XL Cover Story: 100 places to hear live music: Volume 2, K-Z

From old downtown favorites to newer suburban hot spots, a second group of clubs gets a look and a listen

     • Nos. 1-25 (Alice's Restaurant - Cotton Club & Steakhouse)
     • Nos. 26-50 (Coupland Dance Hall - Jovita's)
     • Nos. 51-75 (Kenny Dorham's Backyard - Romeo's)
     • Nos. 76-100 (Room 710 - La Zona Rosa)

76. ROOM 710
710 Red River St., 476-0997

The bifurcated arrangement for this club is unusual -- but it works ingeniously. One can hear and (partially) see the band on one side of the enclosed bar, or toddle around the back hallway to experience the music straight-on, standing near the stage or loitering in the teeny, slightly scary balcony. Like the Fly, it's on the loud side and this is within hard walls, so the 'lobby' bar might be best for those with any hearing left.

78. ROSS' OLD AUSTIN CAFE
11800 N. Lamar Blvd., 835-2414

Urban, then suburban, then semirural, then suburban again: North Lamar Boulevard reveals the rings of Austin's growth spurts. Ross' sits modestly in a semicircular center designed to preserve -- or rather re-create -- a country feeling on far North Lamar, as old structures serve new functions. Plastered with memorablia, Ross' feels like the real deal. Half the cafe is given over to a cafeteria-style food-service area (beer available), the other half to a glassed-in porch/performance area.

79. RUTA MAYA
3601 S. Congress Ave., 707-9637

Best thing that ever happened to this socially conscious business -- hightailing it out of its hot Warehouse District digs and into the Penn Field complex. The coffee/beer station hunkers down close to the entrance, but the rest of the venue is an open game. Sometimes, the floor is crowded with tables; at other times, it's the biggest folk/flamenco/etc. dance expanse in town. The corner stage is large enough to handle most musical acts, and outdoor areas add to a feeling of social fluidity.

79. SAN MARCOS RIVER PUB & GRILL
701 Cheatham St., San Marcos, (512) 353-3747

Bliss. Idyllic hours on the San Marcos River. A fat burger and tangy Rio Ritas. Then stretch out on the riverside lawn for music, pitched from a gazebo to a crowd of 100 to 150 intent fans. The PA system captures every delicate guitar strum, every emotion-tinged variation in a singer's voice. Though you can blanket it, the chair people stake out the best spots early, so bring a collapsible one if you want to see the performers' faces. The concerts are free, and you can buy drinks on the lawn.

80. SAXON PUB
1320 S. Lamar Blvd., 448-2552

A split experience: One half (a formerly smoky) old-regulars bar; one half superbly booked live-music venue. Located a few miles from the bustle of downtown, the Pub is best reached from the blur of Lamar Boulevard by spotting the oversized coat of armor that guards its parking lot. The stage is none-too-commodious, but the fans are considerate and loyal. You can overdose on good music here, as band after band nods and winks as they pass each other for the favored spotlight.

81. SHADY GROVE
1624 Barton Springs Road, 474-9991

As the name suggests, this restaurant/bar/hangout spot unbends under a mature pecan grove, and the limestone-and-wagon-wheel patio is shaded by a Ent-like tree (that blocks some views of the triangular stage). Servers emerge regulary from the peanut-brittle-style rock building, but there's also a handy, well-stocked bar-shed in the patio. Fairly well-established acts play here, mostly on slower nights, which are rare for this preferred stop on Restaurant Row.

82. SHOAL CREEK SALOON
909 N. Lamar Blvd., 474-0805

A place that reveres traditions of good times from Louisiana to Colorado. The fried seafood is hearty and the beers inviting, all served by an unusually sympathetic staff. Bar, dining area and creekside porch are south of the game/performance room, which is just the right size for small acts, including a comedy music duo we caught recently. Students make up a significant portion of the crowd, but also those who wish they could recap college days.

83. EL SOL Y LA LUNA
1224 S. Congress Ave., 444-7770

There's nothing affected or trendy about this Tex-Mex standby on South Congress. The food is prepared with care; the drinks arrive promptly. When the weather permits, it's a luxury to sit inside the iron-and-vine-corsetted patio, watching stray passersby and listening to the occasional bands that play a cleared-out station for customers in shorts and open shirts. Not many come just for the varied acts, but it's a congenial touch.

84. SPEAKEASY
412 Congress Ave., 476-8017

Is there a better stage in town? Transferred from the east wall to the spotlight position in the center of this swank club, the peformance platform looks like something from the Moulin Rouge. It can be viewed from the upper lounging gallery, several tiers of seating and the bar -- perhaps the best-stocked bar of any live-music venue in town. Alas, the roof deck does not benefit. We recently heard a sweet-voiced solo act, but the weekends go crazy with R&B cover bands. Yes, you may dance.

85. STARLIGHT AT THE OASIS
6550 Comanche Trail, 266-2441

The main buildings at this sprawling Lake Travis attraction are under reconstruction after a catestrophic fire, but the Starlight annex still offers dozens of sunset-friendly decks, giant drinks and utter relaxation for international tourists and lake folk alike. Callow staffers weave their way through the revelers, who respect the protective banisters over the limestone cliffs. Dancing is encouraged, and party food pours from the busy kitchens.

86. STUBB'S
801 Red River St., 480-8341

The former junk shop turned national music attraction meets the visitor at street level as a barbecue restaurant with a limited indoor listening area. The outdoor stage, in a little dale out back, can be crowded with marquee touring acts. A nearby bar takes the edge off the sometimes Amazonian conditions along Waller Creek. The stage is enormous, and musicians feel free to range around its expanses. The sound varies -- another issue, besides weather, at almost all outdoor venues.

87. T.C.'S LOUNGE
1413 Webberville Road, 926-2200

It's hard to dismiss the joyous noise of blues night at this East Austin joint, another neighborhood dive that's been 'discovered.' You might drive by the informally built wood building without noticing, because signage is minimal, but inside you'll find cold soda and beer, as well as free soul food. The bands play beyond the pool tables in a windowless niche. Black and white patrons (in equal numbers on Mondays) shake, rattle and roll on the tiny dance floor or along tightly squeezed tables.

88. TEXICALLI
534 E. Oltorf St., 442-2799

This South Austin lunch fixture and its garrulous owner keep some evening hours, scratching an itch for hamburgers, sandwiches and luscious milk shakes. The arched interior is crammed with memorabilia and, every once in a while, a musician plays an acoustic set against one of the windows. The staff drifts amiably from table to table, but nobody is in a hurry. Patrons are soaking up the atmosphere as much as anything else.

89. THREADGILL'S WORLD HEADQUARTERS
301 W. Riverside Drive, 472-9304

It's appropriate that this musical descendant of the Armadillo World Headquarters is outdoors, casual and friendly to both ancient hippies and delighted toddlers. The landscaping is slowly growing in around this comfort-food establishment, but more shade would help. The wedge-topped stage is easily viewed from the plastic patio chairs, stone ledges or wooden bleachers. Cash-only, beer-only outdoor bar feels festive; go inside for heartier fare.

90. 311 CLUB
311 E. Sixth St., 477-1630

Now this place has a stage. A small gathering niche and a discreetly sized bar lead to cabaret-style seating, set before a real stage framed with drapes and everything. A small dance floor beckons to ethnically diverse patrons, who are thrilled by the R&B performed by a big-sounding bands and full-voiced singers. The music makes people happy, happy, happy. So do the reasonably priced, nicely mixed drinks.

91. TRIPLE CROWN
206 N. Edward Gary, San Marcos, (512) 396-2236

A testament to the maturing San Marcos club scene, this little pub is an ideal listening room an up-and-coming bands like the funk outfit we heard there on a weekday night. A block from the city's transformed square, the Crown feels like a dozen downtown Austin venues, but its dark, truncated box and accessible bar are exactly what the young (or older) San Marcos music lover has always needed. Reasonable prices contribute to the good will.

92. TROPHY'S
2008 S. Congress Ave., 447-0969

It's happened to other neighborhood bars (Carousel, Ginny's Little Longhorn) -- they get discovered by the cognoscenti. Now, creased regulars mix with inked scenesters at this scruffy dive on South Congress. Acts play a broad stage to the back, while serious drinkers and storytellers cluster against the well-attended bar near the door. The beer selection is admirable, if you can catch the eye of the bartender.

93. THE VELVET SPADE
912 Red River St., 482-8404

Since its last incarnation, this Red River bookend has grown darker inside. The paintings of nudes now hang next to devotional candles. Bands can play outside on the bilevel, geometrically challenged patio, which actually works much better than the DeVille stage next door because all focus leads to the narrow south end of the lot. A truncated bar sprouts handily to the side of the iron patio furniture. The nature of the crowd depends on the the nature of the band at this Club Land gateway.

94. THE VIBE
508 E. Sixth St., 474-0632

The visitor spying the supple curve of a modern bar and higher-end furniture is tempted to order a fancy cocktail, but it's beer-only here. 'Because of taxes,' says the otherwise helpful bartender. Clearly, this place has undergone a recent transformation, which puts renewed emphasis on two moderately sized stages, one outside. Stragglers from the Sixth Street cruch can hear proficient acts in either venue.

95. VICTORY GRILL
1104 E. 11th St., 391-0174

This East 11th Street veteran, once a regular stop on the 'chitlin' circuit,' has creaked through renovation for more than a decade. Owner Eva Lindsey seeks to revive the former home of blues and jazz with fundraisers. The grill and club are accessed from street level, but the stage area itself is below grade, creating a tall, partly improvised performance space. Cabaret tables crowd the floor, while movie theater seats and dark booths line the upper gallery for an overall party atmosphere.

96. WATERLOO ICEHOUSE SOUTH
600 N. Lamar Blvd., 472-5400

The potentially noisy food-serving aspect of this popular eatery does not interfere with the rapt attention devoted to Austin favorite musical sons and daughters. The bright, high-ceilinged room, discreet sound system and low stage against the facade wall feel uplifting, and the crowds of shaggy boys and girls (and their moms?) sip from the excellent selection of beers on tap.

97. WHISKY BAR
303 W. Fifth St., 481-8599

Almost a doppelganger to the Lucky Lounge down the street, this bar is deep and dark and employs some of the most informed bartenders in town. Want to sample rare scotches or single-batch tequilas? This is the place. But the layout is strange. The band arrives, sets up equipment near the bright entrance and plies the small crowd with its wares. If you are at the bar, you're looking out at the sidewalks. If you stick near the band, the passersby constantly interrupt your pleasure. It's just backward.

98. Y BAR AND GRILL
7720 Texas 71 W., 394-0220

Musicians perform under a green umbrella, set against the green-green landscape behind this high-design Y-shaped Oak Hill-area eatery. The regional modern food reflects the regional modern architecture, and the patio turns into a cool retreat at dusk. The sports bar (four screens) distracts from the acts, but the gurgling fountain contributes to the overall ambiance of leisure. No more jazz brunch, but singer-songwriters and others delight upscale and downhome patrons.

99. Z' TEJAS
1110 W. Sixth St., 478-5355

Perhaps it's unfair to consider this deservedly popular West Sixth Street restaurant a music venue. But there it is in the music listings every week, so we had to check it out. Acts generally play the bar area reached through the "skywalk" from the main body of the eatery. And a grand bar it is -- U-shaped, luxuriously stocked and scrupulously attended. Folks flock there after work. Then the band plays. And the yammer rises. The band plays louder. The crowd out-yammers the acoustic set. Oh well.

100. LA ZONA ROSA
612 W. Fourth St., 472-2293

Air conditioning certainly helps this lively and deeply loved spot, which in its original incarnation had none. The high stage and even higher ceiling lend an airy, big-concert feel to what is essentially a shed. Inside bars and back bars are always busy. The mixers are kind to older eardrums, perhaps because the acts are aging as well, but La Zona also books some pistol-hot pop. Standing on concrete for three full sets can weary one's tired soles, but the music can also lift one's tired soul.