6th Street
6th Street
4
Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bars & Clubs
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No place captures the slogan, "Keep Austin Weird," quite like 6th Street. This vibrant district has bustling bars, restaurants, and cool entertainment venues. Head to the Museum of the Weird for curios and other oddities, have a craft cocktail at a speakeasy, sink your teeth into a messy burger at a dive bar, and laugh the night away at a comedy show. There are certain weekend nights when the streets are closed off to traffic and you'll see people sprawling the streets in search of fun.
Check out all the best spots on 6th Street on a walking food tour or e-bike tour of Austin. – Tripadvisor
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown
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Restaurants
1,281 within 3 miles
Attractions
244 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- Adrian BExeter, United Kingdom464 contributionsBums, Scums and Dodgy TumsWhat can I say, you gets what you expect. This street is lively, tacky and full of kids vomiting in tandem. Add to that the growing homeless population in Austin and the dealers selling gear and you get a fairly good impression of what this street has become. Very good place to visit if you are drunk as a skunk and you don't care.Visited April 2022Written April 5, 2022
- Russ P2 contributionsMhhThis is a changing neighborhood, previously it was the hippest place to hang out for young adults through more senior travellers. It really is mostly a "party" spot with late night more dive type bars. Go to Rainey street and South Congrees areas for good shops, eateries and more current bar spots.Visited May 2022Written May 20, 2022
- bluesmamaHavertown, Pennsylvania25 contributionsA bit of Memphis and NOLA6th Street is definitely happening, although you need to pick and choose which places to visit. While the music is constant and there is great variety, some bars have a more college-aged/young 20s crowd, while others cater to older tourists and local hipsters who live in the condos/apts. in downtown Austin. The more authentic and local places seem to be in East Austin, without as much random partying and more seriously focused on the music. 6th street is worth a visit before you get down to the real Austin in SoCo and East Austin.Visited December 2019Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,575 reviews
Excellent
615
Very good
448
Average
291
Poor
126
Terrible
96
736cathy
Windsor Locks, CT105 contributions
Sep 2021
If 6th Street is "city sponsored", this is very sad indeed. This place is dangerous, dirty and surrounded day and night with homeless. We witnessed the activity from a balcony at our room for a week so we saw it all. It is so sad and dangerous. I've been to NOLA, and to me, this was worse in terms of the city homeless on every corner. And every night, it is extremely loud from the time the sun goes down with banging extremely ridiculously loud "music?" The only thing I liked was one restaurant called the Parkside, good food and service, but I would be way too scared to walk that street at night and even during the day. Because of the situation, we didn't even bother going to other places on that strip. If you have young adult kids, I would not let them walk there - it is a bit scary. I say this with understanding all big cities have homeless and I'm not heartless, I just would say avoid this place unless you are hitting up one thing in particular. It is not a "pub crawl" for the wise.
Written October 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ElvisAndrus
Arlington, TX805 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Heaven for bid that you would think this is what represents Austin as the music capital of the world. Yes there is a concentration of bars with live music that starts early and goes late. Yes there are all sorts of happy hour specials and generally inexpensive drinks and yes there are places to eat. But this is not where you’re going to see the good music these days. That will require a little looking around, finding out which venues, some very close by and some further away, are playing the kind of music that you want to see. I hate the feel of this place and locals pretty much as a whole avoid it altogether. And Uber driver said the only people that go there are young woman having bachelorette parties. I gave it to Starr’s because it is worth walking down once and because there is some history.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barb L
Sainte Agathe des Monts, Canada25 contributions
Feb 2020
Don’t bother wasting your time visiting this section of Austin! Many bars are permanently closed and boarded up. Many of the rest are really seedy looking. The bars with live music don’t offer food either. Many homeless people lining the sidewalks, others just panhandling or trying to sell anything for money, such as almost dead flowers.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike H
Austin, TX4 contributions
Apr 2021
It used to be a dirty fun place to go to cut loose but now its a dirty place that is the most dangerous area of the city due to the homeless. The homeless run Austin and the mayor encourages it for some reason. Sad to see a once beautiful city go downhill so fast! I am a grown man and I don't feel safe downtown so please don't let your daughters or wives navigate this area of the city alone!
Written April 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael D
4 contributions
Jul 2021 • Business
I remember going up and down 6th street and checking out the bars and live music and having a great time. I was back in the area on a business trip and decided to see what had changed with 6th street. It is nothing like it use to be. Half the places are out of business, homeless people everywhere bagging for money or cigarettes. If you have not been there in the past 3 years you probably won’t recognize it. The smell was bad too. It is sad to see what it has become. If you want to see how quickly liberal policies will destroy a once thriving area look no further. It is a shame.
Written July 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LindaRad
Oklahoma1,315 contributions
Mar 2021
We went for a girls getaway trip. We stayed downtown at a very nice hotel. Explored all of 2nd street shopping and Congress area. We were excited to check out sixth street with the bars and restaurants. How ever the couple of times we walked the area, it was full of homeless or homeless by choice people. There were men everywhere along the sidewalks, sleeping, makeshift areas in doorways, and drug users. I don not judge anyone's life style choices, but the over whelming amount over shadowed the area. All Store fronts or restaurants and bars were filthy, no attempt to sweep or clean up along 6th street. We have visited downtown Nashville on numerous occasions and travel to NYC regularly and were hoping Austin would become a favorite as well. But we will choose other places to see.
Written March 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chim
2 contributions
Apr 2021
Been coming here for years. Didn’t come last year because of COVID, showed up this year and is 6 th street really gone down hill. Homeless everywhere, you can’t walk the sidewalk without being confronted by numerous homeless. The music is disappearing and safety is a concern. Spend your money someplace else.
Written April 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie
San Antonio, TX5 contributions
Dec 2021 • Friends
STAY AWAY!! Not safe at all to go at night. place is very dirty and smelly We kept being followed by homeless. This used to be a great place to walk around, grab some good greasy food, see people and listen to music.
Now I know why it’s called dirty 6.
Now I know why it’s called dirty 6.
Written February 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K91709Reviewer
56 contributions
Nov 2020
My husband and I were on a road trip throughout Texas, and Austin was a place I wanted to see. I had heard about how country music artists go play in Austin bars hoping to be discovered, so I wanted to see what the "famous" 6th Street bars looked like. It was awful! It was full of homeless people with a large homeless encampment right there under the freeway as you turn on to 6th Street. Just a short drive after exciting the freeway it was a very uncomfortable experience. I was thinking we might park and walk around, but all we did was drive down the street and get right back on the freeway to head out of Austin.
Written November 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andeo90
11 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Oh my god what a disaster. I came from Ireland and couldn't wait to get to Austin and go to 6th Street to have a few beers with music. Everyone I meet told me I have to go. It is the biggest dump of a place I have ever been to. It feels so unsafe. Homeless people everywhere talking to themselves and begging for money.
We were there not more than 10min and we saw drug dealing and the fire brigade attending an overdose in the middle of 6th. Don't ever come... Ever. By god if you have a family it's a no go area. Bars are lovely inside but you are going out after, to an unsafe environment after a few beers. I have travelled the world and been to some rough spots but this was one I didn't like for me and my partner.
So disappointed with what they have done to this place because it must have been good at one stage. I will never return to it and that annoys me because I see the potential for it to be an amazing place for tourists.
We were there not more than 10min and we saw drug dealing and the fire brigade attending an overdose in the middle of 6th. Don't ever come... Ever. By god if you have a family it's a no go area. Bars are lovely inside but you are going out after, to an unsafe environment after a few beers. I have travelled the world and been to some rough spots but this was one I didn't like for me and my partner.
So disappointed with what they have done to this place because it must have been good at one stage. I will never return to it and that annoys me because I see the potential for it to be an amazing place for tourists.
Written March 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
In your experience, can you still visit bars/restaurants in the 6th street area without wristbands/participating in SXSW?
Will 6th street still get packed if the weather is supposed to be 28 degrees? Definitely wanna go but heard it’s supposed to be super cold this weekend!
SkykomishBob
Olympia, WA761 contributions
We dressed for 50s & 60s temps as the general forecast had predicted, but in fact it was freezing for much of our stay and uncomfortably so because we weren't prepared for it. The temps didn't seem to retard the crowd in the slightest on the w/e or any other time.
Layer up, as probably a jammed night spot will get warm, so you'll want to be able to adjust.
The w/e was too loud for us geezers to enjoy, but it was totally "happening" despite the weather.
Tara J
Chicago, IL
Are there any hip hop clubs on 6th st?
detroitdrugrep
Clinton Township, MI58 contributions
Yes there are.
Does anyone have the top 5 best hotel to get for 6th street ? ($-$$$)
kilo58
Perth, Australia110 contributions
I guess many would say the Driskoll but there are a number of 4/5star hotels close to 6th Street. Personally I wouldnt be hung up on staying specifically on 6th St. Maybe go online to see what is available nearby at best rate. For the next 2 weeks availability will be very tight / expensive with SxSW festival on
yrcarter
Aviano, Italy
Is 6th street closed off on Sundays also?
Jscott2800
North Royalton, OH345 contributions
usually on Fri & Sat nites
Atkinstravelers
Tellico Plains, TN141 contributions
What are the best hotels to walk to the honky Toni's in downtown Austin?
RGC1218
Binghamton, NY101 contributions
We like the Embassy Suites right on Congress. Get one of the suites on the upper floors if you have kids, it's worth the splurge! Walk across the street and watch the bats come out from under the bridge, then walk up to 6th street (or take the hotel's shuttle and walk back!!)
Is 6th Street packed on Sunday as it is on Saturday?
LWMiller
Illinois255 contributions
Usually not, unless large event is occurring.
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Claim your listing6th Street (Austin) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about 6th Street
- We recommend booking 6th Street tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 20 6th Street tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience 6th Street:
- Austin and Hill Country Sightseeing Tour (From $33.00)
- Austin Downtown Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours (From $87.87)
- Austin Famous Ghost and Bat Segway Tour (From $69.95)
- Austin and Hill Country Panoramic Sightseeing Tour (From $62.05)
- Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour (From $52.99)
- Hotels near 6th Street:
- (0.02 mi) Modern Apartment in Prime Location (ID5843)
- (0.08 mi) Aloft Austin Downtown
- (0.07 mi) Element Austin Downtown
- (0.08 mi) The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
- (0.05 mi) The Driskill
- Restaurants near 6th Street:
- (0.01 mi) Jimmy John's Sandwiches
- (0.01 mi) P. Terry's Burger Stand #13
- (0.03 mi) Capital One Café
- (0.03 mi) Simi Estiatorio
- (0.03 mi) Starbucks
- Attractions near 6th Street:
- (0.00 mi) Gold's Gym
- (0.02 mi) Congress Avenue
- (0.08 mi) Bad Wolf Ghost Tours
- (0.06 mi) The Driskill
- (0.04 mi) The Eureka Room
6th Street Information
| Excellent Reviews | 615 |
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| Very Good Reviews | 448 |
| 6th Street Photos | 286 |




























































































