The Cactus Cafe, located on UT’s West Campus, is recognised nationally as a unique and influential Austin live music venue. Since it opened in 1979, The Cactus has played host to a who’s who of musical greats. Alison Krauss, the Dixie Chicks, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, Jerry Jeff Walker, Shawn Colvin, Townes Van Zandt, Loudon Wainwright III, Guy Clark, Butch Hancock, Lucinda Williams, Nickel Creek have all graced the stage.

Billboard Magazine named The Cactus Cafe as one of fifteen “solidly respected, savvy clubs” in the United States, “from which careers can be cut, that work with proven names and new faces”.

The Cactus is an intimate venue that blurs the line between artist and audience. Singer Songwriter Alejandro Rose-Garcia (Shakey Graves) likens it to “a glorified living room with a bar in it”.

Today the Cactus Cafe remains essential to Austin’s eclectic live music scene and the venue is frequented by singers, songwriters, and music lovers from all over the world. The Cactus offers a full-service bar and coffee.

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Great size, excellent acoustics & ALWAYS only the best talent!!
Carol W. , 6 years ago
Great, intimate music venue. Never heard any bad music here.
Deece E. , 6 years ago
I love this place, the sound quality, the musicianship and the coziness of the venue. Classic!
Brian K. , 6 years ago
Nice, if small, listening room. Bartenders were nice, beer selection was great. Sound a bit overwhelming, but it was Alan Doyle and band, so….
Irene H. , 7 years ago
I had not been tot he Cactus for many years. It is even better than it was! They limit the audience so everyone can sit and the intimate atmosphere was great for Joe Ely’s laid-back set. He was great. Seating was good and it was easy to get a drink at the bar for a reasonable price. Well done!
Dusty D. , 8 years ago
Love going here. It looks JUST like it did in 1984 when I first went in there my freshman year of college. I do think that they finally broke down and hung a TV on the wall, but it is still never on nor do I think that it is even plugged in. Lot’s of memories there, very intimate setting to hear some world class music. Don’t EVER change, Cactus Cafe. You are one of the few remaining, functional businesses from a long gone era that has stayed true to its roots. Love it.
Tommy S. , 8 years ago
Love this tiny but historically (very) significant bar on UT’s campus. There are few pubic university bars left in the country . . . and it’s a great place to grab a post-class drinkie-poo. Shows here are very intimate and therefore phenomenal. I have always adored this place.
Joshua G. , 8 years ago
Haven’t seen a show there in over 20 years and it still feels like the Cactus Cafe I knew in the early nineties seeing David Garza and the Love Beads.

Great Wilco tribute put together by Graham Weber last night brought back a lot of memories.
Topher B. , 8 years ago
I’ve lived in Austin for 20 years and without a doubt this is my most favorite music venue in Austin. It’s small, intimate, and the fans are respectful of the musicians. Cactus Cafe – you’re the best!!
Richard P. , 8 years ago
This legendary music club is all about the music. It is a wonderful listening room that attracts the best musicians and serious respectful audiences. Historic and rare.
Galen B. , 9 years ago

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