Music Institution Saxon Pub Isn’t Moving From South Lamar

Turns out Austin’s 1990s music bar Saxon Pub isn’t moving from its longtime South Lamar location as previously announced. Instead, Saxon is remaining right in South Austin under a new landlord, Gary Keller of Keller Williams Realty, as reported by Statesman.

This also means that Saxon Pub isn’t opening within the massive mixed-use project Saint Elmo Market District. The original plans for the bar’s relocation to Saint Elmo included the restaurant and bar and a dedicated listening room. Owner Joe Ables told Statesman:

“I was concerned about moving the brand over there and changing the soul of the room. There’s been a lot of great shows there, and people were worried that it wouldn’t have that same feel.”

Ables did say he’s open to creating something similar to the area (he hasn’t officially pulled out of the project), but he isn't sure what will happen.

It makes sense that Keller would get involved with Saxon: he is also the founder of All ATX, a musician advocacy nonprofit. Under the new ownership, which happens at the end of the year, the bar will undergo some minor renovations.

Saint Elmo will still include indoor and outdoor vendors, all of which are yet to be named, along with shops, offices, and apartments. Nearby the project is another similar development, The Yard, which is home to St. Elmo Brewing Co. (now open) and anticipated whiskey distillery Still.

• Saxon Pub: Same spot, new landlord for Austin music venue [Statesman]
• More Details on Saxon Pub’s Impending Move [EATX]
• All Coverage of Saxon Pub [EATX]