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Austin's Oldest Bars, Lounges And Beer Joints, Mapped

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Since time immemorial, Austinites have been dedicated to drinking. Or at least since 1866, when Scholz Garten opened, and the original manifestation of the Scoot Inn followed in 1871. To close out Cocktail Week 2012, we've mapped out the oldest (continuously operating) bars in Austin.

If we've missed an historic spot, let us know in the comments or down the tipline so we can add it to the map! Bonus points for historic facts and tales from your favorite spots.

[Photo: The Tavern/Facebook]

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Scholz Garten

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Scholz Garten, founded in 1866 by August Scholz, is the oldest continuously operating bar in the state. Its biergarten is a traditional gathering place to watch Longhorn sports and major political events.

Scoot Inn

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The Scoot Inn's building has been a bar since 1871, though it took on the modern version of its name as Red's Scoot Inn in 1940.

The Driskill Hotel Bar

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The Driskill Hotel, which opened in 1886, has more or less continuously been selling booze (Prohibition notwithstanding ... probably) since it opened, including a fabulous 70's stint with an in-hotel club called Scandals.

Threadgill's

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Kenneth Threadgill was the first person to own a beer license in Travis County, opening up his North Lamar beer joint in 1933.

The Tavern

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Throughout Prohibition, the second floor of the Tavern building served as a brothel and speakeasy, but went legit in 1933.

Mickey's Thirsty I Lounge

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Mickey's prides itself on being one of the oldest beer bars north of the Colorado River. This historic North Austin dive first opened in 1934.

Longbranch Inn

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The Longbranch Inn lists its birthday as August 23, 1935 (it's also male, if that matters), and thereby has been serving the east side for seventy-seven drunk years.

Deep Eddy Cabaret

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The Deep Eddy Cabaret housed a grocery store and bait shop until 1951, when it officially became the beloved west side beer joint we know today.

Continental Club

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The Continental Club opened as a private supper club in 1957, and according to their website is "believed to be the first place in Travis County to sell liquor by the drink."

Broken Spoke

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James White opened the Broken Spoke in 1964, and Austin's been honky-tonking to some the best country music in town at the South Lamar spot ever since.

The Horseshoe Lounge

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Rene Gewin and her husband Jimmy opened the Horseshoe Lounge in 1965, taking over the old American Legion Post 83 on South Lamar. A 78704 legend was born.

Draught House Pub & Brewery

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[Photo: the_photographer/flickr]

Donn's Depot

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Austin music legend Donn Adelman opened Donn's Depot in 1972. The downtown dive is home to Eater Austin's 2011 coolest restroom.

Cloak Room

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The Cloak Room's been a hiding spot for Austin politicos and journalists since the 1970's. It's the kind of place where everybody knows your name, but pretends they don't.

Cedar Door

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The Cedar Door, which opened in 1975, claims the honor of being home to the original Mexican Martini. The existing downtown location is hardly its first, however--the actual building has seen four different locations.

Ginny's Little Longhorn Saloon

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Ginny's Little Longhorn Saloon has been so named since 1993 when Ginny Kalmbach took over, but the bar's been serving beer for more than forty years.

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Scholz Garten

Scholz Garten, founded in 1866 by August Scholz, is the oldest continuously operating bar in the state. Its biergarten is a traditional gathering place to watch Longhorn sports and major political events.

Scoot Inn

The Scoot Inn's building has been a bar since 1871, though it took on the modern version of its name as Red's Scoot Inn in 1940.

The Driskill Hotel Bar

The Driskill Hotel, which opened in 1886, has more or less continuously been selling booze (Prohibition notwithstanding ... probably) since it opened, including a fabulous 70's stint with an in-hotel club called Scandals.

Threadgill's

Kenneth Threadgill was the first person to own a beer license in Travis County, opening up his North Lamar beer joint in 1933.

The Tavern

Throughout Prohibition, the second floor of the Tavern building served as a brothel and speakeasy, but went legit in 1933.

Mickey's Thirsty I Lounge

Mickey's prides itself on being one of the oldest beer bars north of the Colorado River. This historic North Austin dive first opened in 1934.

Longbranch Inn

The Longbranch Inn lists its birthday as August 23, 1935 (it's also male, if that matters), and thereby has been serving the east side for seventy-seven drunk years.

Deep Eddy Cabaret

The Deep Eddy Cabaret housed a grocery store and bait shop until 1951, when it officially became the beloved west side beer joint we know today.

Continental Club

The Continental Club opened as a private supper club in 1957, and according to their website is "believed to be the first place in Travis County to sell liquor by the drink."

Broken Spoke

James White opened the Broken Spoke in 1964, and Austin's been honky-tonking to some the best country music in town at the South Lamar spot ever since.

The Horseshoe Lounge

Rene Gewin and her husband Jimmy opened the Horseshoe Lounge in 1965, taking over the old American Legion Post 83 on South Lamar. A 78704 legend was born.

Draught House Pub & Brewery

[Photo: the_photographer/flickr]

Donn's Depot

Austin music legend Donn Adelman opened Donn's Depot in 1972. The downtown dive is home to Eater Austin's 2011 coolest restroom.

Cloak Room

The Cloak Room's been a hiding spot for Austin politicos and journalists since the 1970's. It's the kind of place where everybody knows your name, but pretends they don't.

Cedar Door

The Cedar Door, which opened in 1975, claims the honor of being home to the original Mexican Martini. The existing downtown location is hardly its first, however--the actual building has seen four different locations.

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Ginny's Little Longhorn Saloon

Ginny's Little Longhorn Saloon has been so named since 1993 when Ginny Kalmbach took over, but the bar's been serving beer for more than forty years.

Related Maps