Music

13 Must-Visit Intimate Music Venues in Austin

For a perfect night out in Austin, hear soulful sounds in these cozy spaces

By Heidi Okla
January 10, 2025

Motenko performs at The Quill Room in the Austin Proper Hotel

Motenko performs at The Quill Room (photo courtesy of Austin Proper Hotel)

There’s something undeniably romantic about listening to music in a cozy setting. For the ultimate ambiance, whether sultry or casual, these intimate music venues offer something for all tastes — each with a uniquely Austin vibe.

Parker Jazz Club

For a relaxed night of live jazz, head to Parker Jazz Club in Downtown Austin. The basement lounge offers an intimate setting to enjoy world-class jazz in a stylish, upscale atmosphere. Known for hosting renowned jazz musicians, it’s a top destination for high-quality live music in Austin.

Elephant Room

This cozy basement venue in downtown Austin has offered an intimate setting to enjoy top-notch local jazz talent since 1991. Here you’ll find some of Austin’s best jazz players perform on a small stage in this very casual setting. Fun fact: Elephant Room is named after the nearby discovery of mastodon bones, making it both historic and unique. It’s a must-visit for jazz enthusiasts.

Austin City Guides: Best Music Venues — Antone’s (photo by Arnold Wells)

Antone’s

Austin’s “Home of the Blues,” has a rich history, having hosted legends like Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, and James Brown. Founded by Clifford Antone, Antone’s has evolved through multiple locations and continues to be a beloved spot for intimate shows and its iconic po’boys. Today, it remains a hub for local talent, including stars like Jimmie Vaughan and Gary Clark Jr.

The Continental Club

For a quintessential Austin venue, a visit to The Continental Club on South Congress Avenue is a must. With its lively music and amazing vibes, it draws in crowds with its infectious energy. A cornerstone of Austin’s original live music scene, it’s a top spot for intimate live performances and simply a fun night out, no matter who graces the stage.

C-Boy’s Heart & Soul

C-Boy’s Heart & Soul, a sister venue to the Continental Club, hosts a steady lineup of jazz, blues, and soul musicians each week. With a laid-back vibe, it’s a fabulous spot to catch regular residencies from Austin’s top soul and jazz acts.

Christian Wiggs Big Band ft. Steven Feifke at Monk's Jazz — Christian Wiggs Big Band ft. Steven Feifke at Monks Jazz (photo by KT Yarbrough)

Monks Jazz Club

What started as a pop-up listening room, Monks Jazz Club has since grown into a top-tier audio and video studio in East Austin as well as a very special and unique space to enjoy a very intimate concert. Monks offers a very casual setting for jazz lovers featuring live tapings of some of the region’s best improvisational jazz groups and musicians.

Geraldine’s

Located on the 4th floor of Hotel Van Zandt, Geraldine’s offers a diverse menu of food and drinks in a stylish setting. Their Sunday jazz brunch is a popular event, featuring live music alongside a top-tier brunch experience. With its stunning décor and vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a weekend gathering with friends.

Quill Room

The Quill Room, located On the second floor of the Austin Proper Hotel, you’ll find the beautiful and swanky Quill Room, an intimate music lounge with creative cocktails, Texas-inspired bites, and a patio with gorgeous views of Downtown Austin. The Quill Room’s programming varies from live music to rotating DJ sets.

The White Horse

Austinites can catch live music seven days a week at this saloon and honky tonk. The White Horse offers an unforgettable Texas-imbued experience with energetic country music, two-stepping, beers on tap and a strong sense of community.

Donn’s Depot

Donn’s Depot is a honky tonk, piano bar, dance hall and unique gathering place that has served Austinites for over 50 years. There is no shortage of energy at this funky joint, which is frequented by regulars.

Skylark Lounge

This jazz and blues venue has some serious dive bar charm, and also some wonderful musicians. On many Sundays at Skylark Lounge, you can enjoy a performance from Soul Man Sam, a legend throughout the US, who has had long-time residencies from Memphis to Alaska.

Howards Bar & Club

Howards is a unique blend of a neighborhood bar and a listening lounge. Settle into a dark and cozy banquette for classic cocktails, cold beer and tasty bar bites. With a top-notch sound system, it provides a one-of-a-kind atmosphere for music programming, including DJ sets from local, national and international artists.

Equipment Room

The intimate listening room and bar beneath Hotel Magdalena, Equipment Room, was named one of Bon Appetit’s Best Bars in America in 2024. This retro-inspired sanctuary with a Japanese influence brings music lovers together to indulge in curated record collections and handcrafted cocktails.