Austin is well-known for its vibrant live music scene, and the best spots for funk and soul music are no exception. From iconic venues to hidden gems, here are the top spots for experiencing the best of Austin’s funk and soul music scene.
- The White Horse
- The Velveeta Room
- The Continental Club
- The Saxon Pub
- Empire Control Room and Garage
- Lamberts Downtown Barbecue
- The North Door
- Antone’s Record Shop
1. The White Horse
The White Horse is a must-see for anyone looking to explore the funk and soul music scene in Austin. Located on the Eastside, this bar and music venue has a reputation as one of the top spots in the city for the best funk and soul music. With its excellent sound system, it’s no surprise that The White Horse attracts some of Austin’s best artists and music lovers alike.
The White Horse has a unique and fun atmosphere, perfect for those looking for a lively night out. On any given night, you can find a wide variety of artists from all different genres, ranging from classic funk and soul to funk-inspired hip-hop and rap. On weekends, the bar also hosts live music events featuring some of Austin’s most talented funk and soul musicians. The venue also has a full bar, serving up craft cocktails, beer, and a variety of local spirits.
The White Horse is one of the few venues in Austin that is dedicated to funk and soul music, and it is sure to provide any music lover with a memorable night. Whether you’re looking to groove to some classic funk and soul tunes or find something new and unique to enjoy, The White Horse is an excellent spot to explore Austin’s funk and soul music scene.
2. The Velveeta Room
The Velveeta Room is a great hidden gem for discovering up-and-coming funk and soul acts in Austin. This dive bar has been a favorite amongst music fans for its intimate atmosphere and lively performances. With its low-key vibe and no-frills decor, The Velveeta Room is an unpretentious spot that focuses on the music.
The venue has a great sound system and hosts a variety of local and national acts. Recent performers include soul legend Bettye LaVette, funk-soul band The Soul Magnets, and singer-songwriter Zeale. The Velveeta Room also offers open mic nights and is a great place to discover Austin’s freshest talent.
The bar selection is diverse and reasonably priced, and the staff is friendly and attentive. With its unique atmosphere and eclectic mix of live music, The Velveeta Room is one of Austin’s best spots for funk and soul. Whether you’re looking for a classic experience or discovering up-and-coming talent, The Velveeta Room is the place to be.
3. The Continental Club
The Continental Club is a legendary venue in Austin, Texas. It has stood on South Congress Street since 1955, hosting an array of live music genres over the years. Its classic neon sign serves as a beacon for music fans and artists alike, and the venue continues to be a place of creative expression and exploration for locals and visitors alike.
For funk and soul fans, The Continental Club is an Austin must-visit. The venue has seen the likes of James Brown, Otis Redding, and Ike and Tina Turner grace the stage, and you can still catch great music from local and touring acts in the same spirit. Every Friday, the club hosts its legendary Soul Revue, featuring local funk and soul artists and DJs.
The Continental Club is a great place to experience the best of Austin’s funk and soul scene. The charming venue, with its signature neon sign, offers an atmosphere of nostalgia and good vibes. With its long-held history of great music, you can be sure that any night here will be a memorable one. Whether you want to experience some of the city’s legendary artists or discover new talent, The Continental Club is an unforgettable place to enjoy funk and soul music in Austin.
4. The Saxon Pub
The Saxon Pub is an iconic live music venue located in the heart of Austin, Texas. It has been around for decades, and is a favorite of locals and travelers alike. From the outside, it looks like a typical Texas dive bar, but inside it is full of life and energy. The Saxon Pub is well-known for hosting live funk and soul music acts, and it’s a great place to catch some of the best local and touring acts in the genre.
The venue is a great spot for dancing and listening to some of the most iconic funk and soul acts in Austin. It’s a great place to come and enjoy the music with friends or family, and the atmosphere is always welcoming and inviting. The Saxon Pub also has an extensive selection of craft beers and cocktails, so you can enjoy a cold beverage while you take in the tunes.
The Saxon Pub is a great spot for experiencing Austin’s vibrant funk and soul music scene. Whether you’re a local looking for a great spot to jam out, or a tourist wanting to check out Austin’s live music scene, the Saxon Pub is the perfect spot for experiencing the best of funk and soul in Austin.
5. Empire Control Room and Garage
Situated in the heart of Austin’s Red River Cultural District, Empire Control Room and Garage is a must-visit spot for lovers of funk and soul music. This multi-purpose venue is both an art gallery and a live music venue, and it’s the perfect spot to catch some of the best funk and soul acts in Austin.
The venue is home to an impressive sound system and lighting rig, making for an unforgettable experience. The industrial-chic space has an expansive outdoor patio, perfect for mingling and enjoying the balmy Austin nights. On the inside, there is a large bar and dance floor, making it an ideal spot for dancing the night away.
Plus, Empire Control Room and Garage also hosts a variety of other genres of music, including indie rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. The venue often features a variety of special events, such as movie screenings and art installations, so there’s always something new and exciting happening.
Empire Control Room and Garage is a great place to experience the best of Austin’s funk and soul scene. From its vibrant atmosphere to its cutting-edge entertainment, this venue offers an unforgettable live music experience. So be sure to check out what this funky and soulful venue has to offer.
6. Lamberts Downtown Barbecue
Lamberts Downtown Barbecue is a beloved Austin staple for its amazing food and live music. Located right in the heart of downtown, Lamberts is the perfect spot for experiencing the best of Austin’s funk and soul music scene. With a cozy and inviting atmosphere, it’s easy to sit back and relax while enjoying some amazing tunes.
The music at Lamberts is always top-notch – they feature both local and touring acts, and are known for their unique and eclectic lineup of funk and soul music. The venue is also a great spot for dancing, and the staff always go the extra mile to make sure everyone has a great time.
Aside from the music, Lamberts also offers some of the best BBQ in town. From classic brisket to homemade sides, it’s easy to see why this spot is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The friendly staff make sure to provide all guests with a warm welcome, and the atmosphere is always lively and energetic.
If you’re looking for an amazing night out and crave some good ol’ Texas BBQ, Lamberts Downtown Barbecue is the place to go. The combination of delicious food and amazing live music make this spot a must-visit for any fans of funk and soul music.
7. The North Door
- Discover new music at this East Austin venue with excellent sound system. The North Door in East Austin is the perfect spot for discovering new funk and soul talent. The venue has a great sound system, and the intimate atmosphere makes it ideal for experiencing the best of Austin’s funk and soul music scene. The venue often hosts events dedicated to funk and soul music, and the wide variety of acts they bring in make it a great destination for exploring new music. The North Door also has a lively bar and restaurant, making it a great spot to hang out and enjoy a night of music.
- Experience the best of Austin’s funk and soul music scene at this iconic venue. The North Door is the perfect spot for music lovers looking to experience the best of Austin’s funk and soul music scene. The venue often hosts events dedicated to funk and soul music, and the lineup of performers never disappoints. They also host a variety of DJs and dance nights, allowing people to experience the music in a new and exciting way. The venue has become a staple of Austin’s vibrant live music scene and continues to bring in some of the best funk and soul artists in the area.
- Relax and enjoy music under the stars at this East Austin venue. The North Door is the perfect spot for enjoying a night out with friends while listening to some of Austin’s best funk and soul music. The venue’s restaurant and bar provide a great atmosphere for relaxing and socializing while enjoying the music. The venue also has a large outdoor area, making it the perfect spot for spending a summer night under the stars. With its excellent sound system and lively atmosphere, The North Door is the ideal spot for experiencing the best of Austin’s funk and soul music scene.
8. Antone’s Record Shop
- Iconic Austin venue since 1975 Antone’s Record Shop is one of the most iconic spots in Austin for experiencing live funk and soul music. Since 1975, this record shop and music venue has hosted live shows with some of the biggest names in funk and soul music. It has a long and celebrated history among the Austin music scene, and continues to host amazing live performances today. It has a cozy atmosphere and a great selection of records and music memorabilia, making it a great spot to hang out and listen to some incredible funk and soul music.
- Classic honky tonk with funk and soul If you’re looking for a classic honky tonk experience with a side of funk and soul music, The White Horse is the place to be. This iconic live music venue has been hosting shows since 2011 and has become a staple of the Austin music scene. It features a classic honky tonk atmosphere with a lively and vibrant crowd, and they host some of the best local and national funk and soul acts, making it a great spot for experiencing the best of Austin’s music scene.
- Legendary Austin music venue The Continental Club is one of the most legendary spots in Austin for experiencing live funk and soul music. This legendary music venue has been around since 1957 and has featured some of the biggest names in the music industry. It’s a cozy and intimate spot with a classic Austin atmosphere and a great selection of local and national acts. The Continental Club is a great spot for getting lost in the music and experiencing the best of Austin’s funk and soul music scene.
- Unique funk and soul experience The Sahara Lounge is a unique spot for experiencing live funk and soul music in Austin. This hidden gem is tucked away in East Austin and is one of the city’s best kept secrets. It has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, and they feature some of the best local and national funk and soul acts. The Sahara Lounge is a great spot for getting lost in the music and experiencing something truly unique and creative in the Austin music scene.
- Biggest names in funk and soul Empire Control Room & Garage is the spot for experiencing some of the biggest names in funk and soul music in Austin. This live music venue has been hosting shows since 2013 and has become one of the most popular spots in the city. They feature some of the biggest names in the music industry, as well as some of the best local and national funk and soul acts. Empire Control Room & Garage is a great spot for getting lost in the music and experiencing the best of Austin’s funk and soul music scene.
