Austin, Texas, has a special kind of spirit, a vibe that just feels different, and there are places that truly capture that feeling. One such spot, a real local treasure, is the barton springs saloon. It's a place where stories happen, where friends gather, and where the everyday melts away for a little while, you know? This saloon, with its unique history and laid-back charm, pretty much embodies what many people love about Austin itself.
You might be looking for a relaxed spot to unwind after a long day, or perhaps you're hoping to catch some live music in a setting that feels genuinely Austin. Well, the barton springs saloon very much offers a welcoming embrace to everyone who walks through its doors. It's not trying to be something it isn't, and that, is that, really appeals to folks just wanting to be themselves.
This article will take you through everything you might want to know about the barton springs saloon, from its interesting past to its tempting drink deals and the kind of atmosphere that keeps people coming back. We'll look at what makes it such a beloved fixture on the Austin bar scene, and how it continues to draw crowds, quite literally, every day.
Table of Contents
- The Heart of Austin: A Saloon with a Story
- Drinks and Deals That Make You Smile
- The Unmistakable Atmosphere
- What Visitors Are Saying
- Finding Your Way to the Saloon
- Frequently Asked Questions About Barton Springs Saloon
The Heart of Austin: A Saloon with a Story
The barton springs saloon is not just any old bar; it has a history that makes it feel like a part of Austin's very fabric. It's housed in an eclectic converted gas station, which, honestly, gives it a lot of its unique character. This kind of setting, you know, tells a story before you even step inside, and it's pretty cool.
More Than Just a Bar: A Community Hub
This place, the barton springs saloon, has been an Austin staple for quite some time, and it has earned a reputation for being a genuine neighborhood bar. It's the kind of spot that appeals to "real people," as some reviews mention, and that authenticity is a big part of its draw. It's a place where you can just be yourself, which is, in a way, what Austin is all about.
With thousands of likes on social media and a significant number of people who have visited, it's clear that the barton springs saloon holds a special spot in the hearts of many. As a matter of fact, the numbers speak for themselves: 3,599 likes and 14,015 visits recorded at one point, showing just how popular it is. It's more than a bar; it's a gathering place, a bit of a local institution.
The People Behind the Bar
A big part of the barton springs saloon's long-standing appeal comes from the folks who have run it. Mom and pop pair Jim and Rebecca Lemond have been on the Austin bar scene for many years, with connections to other well-known establishments like The Cedar Door and JW's. Their experience and dedication have, you know, really shaped the saloon's identity.
Sadly, Jim Lemond, a truly great character in Austin's nightlife and hospitality community for decades, passed away recently. His influence, however, continues to be a part of the barton springs saloon's legacy. This, too, adds to the rich history and the feeling that you're visiting a place with a real soul.
Drinks and Deals That Make You Smile
When you walk into the barton springs saloon, one thing you'll quickly notice is the extensive menu of beers, cocktails, and spirits. Whether you prefer a classic pint of beer or a carefully crafted cocktail, there's, you know, something for just about everyone here. They really do have a wide selection to choose from.
Happy Hour Every Day
One of the biggest reasons people flock to the barton springs saloon is their happy hour, which runs every single day until 8 PM. This is a pretty sweet deal, especially if you're looking to enjoy some drinks without breaking the bank. It's a great way to start your evening, or just wind down after work, frankly.
During happy hour, you can enjoy $5 select drafts, which is, you know, a pretty good price for a decent beer. They also feature $9 specialty cocktails, offering a chance to try something a little more unique. For those who prefer the basics, $4 wells are available, making it very easy to grab a drink that fits your budget.
Weekly Specials to Look Forward To
Beyond the daily happy hour, the barton springs saloon also offers specific daily drink specials. For example, on Wednesdays, you can get $1 off whiskey drinks. This is, you know, a nice little bonus for whiskey lovers, and it encourages people to visit on different days of the week.
They also have deals on popular ready-to-drink options, like $5 Happy Dad and High Noon. These kinds of specials show that the barton springs saloon is, in fact, keeping up with what people like to drink, offering a variety of choices beyond just traditional bar fare. It's pretty much a win-win situation for patrons.
A Drink for Everyone
The variety of drinks available means that whether you're a beer enthusiast, a cocktail connoisseur, or someone who just wants a simple mixed drink, you'll find something to quench your thirst at the barton springs saloon. Their focus on an extensive menu really makes sure there's, you know, a choice for every taste. It's quite impressive, actually.
This wide selection, coupled with the daily happy hour and weekly specials, makes the barton springs saloon a very appealing spot for anyone looking for good value and a great drink. It's clear they put thought into their offerings, which is, you know, something customers really appreciate. You can pretty much count on finding something you like.
The Unmistakable Atmosphere
The barton springs saloon has a very distinct feel, one that many describe as a classic Austin dive bar, though some might argue it doesn't quite have that "authentic feel" in the traditional sense. However, it does have a complete disregard for ambiance, which, in a way, is its own kind of charm. This lack of pretense is, you know, part of what makes it so appealing to its regulars.
Converted Gas Station Charm
The fact that the saloon is housed in an eclectic converted gas station is a huge part of its identity. This unusual setting gives it a quirky, lived-in feel. The mismatched chairs and tables, for instance, contribute to this laid-back, unpretentious vibe. It's not trying to be fancy; it's just, you know, a comfortable place to hang out.
This unique architectural choice helps the barton springs saloon stand out from other bars in Austin. It's a conversation starter, and it immediately tells you that this place is a bit different, a little bit quirky. It's, as a matter of fact, one of those details that people remember and talk about.
Music and Patio Vibes
The saloon lures locals with its jukebox, which means you can pretty much control the soundtrack to your evening. There's also a great patio, offering a nice outdoor space to enjoy your drinks, especially on those pleasant Austin evenings. A good patio is, you know, always a bonus in this city, and theirs is very popular.
Beyond the jukebox, the barton springs saloon also features an event calendar, with artist, ticket, and venue information available. This means you might just stumble upon some live music or a special event during your visit, adding another layer to the experience. It's, like, a place where things are always happening.
The Food Connection: Terry's Burgers
While the barton springs saloon itself is focused on drinks, you won't go hungry. Terry's (Burgers) is conveniently located right next door. This means you can easily grab some food to go with your drinks without having to leave the immediate area. It's, you know, a pretty perfect pairing for a casual night out.
Having a food option so close by adds to the overall convenience and appeal of the barton springs saloon. You can enjoy a few beers or cocktails, and then, you know, just walk a few steps to get a burger. It's a simple setup that works really well for their crowd.
What Visitors Are Saying
The barton springs saloon has received a lot of feedback from visitors, with many sharing their experiences. On Restaurant Guru, it's rated 4.1 out of 5, based on 1441 reviews. This is, you know, a pretty solid rating, showing that most people have a positive experience there.
Review highlights often mention that "BS Saloon is not trying to be anything but a good ol' neighborhood bar that appeals to real people." Another common sentiment is that "its been an Austin staple and the staff are def Austin." These comments really capture the essence of the place, you know, its down-to-earth nature.
While most reviews are positive, some have noted a "crap atmosphere and indifferent service." However, the general consensus, with so many positive ratings and visits, points to a place that consistently delivers on its promise of being a relaxed, no-frills bar. It seems that for many, the charm of the barton springs saloon outweighs any minor imperfections, and that's, you know, quite telling.
The sheer volume of people who have visited – over 14,000 recorded at one point – really underscores its popularity. People keep coming back, which, honestly, is the best kind of review a place can get. It's a clear sign that the barton springs saloon has found its audience and serves them well.
Finding Your Way to the Saloon
The barton springs saloon is located at 424 S Lamar Austin, TX 78704. Its address on Lamar Boulevard makes it relatively easy to find, and it's in a part of Austin that feels very much like the heart of the city. You can pretty much spot it easily once you're in the area.
Being on Lamar Boulevard, it's also, you know, quite accessible from various parts of Austin. If you're exploring the area, perhaps even visiting the natural pool at Barton Springs, the saloon is a convenient stop. It's, in a way, a perfect complement to a day spent enjoying Austin's outdoor attractions.
For more details on upcoming events and concerts at the barton springs saloon, you can check out their event calendar. This calendar often includes detailed artist, ticket, and venue information, along with photos, videos, and bios. It's a great resource if you're planning a visit and want to see what's happening, you know, soon.
To learn more about the menu, check opening hours, or even order online for delivery, you can view the menu for barton springs saloon. This online presence makes it very convenient for potential visitors to get all the information they need before heading over. You can explore the actual menu and see prices, which is, you know, very helpful for planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barton Springs Saloon
What are the happy hour specials at Barton Springs Saloon?
The barton springs saloon offers happy hour every day until 8 PM. During this time, you can get $5 select drafts, $9 specialty cocktails, and $4 wells. They also have daily deals, like $1 off whiskey on Wednesdays, and $5 Happy Dad and High Noon. It's, you know, a pretty good set of deals for sure.
Does Barton Springs Saloon serve food?
The barton springs saloon primarily focuses on drinks, boasting an extensive menu of beers, cocktails, and spirits. However, Terry's (Burgers) is located right next door, so you can easily grab some food there to enjoy with your drinks. This means you won't, you know, have to go far for a bite.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Barton Springs Saloon?
You can expect a very laid-back, unpretentious neighborhood bar atmosphere at the barton springs saloon. It's housed in an eclectic converted gas station, with a jukebox and a great patio. Many reviews describe it as a place for "real people," with a casual vibe and a "complete disregard for ambiance," which, in a way, adds to its charm. It's, like, a truly authentic Austin spot.
Learn more about local Austin spots on our site, and you can also find details on other great places to visit in the city.
