Speaking as a musician, The Hole In The Wall is a fantastic venue in which to perform, it's where I played my first professional gig with a band on February 20, 1997 and I still love performing here 2 decades later! There are 2 stages, both with amplifiers and a drum kit (drummers: you gotta bring your own snare & cymbals. They have a throne, but I recommend bringing your own.) The front stage is small and intimate, with the window as a backdrop. The PA systems in both rooms are excellent: in the front room only vocals and acoustic guitar go through the PA, so make sure that your band knows how to control their onstage volume. The newer second stage is bigger, more elevated and everything is miked. So long as your guitarist(s) & bassist don't turn the amps up too much, sound engineer extraordinaire Mike Nicolai will provide you with a consistently crystal-clear mix in both the front of house and the monitors. Mike is laid back, super nice, extremely patient

The Hole in the Wall is probably my favorite bar near the UT Campus, a status that was solidified once East Side King moved into the kitchen at the rear. That being said, this review is for Hole in the Wall and not East Side King although it's difficult to completely separate the two. HITW has a solid lineup of beers and arguably the best beer-focused happy hour in the immediate campus area. It's a cheap dive-bar and has been since forever. There's tons of space and the bartenders are super chill. They also have (small) musical acts playing all the time, but be careful about running into a cover fee. If you're headed to ESK and there's a cover fee, just go to the back entrance on San Antonio St. to avoid it. My only complaint is that they occasionally turn the music up way too loud such that it becomes impossible to talk to anyone inside. Fortunately they have a large outdoor patio area with picnic tables.

It's a nice historical place on the Austin landmark, I'm glad it's been around so long. The drinks themselves can be rather expensive for what they are, but they taste good. I'd recommend the "dirty" lemonade, it's a full glass made with lemons that get freshly squeezed in front of you. I got a rum and coke which was pretty good too, but it wasn't much for $5, and even though I nurse my drinks I finished it pretty quickly. They use a decent amount of ice. Also, if you're going to see the bands play, I'd recommend going AT LEAST an hour later than what the website says bc they did not start playing at 8 pm like advertised, it was around 9 pm that they started. If you're going to see a bigger band they might start more on time, but these were smaller bands with a much smaller crowd. Overall, I liked the atmosphere and added some stickers of my own to the sticker wall.

Our 3 hour experience at Hole in the Wall was awesome til a rude bar tender refused to serve us. She claimed that my Pakistani friends, who are in Austin and the US for the very first time, were being disruptive bec they were clapping along to the live music. She said they were clapping off beat and said the door lady would escort us out if we didn’t go on our own. I take great offence to how the white bar tender welcomed my friends, not coincidentally the only non-white people in the audience. Zero respect for such a racist welcome to my hometown. It still doesn’t take away from our major props to the musicians who played wonderful sets tonight and gave my friends a taste of local music of the American South. Wish we had a chance to tip them, but we were asked to leave just for appreciating the music.

An interesting bar for sure! Went there for a show, and was not disappointed by any means. They had nice staff, were helpful and quick to serve customers, even with a lot of them in for the shows. They had some interesting alcohol choices like a local austin cider that was pretty good, and a half bottle of red wine for about 10 bucks. They not only have an upper seating area with a bar to drink, but a spot to watch the shows with a bar too, an outdoor patio for smoking and getting some air, and a whole back area with karaoke and a bar! That's right, 3 bars. So yeah, even if you're confused as to where a bar is, just walk around, you'll find 2 more! Check it out if you wanna get out and go somewhere new and interesting. A good local bar for sure.

The first bartender ignore me for the longest time even when I was right next to him. The second bartender a women ,made fun of me because I had a cup of water, she looked seriously drunk or high. She kept my change on the tip jar without asking. When I came back for a second beer she put my 10 dll bill directly in the tip jar ,again refusing to give me my money back , accusing me of being too drunk and having all this free drinks..then she went ahead and touched my face . She was visibly drunk or high , this was a terrible experience and I felt pray upon.

A great dive bar on Guad! This place is bigger than I expected it to be, with a front bar/stage area, outside patio, and smaller back bar. They have a fun karaoke at the back bar on Fridays (might be other nights too, I'm not sure), and it wasn't too crowded the night we were there. The guy who was running it was awesome, and if they didn't have a song in the karaoke program he would try to find the song on youtube for you to sing. I don't remember drinks being particularly expensive/cheap, and they had a good selection of greasy bar food.

Awesome staff, cozy setting, indoor and outdoor patio areas. An austin original. Bands! Hear me: parking for load in and load out is abysmal. To load in the front stage, you will be blocking traffic to come in the front door. Rear load-in for the main stage is through the large wrought iron gate. The rear parking lot has now been taken over by the douchey sparts bar next door, so you will just hafta circle the block and hopefully get lucky, or (gasp!) PAY to park down the street in a lot... of note, street parking IS free after 6pm.

Iconic old school Austin music venue on the drag. Right next to the University of Texas on Guadalupe, The Hole In the Wall is a very quirky venue with friendly staff and and interesting blend of musicians. They host a lot of rock bands and can usually be heard when walking past on the street. The beer is great and the food is decent but the music is what you're there for. This is a big hangout for UT graduate students and generally appeals to older students or young music oriented professionals. It's definitely worth the visit!

03/13/2018 Really cool dive bar with great live performances. However, it appears that the bartenders tend to not like people not from Austin and clearly show it; the female bartender tending for me was aggressive and didn't know how to pour a beer to save her life. Me and my girlfriend entered the bar before they charged a cover and when we went outside for less than two minutes when we came back in, they wanted to charge us a 10 dollar cover each, even though the dude at the front saw us leave and re-enter.

This place is grungy and dirty. And it’s a fun night out of you get off your high horse and make it about the challenging your college self. I haven’t gone many times and it’s not on my top bar list. But each time I’ve gone, it’s always been on of “those nights.” The kind where you suddenly get together with an old friend and just say “yes” to the fun. Yes to the fun always brought us back here. And now, it’s got some Austin pop culture history with the opening sequence of The Tonight Show being filmed here.

Extremely biased opinion: worked here (twice) and met my husband here, but even if this little old bar hadn’t had such an impact on me personally and professionally, I would still rate it 5/5. Authentic Austin bar with so much rich music history, awesome people working that really give a damn about the local music scene, not a douchebag in sight, great atmosphere, and a new band to discover every night. If you want to know what Austin was like back in the day, go to HITW (and listen to Townes Van Zandt).

Neck tat guy, to me as I've been drinking here for a bit, is new. Neck tat guy I really need you to chill out and try to enjoy your job. We don't hate you. I just need some liquor poured, and then leave the bar to go to my table. And when im done drinking ill tip 20%+every time if you can handle it. But every time we go, you happen to work. And then you charge 2 dollars for water. Give attitude, silently complain about having to pour drinks. Please chill out.

This Austin classic has been around for decades. Every night they have live music and has featured up and coming artists from Stevie Ray Vaughn, Janis Joplin, Willie Nelson, Jack White and a revolving door of talent. Most nights there's a cover charge for the band's but it's one of the last classic Austin venues that's just as grungy as it's always been. If you want an authentic Austin live music capital of the world experience, this is your venue.

Hole In The Wall seems like a great place to hear bands, and honestly, if I were rating the music alone, it'd be a 5 star because your local bands were ballin'. However, the atmosphere was fine, the three bartenders all made drinks very differently to the point of drinks just not being dependable. The price was pretty damn great ($35 for 6 drinks), but all all, I'd go back for the music for sure and drink because it was there. Maybe stick to beer.

I really don't know how they do it, but their booking agent manages to put acts on stage every single night! I can go to Hole in The Wall any night of the week and be satisfied. The drinks might be a little bit more pricy than what you would see around West Campus, but this is not your typical cheap drink college place. That being said they usually offer some sort of daily special. Overall I love the atmosphere here.

Had some good times here. Staff hasn’t been friendly ALL of the time, but definitely had some super friendly bartenders. I’ve played here a few times, and that’s been fine. It’s a dive bar, for sure. Little outside area with some tables and a pool table. Out back they have (or had? Not sure if they still do) karaoke. Funny times. This place is nothing fancy, but that’s sort of what’s appealing about it. Haha.

Been here a few times, mostly for the history and then also due to friends' recommendations. It's always good; even the slow nights are good! Good people, good drinks, good vibes, good choice. You can't feel bad here. Make it a point to see it and disappointment is left by the wayside. Way by the way(side). An Austin staple and a staple to the heart. Certainly one of the best dives in the U.S.

I like Hole In the Wall- definitely a dive bar but it’s classic and has two stages in the main rooms with two bars. Lots of music. If you step outside, there are benches and a pool table and another connected building where karaoke goes on (I believe) every night. It’s a cool place and I’d recommend checking it out. It’s near campus but I wouldn’t say it’s a huge “college crowd.”

Historic local music venue and charming dive bar. It's the watering hole of choice for UT grad students, with ample indoor and outdoor seating. Drinks are cheap and there's a decent selection. Live music pretty much every night, and it's always worth a listen. Grab some cheap, delicious Japanese street food in the back building.

Somehow I left my wallet in the booth (both are black so it blended in) and the bartenders took good care of it till we were able to get back and get it, HOURS later. Thank you to the lady samaritan who turned it in. I am grateful to all of you!!! The beers were good and the burger and fries from Crazy Rickys was delicious.

Ambiance for the older crowd, karaoke and live music. Selection for liquor isn't great, but that doesn't really matter when you're having fun. Also, just because barkeeps willing to fill your cup doesn't mean that they won't kick you out for being irresponsible with your drinking or making things bad for the other patrons.

The Hole in the Wall is a sincerely special place. It's been around in Austin for decades and, quite frankly, is one of the few places with an authentic Austin experience. It's a dive bar, they have love music almost constantly, and the bartenders are always great. Love it and I go there every single time I get the chance.

This is still one of the best dive bars in Austin Texas, and I say that proudly. I love walking in here remembering all the good time and drink I have had. I also love knowing it's where my uncle used to drink 30 years ago. Happy hour is cheap and the beer is cold. I always look forward to hanging out here. Since 1974

LOVE this place. Actually, this review is mostly for East Side Kings, even though the bar area looks really neato. I've had the fried Brussel Sprouts and they were bomb! I've also enjoyed the Tori Meshi which was simple but delicious. I really enjoy the vibe, the staff is cooler than being cool, and the food is bomb.

Classic, cool old old bar! Stayed in Austin for five days, think I was here for three nights. They have good beer, great staff, usually some sort of live music. But it really is the setting and atmosphere that makes this a great place. It feels a bit rough and welcoming at the same time, I just love it.

Drove from out of to see a local band, but was not allowed to see a show because they don’t allow minors. Nowhere on the website does it state no minors nor did the tour posters show was only 21 and up. The band playing didn’t even know it was 21+. Nowhere in the venue was it posted either.

Honestly not going back. Worst karaoke in town, cover charge at the door but not any of the back entrances, weird atmosphere, and as a graduate I avoid anything within 500 yards of campus. So not sure why I went five times in the last two months, but I did. And I had fun zero times. Sorry!

Little bar with minimal seating. The bartender was attentive, checking in on us every so often to make sure we were okay. We came around 7, so it wasn't too busy but it was a good time. I am not sure I would go back, just because of how small the space is and the limited seating.

This place is so cool and it's all about the bartenders here! They are so great to have converasations with. I would love it more if this place wasn't so packed with university students but I still like to go there. The shows are good and the food in the back is amazing!

I have been in this place hundreds of times and I didn't even know they had a restaurant. Guess that's what I get for going in there at midnight to see a great band. I can say, there is something about their Shiner on tap that tastes better than any other place in town.

Hole In the Wall is the best bar ever. Haven't been there in a year but Google suggested I rate it. A year ago it had everything you could ask for. Great music, great food in the back, great mix of people, great bartenders, great etc. Check it out. Have an open mind.

The name is very accurate... it especially was back in the early nineties, when it was just one bar, and a pool hall in the back. It's way bigger now. Great place to get hammered with a bunch of hipsters and college kids, if you're into that kind of thing.......

Very cool places to go any night of the week and see some good local music. Have good drink specials and a very cool atmosphere. You can either listen to the music, dance a bit, hang out in the back and play pool, or chat with your friends on the patio.

Best dive in Austin. I love that even though it's so close to UT's frat central, the crow is always pretty genuine. The musical lineups offer a nice blend of local flavor. the drinks aren't too pricey and the jukebox ranks in the top 5 in the city.

Love this little bar. Nice outside sitting area. Two bars inside, one in front and one in back. They make a damn good margarita and often have live music. Love stopping by here when I'm in the area and its worth checking out if you've never been.

This place is legendary. I'm very grateful it's still around in this changing city. An authentic Austin original. You can almost see all the talent and hear the crowds that have been in these walls over the years. And the drink prices aren't bad.

This place was great. Amazing original live music in the front room, and a kareoke party in the back. The bartender was super nice and chatted us up about a cocktail night she is launching. And apparently Townes van zandt used to play here!

One of the first dive bars I went to when I moved to Austin years ago. I still like going when I go back to visit. There's a few bar and seating areas to choose from, depending on the atmosphere you're going for. I'm glad it's still around.

The Hole in the Wall opened in 1972. A local favorite that's easy to love, so laid back with good vibes and music, I didn't want to leave! Karaoke, along with local musicians and bands, make this stop essential when visiting Austin. …

This is the kind of place that I have been looking for when I travel. The drinks aren't expensive, there are places inside and outside to sit, there are three separate bar areas, live music, quieter room, and a karaoke bar. Great time!

This is a great dive bar. They've got really good happy hour specials (beers for around $2.50 or $3). Plenty of outside seating for when the weather is nice. They usually have live music playing inside if that's your thing.

On the drag, good drink prices,live music often big patio multiple bars to order from so there is never a need to wait, pool tables and even offer food from Arlo's in the back bar , vegan and vegetarian options available

This is great space to see local bands and great drinks for cheap! The bartenders are friendly and very helpful in drink selections. You can't beat the Eastside King as well. l love Paul Qui's take on Asian fusion.

This place is an excellent "hole in the wall". The atmosphere matches the name. The concert area is separate from the main bar which is nice. Bar tenders are efficient. And the music is eclectic, new, and fun!

My favorite music venue to go to on the weekends. Nice intimate location with three different stages and three bars. The outdoor section is nice for chats and hanging out with friends. Bartenders are the best.

Iconic gritty bar pub and live music venue serving bar grub and burgers lunch and dinner. Liked the place better before they expanded the back area. Great, cheap lunch spot for impoverished grad students.

I have been going to The Hole in the Wall for almost 30 years. It's a great Austin music venue that has been booking great bands forever. It's a dive bar with a laid back, unpretentious old Austin vibe.

The Hole in the Wall is an excellent bar to go and hang out with friends to listen to your favorite Austin- Texas bands, or discover new ones. They have a nice stage equipped with a good sound system.

Three different acts-#3 came on at 11:30-Wilkinson's Quartet-ironically with two performers. The main guy was incredibly talented& versatile-from yodeling to the blues& great playing …

Great dive bar, much bigger than it seems. Bar area up front with tables and booths. Stage area with another bar. Outdoor seating with picnic tables and a garage with a pool table. Awesome space!!!

Songwriter’s Happy Hour is so special… a cool event that taps into the essence/history of the arts in Austin. Ethan Azarian is a genius. If you like left-of-center music/art, then check this out.

Must be hipster or else. Totally cool place and I like the vibe but it seemed like if you didn't agree with the bar tender, you were out. Seems like a bad business model but if it works, it works

My coworkers and i use to come here after work, but i think its kind of over rated. Hipster central. They almost always charge a cover for no-name bands. Needless to say i havent gone back since.

A bar that reflects the very soul of Austin. A great place to hang out with friends and listen to great music (live or recorded). The staff are exceptionally warm and professional. A must visit.

This is one of my favorite bars in Austin! Especially on Friday afternoon - the brilliant Jenny Parrott plays a 5pm set and the Lynn, best bartender in town, is behind the bar. It's not to miss!

Great Hole in the wall bar and venue! I’d love to go back here for another concert. Definitely a dive bar, but this place has tons of personality, great selection of drinks and great service.

Came here on a Thursday evening and it was busy busy!! Saw my friends band, Sharks in the Deep End, play there and it was awesome! Great, cheap, local beer on tap and some awesome bands!!

To start with: amazing live music any time of day. Get a bloody mary. It's the last place you'd ever be like, "hey this seems like a good place to get a bloody mary", but they're amazing.

Strong drinks, fast service. This is a great venue especially in the warm weather with the back patio and a typical dive-type bar overall. There is a kitchen serving food until midnight.

It's kind of run down, but that's also kind of the attraction. It's a decent place for groups since there are big tables and you can join a bunch of the small tables together if needed.

If youre looking for the authentic dingy bar you've come to the right place. Live music regularly, low to no lighting and lots of outside seating. Good for low maintenance people only.

This is one if the best watering holes holes near campus. Don't get me wrong, the bathrooms are rough, but the beer selection is solid, the music is great and the staff is top notch!!!

Some friends and I stopped by for a quick drink and just happened to catch a few cool live acts. The atmosphere was laid back and bartender was really pleasant and did a great job.

Don't open a tab here, or leave credit card with bartender behind bar. Had my credit card number stolen and fraud charges starting the next day. I recommend to only pay in cash!

Comfortable, laid back bar atmosphere. Bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable. A wide variety of draft beers available. Often hosts live music shows for great local bands!

Great venue outside pool table smoking area laid back best graffiti bathroom ever hipsters techies college kids and overt/covert non-problematic persons influencing the under

This is the exact type of bar that I am always trying to seek out when I am traveling. This was my favorite bar I visited the entire week I was in Texas. Highly recommended.

I've always liked the Hole in the Wall- although I don't visit as much as I used to. It's a relaxed sort of place that you can see some live music (or avoid it now outside).

possibly the worst experience. me and my veteran friend went in following veteran's day weekend and he was treated like trash. thanks for reminding him what he's defending.

Great dive bar for local music. Come here any night of the week to hear the tunes that make Austin music what it is. Cheap drinks, karaoke, acoustic nights they got it all

The door man was the best. Long story short, it was a slow night for karaoke amateur night but the surprisingly quick witted front man could have taken stage for his own.

It's the Hole in the Wall, no false advertising. See some El Federico art, have a drink, eat some wings and listen to local music. What else do you want from a bar?

Love this place. Great dive with live music. Keep in mind parking can be difficult. They have a great diversity of clients, all sorts of people frequent this joint.

Dark, small, divey bar. Local Musicians play almost every night. Staff is friendly. They have trailer truck food. They've had speciality Ramen for a few years now.

Went for live music, got great entertainment, great bands, best attitude bartenders I have met in atx! 2 stages, 2 connecting buildings and a radiant in the back!

I enjoyed it very very much and I'm definitely coming back here again this place is awesome, the vibe the people the music the food the drinks, totally love it!

favorite place to watch rock bands, the sound will blow your ears off. make sure to bring ear plugs if you're sensitive and/or want to preserve your hearing

A chill place to grab a beer, play some pool, and listen to music. East Side King is right behind it too which makes this place perfect for a casual date.

Carson is the best bartender. He also has great hair and he’s really funny. This is an awesome Kareoke bar and place to drink if your intro or extrovert

A good, laid back, historic venue located near the University of Texas campus. You should probably see a show here at some point if you haven't already.

Never been disappointed with this place. Most of the bartenders are awesome. The music is great and you best be ready for"Showtime"! I love this place.

Love coming here to eat good bar food and listen to some music. The jukebox has a mix of everything! Did I mention they have good drink specials too???

The best snow cone you will ever taste! The ice is so fine it's almost like ice cream. Jay served us and was an awesome host. Will definitely be back!

I mean it's Hole in the Wall. The name says it all. It's an Austin icon supporting local music for over forty years. Go there. Support them. Have fun.

Dim lighting and perfectly mismatched fixtures make this the perfect dive bar! We had a great time listening to live music in a chill environment.

as promised, a comfortable hole in the wall. sometimes i think the bartender doesn't like me, but he might just be like that, and I don't mind <3

One of the original music venues of the Drag. A great place for happy hour specials. The bartenders are some of the nicest you'll find in Austin.

I was looking forward to visiting this place but they were charging a cover price of $20 per person and the place was empty. It was not worth it

They have awesome music all the time. They also have great drink prices. Come here if you want to not dress up and have a great place to chill.

An Austin staple. The Hole In the Wall has stood the test of time. I have a very good memory here of meeting the late, great, Jeff Healey here.

This place is pretty nice! Cheap drinks, a pool table, multiple stages, outdoor areas and sweet staff! Found myself here everyday for a week

Really cool place! Grab a drink and listen to music or just hangout and look around. The atmosphere is one of a kind. The people are nice.

This place is ONE of a kind in the best way POSSIBLE!! Love this bar — have the best memories here and can’t wait for another 20 years!!

Great spot to grab a beer and catch some live music. One of the last standing Austin staples. Not pretentious- very welcoming to all.

Best dive bar in Austin... A true classic and a view into how bars should be. No pretentious nonsense; just good beer and good music.

There is another bar in the back of the main building that has an almost completely different atmosphere. Support your local bands!

The name is completely accurate, this place is a solid dive bar, good drinks, decent live bands, and much attitude. I live it here.

I first began hanging out here in 1985, when they had pool tables and a FREE jukebox. Saw Timbuk 3 here. Seemed a lot like heaven.

this place is great. it lets people drink and eat. they have good bands sometimes. the pinball in the east side king side is fun!