaoke with me. She stood at the bar (while I used the restroom) only to have the bartender completely disregard her presence...taking orders and serving customers around and behind her. When she asked if she was going to be served, he replied, "There's a bartender over there who could serve you." We were dumbfounded! Her question to me, "How can you be gay and a bigot at the same time?" Speechless, angry, and sad we left...and will never return. People on the margins must not marginalize others. We can do better. Shame on you, Iron Bear.

Had a really great experience when I first walked into the bar. The bouncer out front was great and so was the Bartneder. My visit was on a Wednesday night, which is karaoke night. The DJ, a woman with purple hair, was completely rude and unprofessional. I asked her how to sign up for karaoke and she acted as if I was incompetent. I asked her simple questions on how to register and she treated me terrible. Once I explained that I was hurting from our of town, she got on the live mike and said"of course a Californian won't understand". Great bar but left a bad taste in my mouth.

Amazing service and amazing food! The burgers are actually very good and perfectly cooked medium rare!