Austin’s infamous Sixth Street has a well-earned reputation. Rollicking bars and trendy nightclubs rub elbows with secret speakeasies and iconic live music venues on this historic thoroughfare.

People sitting around a table, holding drinks or grabbing for a slice of pizza.Courtesy the backspace.

DINING

The restaurant scene on Sixth Street goes far beyond bar food. Dig into a hearty burger at rock-and-roll dive Casino El Camino. Bring your 3/4-pounder and a beer to the Aztec-themed patio out back. For al fresco dining with a view, head to the rooftop at Iron Cactus. Treat yourself toTex-Mex and icy margs perched over the bustle of the street below.

The wood-fired oven at the backspace turns out crispy thin crust Neapolitan pizzas made from premium ingredients. Pair yours with a quality vino or a glass of bubbly. Visit the taproom at Central District Brewing to sample award-winning beers like Kayaker’s Kolsch and The Saint of Lost Causes quad ale.

The Slackers performing on stage at Flamingo Cantina.The Slackers at Flamingo Cantina. Courtesy of Flamingo Cantina.

NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

Sixth Street comes alive after dark. The packed dance floor at Cielo Nightclub sizzles with a neon light show and the beats of Latin and reggaeton music. For international rhythms in a more intimate space, head to Flamingo Cantina. The stage welcomes energetic live bands playing Latin, reggae, world beat, ska and more. Built in 1886, The Driskill hotel is a grand presence on the street. Sip your way through the old fashioned selection at The Driskill Bar and enjoy live music every night. Las Perlas is an agave wonderland, with over 400 small-batch tequilas, mezcals, sotols and more. Sit on their cute patio with pork carnitas or grilled chicken street tacos from Asador Tacos food truck.

The Nightowls performing at Antone'sNightowls at Antone's. Courtesy of The Nightowls. 

Make your way to the huge dance floor at Vulcan Gas Company, which hosts local and touring electronic artists. Acclaimed NYC- based Irish pub The Dead Rabbit made its Austin debut in 2023. You’ll find a proper pint of Guinness and Irish coffee with fresh whipped cream in their authentic pub setting. Past legends like B.B. King, Muddy Waters and Ray Charles have all graced the stage at Antone’s Nightclub. Catch blues and R&B acts nearly every night at this local institution. The vaudeville tradition lives on at Esther’s Follies, a unique mash-up of comedy, magic and music that’s been running in Austin for over 45 years. New club Comedy Mothership has taken over the historic Ritz Theater. The space-themed venue welcomes comedians and live podcast recordings.

Insider tip: For one weekend each spring and fall, Sixth Street transforms into Pecan Street Festival a funky art fair and market.

Check out our downtown hotels list to find places to stay near Sixth Street.