The South Lamar pub crawl
There's more than one way to get lubricated on South Lamar
The Horseshoe Lounge
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Whether because its points of interest are obscured by an overabundance of auto-repair shops, or simply because “SoLa” is an even more embarrassing attempt at branding than “SoCo,” South Lamar has long been overshadowed by its trendier counterpart, South Congress. But if you’ve had your fill of chichi curio shops and upscale bistros crowded with condo-dwellers, maybe it’s time to get back in touch with the real 78704 by taking a leisurely pub crawl along South Austin’s other main drag. Here are five slightly off-the-touristy-path watering holes that make Lamar a destination for more than just those in need of an oil change.
Barton Springs Saloon
From the outside it still resembles the gas station it once was, but step through the doors and you’ll find the relaxed ambience of a spacious basement rec room, complete with a cozy couch, pool table, and pinball machines. Laid-back is the watchword here; even your dog is welcome. Whether you’re a working stiff, a burned-out law student, or an old-time cosmic cowboy, if you appreciate dollar drink specials (including Lone Star longnecks on Mondays) and a jukebox favoring classic rock from Aerosmith to ZZ Top, you’ve come to the right place.
Saxon Pub
Old South Austin is alive and well at the Saxon, easily the darkest bar in town. Once your eyes adjust and you can navigate through the main room without stumbling face-first into someone’s pitcher of Shiner, sink into a plush booth and enjoy live music any night of the week, with an emphasis on KGSR-friendly acts like Bob Schneider and The Resentments. Drop by Saturday afternoons to shoot pool in the back room, where more often than not a group of guys who could be Willie Nelson’s roadies congregate to play cards.
The Horseshoe Lounge
Those boarded-up windows seem to promise a pleasant evening spent dodging beer bottles and pool cues, but even though the Horseshoe proudly displays a “Best Dive Bar 2000” award from Citysearch, there’s no need to be frightened. After all, this is the only bar in town with its own theme song by Slaid Cleaves, so how scary could it be? The no-frills, cash-only, beer-only joint (if you want harder stuff, bring a flask) comes complete with shuffleboard, a jukebox stocked with golden-age country, and a bathroom best approached in a hazmat suit. Keep your eyes peeled for the mythical Happy Jack, a grizzled regular who sells roadkill jerky for $5 a bag.
The Black Sheep Lodge
The Black Sheep is the new kid on the block—so new that, until very recently, it still didn’t have its liquor license. In the interim, it built a considerable following by giving away two free pints of brew or pair of frosty margaritas with every food purchase. You’ll no longer find the free beer, but you will find a menu of upgraded pub fare like sliders, sweet potato fries, miniature corn dogs, and portobello cheesesteaks to go with the usual darts, pool tables, shuffle board, and ESPN. The Black Sheep’s personality is still forming, although it would appear from the abundant faux-hawks that the rocker types overflowing from Bird’s Barbershop next door are quickly adopting it as their own.
The Broken Spoke
Dale Watson claimed the title of “Honkiest Tonkiest Beer Joint in Town” for Ginny’s Little Longhorn, but with all due respect to the home of Chicken Shit Bingo, the Broken Spoke makes a strong case for that honor. There’s no better place to wind up your drinking tour of South Lamar than this Austin institution, especially if you’re just buzzed enough to get your boot scoot on in the cavernous (and, let’s be honest, sweaty) dance hall in the rear. If you’ve worked up an appetite on your hike, you can satisfy it with the world-famous chicken-fried steak. There are only three seats at the bar itself, so take your longneck to the Tourist Trap Room, where the Spoke’s glorious history unfolds through photos of owner James White with damn near every country legend you can imagine.
