The Saxon Pub

We've been coming here for years. Recently (Sunday
afternoon, April 2nd, we returned for the first time since Covid started, bringing newbies to the pub in our group.) We had a family group and had an early dinner reservation awaiting us later across town for 6:00 p.m. l, so we were just trying to share an afternoon in one of our favorite authentic, Austin places. We arrived during School of Rock, stayed through the kids performing and ran up a $242 bar bill. The cover guy/doorman came to our table to collect the cover charge for the next set. I explained that we "wanted to finish our drinks that had just arrived at our table and then leave in about 10 minutes, as we had a dinner reservation across town and (weren't) staying for the next set. Could we stay about 10 minutes?" We had just tipped the band (first tip in the jar and was gratefully acknowledged by the band at the time) because we were sitting in on the first few minutes (5-10 minutes) of their set to finish our drinks. FIVE minutes after coming to our table, the cover guy/bouncer returned and told us we had to get up and go to the patio to finish our drinks if we were not paying the cover. I explained to him that we'd just tipped the band and had literally a minute earlier paid a bar bill of $242, and asked "shouldn't that give us five minutes to finish our last drinks? We are almost finished... five minutes and we're gone." There were PLENTY of empty seats, and people were NOT waiting at the door to get in. The band had played one song. The doorman said he didn't know we'd paid that much (referring to the bar tab), but we had to get up. (We've been coming here for MANY years and have recommended this pub to many friends and family. I wonder if this pub has lost its Texas hospitality and Austin common sense during Covid or if the issue is not their policy-- but simply this guy. This was not the "welcome back" we expected, and it certainly didn't impress our guests. Saxon has been a friendlier and better in the past; maybe it's just this particular doorman. The wait staff was great, and had the pub otherwise had same friendly vibe as before. We'd never seen School of Rock and loved that Saxon supported this group. I hope this rudeness was an anomaly that will be addressed. If the place had been crowded, it would have been different....We really liked this pub and never had a negative experience there until April 2nd. A sad Saxon experience....

Our first time here. I was excited about coming here, one, I really wanted to see the band that was playing, two, I've heard about the Saxon Pub. All good things.
Parking is very limited, we got lucky and got a spot. I don't know if there are any places to park.
The place is pretty small, we had a reserved table at the front, which was cool. Our ticket purchase was just for this one band, if we had to stick around for the other bands, you had to purchase another ticket. Which to me is a bummer.
Service is great, the staff are super friendly and polite. They move quickly also.
They have a food truck outside, but we ate somewhere else.
I really enjoyed the sound here. You can really hear all the band, not just one member. I would definitely come back here.

Come for the music, if you want, I guess, but don't come for the drinks.

The Margarita was made with sweet and sour mix instead of lime juice. 'Nuf said.

My Lemon Drop barely filled the lower (smaller) half of the glass. See photo. And it had no sugar rim.

Hard-working bartenders -- they were prompt to take my orders, to make my drinks, and to close me out. I don't want this to be a knock on them. I blame management. But the drinks were really bad.

Edit: I wrote most of this review before I paid the check. It turns out the Margarita was $6.47! The Lemon Drop was $8.32! Now I understand -- at those prices, the Margarita has to be made with sweet and sour. So if you want bad drinks cheap, this is the place to go.

Old school music venue/bar that also has a location at the airport.
Great sound.
Good service.
Good prices.

We had a really nice time checking out the Saxon Pub! Really enjoyed the artist we bought tickets to see- we fortunately got a table but be sure to arrive early to find seats. Drinks are average, what you might expect at this kind of venue, and really hard working bartender/waitresses who are very kind. Did not try the food, but they had a truck with vegan options!

What can I add to the many glowing reviews already in place for the legendary Saxon Pub, whose motto is "No Bad Days"? If you came to Austin to partake in what makes us the "Live Music Capital of the World," you probably need to see at least one show here. And if you're a local like me who loves music with a bit of twang, some country/blues/rock, more than one guitar, and an enthusiastic audience, you probably already know why Saxon is beloved by so many in this town. Heck, they even have their own documentary on Prime - that's something!

The Saxon is a dark, cozy, intimate listening room, with space for only about 150 seats, ages 21+ only, and the door fee's usually around $10 depending on who is playing. Shows tend to be around 90 minutes with a mid-point break, and evenings may include up to 3 or 4 different acts, with the house cleared after each act. Snag a table near the stage, a stool at the bar, or one of those tall cocktail tables over by the wall. When the music starts, hush up! A cocktail waitress will visit periodically to see if you need anything.

Otherwise, share a beer (they have 14 on tap, plus a full bar), talk up a storm, watch the big game on the TVs, or attend a private special event. They host everything from weddings to fundraisers to milestone parties to memorial celebrations of life.

When you get up to use the restrooms in the back, be sure to take a look at all the years of autographed photos and other memorabilia collected since Saxon opened in 1990.

Full drinks and merch menu with prices can be viewed on ToastTab here: https://www.toasttab.com/local/order/the-saxon-pub/r-977be539-9775-4c19-aa2e-ff5fc299bcd1 . Note that "Happy Hour" doesn't mean discounted drinks at Saxon; rather, it's "no door fee," usually from open to 6p.

No food is served inside, but there's a decent hotdog & burger truck in the parking lot outside, and some great restaurants are nearby on South Lamar. Speaking of parking, there is hardly any, so take a rideshare if you can.

Several of my favorite local artists play Saxon on a regular basis, people like Robynn Shayne, Bob Schneider, Patrice Pike, Charlie Mars, and Cari Hudson, just to name a few. If you subscribe to the Saxon social feeds and newsletter, you'll see that they also often host incredible all-star shows and the occasional touring legend.

Live music fans, I hope I've convinced you, the Saxon needs to be on your regular rotation. See you there!

The Saxon Pub is more than just a music venue--it's a time capsule of Austin's vibrant history and an integral part of its soul. As someone who has watched the big changes of this city, stepping into the Saxon Pub feels like embarking on a reminiscent journey back to the heart and soul of Old Austin.

The moment you walk through the doors, you can almost hear the echoes of legendary musicians who have graced its stage over the years. From blues to rock, country to folk, the Saxon Pub has hosted an incredible array of talented artists who have left an indelible mark on Austin's music scene. It's a testament to the rich musical heritage of this city.

The intimate setting of the Saxon Pub creates an unparalleled atmosphere that makes you feel like you're part of something special. Whether you're sitting at the bar or claiming a spot near the stage, you're instantly transported to a place where music takes center stage, and nothing else matters. The close proximity to the performers adds a level of intimacy that is hard to find elsewhere.

One of the things I love most about the Saxon Pub is the genuine sense of community it fosters. The regulars and staff create a warm and welcoming environment that makes you feel like you're among friends, even if it's your first visit. Conversations flow easily, and the shared love for music creates an instant bond between strangers. It's a place where you can strike up a conversation with anyone and leave with new friends.

The authenticity of the Saxon Pub extends beyond its atmosphere. The drinks are reasonably priced, the service is friendly and efficient, and the sound quality is top-notch. The staff clearly understands the importance of preserving the legacy of this iconic establishment, and they do so with great care and passion.

As Austin continues to grow and change, it's comforting to know that the Saxon Pub remains a steadfast pillar of the city's musical heritage. It's a place where the spirit of Austin lives on, where you can still catch incredible live performances, and where you can experience the magic that has drawn people to this city for decades.

If you're visiting Austin or have been away for a while, do yourself a favor and make a pilgrimage to the Saxon Pub. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Austin's music history, indulge in great drinks, and connect with fellow music lovers. The Saxon Pub is a living testament to the beauty of Austin's past and a beacon of hope for its future.

We loved this Austin music venue. It is definitely small but the bartenders and music were great! It would be nice if they had greater food options. The only thing available was a hot dog truck the night we went. If you are seeing a show, make sure to arrive early. Seating is limited. Otherwise you might have to stand by the bar.

Great place for music. Even have a food truck with wrigleyville hot dogs! We got there early for 6pm Thursday show and place was packed. Very friendly staff.
Parking sucks. Garage around the corner and next door guitar shop won't allow you to park there.

Everything is everything and Mr Ray Prim had me so hyped. I loved your performance. The service was ok and a little Spicy is what I will say from the bar but they figured it out! Let's do better.

Great vibe. Fantastic music. We saw the Resentments. Really entertaining. We will return when we are in the area.