The White Horse

"When people think about Texas, their minds go to honky-tonks, cowboy hats, and shots of whiskey. And while that’s not the reality for most of Austin, you can keep that illusion alive for a little longer at The White Horse. This East Side bar has only been around since 2011, but you wouldn’t be able to guess it from the weathered-down look of the walls and the floor that’s clearly been danced on by a few thousand cowboy boots. The crowd leans a little younger than classic honky-tonks in town, but when you want a bar that feels quintessentially Texan close to Downtown, this is where to head. " - nicolai mccrary

"There aren’t a lot of bars that blend generational lines quite as well as The White Horse, one of the most popular venues on the East Side. Expect to find gray-haired couples showing off their moves next to young first-timers. There’s live music most nights, and a floor filled with people two-stepping. There are a few beer options here, though this is probably one of those places where you’re drinking Lone Stars or Shiners. It’s also one of, if not the only, place in town with a wall of whiskeys on draft.  " - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion

"Get some Bomb Tacos to go with your East Austin honky tonk excursion. You’ll need it after two-stepping the night away with live bands, whiskeys, and beers. Kacey Musgraves is a well-documented fan. There are indoor and outdoor areas." - Darcie Duttweiler

"Not from Austin? Hosting an out-of-town friend? Generally looking for a fun night but don’t have a real agenda in mind? All are excellent reasons to go to White Horse, where it’s pretty impossible not to have a good time. It’s always crowded, and filled with all kinds of people - older Austin hippies, young tech people who just moved from San Francisco, former frat stars, and definite weirdos. That melting pot crowd, plus the always-solid live music, plus the actual honky tonk dancing that goes down, all make White Horse one of the best places to spend a night in Austin. " - adele hazan, katherine lewin, nicolai mccrary

"For a younger, out-of-town crowd, head to the East Austin honky-tonk for whiskeys, Lone Stars, two-steppin’, and a taco truck. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas." - Erin Russell