Sahara Lounge

My lady friend and I had the best tender beef ribs and potstickers!The beef rib plate is called The Purple Tejas. The ribs melted in our mouths and the little purple potatoes were just the perfect bite size. And then green onion added a nice crunchy caramelízed onions just popped.The potstickers were just so tasty too. 🥡🥠Come and see what you think 😊Wow. The ambience and music is 🔥 as well, great for any occasion, really.

I have to give five stars simply for the Austin institution that this place is. I’m so glad it’s still alive. If you want a real Austin experience this is the place. Bartenders were prompt and kind, the drinks were made well, the band was GREAT (Miguel St. Michael) and the sound was spot on. Lovely courtyard in the back which also screams Austin circa 1990. Oh yeah and they have free pool!I didn’t have any food so pay no attention to my food rating.

There’s a food truck is located at the back of lounge. atmosphere was nice and the customer service was even better. I got the pork chorizo grilled cheese which was topped with tomatoes, and all the ingredients were very fresh. I honestly did not expect this level of quality for a late night food truck. The lounge was great overall, and amazing music as well.

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to try out Antonio’s snack shack located at the famous Sahara Lounge in east Austin. A friend and I ordered the steak and potatoes along with the grilled cheese. Both dishes were cooked to perfection. The flavors bursting in our mouths and left us craving for more. This is a must visit if you’re ever in Austin. Also the Sahara Lounge is amazing with live bands and cool vibes. Definitely recommend and will be returning soon.

My first time here after living in Austin for almost two years. The Sahara Allstars, the club’s own band, were great. Loved the call & response from the band. I wish there was more space to properly dance, but I was up & moving. Lots of people off all ages attended. I went for Santrofi with my mom, who grew up on hilife, so was sad to hear (from a friend!) at the end of the night that the band’s flight was was delayed. I don’t think they announced that! Others were also waiting around for them, too, smh. Was also a little annoyed to be id’d at the bar after I was already id’d & received a wristband to get into the venue. Otherwise, I had a great time. Next Africa Night, I’ll have to come early for the complimentary food, too. $12 cover in cash, $13 with card.

One of those unique places in Austin, with different niche artists and live music. Weve been there a couple of times for Brazilian music/food/events. They have space inside and outside, usually a food truck in the back patio area for food. Free parking.

A fantastic, eccentric, funky venue with some great cocktails and a fun crowd. Great music too.

I cant say enough good things about Sahara Lounge. Ive been coming here for over 10 years and never thought to post about it. Maybe its because I love it so much I wanted to keep it to myself! Recently, they have added a phenomenal food truck - Antonios Snack Shack. Antonio serves food that will satisfy anyones dietary needs. Vegan? Vegetarian? No problem. Meat eater? No problem. And his food is so delicious. It is real food. It is deep down in your belly satisfying. And doesnt feel like food truck food at all. Antonio himself is a gem, just like the place he parks his truck. Sahara is probably one of the most unique, friendly, diverse, and exhilarating places you could find yourself on a warm Austin night. I always leave here feeling like Ive had the best time and I plan to be coming here for decades to come! Feels like home to my soul!

Great venue for live world/Afro musicGet there early. The lot fills quickly. Friday night cover is $14 for cash and $17 for cards. Comes with a limited (three item) buffet. Last night was a tasty vegetarian rice dish, a meaty stew, and a vegetarian beans dish. Food is tasty. Out back, folks sell amazing jerk chicken.Inside the venue, the music is really loud. If you want to converse move outside to a picnic table. You can still hear the music just fine.The crowd was a nice mix of ages and skin colors. So nice to be in a diverse crowd. Everyone was friendly. The vibe is laid back.Awesome bands. Good food. Great venue. Will be going back soon.

Sahara Lounge is a gem of East Austin its awesome African vibe and longstanding presence. The live music is varied and usually very good, and the staff are super friendly. Hanging out on the patio is always a blast when its too loud or packed inside. Sometimes theres no food truck, and you almost always have to cough up a cover, and some of the cocktails are weak and too sugary. Overall though I love this place.

Sahara Lounge is the shiz!How have I missed this place until now? Hot the Agri best on Saturday night and it was the bomb!Danced for hours and enjoyed the amazing vibes. Will definitely be back as soon as possible!

We were at an 70-80s ladies night. The music was awesome, Loved it. We didnt eat so I cant comment on that. The place has definitely a great vibe ☺️ very particular. The only problem,I would say, just too many people, this is a small place, maybe if they could limit the numbers.....

Im short of words, my first time in Austin TX... I had a wonderful time, music and everything was great. Would definitely recommend it 👌

Loved it here! 🫶🏼I did not care that my phone ran out of battery,( so I can’t post pictures). ✨The vibe???? Immaculate. 🪩Bartenders??? Awesome and super nice! 🌸Da dance floor!?? YUSSSS 💫love the stage and floor and yall! 🥟🍴Gotta try the potstickers and loaded nachos from the food truck in the back!!! Potstickers for the win! 🙂‍↔️Literally perfect food!! And the nachos! Muah! 🙂Seriously can’t say enough good things about this place.💕 I haven’t partied with a genuine crowd like that in years. 💃🕺Everyone was lovely and beautiful and the moves 😍the disco ball 🪩the fact that everyone was in the same mood..! ✨We went on disco night and it was ladies night too! The host was super inviting❤️ Try da juice y’all! 🍹 & tip the bartender!

If youre debating coming here, come here. Great size crowd on a Friday night. Full dance floor but space elsewhere just to hang out. Good drinks, awesome ecletic music. People actually dancing. Huge outdoor patio area, and two pool tables. Its hard to get a photo of the size of the place. Simply an amazing time.

A hidden gem in Austin. This is not a fancy place but certainly a place to have fun and enjoy good live music. The drinks selection is not huge and the caipirinha wasnt the best but the staff is super friendly and the music and space to dance is good. At least when I went (for Brazilian night) there were not too many choices of food. In general a very nice place to enjoy live music, play pool, dance inside or seat outside to have a drink and watch planes fly by in the sky. I reccomend trying this place.

Sahara is one of the coolest spots in town. Its an eclectic crowd and everyone is welcome. Youll see some normal looking old people like me, and youll see some youngsters keeping Austin weird.

Sahara Lounge is quintessential Austin. Ladies Night is everything and Africa night is essential. Whether youre dancing, listening, or meeting new ppl, you get the sense that its a venue crafted with love

It was so much fun we came in Africa night and the jazz was so good. The food was amazing too. Antonio is so friendly.

This place is IT! When driving up the first thought might be that this place seems abandoned. Open the door and step inside to go back in time…pool tables, dance floor crowded with locals, and a small, lively bar. There is nothing fancy here…just a whole lotta FUN!

Great atmosphere! Saw some cool live bands and played some billiards.

One of the last few longstanding old time bars of Austin, the Sahara Lounge doles out West African rhythm and melodies that reverberate through the evening. Great drinks at the bar, vegan-friendly self serve stew and rice on Africa nights (most Saturdays), and the chance to rub shoulders with people of all age groups, genders and persuasions. Come here for the music and be part of the joie de vivre, all for a very humble cover charge on any Saturday.

Off the beaten path! This inconspicuous club is rustic but charming, . They offered a buffet a signature cocktail to die for. The entertainment was amazing and the outdoor space is a cool 😎place to talk to friends and meet new people.

The lamb from the food truck was the most tender Ive ever had! The choice of seasoning and freshness of ingredients was perfect!

Great place thats representative of the true spirit of Austin and becoming scarse, with all the development happening. Always appreciated the come as you are energy, which exists here. Plenty of fun and enjoyment to be had here!

Ladies night,great crowd and energy!!

This is a gem, and we don’t have many like it left. I halfway don’t want to post about it because I don’t want it to get too crowded. Lots of fun in a very casual environment.

This venue has a nostalgic but in a chic-way feel! Reminds me of a neighborhood hold-in-a-wall hangout place where you can get a beer, play pool, and listen to live music! Love it!

Austin Ambiance defined.Jabob and ALL the bartteders are ALWAYS beyond awesome.The music is always tingling.The fire is always cracking.The patrons are always vibing.And the drinks always have ethanol.What more could you ask for?....Oh a food truck with soul.Yes, they got that too.

It’s hit or miss at the Sahara lounge because some of the bands and musicians are just god awful and out of tune while others are swooning or hip-hop or world, music or jazzy and are terrific. You never know what you’ll get here.If you like dive bars, you’ll love this grungy atmosphere even if you’re over 40. There’s an outdoor area with tables but as there are ashtrays everywhere, it’s best if you don’t like Smoak to just stay indoors.

Didnt eat here, just late night drinks. Great atmosphere.There is an $8 cover

Im really going to love your guys at school it is a good name and I really like the way that there is a middle school teacher named Miss list and that is kind of a little funny because the school is named Westfield Middle School so thats kind of a little funny and I hope my brother loves it cuz he actually is going to go to 6th grade and I am going to go to the 4th grade so Im really going to see and probably going to love the school Im going to go to witches Westfield Middle School and I hope my brother likes it and yeah I really love you guys this thing I gave you guys is 5 Stars cuz I love the way it look like on the outside I hope it goes goes good and I hope it looks good in the inside that looks on the outside so yeah five-star rating is yours

Really casual atmosphere, a couple pool tables,some good musicians (went there on Friday night, good band), drinks are at reasonable prices. The only thing, too hot in the summer time, no aircon.

Pleasantly impressed by the selection of music. Never in my wildness dreams would i have felt like I was in Africa in Texas.

Fantastic assortment of live music, free food buffet for early birds, great bar concoctions, lively & diverse crowd, good jams, spacious backyard & food truck on site!!! Ladies night on Friday nights is free!! Plenty of dancing room to shake it!!

Thumbs up for Antonios great Brazilian food last night. Paired perfectly with the band playing Bossa Nova!

Cool vibe Saturday is African night they have a firepit in the back

Id like to return to the place. I really have enjoyed to dance cumbia gen on Friday night.

One of the most unique and interesting music locations in Austin. An established gem. The only place I know running a potluck regularly. Its a warm inviting place where youll see unusual music you wont find elsewhere. Appropriate for all ages.

I dont go to clubs or bars but this place feels like home, maybe just a little cooler with amazing live music. The owner of this place definitely knows how to keep loyal customers because the love she puts into this place is apparent. I think this place has outgrown the space and is ready for an upgrade!!!

First time visiting for a night out of music and I really enjoyed myself. This place is filled with culture art pieces, books and photos that give you something to learn at every glance. This particular night there was a free African food buffet and live band who were amazing.

Amazing place, simple bar, with pool tables, live music, outdoor area and fair price.

You gotta love this place. Its such a vibe. Good drinks. Great service. Super pleasant customers. All around good vibes!

A chill, unpretentious and consistently fantastic spot for eclectic musical tastes. Around the backyard fire pit, you can bet you will meet some of the coolest people in(or visiting) town!

Groovy environment and a great drink selection. A dance floor right by the stage to enjoy the live music on and a nice little space out back with lots of seating if you need a breath of fresh air. Theres a food truck with gourmet pizza if you need something to balance out the drinks, and a fire pit to chill around.

I went on Ladies night, which I hear its their best night of the month. They had no food, Lines were long, but it was fun.

The owner is amazing. We had such a great time. The drinks are natural and delicious!!! I will definitely be back. The music had us on our feet all night.

There was a cover charge. It was one price for cash and another price for cards. The music was nice. People were really having a good time. The atmosphere was very smoky. This is not the place to visit if you have asthma or any type of breathing conditions. It was an overall fun place to hang out and dance.

Great cozy bar with pool tables live music buffet and backyard with fire pit for chilly nights... Had lots of fun last Saturday for African night!

Cool old East Austin dive bar! Played pool on an old table and nice bar tender served drinks, did not eat.

Lots of great live Afro pop, sometimes great jazz and psychedelic rock. Dance nights spinning winning tunes. Can be crowded but always fun. Decent food for the munchies. Can do it on a low budget.

Cool neighborhood lounge that has a great laid back relaxing vibe, good live music, especially on the themed nights

Chill vibes, good music, and great atmosphere

Cant speak for a regular night but the drink specials for the SXSW Canada House were pretty good, and I loved the way the venue was split inside and outside with several bars keeping lines to an absolute minimum.

Great vibe and service! What a gem of a place. The outdoor area with fire pits was convenient for the chilly day.The bands during Southamericano festival were exceptional. I had the best time!

This place is incredible! Not only are the music and crowd incredible but the staff is so caring. I recently fell and scrapped my knee and someone named Eileen helped me and patched me up with their first aid kit. I really really appreciated that! I’ve never had a bad time and will be coming back again and again!

Its a really cool little venue. The drinks were good. The staff were amazing. The tokens they give the bands are rad too! I hope I make it back one day.

Wow. I am so glad our friend Dave brought us here! Elaine is an excellent host and Ibrahim is a wonderful cook! The music was amazing and mesmerizing. Really glad we went. Even had a lovely moment in the backyard around a campfire before we took off.

One of the only Truely OG Austin feeling places. Their music artists every single night hit! Best sound quality of any house venue. Love the energy here.

Laid back vibes. Great music. Really cool back patio area with a fire pit and a food truck. Highly recommend.

This is my favorite spot in Austin for music. The atmosphere is always friendly.

Blue gecko has awesome food!! Must try!!

Simple to say. There is NO HAPPIER PLACE ON EARTH than Sahara Lounge (sorry, Disney, you have too many issues)...Especially on Ladies Night (3rd Friday each month)!! EVERY age, gender, race, etc., etc. ... all smiles & dancing & (in cooler weather) bonfire! GREAT 70s-ish MUSIC .. FUN DJ who plays a MEAN SAX! ❤️They also have Africa Night with African rhythms & buffet!Local, neighborhood bar with large outdoor area where parents bring kids early- evening for the food truck & play time.This is a WONDERFUL PLACE.

Afro beats nice was a hit! Great music, immaculate vibes and top notch drinks!!!

A little bit of a grungy atmosphere, like a dive bar on steroids! This is one of the coolest places in Austin by far! The Africa buffet on Saturday was absolutely phenomenal! I will be back just to see what they cook next week. This place is great to bring a date, but were I solo I probably would have had 3-4 servings and walked out bloated. The music was also incredible; each band really had the crowd moving, but in different ways. The last band had several singers from the audience join and their music escalated slowly and created such a great vibe. This set a new standard for weekend entertainment for me, honestly.

LOVE this place! Great dive bar in a small house like venue. Super cute and cool decor all around! The whole staff is super friendly and accommodating. They have an African buffet all night and great African/reggae bands to watch! Love their patio too!

Excellent music and free buffet was a treat! Drinks are way overpriced though lol

One of Austins best clubsGreat music, great food truck with inexpensive good choices -- Jamaica holds forth Fridays beginning of every month, Saturday nights, the club puts out a complimentary free feast for all patrons (even have a vegan option)... Just a great spot

Very unpleasant experience Ive been discriminated against by management ownership. Its a dive needs some work inside. It just looks dirty in the dining room and dance floor area... Pretty smalls got an outdoor patio great place if theres a good band playing prices arent too bad but the manager is rudeand the live music on Saturday during the quote buffet is horrible. like I said I would only go there if theres a band that you want to see otherwise there are a lot better places to have drinks with friends in the South Congress or downtown area.

Awesome place. Great venue. Hole in the wall dive bar. Love the African food.

Great place to see a broad range of people and music. Interesting cocktails also. Good sound and dance floor. Support original Austin institutions!

This Location has a LONG outstanding history in East Austin as a culturally important club. My understanding is the current owners bought the location in order to keep the tradition going... and they have done a very excellent job of just that.They host an eclectic grouping of generally quite excellent bands in a relatively intimate space... But dont worry, if you feel at all crowded in, it is always easy to catch a breath of fresh air in their excellent back patio/yard.Drink prices are quite fair, and their mixed drinks are quite good as well.The real Austin music scene has always existed largely outside the Entertainment District with certain notable exceptions.If you REALLY want to catch some of the music that made Austin notable... The Sahara Lounge is an excellent choice of a venue to do so.

As someone who grew up here and used to go to TC’s, I have to say that Sahara lounge has done an amazing job at keeping that spirit alive. The musics always good and the vibes are great ❤️❤️❤️

African jazz & reggae night at the Sahara Lounge made for a great Saturday night. The bartender Jacob was super welcoming & poured great drinks.I arrived right at 7pm - the free buffet was already open ($10 cover). One of the musicians in the opening jazz act had prepared meatballs, vegan rice & beans & chips. Expect some grunge, dive-bar vibes & home cooked, southern hospitality.

Sahara Lounge is a great escape from the downtown craziness. Great music. Great, mixed crowd always ready to dance. Awesome backyard patio area that is dog friendly and usually has a fire going at night. There is now a very tasty pizza trailer in the back as well.

Awesome music, people, drinks and atmosphere....this is my place to release stresses of the week and dance it out. Safe Environment to let loose

Awesome music, people and atmosphere free food great drink prices. A great neighborhood vibe.

Interesting place. Back yard with plenty of tables unless its a busy night. Atmosphere was enjoyable. The building itself is old and feels like it will fall apart any minute. Music is good and lots of people feeling the groove. I would go back.

I looove this place, and the owners are very pro-community. Probably the most unique pub in Austin . Live music free food, good drinks. Bartenders are super cool and older locals hangout here. The guy that works the parking lot is such a sweet gentleman. Good dance nights and great chill nights too.

I had fun one night a few years ago dancing at this place. I moved outside and was rudely “commanded” by one of the patrons to move to the other side of the patio because she “needed to take a group picture with friends” and “there were books I could read there”. I should have checked her, but was in a funk at the time so just moved. Really nasty person, who should be ashamed of themselves, but that was the exception. After that, hung out with a super chill group of people in the back which more than made up for the snippy Karen I encountered earlier in the night.

Nice lounge area with live music playing. Meet up with about 7 people and just talked in the back area which was perfect for that quieter vibe away from the music in the inside. Wish the inside had more seating though

First time there and not only was it a great last stop of the night for a nightcap but they had amazing food at the buffet, which was included in the entry fee. There was a pizza food truck in the back too.People were friendly, the drinks were strong, theres parking, indoor and outdoor seating, and artsy stuff.This isnt a high class place. Its quality and comfortable.

Absolute wonderful bar to visit. The music is fun and can take you for a flashback or flash forward. The atmosphere is very fun and staff are nice. You can find food trucks here and lots of outback space that may not seem visible from road view. The DJs are pretty cool. Will visit again soon

The temperature outside was hot to put it mildly. Inside the air conditioners were running but they were window air conditioners. The doors were wide open so dress lightly because its rather warm in the Sahara Lounge. The place gives a positive Dive-Vibe if you enjoy that.

I went on a Ladies Night. $5 cover for men, you get a token good for one well shot. Beer selection is limited, no draft. They did have Austin Beerworks Fire Eagle so that worked for me. This place is definitely old Austin dont give it any white glove cleanliness checks haha. Hardly any chairs inside; it was too cold to really check out their outdoor area - although it did look to be pretty good sized. There are two pool tables; usable but not in particularly good shape. Anyway I was thinking to leave after two beers and the well shot, when things started picking up. It was a good sized crowd, everyone friendly, lots of dancing to older jams pumped out by DJs. Im glad I stayed. And given the crowd size and dancing, its no wonder they dont have a lot of chairs or tables.

This is an amazing place - one of the last few laid back places in Austin. The putdoor venue is wonderful - the indoor venue is little louder than my ears can handle. The have good local beers too. The cover charges are low. You can get great pizza too

Definitely a hole in the wall place way yonder outside of downtown. It was well worth it to visit on Saturday night for Africa night. 10 dollar cover which includes free buffet. Donations are welcomed of course for that. Drinks were fair priced as well.

Played music here a few times, and seen music here many times. Always some great music going on and a great environment. There was one male bartender a while back that WAS one of the rudest bartenders I’ve encountered and was super patronizing (and this was when I was playing) but, I won’t subtract due to that one instance. Usually it’s really good and all the other staff has been really kind. I never saw that guy again, this was 2-3 years back so, not sure. Anyway, thanks for being around!

We recently moved to the east side of Austin and I have been wanting to check this place out since we moved. It is very close to our new place and so we decided to stop by and check it out one Saturday on the way home. It was everything I imagined and more. I know that sounds cliche but really this place surpasses my expections. I loved everything about the place. Cheep beer, live music, great atmosphere, and more. The band that was playing was very eclectic and I couldnt help but grab my boyfriend and bring him to the dance area in front of the stage and dance to each 10 minute song. I couldnt stop dancing. The music way hypnotizing and just what I needed. What a great place to really unwind and enjoy life for the night or just a couple hours. I definitely plan to go back again and again. I feel lucky and blessed to call this small oasis on the eastside my new neighborhood bar. Check it out no matter what side of town you are coming from. It is definitely worth it. This is a great place to check out if you like the small, eclectic, dive bar scene. It is unique and very Austin at the same time.

Sahara lounge is one of the best night life spots in all of Austin. Ive been going there for years now. Its very different from downtown Austin and 6th Street. Its a real chill spot. Lounge is a perfect description of it. Its a medium sized bar with a average sized dance floor and a big space in the back where people can lounge and drink and relax. It also has two pool tables and a table to play chess on. This place has a culture of acceptance and tranquility unlike most lounges and bars in Austin. Sometimes I dance the night away to amazing African inspired jazz. Sometimes I chill in the back lounge part and talk it up with people. Overall its my favorite bar/lounge in Austin. And the only African style lounge/bar I know of I Austin.

I love this place. Located in Far East Austin, it is a funky, sweaty, wonderful dive bar that is home to some great music, leaning towards Afro and Latin Funk, but not exclusively. This place reminds me of the magic of Austin 20 years ago, when every walk of life would be in one place and not one person would bat an eye. A nice backyard area with a firepit (for that chilly week that happens in Texas every year!) They support local music and that alone makes them awesome.

Cute little spot. The bar can become cramped as its right next to the door. Theres no AC, which is a little brutal in the summer. The back patio is really nice, quiet, and chill. Everyone I met there was very welcoming and warm.

Such a cool little gem! Very chill vibes, and love that it is dog friendly. We went for Africa Night and will def be returning. Great music, full bar, nice big patio, and you get free food too. Had a great time!Only put 4/5 because my caipirinha didn’t taste like caipirinha but it’s the only drink I had. They had other specialty house drinks that I didn’t try.

Great music and great drinks!

Hidden jewel in Austin known only to locals. They serve food which is a self service. They always have an vegetarian option for those who do not like to eat meat. They always have live music and surprise on weekends. There is also a perfect spacious backyard place to enjoy with with bonfire pit of its cold the fire will always be up. Excellent dive place, please enjoy your stay here.

Nice low key spot to enjoy some jams

Now we’re talking. Africa night was really unique - buffet topped it off. Pool tables and great music. I think 3rd Fridays are Ladies’ Night.

Great dancing spot. Afro and funk beats are welcomed entertainment in a city full of standard rock jams. Only downside is theres always a cover but its to be expected w/ the great musical artists they host and the bar operating costs. Colder months bring hot toddys.

Topaz and the whole crew there are outstanding its nothing but positive energy from the time you enter the land of bliss that is the Sahara Lounge until the time you realize what seemed like one hour, has actually been four hours of drinking and dancing and chatting with the awesome and diverse crowd of people and reluctantly its time to go, good thing is you can go back the next night. Great place if you havent been you gotta give the Sahara Lounge a try, definitely Austin, extremely entertaining.

I like how chill this place is. I love that they have a smoking patio thats spacious. However, their inside isnt very big and barely anywhere to sit. The music isnt exactly my style but I do like how good the customer service was. And great drinks!

This place is a ton of fun, but not necessarily so safe; while dancing here, a friend had her purse stolen.If you like dancing to classic funk and soul I highly recommend the 70s night, and the cheap drinks and fun staff are a great time.

Beautiful outdoor space with fire pit great music dancing and energy.

Sweet little chill spot with friendly staff. Lots of tables and room out back. Saturday night they play some really awesome music. You can place orders using a website, which means no standing in line at the bar. Highly recommended.

This is a great place to hear live music, grab a drink, and just hang out with friends. They accept credit cards at the door when there is an entry fee and that opens your tab at the bar. Its a win-win. The place is small and can get crowded on busy nights. But you can usually get reprieve by going outdoors and grabbing some food at the food trailer out there.

The Hot Shot infused vodka is fiery. Love it. I get the free beans and rice every time they serve it.

This Building is far more than just a Building... It has a literal soul. It has experienced years and years of history, is filled with artifacts from world travel, and brings voices and other performing arts to life on a colorful and intimate stage... Then, there is the backyard filled with fireside chats (and fun:-)) and beautiful people from all ethnicities in relationship together.... I highly recommend!

The venue was fun, loving, peaceful, family oriented, different races of people mingling and getting along loving each other and the whole vibe and atmosphere of the weekend; with all types of music from every aspect of life presented. It was definitely a must see event for the future.

The Sahara lounge is not for the faint of heart. Be ready for a high energy, experience. Was probably too tired on the night we went so I was a bit overwhelmed.My friends definitely overhyped this place to me. The bar is stuffy with low ceilings, but there is ample room to walk around inside and out.Definitely appreciated the fire pit and the diverse aesthetics of the crowd.Would give four stars but cover was steep on Saturday night.

I have read all of the reviews here and thought this would be a cool place for some live music. I went to this place and at first it seemed like a good place to have some drinks. What surprised me is that they has some food there, not like a true buffet but it was decent. I noticed that there was a child in this place and I asked myself the question of what is a child doing here and then I see that she was with her mom and was visiting her dad which was a musician in the band and I thought nothing else of it until I notice the band started to play and the mom and the child were dancing on the floor. What made matter worse is the the mom gave the child the tip jar that was in front of the band and had her going around collecting tips!!!! I was like WTH. Could this mother and possible husband of the band member not find a babysitter? Just when you thought that was weird, a patron brought their dog to this place and that was my queue to leave. Honestly, this place was decent until I noticed all of that. What place allows that? None that I know of and I know there are city codes that were broken. Thank goodness I did not work for CPS otherwise that child would not be there.

This place is a very colorfully decorated music shack. Lots of GREAT local bands and unique acts play here, in the heart of deep (far east, as they call it) east Austin. This place has style. Old skool style.

Awesome, awesome bar. One of the more unique, legitimately different and great places that represents and attracts what Austin used to be. Great people, great music, drinks, and venue overall for a night out

By far one of the coolest spots to take in live musicin Austin. Really easy to let your hair down even if you dont have any! Free parking, great food in the trailer out back. They even have some vegetarian or vegan options for your tummy. Take a load off at the fire pit, or play a relaxing game of chess. Phenomenal place and owner from the staff to all of the people just listening to music.

Decent little spot. They have a nice outside area out back with a food trailer. Didnt try the food but was a nice option to have. The drink prices were decent. The problem was the place was dead. Like literally nobody there, but they were still charging a $5 cover to get in. Seems counter productive to me.

Finally visited this gem! Its a total dive and I love it. Saw Humanistan...what an amazing talent. I was blown away! Staff was super friendly. Drinks are reasonably priced. The bar is small and I imagine it fills up quickly. Get there early as seating is limited. Onsite parking is a plus.

One of the few remaining bars that feels like Austin before she started to get sooo popular !!Funky, dive bar sort of feel, lots of space..... it has a comfortable charm that is undeniable, and almost always some great tunes and good people.If you like to dance, check out Body Rock (Ill leave it at that, trust me!).

Classic Austin place. They specialize in world beat music and interesting crowds. As eclectic as they come.

100% my kind of joint. Divey club with great live music most nights of the week. And of course a back patio ans food trailer. Came for a jazz night and had a fantastic time, will certainly be back!

Wow a great place. Small club atmosphere, a melting pot of party goers and there were people of all ages enjoying live music. They even have a pizza food truck in the back (Celestial Pizza) :O

I went to see some live music here and the vibe was great! They had a delicious chipotle mango (I think) house cocktail which was popular throughout the night and the rest of their drinks were well priced and well mixed. You should go!

The place is really a hole on the wall, comfortable place. It has some decent bands. The stage it small and it doesnt have a huge floor for dancing but, its still a good place to go.

One of the coolest music venues in town. They always have fun unique acts with a crowd to match. Good beers on tap, always some fun cocktail options. What more can you ask for?

The Sahara is great, you always meet new people and everyone has been friendly every time I have come. The food is good and the music is great. Come get some culture, Saturdays we have a few Meetup groups and everyone is welcome.

I liked this place a lot. Sahara Lounge is a dive bar fashionably cluttered with African inspired artwork, knick knacks and other random items. Very East Austin. The only downside is that there is only one small bar inside, but I cant imagine it gets super packed in there to where it becomes a problem. The place has two pool tables, a small stage, a large outdoor patio and a Mexican Food truck on deck in case you need to twist your guts up after a night of drinking. Jk I didnt try the food Im sure its awesome.

Looove Sahara Lounge. Lots of great music in a fantastic atmosphere on the east side. Lots of decorations inside and out back are tables and a pizza trailer. Usually the venue has some great African (or inspired) music, as well as jazz, funk, r&b, boss nova- whatever. Staff is great. I also always enjoy a bar that has Red Stripe 😜 - Sahara Lounge also has a nice area to dance, but tables and bars around. Also two pool tables. Great place!

I have been going to the lounge for almost a decade. The deepest legacy of any other club in Austin. Dancing with the Stars of the night life and best musicians in town. Historic and thriving as the rest of the city changes daily.

This is one of the best places in Austin to see live music. It is a small venue that allows you to really experience the music with the artist performing on stage. As an East Austin icon the Sahara Lounge brings in a diverse line up of musical styles pretty much everyday of the week. The drinks are very reasonably priced, and bartenders will serve you quickly. Some nights food is available with admission, served buffet style and absolutely amazing. The Sahara Lounge also has one of the most epic patios in all of Austin, and theres usually a fire in the pit on most nights. If youre looking for something to do and would like to venture away from 6th Street, experience an true Austin icon and stop in at the Sahara Lounge.

Vibrant, diverse, and energetic. Live music played nearly the entire time. I enjoyed the outside seating and the fire pit!

A great little roadhouse a buddy of mine played at. Unique drinks and infusions, a HUGE outdoor area, and a really awkward layout, but one that works for small shows. Got a small Austin band? Try the Sahara!

I asked if we could turn one of the air conditioners on and the bartender sheepishly said “well...my boss doesnt like it when we turn the AC on”I understand that the locals might not be bothered by the temp and humidity, but above 70-72 degrees is uncomfortable for a large percent of the population. The AC didnt seem to do anything, and considering the first issue with just turning the AC on, I went and turned a fan on. That one fan seemed to work better than the AC. The owner/manager kept going around and turning the fan off...very exhausting type of lady. What youd call a Karen for sure.I suppose if you prefer eco-friendly-ness over customer service...thats one thing, but repeat customers is another.All that being said, what a great show. Too bad about the owner/manager.

Fun night, need to go again for Africa Night

A vibe you won’t find in most other places in Austin. Chilled, not hipster but genuinely cultured, and very welcoming. A judgment free dance floor, a full free (and spicy) dinner, and music you don’t find everywhere else.

Intimate setting for small acts. Perfect dive-y/cozy ambiance. Drinks were the right price. Visited from out of town, felt like a regular almost immediately. Loved it, looking forward to a return visit.

Where do I start? I come here once a month to groove with my people, Body Rock ATX. Every first Friday, I get funky and sweaty and leave different than I came. The drinks are a little pricey, but they recently started a cash bar, so you get more for your money. This place is your quintessential hole in the wall; at any given moment, it looks like the ceiling or the floor might fall in, but that just adds to the charm. They also give away free (vegetarian) chili and chips to help soak up the alcohol while you get your party on. The staff is way cool and its always and adventure.

Best DJ in Austin, had fun dancing is Awesome. A little hot but if you want to burn some fat dance till you cant no more. Its like we call a Hole In the Wall. Just like East Texas. Old School with a mix of New blend.Hue

Great East Austin bar. Owners greeted me at the door and introduced themselves and some of their house drinks. Very warm and inviting people, and atmosphere. Plenty of seating inside and out back. The sound of the bands was clear and went over well with the lounge feel of the place. Theres a couple of pool tables inside and a dart board outside. Wish I could have tried the BBQ trailer they have out front but had already stuffed myself that night before going. Chem em out for a relaxing, entertaining time.

Awesome vibes!! Great place to have a relaxing night with friends. Chill live music and plenty of outdoor seats to hang out and talk in the backyard.

Oh man, I hate the phrase Keep _____ weird, but man, Ive never seen a place like this. Vibrant, eclectic, energeticly relaxed. The music is unique and the big, diverse crowd enthusiastic. Booze is decently cheap, but you cant find history like this downtown. Well worth the short drive for your DD/Lyft. Please visit this place and tell your friends so this place keeps busy!

Great club, amazing artist Sy from South Africa plus a mariachi band after that. 10 dollar cover, but there was free food so that offset the cost. Fun place.

Classic AustinWell worth a visit!Free car park, nice outdoor area with fire pit for the colder nights.Its a little way off the beaten path of downtown Austin but worth the effort.

If you like world music and ecstatic dancing in casual funky atmosphere with friendly people, go to the Sahara Lounge. Many people dance solo. There is usually a cover but drinks are reasonable. Outside lounge is available if you need a break as well as food trailers.

The minute you walk in this iconic lounge, you are family. The staff is warm and welcoming, the environment is as entertaining as the music if you really take a good look around (so much to see and read), and the music is eclectic and keeps you moving and grooving. They also have an amazing signature African root and herb infused drink that you can ONLY get at Sahara...ask for Akpateshi (aka Ibrahims brew) and get ready for a savory experience.

This is one of the few old-time venues left thats owned locally, as in a minority-oened business on the east side. But thats not the only reason to go there...alsobecause of the history,the friendly service, and the consistently good musical lineups. You feel like you are in a real place, priceless.

Quaint, friendly older bar on the eastside. Dance floor indoors, also has outdoor seating and usually a food truck on the weekends. Check out Ladies Night, they have a great music set and dancing was a blast!

I dont want to find a bar more dive than the Sahara or the walls will collapse. When this place gets rockin the building shakes. The plywood dancefloor will help add moves into your dancing because it is pumping too. Great bar with a varied group willing to get off the beaten path to keep Austin weird. Damned good music.

Every third Friday* is Ladys Night night! 💕The live music at this bar is a rare find, and absolutely outstanding. Any Saturday will do!

Great shows, cool people, comfortable patio. Pool table is warped and the place is generally in very dive bar condition- personally I dont mind, but if you require fancy, this gem aint fer you.

This place has pool tables, live music, cool people, (few) cute chicks. Whats not to like? There was even some type of buffet if you can believe it.

The layout is completely void of any logic. When you enter you are immediately in line at the bar. When this place gets busy you have a crowd control issue right at the door. This has to be fire hazard too because should something happen, you will have a high volume of people trying to escape the nearest exit. I would like to see them move the entrance and or the bar location. They would benefit from having more than one bar. An outdoor bar would help defuse the traffic in the front.

This was my first time coming to this place and at first I was skeptical. Once I got settled the magic happened. The music was great and the ambience was amazing. Good people having a great time. I really enjoyed everyone and enjoyed myself. Great place

I love going here! Funky South Austin music vibe and people really dance here! Yay!!! 🥳🥳🎉💃🏻🎵💜

Very unique bar. Great music and the vibe is like no other. Saturdays are awesome because you get free food with your cover. Definitely worth checking out.

As a new orleans native I can say this place is the real deal.

Amazing local gem for great live music. Good sized patio if you prefer to be outdoors and a bonus fire pit for those few and far between chilly nights.

What a great quirky place. I went to Sahara lounge in a whim one night and Im glad I did. Was there on a Saturday night and they had live music going for a cover. The Afro-latin group that was playing put on a great show with fun energy.One of the nicer parts of Sahara was the free food. The cover price got me as much of a rice and chicken dish as I could handle. Tasty!They had a decent beer selection of around twenty or so beers (6ish on tap). The mixed drinks were strong and not too expensive. Give the punch a try if they have it.As for the space, there was lots of room to sit or dance depending on what you were looking for. The outside patio area had a fire pit, which was nice to have on the super cold night.Was definitely a big fan of Sahara lounge. Staff was nice. Atmosphere was chill. Food was free. What more could you ask for? Ill be back.

Great music. Old Austin.

Funk night is the best. Fire pit out back. Draft beer on tap. Locals and newbies. Always a good place to meet someone new. Loads of fun!

This is the heartbeat of the Webberville neighborhood. Never know what style of music youll run into, but Saturdays are consistently Africa Night, a sweaty git-down to live reggae, cumbia, and afrobeat. Free buffet of rice, beans, meatballs, chips. Always a fire burning out back. The pool tables are as unpredictable as the sound system, in an endearing way. Interesting concoctions at the bar. Theres often a comical traffic jam of people trying to get in and get to the bar. Tons of parking. A true destination party where everyone is having fun, no judgment or pretention. Diverse music, diverse crowds. This is my home a few blocks away from my home. Eileen, Ibrahim, Topaz, and all the Sahara crew are the best!

What a nifty, eclectic tittle place the lue music is quat and definitely sameplace to go that is a little of the beaten path popular with the locals and on the night I attended, they offered a complimentary african Buffet very tasty but also for this gal, very spicy!! the outside patio type area was very petalohad a food and which, I assume, is open when the buffet is not served Bregest down fall, no AC inside a Texas summer can kill a person! But they did rave many fans wheel helped

Pretty wide range of people in here, especially on Ladies Night. Diverse music selection from the 70s -80s

Ive attend Sahara a couple of times. Ladies night being one of them. A kool laid back atmosphere!! Good African food & the music is great.

Love this place. Staff and the owner are awesome, the vibes are immaculate, buffet tasty. Always have a good time here.

Funky music spot with great soul!! Always new specialty drinks and great staff......no central air so if you plan on dancing to your favorite band it tends to get sweaty ☺

This place never disappoints. Has great food on some nights. The dancing is always on. The back patio area is too much fun.

I rate it 5 stars for the iconic venue it was (TCs) before it became Sahara lounge and especially Monday byob night with that blues band playing, it was awesome just perfect. Last time I checked, there was no such night anymore and the vibe has changed.

Excellent venue. atmosphere has phenomenal live music ( variety) along with food & danving

Literally the coolest most Austiny club in ATX.

So much fun, danced all night!

Omg we had such a great time. Ladies Night...We will be back?Love Love Love this place!

Great drinks, cool vibe and awesome music. Does get kinda packed but they have an outside area. Firepit included 🔥

Global Mountain Shindig played their inaugural show here. This bar will forever be that first place that GMS rocked at. Great bar too!

Ladies night and African nights are my favorite events here for sureMusic makes you lose controlDelicious cocktails with original ingredientsSupply of water in paper cups and buffet (on African nights) included in cover, which is greatLove the outdoor patio and friendly company next to the fireplaceWorth to check out if you are visiting Austin

There is always a cover charge of $10 Allegedly for the bands. But they always pass the tip jar around the dance floor, really? I noticed that. There is this bad culture of charging cover charge and people summit to it. I hate it.

Good spot for a variety of music genres. They often have some food and snacks. Some of it is vegan too. One of the few holdouts in the gentrification map

Drinks were WAY over priced....... Now, if they served my Moscow mule in a pint or some sort of larger glass.... I wouldnt have been complaining

Jumped to the loud samba band, had superb pizza from the truck out back. Plenty of parking. Austin music scene like I remember from 30 years ago. I will be back.

The Old T.C.s Blues Lounge has reinvented itself as a funky shanty dive bar. COOLEST BAR IN AUSTIN! Amazing music pretty consistently. Lots of funk, afrobeat, latin, blues. The owners, Topaz & Ibrahim are incredible musicians and very warm people. The Sahara Slant is a great take on my all-time favorite drink (a dark & stormy - rum & ginger beer). The crowds always dancing, the vibe is always positive, and the music always jammin! Check it!

Great African reggae band. $8 cover. There was some rice and soup that was tasty. Would definitely go back for for the music.

Tons of parking, not too crowded as theres extra room in the back. One employee was randomly blowing a whistle loudly (louder than the music right next to the speaker) so that was pretty annoying.

Great atmosphere and dancing

Somehow in some way this place has a special place in my heart. Always surrounded by good people and great service. The live music is always good as well.

This place has the true soul of what a live music venue should be! a truly Austin one of a kind place!

Great music venue with a nice back patio area. One of the cooler bars Ive personally been to in Austin.

A diverse group. the throw back late 90s music made the poorly mixed drinks tolerable. 97.9 the box type music for my Houston folks.

Fun place but it can get super crowded drinks are pricey, Id still go back

Amazing music! Big water cooler during dance to cool you off if you dont want alcohol. Dancing shakes the floor...

The music is always great inside but during the summer it sucks cuz its so hot. Im going to start going now that its a lot cooler though. But like I said the music is always great

Great place to lose yourself in a house party/dance club vibe. Always a very diverse crowd that is all about having a great time and getting your sweat on to great music.

Ladies night in Friday nights! Nice crowd, lots of fun! My first time, I will go again.

On my 2nd visits to the Sahara Lounge Ive only been there to do film shoots. Film makers like the funky ecclectic Austin vibe.

Great place for honest music. No fakes, just people that love playing for playing. Plus they have free food for the people, and its good!!

Pretty chill and laid back place. They do treat everyone like family. Love the 70s theme days there. Real down to earth.

Bumping! What a gem of a local place

Nice place to chill and listen to good music, live bands and singers are Awesome and please dont miss the back yard party going on outside!😜

Very fun, down to earth crowd. Its nice to feel welcome at awesome neighborhood bar with a backyard that reminds you the beach.

Somewhat jaded by people who have judged me with the He said, She said bull sh#%$... dont even know Me. but otherwise its place us super cool for the ,average joe, to go hang out,dance,and have a good time.

3rd Friday of every month is Ladies disco/funk night.

Austins coziest World Music venue. Ibrahim makes a pot of stew on special nights and the dance floor is like a wooden trampoline.

Great venue. Well run and great bands.

Great hidden jem. Nice backyard with a fire pit. Kombucha on tap. The dance floor bounces when you get enough people dancing at the same time.