Bar: Buddy’s Place
Location: 8619 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757
Score: 8.6/10
In a city full of gentrification rarely do you find places that have stayed true to their roots. Buddy’s is one of these few places.
From the outside of the bar, you may have a feeling of uncertainty as the building doesn’t give off the inside character of the bar. Right when you walk in you teleport to an older dive/honky tonk bar. One of the first bars we have encountered with both of these traits. My visit to Buddy’s was a great one. While it was hot as Hell outside in the Texas heat, the dark, dim lighting ambiance of Buddy’s was refreshing. If you cracked open a dictionary and looked up a dive bar, there should be a picture of Buddy’s Place.
While this bar is one of Austin’s original honky tonk bars, it is also one of the oldest beer and wine bars in the state and is open 365 days of the year That’s right, beer and wine only. Personally, if you ask me that’s all you need at a good bar. Plain and simple. At Buddy’s I spent most of my time talking to the owner, she was great and told me some of the history of Buddy’s and how she took over after the original owner’s passing. Much like a lot of service establishments, times are tough but I am hoping Buddy’s prevails through this.
Another thing about Buddy’s that sticks out is its acceptance of dogs. I will admit, it doesn’t look like your typical dog-friendly establishment, but it is and I saw a few during my visit.
The decor of Buddy’s was very unique. Every inch of the wall had some sort of signage. The Miller Lite Texas state Tin sign was my favorite, I would love to have that one in my collection. I also enjoyed the Miller Lite scenic sign behind the bar, another which I strive to own one day.
Along with great decor, Buddy’s has all the bar games you want to see at a bar. A pool table and dart board are accompanied by a jukebox.
My only regret about visiting Buddy’s was I was unable to stay longer. Bars like Buddy’s are a dying breed and people need to continue to support them. If you love a great dive and music, this may be the place for you. As the outside of Buddy’s says, “The Home of Happiness”. After my visit, I believe this to be true.
Decor: Unique decor. Good mix of signage, photos, and neons. Some ones I would love to own.
Price: Buddy’s has about every domestic one could want, I was drinking the local Lone Star and was paying about $3-4 for a bottle.
Service: A+ service
Atmosphere: While not many people were there during the day, I was told it gets busy during music nights.
Cleanliness: Old bar, but clean from what I saw.
Bonus points: Cash only