Bar: Donn’s Depot
Location: 1600 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78703
Score: 9.3/10
When I visited Austin earlier this year, there were a few bars on my list that I deemed as “non-negotiables”. Meaning, that I would visit these bars at all costs, no matter my schedule. The lore of Donn’s Depot, piqued my interest as many people recommended this bar to me. Right when I walked into Donn’s, I just got it. I understood all the suggestions to visit this gem of a bar. Whether it was the carpet that caught my eye, or the smell of fresh popcorn, I immediately knew I was in the right place.
Donn’s Depot was established in 1978, while it is almost 50 years old, they have still maintained the feel of the original bar. Originally an old train depot, Donn’s Depot had the vision of becoming a central spot as a piano/honky tonk bar. Still today, this is the theme with a plentiful schedule of live music, Donn’s is a great location for dancing and seeing the Austin music scene.
When I visited this bar it was during an obscure time of the day, I happened to be the only one in the bar, so I was able to explore and see the place. Let’s just go over a few things that stick out about Donn’s…. The first thing is the carpet, if this carpet could talk, it would have some stories. This is the first bar I’ve encountered that still has carpet and I loved it. The next thing that stood out was the space, the spacing of Donn’s Depot was incredible. The place just kept going and going and going. The chairs at Donn’s were awesome as they had nice backings, making for a comfortable experience. Finally, one of my favorite features was a free popcorn machine. After coming across this, I am a firm believer every bar should have free popcorn. Bars just do not have bar snacks anymore, which is a shame. Also by the popcorn machine, they have a vintage cigarette machine and Touch Tunes, in case they do not have live music that day.
Finally, Donn’s does a damn good job of dressing up the bar for Christmas. We will include some photos in our video, but wow this transformation is sweet. Unfortunately, I missed this transformation by a week or so, but I will be back one day to see this Christmas transformation in person.
Décor: What is not to like? With the old carpet and fantastic chairs, Donn’s shows its age in the best possible way.
Service: Great service, the bartender was able to tell me about the bar since I went during an off-hour time.
Atmosphere: Once again, I probably should have gone later in the day, but from what I have heard this place is packed when there is live music and at night time.
Price: One of the cheaper places I encountered in Austin.
Cleanliness: Do not let the carpet fool you, this place is spotless.
Bonus Points: Free popcorn. The first bar we have awarded points to in the snacks category.