Moontower Saloon

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!

Outdoor with semi indoor bar with multiple trailers. A giant patio with kinda a 'Texas' feel, very causal. A little hidden gem in South Austin. Stop in for a beer and grab a meal or snack at the surrounding food trailers.