The venue spotlight shines on Rustic Tap Beer Garden in Austin, Texas! Located downtown off west sixth street, an extension of Austin’s oldest family-owned restaurant, the Hoffbrau Steakhouse, Rustic Tap opened its doors in 2016 and is “where new meets old” featuring great local beers and fun cocktails, delicious food, and giant games like Texas-size beer pong. But, what they are most proud of is the live music they provide 5 nights a week…now that’s something to hang your hat on!
Rustic Tap has stretched the live music scene to Austin’s west sixth street…something that’s very grassroots and genuine- these are folks who are truly excited to hear who’s on stage and watch acts hustle and grow. Amazing acts including Shakey Graves, Paul Cateran, Colter Wall, Dale Watson, Max Stalling, Mike and the Moonpies have all graced Rustic Tap’s stage. The venue has also loved watching the success of newer bands such as Copper Chief, Shea Abs
hire and the Nighthowlers, and Giovannie and the Hired Guns to name a few. In addition to a variety of shows, every Wednesday, you can catch a songwriter showcase hosted by Julie Nolen who doubles as Rustic Tap’s booking agent. In a city with such a diverse music scene, we appreciate the fact that Rustic Tap is keeping Austin country.
In harmony with the awesome music, the friendly staff and “everyone’s family” atmosphere is also what makes this place special. Rustic Tap invests wholeheartedly in the talent it showcases and is committed to exceptional hospitality, especially with its artists. “When you come in here, you feel like family, we will greet you with a hug and a shot, because we all know the hustle these guys put in,” expressed manager Brett Berry. Berry attributes this to former soundman for Rustic Tap and the Lawless Band, the late Chance Avery. Avery was committed to making sure bands on the road felt at home and wanted to create a “backyard” environment. “We’re just doing our best to keep up with his level of hospitality,” said Berry.
“The Rustic Tap is what you wish for when you go to Austin, TX. It’s what a bar is supposed to be, it’s what a venue is supposed to be, and it’s what a family is supposed to be. Welcome home!”
– Rio Tripiano, Copper Chief
“I’ve met some amazing people getting to play shows all over Texas, outside the state and even overseas — But nowhere else has made me feel more at home than at the Rustic Tap. From day one their staff has treated me like they were glad to have me, and now I’m proud to call them my friends…” – Buck Fuffalo
At Rustic Tap, you’ll leave with more friends than you walked in the door with. It truly is Austin’s best 
backyard -perfect for grabbing a drink with friends and sitting around a fire or dancing and jamming in the stage pit to the live music. The acts just keep getting better and better with recent summer performances including Read Southall, John Baumann, and Mike & the Moonpies as well as upcoming performances such as Dalton Domino, Ryan Wilcox, Cody Sparks, and Bri Bagwell. During SXSW, Rustic Tap was our *PICK* to enjoy showcases of up and coming bands. Berry shared with us that SXSW 2019 planning is already in the works so y’all stay tuned. Until then, whether you live in Austin or are just planning a visit to the live music capital…get yourself down to Rustic Tap for a good time! When you arrive, ask the awesome bartending staff to recommend a pour of local beer, grab a bite from the tasty menu (we recommend the shrimp tacos), and stay for the live music. Like us, you’re only going to only wish you had started frequenting this place sooner. Check out Rustic Tap’s full calendar of events here!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RusticTap
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rustic_tap
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therustictap/
Editorial contributor for Texas Music Pickers and a whole-hearted collector of Texas/Red Dirt tunes and the stories behind them. You can also find me on the dance floor.
