Once home to mostly metal and punk fans, Austin's Red River Cultural District has evolved. Though still edgy, it’s come into its own as a cultural district with a diversity of live music, along with a vast variety of food and drink offerings.

Owner Chris Baker with Vegan Bacn Cheeze Burgers at Arlos Food Truck
Arlo's Food Truck. Credit Robert Nabbe.

DINING

On this street that never misses a beat, here you can have a love affair with a plate of brisket, enjoy vegan comfort fare and take a cultural culinary trip from continent to continent.

Vegans rejoice! Arlo's Truck is 100% vegan and open until 2 a.m. for late-night cravings. The bac’n cheeze burger and street tacos made with vegan burger crumbles are crowd faves. Or, finish your night off with a Jersey-style pizza from Hoboken Pie: cracker-thin crust, oozing cheese and open until 2:30 a.m. Asian-inspired Koriente is family owned and health-forward, with selections for any dietary need or preference.

Stubb’s Bar-B-Q: Who comes here? Live music fans, brisket lovers, all-natural meat eaters, barbecue sauce aficionados and gospel brunch goers for Sunday soul sessions.

Bar 508 Mezcalerita: Located next to the Pelóns Tex-Mex Restaurant, it’s always tequila o’clock at this casa thanks to its lengthy selection served on the pretty patio.

Waller Creek Pub House: Recently opened behind the Waller Ballroom event space, the pub has a patio overlooking picturesque Waller Creek. Choose from 30 craft beers on tap, along with veggie burgers and sandwiches.

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill: Comfort food like the cornflake-fried chicken will give you a Southern drawl especially when paired with a whiskey cocktail on one of the relaxing patios.

The Arcs at the Mohawk during Levitation
Mohawk. Credit Roger Ho, courtesy of Levitation.

LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

For the ultimate music fan, the Red River Cultural District is your scene. From big-name acts to local newbies, this street blares with the sounds of live bands at a variety of bars and clubs along the block. Here, the Live Music Capital of the World® successfully showcases its refreshing appreciation for diversity through sound. This crowd is a toss-up of people there to listen to artists, and is located northeast of the Sixth Street district.

Mohawk: A cornerstone of the Red River music scene, the multi-level Mohawk hosts up-and-comers and famous acts.

Barbarella: Every Tuesday night this dance club hosts TuezGayz but, if you're not around on a Tuesday, don't worry. Stop in Thursday for rock and roll night, Friday for '80s night or Saturday for New Noise.

Empire Control Room & Garage: This expansive live music venue hosts live music, special events, artists’ markets and everything in between.

Barracuda: Stop by this intimate venue and bar with a large patio, a rocking stage and a punk-rock vibe.

Cheer Up Charlies: This lesbian-owned bar is open to all. DJs, local up-and-coming bands, theme nights and a giant pink parachute suspended over the back patio are all part of the weirdness and charm at this local hot spot.