STUBB’S
801 Red River Street
(512) 480-8341

Christopher Stubblefield opened a barbecue joint in Lubbock upon his return from military duty in 1968. Eventually it expanded to include live music, with names such as John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon, Robert Cray, Muddy Waters and Johnny Cash. Stubb’s has been at its current Austin location since 1996 and it continues to serve up tasty ribs and brisket while music blares in the small club and in the separate outdoor amphitheater/beer  garden, for which tickets are sold in advance. Stubb’s music venue has mostly a rock and roll flavor with country western seasonings. Some of the more notable acts that grace the stage there include Dwight Yoakam, Social Distortion, Joan Jett and Nine Inch Nails. The Sunday Gospel Brunch is especially spirited. But parking is a challenge.

CACTUS CAFÉ
23^rd and Guadalupe
(512) 475-6515

This friendly space on the University of Texas campus in the Texas Union building has been a lively hangout for music fans who like a non-smoking climate and acoustic guitar since 1979. Folk, folk-rock, bluegrass and related softer genres are the ticket here. Some of the famous names that have graced the stage include Lyle Lovett,  Ani DeFranco, the Dixie Chicks and Suzanne Vega.  It’s a tiny room, but that’s one of the charms. There is often a small cover. Billboard Magazine has ranked it among the best clubs of its class in the U.S.

THE BROKEN SPOKE
3201 South Lamar Street
(512) 442-6189

What would a visit to the Texas state capital be without moseying to a bona fide honky tonk? The Spoke bills itself as “the last of the true Texas dance halls.” The order of the day is hardcore country-western. While gorging yourself on chicken fried steaks and washing it down with longnecks, you can listen to some of the best local and touring acts country has to offer, including occasional appearances by Willie Nelson. It’s a pleasant, upbeat, friendly environment, and the folks have a good sense of humor: there’s even a “Tourist Trap” memorabilia area. The dance floor and the stage are almost indistinguishable, so there’s a real connection to the musicians. Yee ha!

FLIPNOTICS COFFEESPACE CAFÉ
1601 Barton Springs Road
(512) 480-TOGO

This is indeed a coffee house (lattes’, pastries, etc). But it’s also a clothing store (“hippest threads in Austin”). And it’s also a live music venue.  Nestled by a hillside inside a retro split-level dwelling in the south-central part of town, the music is as diverse as the kitschy clientele and the menu. Most of the acts are local and unplugged although they do get touring artists, and the staff is friendly and attentive. There’s even WiFi available. Live music takes place five nights a week, and most of the time it’s free. Neighbors shut down the outdoor music on the porch, but it’s still one of the coolest and most accessible places in town.

SAXON PUB
1320 South Lamar
(512) 448-2552

Obviously sound is important when listening to live music. And the Saxon Pub has one of the best sound setups in the city. This is a more casual place where the music and beer takes precedence over “the scene.” Some of the luminaries who have visited the Saxon to relax and let their hair down include Bonnie Raitt, Kinky Friedman and Kris Kristofferson. You can find the Saxon Pub by the statue of Rusty the knight, built from old tin cans and such. It started out in 1990 as a place where an artist with an acoustic guitar, a stack of original songs and a dream could try out his or her stuff. Since then, the roster has expanded to include rock, country, folk and pop. There is a small cover, but happy hour shows are free.

MORE FROM U.S. & CANADA

U.S. & Canada Section Front

Top wine regions in the United States Mississippi museum pays tribute to a King Ga. town keeps Laurel and Hardy's legacy alive Elvis is Alive Museum apparently set to die Las Vegas hopes new mob museum will be a hit Perfect hotels for the presidential candidates Chicago perfect for travelers on a budget San Francisco, my cut D.C.'s Union Station celebrates 100 years New York’s hottest tickets U.S. & Canada Section Front   Add U.S. & Canada headlines to your news reader: