Bar Louie: Eat, Drink, and Be Happy in Downtown Austin

There’s something you should know.  And that is, Bar Louie in downtown Austin is a bar / restaurant chain.

There’s something else you should know.  And that is, it’s okay that it’s a bar / restaurant chain.

Now, before you stop reading – hear me out.  I think it’s a good sign that select franchises and corporate companies are moving into downtown Austin.  I think that means that their conservative real estate departments think that downtown Austin is a safe investment – and if they think it’s a safe investment, chances are, it is.

Now, I do NOT want our city to be overrun with TGI Fridays (Google “IFH Mondays” if you want something a little less safe for work….) and Wendy’s and the like – but a “Bar Louie” every now and again doesn’t seem so bad – especially when the vibe at the place is so good.

The Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association had their 8th Annual Downtown Living Tour VIP After Party at the bar / restaurant concept, located at 123 W 6th, and I must say – it was a great event.  The staff treated us exceptionally well, and the food – while no Ruth’s Chris – was fun, easy, and satisfying.  And they kept the beer flowing – which is the most important part!

The place is set up for live music (we had the Paper Moon Shiners play at our event – they were soooo great!), and it’s great for large groups or after-work happy hours. There are lots of TVs, and lots of bar stool seating.

However, my very favorite part of the place is this:

They have this really, really great front area where they can remove the windows, and it’s the perfect shaded patio seating.  I love it!  Great place to chill and drink a cold one.

Overall – I think the place is just what central downtown Austin needs.  It’s a conventional, every-day sort of place that’s going to be fine for a wide-variety of people.  Great for business lunches, after-work happy hours, and the occasional wild-night. 🙂

Some things you should know:

1. No free or validated parking for the establishment.  Street or paid garage only. If you are already downtown, I would recommend walking to it.
2. They do aggressive specials.  The one I hear most about is the Dollar Burger Night on Tuesdays. I haven’t been yet – but I hear people talking about it all the time it seems like. Came across this great (and older – from 2009 AND about the Evanston location, not the Austin location – FYI, so not sure what may be different about Bar Louie Austin’s Dollar Burger Night)  article when I Googled it – “How to Order at Bar Louie’s Dollar Burger Night” – for those that truly want to make the most of the deal.
3. Ask for David Pacunas and tell him DANA and Downtown Austin Blog says hello.  He’s a nice guy and the GM of the place.