The Skylark Lounge

2039 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78722, USA

Address:	2039 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78722, USA
Phone:	+1 512-730-0759
Site:	skylarkaustin.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	5PM–12AM 5PM–12AM 5PM–12AM 5PM–12AM 5PM–12AM 5PM–1AM 5PM–12AM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

Leila Rahil

Came here to see a friend of a friends band play. I had always passed this place when visiting a friend who lived off Airport and Manor and always wondered what it was. Well...now I know. So, parking here can be kinda tricky and thankfully, though the lot was full, there was a guy directing traffic for parking and able to guide the large truck we were in to a suitable makeshift spot. There was a cover at the door and the place was absolutely packed. The seating layout here is a bit weird and not conducive to walking through at all, so we kinda had to elbow and push our way towards the stage. Lucking another friend was there and secured a corner booth w/some wooden chairs. The chairs were extremely uncomfortable, btw. This place is pretty old and run-down looking and very much had a neighborhood dive bar feel. The crowd was a pretty eclectic mix of older folks, young folks, hipsters, cowboy types, and barflys. The band was great, but the acoustics are not here, so it was very loud and raw, especially right by the stage. People also tried making a dancefloor and were doing two-step, swing moves which was fine until my friend got elbowed in the face by one of the dancers sitting by the booth. I ventured out to the patio which is an open, weird, and quirky space with all sorts of brick-a-brack and definitely had a much different crowd than the one inside. It was also where the smokers were hanging out, so I went back inside. I decided not to have a drink here for three reasons: the drinks were way over-priced for a dive bar, the bartender was rude when I asked about their drink offerings, and I have been told by several other people (including the friend I went to see the show with) that they grossly water down their drinks. That being said, I am glad I came to support my friends friends band as they were fantastic, and got to check this place out. I can see why this might be the kind of place certain types enjoy and frequent, but it was not my kind of dive bar or scene. Even if the band were playing again, I do not think Id come back here as this place seems to have their regulars and I felt instantly like an outsider not being one of them.

Dwight Sanders

Dont be discouraged by the outward appearance of what looks like an old yellow shed ( There is more to the structure that appears when you turn into the parking lot.) This place has been around for many years but thats one of the things that makes it unique. Its a intimate setting where you can enjoy some wonderful and very talented blues musicians and singers! We loved seeing Blues Boy Hubbard and The East Side Kings with TT Brown and also Miss Lavelle White! These featured artists are in their eighties and have been entertaining audiences for many decades. It was a real treat to have been able to experience seeing them live! Besides the great music, the owners Johnny and Mary Ellen are very special people that will treat you like you are part of their family or old friends! They are very warm and hospitable and will make you feel right at home. All of the staff are very nice and are very accommodating as well. The drinks are very reasonable and the pizza is very good made with high quality ingredients. I have worked in the hotel food and beverage industry for many years and I was very impressed with the owners attention to detail and dedication! Dont miss going to this special place!

Gene Pittman

Ive been in the Austin area for over 6 years, and I love the Skylark!!! As a life long Bluesman who moved to Austin in search of a better place to live, and play, I can that the Skylark Lounge is the best real Blues club ,not only in Austin, but its one of the best in America!! As a performer/harmonica/singer, and and an international traveler, Ive never been to to such an honest Blues club!! I love to play with Johnny Latouf and his family staff!! I have always felt comfortable around Johnny because unlike most other owners, hes not there to search for something wrong, like most club owners seem to do! Actually most owners dont patronize the clubs they own, unless something is wrong! Its a family at the Skylark, and thats why its so popular!!! I tell my fans in other countries about the Skylark and when they visit our country, they do come to the Skylark!!! Now thats what I call international Charisma!! Long live the Skylark Lounge!!! Birdlegg, the Hardest Working Man in the Blues!!!!!!!!

CC Pulitzer

We were in town visiting and dropped in with our son Spencer Lemann who at the time was 16. We asked if it would be possible for him to join the incredible band onstage for a tune or so and they very graciously invited him on stage to play his guitar, sing, and jam with the band! He and we had a wonderful time! The musicians up on stage were incredible, truly, so kind and generous!!! We sat back eating and drinking and Skylar was almost totally full, so it was particularly kind of them to take this risk. The owner could not have been nicer and even posed at the end with my son for a photograph, gave him a signed poster from Skylark that now hangs proudly on his wall, and wrote on it that he could come play The Skylark whatever he comes back to visit Austin. It was a wonderful evening, one we will never forget!

John Segala

We had a fantastic time at the Skylark Lounge last night and ended up staying for over 6 hours. Owner Johnny just started a tradition of giving free drinks to the first patrons in for the night and that was us, so we were off to a good start. He was very friendly and told us about the history of the bar. We immediately felt at home. By 7 PM the place was getting busy and the band was setting up. We ordered a pizza which was delicious. The first act was an old school blues band that we really enjoyed. At 10 PM the band for Miss Lavelle White started playing - they were outstanding. The dance floor was busy and everyone was enjoying themselves. We stayed until the 2nd band finished their last song. You should definitely go here if you enjoy blues music in a casual atmosphere.

Harmonica Bruce

I went Aug 5, 2016. Was told there is $5 cover which I paid. Sat at the bar, ordered a beer. My bartender was blond. While Im watching the performer, my bar tender is yakking away with the guy sitting next to me. I ignored her for 10 minutes, then politely asked if she could have her conversation somewhere else since I gad paid $5 to listen to music. She pilitely told me that she HAD to talk to her friend, and that I could move. She had NO interest in the music or her job. She was rude to me, but especially to the performers. The guy she was talking had NO interest in the music, just in getting in her pants. I made it a point to not spend any more money there. I give 2 stars for the musicians. This bartender is worse than useless.

Paul Meador

From the time you walk into Skylark Lounge, you feel that wonderful, intimate vibe reach out and make you feel at home. I have never had anything but a great time when I go here...never. This is a spot for Blues and you should be prepared for it to come out into the crowd and grab you and include you in it - because it will happen! Also, a great outdoor area out back (with walls made of everything you can think of) where you can chill, kick back and enjoy your drink of choice. One of my favorite places to go to in ATX.