Sixth Street is a party steeped in history. A destination for locals and tourists alike, the rollicking bars, live music venues and fabulous restaurants have seen a lot over the years, and they all have a story to tell. 

Two people clink wine glasses over trays of oysters at Parkside in Austin TexasCourtesy of Parkside.

DINING

It may be a party district, but Sixth Street is serious about its food. Rocker dive bar Casino El Camino serves up big, juicy burgers until late at night and has one of the best jukeboxes in town. Grab a table at Iron Cactus for a plate of Tex-Mex, and order one of their 100+ tequilas mixed in a refreshing margarita. If you want to sit for a spell and a snack, head to small-batch brewery Central District Brewing for a pint of kolsch and an empanada.

At Parkside, you'll find fancier fare like raw oysters and rich butter-roasted chicken, plus an exceptional cocktail menu. Around the back lives The Backspace, a Neapolitan pizza joint with an old-fashioned, wood fire oven. With just a handful of pizzas on the menu, each focuses on high-quality ingredients and that perfect thin crust.

The Suffers band at Antones for Hot Luck Fest in Austin TexasAntone's. Courtesy of Hot Luck Fest.

NIGHTLIFE

Sixth Street has a personality all its own. Closed to through traffic Thursday through Saturday nights, expect this area to become wall-to-wall people in search of great live music and cheap drinks.

Inside The Driskill, a luxurious hotel built in 1886, lies The Driskill Bar. Order a whiskey, sink into a leather armchair and imagine the life of a pioneer Texas cattle baron. For more recent Texas history, head to Maggie Mae’s. This 1978 party palace holds seven bars and three stages within its walls. Visit legendary music venue Antone’s for live blues on a stage that has welcomed B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Gary Clark Jr. For an international club vibe, check out Cielo Nightclub and salsa to Latin and reggaeton beats on a technicolor dance floor. 

Two hidden speakeasies call Sixth Street home. Ring the right doorbell (but which one?) at Midnight Cowboy to find yourself inside a cozy cocktail bar that truly feels like a secret. This spot is small, so reservations are encouraged. To find the bar inside Firehouse Lounge & Hostel, you’ll have to slide a very special bookcase aside to reveal the hip vibe and excellent cocktails within. 

Crew of animated performers mid song and dance on the Esther's Follie's stage.Courtesy of Esther's Follies.

ENTERTAINMENT

It wouldn’t be Austin without music! Check out Latin, reggae and world beats in the eclectic space at Flamingo Cantina. The atmosphere is welcoming and the music is great.  And experience a 45-year Austin icon at Esther’s Follies, a variety revue combining comedy, magic, music and more. Reserve a spot at The Hideout Theatre and watch local improv and comedy acts. Before the entertainment, grab a Gorilla Mocha specialty coffee from the inside java bar. Looking for an outlandish attraction? Check out Museum of the Weird, a museum showcasing the unusual, bizarre and freaky and admission includes a live sideshow performance.

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.