The BF and I tried out Moontower the other night following a friend's wedding in Manchaca. It also happens to be right around the corner and is frequented by some coworkers, so we'd been discussing going for a few months. How nice to have a place in the neighborhood to take the pups! Unfortunately, we weren't very impressed.
First of all, I felt like I was on 6th Street due to some of the clientele. We were hoping/expecting a relaxed, South Austin experience, but instead it was somewhat of a chaotic spectacle.
Then we had to wait a good long while (tenish minutes?) in line for drinks, and it just so happened that both of the bartenders that served us were new, and thus had no knowledge of any prices or availability. When we received our tab, we were both overcharged from what we were told was the price. I also heard the girl next to me order 2 shots and was asked if both parties were present before she could get them. Seriously? Wonder if they do the same thing all the time, or if that girl had perhaps been ordering a lot of shots?
They charge an additional 25 cents over the liquor price to add soda or juice. (Shot of whiskey = $3.75, whiskey+coke = $4) They also charge a dollar if you'd like your drink in a larger glass - not a double, just in a tall glass. Okay, these are not huge up charges, but I don't know of any other bar that does this, especially in South Austin.
We did talk to a manager who offered to take the additional charges off, which was nice. We explained that it wasn't really about the money, but the perception that his bartenders gave and that it showed us they had a lack of concern for correctly training their staff.
Overall, just not very satisfied with the experience at all. We will probably be back to give it one more chance, only because of the manager (I wish I could remember his name!), and I will update then.
I really like this place! Really cool outdoor seating including Adirondack chairs, and it's great that there are three different food trucks to choose from. Came here on a Sunday and a great band was playing, to add to the fun and laidback atmosphere. Drinks are reasonable too. I got a margarita and two beers for $10. Not bad! The waitstaff came around frequently to check on us, so I never felt like I was waiting for drinks. Definitely do NOT need to go inside to the bar to get drinks, they have cocktail waitresses. And the margarita, even frozen, was good. They have white sangria, too, which I think is pretty cool. Definitely a unique place, super comfortable. Fun times!
Review Source:I wish I could say we stumbled upon Moontower Saloon, but honestly it's not a place you can stumble upon. You have to be looking for it, but it turns into one of those "you can't miss it" places, because it's a bar with a ton of lights that you see after driving a couple of minutes in what feels like the middle of nowhere.
I had been hearing a lot about Moontower, both good and bad, but hadn't really wanted to try it until last night, since we were already super south. Not to be lame ,but this is the kind of place that you can't really just drop in on. You have to be prepared to wait. There was a line of cars to get in, and once we were finally to the end of the line, a guy sticks his sweaty head in my window and asks for our IDs. We handed them to him. It always takes forever for anyone to look at my ID, because it says in red letters: UNDER 21 UNTIL (such and such date). So while he's doing that, I'm looking over the shit ton of rules posted. No drinks in or out. Duh. No one under 21. Motorcyclists welcome, but no colors or patches. When he's done psychoanalyzing my license, we have to find a place to park. We were the last car to get a spot in the secondary lot, but if you can't find a spot there, you have to park in an additional lot for $5.
To quote Clueless, it was a Monet. Pretty from a distance, but up close, it's a big old mess. The lights drew me in, but when you get in the mix of things, it's a bit chaotic. I read one review that said this place was like a backyard barbecue, which is the kind of stuff I'm drawn to, being that my favorite place in the world to drink is my best friend's cabin out in the middle of nowhere on the Guadalupe, complete with a fire pit and also, string lights. However, here, it feels like a maze, and it's not obvious where or if there are any open seats outside. We decided to go inside, where I ordered a double whiskey sour and my guy got a hefeweizen .Our total was $10.50. Not to be cheap, but we could have gotten that at Bender or Casino for about $7.00. I know, because double whiskey sours are my thing. There were several TVs showing the NBA draft, but no one seemed to be interested in that. I felt wayyy too overdressed as well, even though I was wearing Chucks with my polka dot dress.
We decided to leave after one drink. Nothing is really wrong with the place, but it wasn't what I was expecting it to be. I suppose we'll try it out again, but it's hard to convince myself to do that when I'm more drawn to dive bars, and incidentally, there are dive bars close to my house with cheap drinks and more order to the place.
Moontower
                              Has cold beer
                         The bands are awesome
                    Handcrafted benches out of logs....yes
                         Hanging lights all around
                              Firepits are great
                                    Go
I felt the need to write a haiku to fully express my love for this place. If you hate an environment that promotes hanging out and a good time than please don't go to the Moontower! This South Austin gem will not disappoint. If your complaint is about one of the food trucks, then your Yelping on the wrong business, go to that food trucks yelp page and let em have it! As for the Moontower, sit back, prop your legs up on something and enjoy a good cold drink of your choice!
This is a great south Austin patio bar. Â I have been to the Moontower twice and enjoyed the trip each time. Â I am a big fan of Lustre Pearl on Rainey Street and this seems like a great alternative -- especially since it is almost in the neighborhood. Â There are a couple of food trucks, live music with no cover, and lots of outdoor seating and games. Â The place is also dog friendly, extremely casual (shorts and flip-flops welcome), and offers a great place to hang out with friends. Â This is definitely a new summer hangout for me.
Review Source:I live close to Moontower and was eager to try it. They were, friendly folks milling around, it was a nice, outdoor, backyard type of thing going on, staff and whole thing appealing and nice to sit watch.(For those of you that know the Austin area, the place is a cross between Freddie's Place and Hills Cafe). Though as I began find out you had to order drinks from the bar and food from trailers. Not really appealing, but decided to hang out for a while since having a meeting anyway. Was not impressed by the service or the look of the food. Though I will say that maybe it was just a off night, have to give another try and see how it turns out.
Review Source:So went by this place last night after a wedding with some friends...the place was packed and parking was a nightmare as usual. Once we finally made it through the remarkable parade of douchbaggery I thought was only possible on west 6th, I ordered 3 beers at the bar, paid, and retreated to a table where I waited on my friends to join. Little did I know that their delay was because they were getting harassed at the bar. Some guy had asked them to buy him a shot, which they, being nice guys all around, did. Apparently the bar had cut the guy off, unbeknownst to my friends. And now they are being physically removed from the bar by rent-a-cops. Oblivious to any of this, I enjoy the first sip of my beer and a member of the bar staff comes over to my table and tells me I have to leave. I look at him like he is insane and ask what on earth he is talking about. He tells me about the situation with my friends and I tell him I think he is acting  like a first rate jerk, but that I will be happy to finish my beer and leave. At which point he takes the beer out  of my hand, confiscates it and the other two I had purchased and tells me I have to leave now. I refuse. He goes and finds rent-a- cops who also tell me i have to leave. Although I have done nothing except pay for and attempt to drink beer. I am confused...this is a bar, right? So I tell the gathering crowd of douches that the novelty of the place has quickly worn off and I will be happy to leave if they will refund my money. He goes in search of my tab, which he says he cannot find (????...i'll be calling my credit card company to dispute that charge) and refuses to reimburse me. Only when the cops say they are taking me to JAIL, do I finally relent and just leave the ridiculous establishment. We went to giddy-ups where we were treated just fine by the nice real south AUSTIN folks. Although I am getting madder by the second. So we leave there and I am just beside myself enough to act like a small spoiled child myself (admittedly, stooping to their sad, low level in the process...not my proudest moment, i suppose) and return to said douche establishment...except only the parking lot, which is mostly empty now, and go careening through the place laying on my horn. Silly and idiotic, absolutely. But I was pissed. One of the silly little rent-a-cops jumps in front of my car as I am on the way back out, so I slam on my breaks and idiot cop flings open my door, drags me out of my car, handcuffs me and starts his silly little cop rant. I finally convince the douchey cops/bar management that I am sober and pissed and that they have no reason to detain me and they wrote me a criminal trespass warning and tell me I am not allowed to return...are these guys kidding??? They couldn't PAY me to return. Such a sad example of the ethos that is slowly taking over this town since I moved here almost 20 years ago. Even the last bastions of real south Austin seem to be selling out to douchebaggery...a sad state of affairs in my once charming, laid-back, friendly happily hippified city. Sigh. Needless to say, this place will now be on my list of "avoid at all costs" and I'll be warning all of my south Austin clients to avoid the joint on our tours through the hood. RIP south Austin...I will surely miss you.
Review Source:Bartenders have a lot to learn and food trucks expensive..as far as moontower.. They have improved but have a lot to learn. Ask them to make any unique drink and they won't know know what your talking about, lest pay any attention to you. The more different the drink or your appearance, the less they care. How un S. Austin.
Review Source:Did someone say "cheap drinks"? Â I'm SO there.... But then, disappointed that two Margaritas, one Austin amber beer and one soda water with lime was NOT cheap! Like $41 big cheap... Â The atmosphere and concept are cool, but if cigarette smoke bothers you, be aware, you cannot escape it here... I'll review the food trailer, Pretty Thai for a White Guy, separately.
Review Source:This place is awesome....South Austin has long needed something like this. Â I live directly across the street. Â Parking issues seem to be completely resolved! Â I never got why people complained about the parking to begin with! Â How can you blame a business for being so popular that they couldn't anticipate how many people would be coming when it first opened anyway? Â The owners are super sweet and the food trailers are amazing. Â Until this place opened we had nowhere in this neighborhood to go! Â Great job Moontower!!!!!
Review Source:One reviewer pegged it "The atmosphere of a backyard BBQ" and that's exactly what it felt like. People slouching around in shorts and flip flops getting "wasted" on Bud Light. That of course is fine on the 4th of July but, for a bar...not so much. I prefer having drinks on surfaces other than mulch or dirt, lets just say... a more 'urban' setting. I'm glad it's there and that people are having fun but, it's not my scene. I have a porch.
Review Source:I'm unbelievably happy to have found a super cool bar in my neck of the woods - such a wonderful reprieve from dealing with downtown shenanigans!
However, not everything is rainbows and butterflies. Yes, the weekend parking situation at Moontower generally stinks. The space gets really crowded and sometimes, it's impossible to find a table. But the bar's many good points far outweigh the bad - for instance, my favorite new food truck (Pretty Thai for a White Guy) parks here! Also, I love the big front yard and the ensuing down home 'Austin' feel. The bartenders are friendly and fast and there's plenty of beer options to satisfy both beer geek and domestic drinker alike.
I think the best way to describe hanging out at Moontower Saloon is that it's 'easy'. Come as you are, stay as long as you want... no judgement, no frills. You don't need a crystal ball to know that I'll soon be a regular.
Good times, good people... see you soon, new friends!
I live close to Moontower and was eager to try it. I work nights and have an odd schedule, so my first chance was on Monday, March 25th. I rode up with my wife and liked what I saw. I parked the bike and we went up to the bar. Fires were burning, friendly folks milling around, it was a nice, outdoor, backyard type of thing going on.
We approached the bar, ordered a beer and as the bartender was handing me the open beer she asked if I was in colors. I am indeed a member of a family oriented fraternal motorcycle club and was indeed wearing my colors. I'm proud of my club, the volunteer work we do and the money we raise for local charities.
When I answered yes, I was told she couldn't serve me. I was further informed she could hand me the beer she already had opened if I took off my colors. Her condescending and judgmental attitude was off putting. I let her pour out the beer as we made our exit.
I have since visited the Moontower website, and have read the dress code policy listed there. I am not in the habit of seeking out dress code policies of local watering holes before visiting them. I do support a businesses right to serve whom they choose. I choose not to spend my money at Moontower.
I do not support discrimination. Discrimination has taken many forms in our country, racial, gender, orientation and now I suppose clothing based. Feel free to support a business that discriminates on the basis of colors if you choose to. In the end, all we have is our choices.
Moontower definitely filled the 'cozy neighborhood bar" hole on the south side. I like the back yard vibe of this place and the food trucks are pretty fun (though I haven't been yet when all of them have been open). Â As a gal in my mid-twenties, I was definitely on the younger side of the crowd, but it's a good mix of people.
I can't say anything in the way of dress codes, but that's pretty disheartening if they really are discriminating against people with unique tattoos. If you want to embrace the south side, you have to embrace the south siders. That's all.
Thank you for the response Josh, and for clarification: My ID wasn't checked by the guy up front or at the "door", or anywhere for that matter.  I'm a very young looking 35 and get carded everywhere.  I pulled up and he signaled  me to roll down my tinted window, I complied and he just look me up and down and sent me forward to attempt to park.
Review Source:Been wanting to try this place out for a few months. Â Finally went for an afternoon of hangin out with some good friends. Â Love this place! Â Great local brews on draft and a very comfortable feel. Â They have a huge courtyard under a bunch of old oak trees. Â Outside stage for entertainment. Â Best of all, they have two semi-permanent food trucks onsite serving up some great bar-fare. Â We had some bleu cheese burgers, stuffed fried shrimp, and excellent hot wings. Â
Great hangout, we'll be hangin here in far South Austin a lot more.
This is one of those places you have to love for what it is. Trust me when I say this place is not going to be everyone's cup of tea. This place reminds me of a backyard BBQ. When you dress for this place you should keep that in mind. This place is slightly indoor and mostly outdoor. The outdoor area has many tables and chairs placed around the "yard". There are two main bar areas one indoor and one outdoor. They have a lot of seating some chair groupings are surround fire-pits. They also have patio seating and random benches thur the yard.
They have two food trucks in the back of the yard. They also have a margarita machine and another machine that makes blended hurricanes. They are totally Yum and if that is your thing make sure you try it. They also have some sort of game that reminds me of horse shoes but it play with little round metal "washers". It was interesting to watch and next time I will make sure I have someone show me how to play. Oh another thing they tend to have live music as well. It's a place to enjoy a low key casual evening. Ladies be warned this is not the place for heels.
Lastly I want to mention the parking situation. They have parking in the back, don't be fooled like I was and end up at the place next door that is charging for parking. Moontower doesn't charge for parking. They will tell you the parking @ the bar is FULL Â to make sure they get your $$$. Don't listen to them they aren't affiliated with the bar.
I am surprised by some of the other reviews on here! Â First of all, this place is still very new and they are always working on building new things . Â They've already added another parking lot and I hear they're adding even more parking soon. Â How can you review a place you havn't even been to based on your parking experience anyway?? Â I've never once had to park on the street. Â People are always coming and going, patience is all you really need.
There is NO COVER for live music every weekend and we've seen some really great bands there. Â Tuesdays are fun too with the trivia thing. It's not going to be the most amazing night of your life every night, but these guys are doing it better than anyone else around. Come on.
I've been here when there were only half a dozen people sitting around the bar and I've been here when every inch of the place is packed (bar, tables, camp fires, and food trailers). Â When it's busier, the drinks take a little longer, there are lines for the bathrooms and parking is more challenging, obviously that is no fault of the establishment.
Personally, I am happy to have a place my friends and I can hang out and enjoy ourselves without children running around or gangs of any type.
There are signs at the entrance that say no colors are allowed. If it's such a big deal, wear normal clothes. Â It's not like you have to wear a suit and tie or anything. Just no gang stuff. Â It's super casual and none of my friends, even tattooed or on motorcycles, have ever had issues with the dress code. Â
As far as the kiddos go-it's 21 and up. Â All the time. It's a bar. Â Why is that so hard to grasp for some people? I have kids and no desire to take them to a bar.
These guys are doing it right!
I have had many great nights there already with friends and look forward to many more. Â The service is fast and friendly, cocktails are great, they have a respectable beer selection. Â The outdoor area in the front is awesome, even in winter, and bonus- the food trucks are really good too!!
Cheers!
Do NOT patronize Moontower Saloon. They are only concerned with their hip, trendy image. Their "dress code" policy - which denied service to my husband and myself - is both discriminatory, and completely ridiculous. Here's what I posted on their facebook page and their response. In addition to this, they removed my post from their page -- guess they're scared that word will get out what jerks they are.
Me:
When my husband and I were there Monday night, we were told that we could not be served unless my husband left his motorcycle vest on the bike. This makes NO sense. Are we different people when we take off our leather vests? We have been productive and stable members of the South Austin Community for more than 10 years, have been married almost 22 years, have 3 children. My husband is a veteran of the U.S. Army and our son is currently serving in the United States Marine Corps --- and yet, you wouldn't serve us because my husband had on a motorcycle club vest. You are the absolute antithesis of what South Austin is all about. Not only will you never get my business, I will be sure to tell all my friends not to patronize your establishment.
Like Â
Moontower Saloon:
dress code. get over it.
And now, not long after I posted this review, they've started whining about Yelp on their Facebook page. It's too bad that they couldn't have just responded to my complaint in a professional and respectful manner. I guess that just goes to show what kind of people they really are.
I agree with Deb T, Moontower Saloon is not motorcycle friendly, so if you ride a bike don't waste your time, among RC's and Deb T's I just received yet again where a motorcyclist was told to move his bike 4 different times in the same night finding himself parked by the dumpster and he rides a Honda Goldwing not even a patch wearer, bikes are no different then cars and trucks if someone told you to move your car 4 different times would you? Not to mention bikes don't relocate near as easy as a car does we don't have reverse we use our legs.
I just don't understand some business owners, here in the city of Austin, we have one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the country ROT and yet the MoonTower doesn't want any part of it, one of the main reasons is to bring in revenue, go figure, there's a phrase called lead my example, Moontower is clearly failing in this area.
In response to Josh B. of Moontower Saloon under Deb T's posting
What you stated didn't make a lick of since but none the less it all could have been avoided if moontower had posted that all patch wearers need to remove jackets before entering, they would have just left without entering which would have saved a bunch of hassle, in your ignorance and so that you'll know in the future also respectfully speaking no biker is going to remove their jacket for anyone, just put it up on the fricking door and don't be such asses about it, instead you take their money and then force them to leave, that's just wrong!
Very cool place!
Anyone that has problems with it being too packed, no parking etc. just
needs to come on a less busy night or weekend.
The reason why both of those issues seem to happen for people could
only be because the place is pretty damn awesome and that everyone that
lives south wants to be there.
The outdoor seating was nice, a small selection of nice local beers on tap was definitely a nice surprise.
We went there on a Mon. and had two drinks during happy hour (11am-7pm).
The price was $6.50 total for a 512 IPA and a Ranger IPA.
That was for two drinks, not one.
Definitely great happy hour prices!
When I called an asked about their happy hour selections and prices
the guy that answered it was very helpful and friendly.
Look forward to checking this place out again very soon.
Moontower owner does NOT like motorcycle riders! And he lets  you known it, by parking you in front of dumpsters, asking anyone with a vest on to leave etc. (These are bike enthusiasts, not hard core biker types.) But it's his business, so he can do what he wants and he does... running you off. Prejudiced comes in many forms and you will find it here, so go to another  "friendly" place. This one is NOT one of them!
They might say this is "Their dress code", policy but is this really the truth? (How many times have they got in other peoples faces? Never? And we are not talking about Motorcycle gangsters... just weekend enthusiasts.) When ever, someone comes up to you with a bouncer and starts with in with attitude; it is best to just leave anyway.
Preconceived notions are the locks on the door to wisdom...and the cash register.
Despite the terrible parking I did enjoy my first visit to Moontower Saloon. Â
I can not support or encourage others to support a business that unfairly discriminates against those that are "bikers" or members of a motorcycle club or any organization.
Very disappointed that such business practices still exist.
Don't judge what you don't understand.
Show me that sand volleyball court by bikini weather... and I'll show you your fifth star. I'm holding it hostage.
This place is top notch. I love it. And my first visit was in plummeting (to the 50's... which is a blizzard to a Texan) temperatures, outdoors without enough heaters on... why?! There are heaters everywhere but the only ones functioning seem to have come with a gaggle of frat boys!!! Aaaaah well... look at those stars and those strings of happy lights and - oooh, food trailers... Are they playing Modest Mouse? I'm happy.
Sitting on a clear night under a sky I can actually see because it's just far enough out of the hazy glow of the downtown lights to get some of that good ole celestial twinkle, I'm thinking this could just be the perfect bar (Ahem...volleyball...ahem). If you're lucky enough (get there early enough) to grab a fire pit on a cold night, you've hit the jackpot. But we were content at the bar-height tables on the patio, under the awning, out of the drizzles, a few paces from the bar and with perfect access to the pool table, we were sittin' pretty.
It filled up fast by 10:00 but there was still tons of space in the yard. Service, meh, c'mon girls. If you don't know how to talk to the cute boys... just a tip that fart jokes aren't the way to go. I know you're kinda cute and young and silly with your hoodie all tied up over your face and your bumble bee headband... but don't kill this for me, please. Lock it up a bit, the grownups are drinking. Hooooooowever, ridic silliness behind the bar isn't a deal breaker for me by any means as long as service doesn't suffer - and service was pretty prompt, no complaints about the price and all in all we just had a hellofa time.
I just kept thinking to myself that I'd live here this coming summer... if they had a daycare in the corner. I seriously need a volleyball court in that front yard, people. Let's make this happen, consider this my official petition - 100 "Useful" votes means you have to do it. I feel this is a binding contract, no?
This place reminds me of a far south version of Draught House, with less of a beer selection, more of a full bar, and more space to roam.
Every other group seemed to bring a dog, but none of the dogs seemed to invade my non-dog-person space, so that made me happy. Most of them were pretty chill.
The indoor space is in a cute little house, with ample space for people to roam around. The outdoor space is even cooler, with a little stage for live music, several fire pits, washers, and a couple food trucks. Best of all, the outdoor space was expansive. There was a group of aging hippies playing 60s pop with bluegrass instruments. Everything about this place screamed "chill."
Parking stinks, but apparently they're looking to expand that soon, so I won't hold that against 'em.
My friend explained that this kind of chill atmosphere is what he liked about south Austin. When my frame of reference for "south Austin" has been the touristy bits in '04 and the just-as-generic-as-up-north strip malls below Ben White, perhaps I haven't had the best introduction. So, I have to admit--I think I get why he likes living way down there now.
Went back .. they had an awesome Rockabilly band .. soo many people and new food trailers. They are definitely trying to get their act together here.
The parking sucks.. we had to make a mile away on the side of Manchaca.. I witnessed at least 2 acts of police brutality while at the bar. They ( the bar staff ) were nice about letting me take my way too drunk friend out.
I felt like my mixed drinks were under poured.. especially a few of my margaritas. I'd say that's the one thing they need to focus on now because they bartenders were a bit lacking.
Overall I am happy they seem to be shaping up over there I love the location, love the bar and I hope they keep getting more and more food trailers. Pretty Thai For a White guy should be a customer draw for them.
Good luck Moontower..
Bars like this are the reason I moved to Austin, and the reason I love it here.
A huge outdoor area almost completely shaded by old live oak trees sets the scene. It's a perfect spot for warm days and cooler nights as there are 3 fire pits (2 gas, 1 wood-burning) to sit around and enjoy. The vibe is laid-back and friendly, easy to meet people and hang out for a long time...
They have Shiner on tap, a pool table, a large screen projector for sports games, and huge open space.
It's the simple things in life, people.
To quote Ricky Ricardo from "I Love Lucy"..............."You got some splaning to do"!
I was all jacked up to visit and ended up feeling like Charlie Brown flat on his back after missing the football.
OK, it's a bar and I was expecting that.
Groovy food trailers....NO. There was a food tent and it only took 30 minutes to get a hot sandwich.......I was the only one standing there.
Spacious seating....NO, It was cold outside so all of the fire pits were surrounded and camped.
Bartenders.....YES they were there but getting their attention was another thing.
Cops....I know I'm a Mexi-CAN but chit, why do I have to show my ID to get IN the place?
"Meh. Ive experienced better" Â Â Look me up when you work this shit out!
This is a great (and one of the only) super-south Austin bar. People that live south need drinks too.
I had heard the parking was a disaster, but we went in the mid-afternoon at a non-peak time so it was fine. Unfortunately, all the food trucks were closed down at that time, but the drinks were cold and cheap!
The vibe here is very relaxed with plenty of outdoor seating. This is not for the fancy. I saw some fire pits, and it was also dog friendly!
Extra points for the ladies bathroom - I laughed so hard at the pictures of hunky guys while I was washing my hands. I think it was Tim McGraw & George Clooney smiling back at me :)
Where did all of the food trucks go? We're down to the mexican place in the tent now.
Where did the glass pint glasses go? We're down to plastic cups. Plastic cups for beer, plastic cups for mixed drinks. Plastic cups mean the beer should be priced accordingly...
Where did all of the fun people go? We're down to older people and 21 year olds. People who hog chairs and commandeer tables and the three heaters outside.
Why are there cops everywhere? I get the cops on Manchaca. I think that's an excellent idea as that road is an accident waiting to happen. Why are they roaming around the bar, though? Really puts a damper on the mood of the place.
Live music all the time? I used to love your playlists. Diverse and catchy and awesome. Now we have to like the live bands or we have to move inside... and inside is crowded when it's cold.
Who are you and what did you do with the Moontower we used to know and love?
It can't be ignored, parking is terrible. And I was hoping for a better beer selection. Other than that, this spot can't be beat! Good value. Big open-to-the outside bar (pool and TVS too) with TONS of picnic tables, fire pits, etc. Also a stage for live music (absent the night we were there). Mature trees, Christmas lights...just a great outdoor Austin atmosphere. THIS PLACE IS HUGE. We had our company Christmas party here and there still were a hundred other patrons enjoying a night out.
The trailer food is a fun bonus and I loved my stuffed pork chop sammy from That One Place. (It's Oh Em Gee Good)
Compared to some other favorites this might not be 5 stars but for Way South Austin, it's where it at!
I've been back to Moontower Saloon a few times now after their pre-opening Halloween party and this place is good - almost too good.
They've got:
- solid drink prices ($4 for a pint of Rogness Beardy Guard is pretty damn good)
- an awesome front lawn with plenty of picnic tables, lawn chairs, and fire pits - whenever I take people from out of town here they all say that this is "the most Austin bar they've ever seen"
- great live music
- incredible food trailers (the burgers from Bon AppeTex are amazing, and a steal at $7)
- a decent inside with a pool table and so on
Unfortunately, all of this stuff means that they're simply too popular. Every time I go there, it's packed. That means:
- a guy standing at the door enforcing one-in-one-out to make sure they don't break fire code, which slows down beer refills
- lines for the port-a-potties outside
- most importantly, their parking lot fills up instantly, so you might have to park across Manchaca
That stretch of Manchaca, a really wide road, is 55 mph and has terrible lighting, so it's only a matter of time until there's an accident involving some drunk person trying to get across the street late at night. The bar says they're working to add additional capacity to their parking lot, but as it is each person who crosses is tempting fate. Also, the housing development across Manchaca is private and will mercilessly tow anyone foolish enough to park on their streets.
All in all it's a great bar, exactly what far South Austin needed, but be warned before you go that seemingly the entire population of far South Austin is thinking the exact same thing.
Yesss!!!! Thank you Moontower! I am so excited this cool bar is open in S. Austin! I went with some friends on maybe the second night they were open. The parking is a little wonky but it opens up to a larger area in the back to a gravel parking lot. There is plenty of space. The bar has tvs for sports nuts, there is a fire pit, a little gazebo for sitting and chatting, washers, and picnic tables.
They were still working out the bugs but this is to be expected. I am giving them 5 stars becaus any bugs that they had, the staff were over the top accomodating to fix.
It was pretty darn chilly and some of the heaters went out by our table. We had three different staff members come by to help get them back on so we wouldnt be cold.
I am really looking forward to going to Moontower when it is warm. This is going to be the perfect summer hangout.
Everything I had hoped it would be after watching their building progress for the past few months!!
So incredibly happy that there is a "neighborhood bar" so very close to my home. Seriously, I could walk home from here. It doesn't get any better than that!
The bartenders were very attentive and cordial...nothing like the douchey ones at the downtown bars. I loved all of the trailers, lights, picnic tables, fires....this will be my new favorite hang out, for sure!
This place has a really interesting vibe. I felt like I stumbled upon someone's party in their backyard while their parents were out of town. But I mean that in a good way. There were hundreds of people there hanging out at the picnic tables and around the fireplaces outside. The atmosphere was really relaxed and friendly. The inside space is very small - it's basically just the bar and a billiards table. Â
I went on a Friday night, and the lines at the bar were significantly worse than what I'm used to seeing on Sixth or Rainey. It was 3-4 people deep all the way around, so it took about 15 minutes or so to get served. My boyfriend also mentioned that their beer selection was pretty limited.
Parking is very easy to find on-street, and they also have a small parking lot (but be warned - it's unpaved).
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