The video above is a solid walkthrough of austin open mic music options, covering spots across every day of the week. David Bridwell visits each venue in person, giving you a real look at the rooms, the crowds, and the general feel of each place. If you're a musician trying to figure out where to play in Austin, or you just want to see what these bars, coffee shops, and breweries actually look like before you show up, this is a useful guide to have.
Where Are the Best Open Mics in Austin for Musicians?
Austin has open mics running every night of the week, spread across coffee shops, breweries, bars, and some genuinely unusual venues. Here's a breakdown of what's covered in the video, organized by day:
Sunday:
- Kick Butt Coffee — Hosted by Spoken and Heard, this one mixes musicians with comedians and poets. It's eclectic, the food is healthy, and they live stream the whole night. You typically get one song.
- Twin Creeks Ice House — A bit of a drive but worth it. You grab a beer and sit outside by a river surrounded by trees. Hosted by Chris Browder, with a laid-back, nature-heavy atmosphere.
- Madrone Coffee — A Sunday afternoon open mic hosted by Eric Booth. Known for drawing a songwriter and listener crowd. Relaxed and focused.
- Kava Bar — Not every Sunday, so check ahead. Hosted by John the Poet and the Old Hats Band. Close to Barton Springs, it feels like an escape. Smaller sign-up lists mean longer sets.
Monday:
- New World Deli — Hosted by Waylon Nash. Intimate songwriter-focused room with good food. A listening crowd that pays attention.
- Shakespeare's — Right on Sixth Street, hosted by Joyce Taos. Primarily comedy but musicians can get worked in. Worth it for the Sixth Street people-watching alone.
- Shenanigans Nightclub — A jam format where you play with other musicians on stage.
- Whiskey Girls Saloon — Hosted by Glenn Collins. Pool tables, gambling machines, sports bar energy despite the saloon name.
Tuesday:
- Oskar Blues Brewery — Big space, excellent sound, hosted by Kuna Lakai. Doesn't fill up fast, so it's a good spot to record yourself.
- Friends and Allies Brewery — Hosted by Dan Radden. Originally music and comedy, now comedy-leaning, but musicians are still welcome.
- Cactus Cafe — Famous venue where Townes Van Zandt, Lyle Lovett, and other Austin legends have played. Sign up online, spots are drawn randomly, one song each. Strong networking scene tied to the university.
- Mozart's Coffee — Hosted by Matt McDonald and Chloe Youtsey. A coffee shop right on the water with river views. Gets packed, so arrive early to sign up.
Wednesday:
- The Good Lot — A bit outside central Austin, hosted by Nilo Velez. Dog-friendly, family-friendly, and they're known to book gigs from open mic performers.
- Oppa Coffee and Wine Bar — Hosted by Zachary Carlisle. One of the more popular open mics in town. Draws traveling musicians, including international players passing through Austin.
- Anderson Mill Pub — A jam format with a sign-up list. Get there early or you won't make the cut. Seriously talented players.
Thursday:
- Irie Bean — A coffee shop open mic hosted by Kevin, Diane, and Nick. Relaxed listening room with good food nearby and outdoor seating.
Tips for Playing Austin Open Mics
A few practical things come through clearly in the video. First, arrive early — several of these open mics fill up fast, and if you're late to sign up, you might not play at all. Second, Austin's coffee shop open mics are a real strength of the scene. They lower the pressure, attract attentive listeners, and give songwriters a chance to be heard without competing with bar noise. Third, places like Cactus Cafe and The Good Lot offer genuine networking and gigging opportunities, so treat them as more than just a chance to play a song. Bring