The Historic Scoot Inn – an iconic Austin Live Music Venue was established in 1871 and has been an East Austin landmark ever since.

One of the best indoor and outdoor Austin live music venues with free street parking and two full service bars.

This music venue also has a food trailer in its large beer garden patio. It’s been in business off and on for over 140 years, making it one on the oldest beer-slinging honky-tonks in Texas.

These days, its home to an eclectic music scene where, on any given night, you’ll run into acts as diverse as Mayer Hawthorne, Brownout, EL-P, or Spoon. Folks who can balance a beer while scoring at Skee-ball will love this place.

Notable Mentions
“Best Retro Bar on the Eastside” Austin Chronicle 2005
“Best Bar Interior” Austin Chronicle 2008

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The folks at Scoot Inn have really classed the place up recently, but maintained the historic charm of the space. If you go on a normal night there’s usually not a lot going on, but they do have their own locals that For me, Scoot Inn is a favorite place to go see live music in Austin because of the multi-level deck for easy viewing and the great audio quality I’ve come to expect. I’ve been going for years, but it’s time to write a review because of the super professional way that the Lagunitas / Independence Brewing event was handled at Scoot Inn. Thanks for creating realistic expectations to those waiting in line, and making sure the event was fun and safe for everyone.
Shannon W. , 8 years ago
LOVED it! We visited Scoot Inn to see a favorite band. It rained all day, but the clouds cleared in time for the concert, which was sold out. Beer selection was all right. A couple of local brews in cans, and your regular Miller Lite options. The decor is pretty cool. From the outside, this looks like a run down farm building I would find in the Ozarks, but inside, it is a neatly decorated place to hang with some used-to-be-fancy chairs, an old 8 track player, and a bucket of 8 track tapes for your listening pleasure (well, I didn’t try to play them, but the idea was fun). Word of advice, the indoor bathrooms are A-OK and clean, so if you’re outside and need to potty, head indoors and avoid the portapotty route. Out back was a great small venue; I am a shorty and could find an angle to see everything on stage regardless of who was in front of me. This was my first visit to Austin, and if Scoot Inn were my only destination, I would say this is a great representation of the rest of the town.
Rose L. , 8 years ago
Wow! The historic Scoot Inn is a secret gem on the other side of the tracks in downtown Austin. Maybe the best place for local brews and an intimate evening of live music. Saw Son Volt there this Saturday. Truly magical. Thanks Jeremy and Co. for creating a memorable night. Dont consider. Just go!
mike a. , 8 years ago
I can’t believe I’ve been in Austin so long, but haven’t visited the Historic Scoot Inn until recently. This is a terrific venue. I love the clean, well swept and spacious outdoor patio and stage area under the trees and beneath the overhead shade panels. I came to hear a talk, but will definitely return for some music.
Carolyn A. , 8 years ago
So I really like this bar. During my visit on a weekday happy hour, the music was chill. Which was exactly what I needed after a hard days work. The atmosphere is relaxed, adult, and authentic.
Michelle V. , 8 years ago
This is a cool bar. When you walk inside it has the Austin / hipster vibe. They have a piano that you can just walk up and play if you are feeling musically inclined. When you walk outside, the area is very open. There is ample seating arrangements so you have a great selection of space to relax and have a good conversation with someone. They play great old school country music and it’s all around a great social vibe.
Grayson H. , 9 years ago
Scoot Inn boasts that it’s a live music venue, but my favorite times to go are low-key weekday nights. On nights like these, they have tons of outdoor seating where you can hang with friends or play larger-than-life Jenga. Beer gets a bit cheaper, too. It’s the perfect spot for groups!

Inside is small and dark and really is only good to see a show. It’s standing room only, but the acoustics are great and the bar is close by.

Since they are a live music venue, they do shows well. They are frequently booking Austin musicians of all genres. On Friday you could see a country/folk band then Metal on Saturday. Their eclectic shows are as eclectic as the city they’re in.
Luci H. , 9 years ago
Was down in Austin for my friends bachelor party and we went and saw Chris Robinson Brotherhood at “Historic Scoot Inn”. I consider my self a l live music junkie and take note of cool venues. Let me begin by saying this has to be one of the coolest venues I have ever been to, it almost seemed like we were in someone’s backyard. Very small and interment, not to mention the bathroom situation was solid, plenty of porta potties. Top notch venue in my mind.
William B. , 9 years ago
I recently saw a show here and am now kicking myself for not seeing a band here sooner! I recall coming here several years ago but stayed indoors for a round while bar hoping on the east side. Scoot Inn is a rather nice outdoor venue with an elevated patio (prime seating/viewing) and outdoor bar.

We purchased tickets to see Nathaniel Rateliff at Stubb’s and the show was moved to the Scoot Inn. The show sold it within a few days and was a cheap $15 a ticket show. I am excited to have seen him at this relatively smaller venue before he really blows up. Although the show was sold out they lines were short and we rapidly entered the venue. Everyone working here was friendly. Scoot Inn serves lots of local brews like Austin Beer Works, is a full bar but the wine selection is dismal.

The building that is now the “Historic” Scoot Inn opened their doors in 1871 was once a grocery store and later a restaurant. It has been various saloons/bars on and off since 1919, is rumored to be the oldest bar in Austin and reportedly has the 4th oldest liquor license in the city.

Tip: if you are heading down here on a Friday or Saturday night their is a metro rail stop within blocks.
Amy D. , 10 years ago
Love it! I have been going here too many years to count. It use to be this little bar with food truck and kegs in the back. They have since rebuilt and the layout is great. Always enough room for a great show. The sound has been amazing on point. I don’t know if the bands or venue supply the sound crew, but each show has been amazing.

The bar service is super awesome and chill. Drinks are always poured perfect and everyone seems to be having a good time.

The burger truck outside is the perfect touch.

My only suggestion would be some high powered fans hanging high and some misters. It’s hot in the crowd when you’re jammin’.
Danielle C. , 10 years ago
One of my favorite Austin dive-bars. Great live bands and acoustics. Whenever I see a band that I think is going to draw a huge unmanageable crowd, I still manage to get right up to the stage and there are short lines to get drinks. There’s skee-ball inside, too! They are dog-friendly and even have rescue fundraisers.
Jennifer L. , 10 years ago
Scoot Inn is 5 stars on atmosphere and the quality and cheapness of shows that come through, that’s for sure. Also their drinks are good and reasonably priced, bartenders are friendly, and there’s lots of legroom and space to stroll around.

Definitely lose a star for the small ramshackle bathroom inside and only porta-potties outside. A bit too grungy and gross for a place that’s well established.

Besides that it’s great, and you should definitely see some shows here and take people from out of town to catch the Austin vibe that people want to bottle up and take home.
Joseph R. , 10 years ago
Love this place– it is weird and wonderful! Friendly bartenders, great music, frequent events, skeeball, cornhole, what more do you need?
Allison S. , 10 years ago
I have been meaning to write this review for a WHILE and thanks to SXSW I was reminded to do so. This is by far my favorite venue. The older I get, the less patience I have for music venues not having everything I need. I don’t ask for much, a bar that’s easily accessible at all times, a clean bathroom, standing AND sitting areas. This place really has everything one could want in a venue, or bar for that matter.

They have:

– An outside bar that is VERY accessible from all sides
– Porter potties when there’s an event going on(no they are no ones favorite but when you’re drinking and have to tinkle, accommodations are met)
– Covered areas outside for when it is hot as hell and you need a sun break, or if its raining
– Lots of seating inside and outside
– Tons of room to dance (or stand if that’s your preference.)
– The inside bathroom is what it is, its there and that’s enough for me. Keep in mind this is a grungy bar but hey, it’s not GROSS… so in my opinion the bathroom is a win.

The vibe of the place is super casual and I always feel right at home which is rare for me at venues. Usually you cram your way in, stake your spot and don’t move for the next three hours. The scoot inn is more the type of place you’re like ‘Wow have we really been here all day? What time is it?’ So thank you scoot inn for your awesomeness.
Liz H. , 10 years ago
I came here for a private work party. The place is spacious and has plenty of space to spread out and hangout with your coworkers. Most of the venue is outdoor space. Then there is a small indoor space where we had karaoke sent up. Out side there was a large stage that was set up with a DJ who was actually my friend, DJ Konsept! He was spinning the jams all evening and we definitely had an awesome dance party! This is a great space for events!
Genefe D. , 10 years ago

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The Historic Scoot Inn

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The Historic Scoot Inn

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