Sahara Lounge is a great escape from the downtown craziness. Great music. Great, mixed crowd always ready to dance. Awesome backyard patio area that is dog friendly and usually has a fire going at night. There is now a very tasty pizza trailer in the back as well.

Sahara is one of the coolest spots in town. It's an eclectic crowd and everyone is welcome. You'll see some normal looking old people like me, and you'll see some youngsters keeping Austin weird.

Great vibe and service! What a gem of a place. The outdoor area with fire pits was convenient for the chilly day. The bands during Southamericano festival were exceptional. I had the best time!

Absolute wonderful bar to visit. The music is fun and can take you for a flashback or flash forward. The atmosphere is very fun and staff are nice. You can find food trucks here and lots of outback space that may not seem visible from road view. The DJs are pretty cool. Will visit again soon

This place is incredible! Not only are the music and crowd incredible but the staff is so caring. I recently fell and scrapped my knee and someone named Eileen helped me and patched me up with their first aid kit. I really really appreciated that! I’ve never had a bad time and will be coming back again and again!

Wow. I am so glad our friend Dave brought us here! Elaine is an excellent host and Ibrahim is a wonderful cook! The music was amazing and mesmerizing. Really glad we went. Even had a lovely moment in the backyard around a campfire before we took off.

A little bit of a grungy atmosphere, like a dive bar on steroids! This is one of the coolest places in Austin by far! The Africa buffet on Saturday was absolutely phenomenal! I will be back just to see what they cook next week. This place is great to bring a date, but were I solo I probably would have had 3-4 servings and walked out bloated. The music was also incredible; each band really had the crowd moving, but in different ways. The last band had several singers from the audience join and their music escalated slowly and created such a great vibe. This set a new standard for weekend entertainment for me, honestly.

Afro beats nice was a hit! Great music, immaculate vibes and top notch drinks!!!

First time there and not only was it a great last stop of the night for a nightcap but they had amazing food at the buffet, which was included in the entry fee. There was a pizza food truck in the back too. People were friendly, the drinks were strong, there's parking, indoor and outdoor seating, and artsy stuff. This isn't a high class place. It's quality and comfortable.

African jazz & reggae night at the Sahara Lounge made for a great Saturday night. The bartender Jacob was super welcoming & poured great drinks. I arrived right at 7pm - the free buffet was already open ($10 cover). One of the musicians in the opening jazz act had prepared meatballs, vegan rice & beans & chips. Expect some grunge, dive-bar vibes & home cooked, southern hospitality.

One of the last few longstanding old time bars of Austin, the Sahara Lounge doles out West African rhythm and melodies that reverberate through the evening. Great drinks at the bar, vegan-friendly self serve stew and rice on Africa nights (most Saturdays), and the chance to rub shoulders with people of all age groups, genders and persuasions. Come here for the music and be part of the joie de vivre, all for a very humble cover charge on any Saturday.

This is an amazing place - one of the last few laid back places in Austin. The putdoor venue is wonderful - the indoor venue is little louder than my ears can handle. The have good local beers too. The cover charges are low. You can get great pizza too

This place is so much fun on ladies night!!! Come on ladies and let’s go dance. My husband and I live coming here on ladies night and dancing disco music. Love it!!

I love this place. Located in Far East Austin, it is a funky, sweaty, wonderful dive bar that is home to some great music, leaning towards Afro and Latin Funk, but not exclusively. This place reminds me of the magic of Austin 20 years ago, when every walk of life would be in one place and not one person would bat an eye. A nice backyard area with a firepit (for that chilly week that happens in Texas every year!) They support local music and that alone makes them awesome.

We recently moved to the east side of Austin and I have been wanting to check this place out since we moved. It is very close to our new place and so we decided to stop by and check it out one Saturday on the way home. It was everything I imagined and more. I know that sounds cliche but really this place surpasses my expections. I loved everything about the place. Cheep beer, live music, great atmosphere, and more. The band that was playing was very eclectic and I couldn't help but grab my boyfriend and bring him to the dance area in front of the stage and dance to each 10 minute song. I couldn't stop dancing. The music way hypnotizing and just what I needed. What a great place to really unwind and enjoy life for the night or just a couple hours. I definitely plan to go back again and again. I feel lucky and blessed to call this small oasis on the eastside my new neighborhood bar. Check it out no matter what side of town you are coming from. It is definitely worth it. This is a great place to check out if you like the small, eclectic, dive bar scene. It is unique and very Austin at the same time.

The owner is amazing. We had such a great time. The drinks are natural and delicious!!! I will definitely be back. The music had us on our feet all night.

Fantastic assortment of live music, free food buffet for early birds, great bar concoctions, lively & diverse crowd, good jams, spacious backyard & food truck on site!!! Ladies night on Friday nights is free!! Plenty of dancing room to shake it!!

Old Austin at its finest. Good music, dancing, pool tables, back patio. Check the website before you go. Different nights have different themed music 🎶 and it changes the vibe.

Great atmosphere! Saw some cool live bands and played some billiards.

Awesome place good music good food good energy If you haven’t been in person make

There’s a food truck is located at the back of lounge. atmosphere was nice and the customer service was even better. I got the pork chorizo grilled cheese which was topped with tomatoes, and all the ingredients were very fresh. I honestly did not expect this level of quality for a late night food truck. The lounge was great overall, and amazing music as well.

LADIES NIGHT AND DJ SHADOW WAS SO AMAZING!!! WE PLAYED SHABARI WHEN I TOOK A 5 MINUTE BREATHER FROM DANCING; AND THE MUSIC JUST KEPT GETTING BETTER <3 LOVED THE OTHERS I DANCED ALONG SIDE, AS IM NOT ONE TO BOOT SCOOT- BUT THERE WAS SO MUCH BOOGIE; I COULDNT HELP MYSELF- 3RD FRIYAY OF EACH MONTH; YALL!

Can't speak for a regular night but the drink specials for the SXSW Canada House were pretty good, and I loved the way the venue was split inside and outside with several bars keeping lines to an absolute minimum.

Afro-Jazz-Funk every Saturday night, 7pm-1am, @ the Sahara Lounge, Webberville Rd, Austin

Free buffet every Saturday till about midnight. Food truck on site in the back.

Sahara Lounge is a gem of East Austin its awesome African vibe and longstanding presence. The live music is varied and usually very good, and the staff are super friendly. Hanging out on the patio is always a blast when it's too loud or packed inside. Sometimes there's no food truck, and you almost always have to cough up a cover, and some of the cocktails are weak and too sugary. Overall though I love this place.

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to try out Antonio’s snack shack located at the famous Sahara Lounge in east Austin. A friend and I ordered the steak and potatoes along with the grilled cheese. Both dishes were cooked to perfection. The flavors bursting in our mouths and left us craving for more. This is a must visit if you’re ever in Austin. Also the Sahara Lounge is amazing with live bands and cool vibes. Definitely recommend and will be returning soon.

Amazing place, simple bar, with pool tables, live music, outdoor area and fair price.

There is good places to hear life music.

I can't say enough good things about Sahara Lounge. I've been coming here for over 10 years and never thought to post about it. Maybe it's because I love it so much I wanted to keep it to myself! Recently, they have added a phenomenal food truck - Antonio's Snack Shack. Antonio serves food that will satisfy anyone's dietary needs. Vegan? Vegetarian? No problem. Meat eater? No problem. And his food is so delicious. It is real food. It is deep down in your belly satisfying. And doesn't feel like food truck food at all. Antonio himself is a gem, just like the place he parks his truck. Sahara is probably one of the most unique, friendly, diverse, and exhilarating places you could find yourself on a warm Austin night. I always leave here feeling like I've had the best time and I plan to be coming here for decades to come! Feels like home to my soul!

One of the most unique and interesting music locations in Austin. An established gem. The only place I know running a potluck regularly. It's a warm inviting place where you'll see unusual music you won't find elsewhere. Appropriate for all ages.

Cool neighborhood lounge that has a great laid back relaxing vibe, good live music, especially on the themed nights

+2

We were at an 70'-80's ladies night. The music was awesome, Loved it. We didn't eat so I can't comment on that. The place has definitely a great vibe ☺️ very particular. The only problem,I would say, just too many people, this is a small place, maybe if they could limit the numbers.....

I'd like to return to the place. I really have enjoyed to dance cumbia and salsa on Friday night.

I don't go to clubs or bars but this place feels like home, maybe just a little cooler with amazing live music. The owner of this place definitely knows how to keep loyal customers because the love she puts into this place is apparent. I think this place has outgrown the space and is ready for an upgrade!!!

World music at its best. A true Austin gem.

I didn't know that the building that Sahara Lounge operates in used to be the Lincoln Inn in 1962! Great music always! The vibe is comfy eclectic.

LOVE this place! Great dive bar in a small house like venue. Super cute and cool decor all around! The whole staff is super friendly and accommodating. They have an African buffet all night and great African/reggae bands to watch! Love their patio too!

I have to give five stars simply for the Austin institution that this place is. I’m so glad it’s still alive. If you want a real Austin experience this is the place. Bartenders were prompt and kind, the drinks were made well, the band was GREAT (Miguel St. Michael) and the sound was spot on. Lovely courtyard in the back which also screams Austin circa 1990. Oh yeah and they have free pool! I didn’t have any food so pay no attention to my food rating.

This place is IT! When driving up the first thought might be that this place seems abandoned. Open the door and step inside to go back in time…pool tables, dance floor crowded with locals, and a small, lively bar. There is nothing fancy here…just a whole lotta FUN!

A very authentic, original and real place. The beer is affordable. The music is surprising, live and authentic too. I enjoyed the night there.

This venue has a nostalgic but in a chic-way feel! Reminds me of a neighborhood hold-in-a-wall hangout place where you can get a beer, play pool, and listen to live music! Love it!

+3

Wanted to get some live music in a not so touristy vibe. We found it! I loved the vibes of this venue.!

"Austin Ambiance" defined. Jabob and ALL the bartteders are ALWAYS beyond awesome. The music is always tingling. The fire is always cracking. The patrons are always vibing. And the drinks always have ethanol. What more could you ask for?.... Oh a food truck with soul. Yes, they got that too.

Diamond Alex and Shawn were very nice and welcoming ! Highly recommended. Good music.

Friendly staff, plenty of parking, and they always have great music going on.

Really down to earth joint. Big back patio, lots of interesting drinks. Great live music. Not terribly cheap, but hey, that's Austin these days! Plus, you really feel like your money is going to a great place with great people instead of some soulless Domain monstrosity.

Pleasantly impressed by the selection of music. Never in my wildness dreams would i have felt like I was in Africa in Texas.

+3

A chill, unpretentious and consistently fantastic spot for eclectic musical tastes. Around the backyard fire pit, you can bet you will meet some of the coolest people in(or visiting) town!

Groovy environment and a great drink selection. A dance floor right by the stage to enjoy the live music on and a nice little space out back with lots of seating if you need a breath of fresh air. There's a food truck with gourmet pizza if you need something to balance out the drinks, and a fire pit to chill around.

First time visiting for a night out of music and I really enjoyed myself. This place is filled with culture art pieces, books and photos that give you something to learn at every glance. This particular night there was a free African food buffet and live band who were amazing.

The live music and sound here are incredible. Coming from a local musician who’s played here numerous times. Probably not the place to order a craft cocktail but if you’re drinking beer or straight liquor you’re guaranteed to have a great time here.

My favorite venue in ATX as a performer and a patron! The owner has done a fantastic job of preserving the “original Austin” vibes! It is one of the few places in Austin that has not only survived through the 2020s, but still continues to thrive, updating their sound system and live streams, and providing a safe and welcoming environment for patrons, and probably, the most welcoming environment for an eclectic and exciting array of bands and artists in the city!

A fantastic, eccentric, funky venue with some great cocktails and a fun crowd. Great music too.

One of my absolute favorite places in Austin - you’ll meet some of the most interesting, friendly people, listen to some awesome tunes that have you dancing… I’d move back to Austin just so I could go every week 🥲

Was there for some friends band gig 💋

The most amazing place to hear local Austin musicians. I love the warmth of the Owner and Base guitarist Eileen

Saw my buddy play here on Saturday!!! Great place, lots of outdoor seating, a bit crowded but it was their busiest night!

Jean Yu

Mustafa was good captain and great server. The food is great with great view. We enjoyed a lot. Strongly recommend

Pin-Pin Ma

Mustafa was very kind, polite, and helpful in terms of introducing us to try tasty, delicious, and healthy food at the beautiful rooftop restaurant.

Matt SoReal

One of the realest venues in Austin. Incredible vibes and sound is amazing it's the coolest place to catch some live music in Austin hands down. And they have a full on parking lot. Amazing staff. Chill patio. Legendary and historic stage. Etc.

+3

Erik van Elk

Had a great evening with live afrobeat and reggae music. There is an excellent soundsystem and the sound mix from the band is very good. Great atmosphere and vibe. Lots of dancing.

Crystal Clark

Listen this is my Bday weekend and The owner showed so much love the vibe was on point Nova our waitress was sweet and very accommodating… customer service def was on point…. Had an amazing experience 💕💕💕

Anthony Ingham

No better spot in Austin. 100% good vibes and old school Austin. Where hippies, bikers, dancers, jazz musicians, and all walks of life can come to get their groove on. This place is magic.

Eric Harper

WOW! What an absolute shockwave of a night. We came for simple live music and instead discovered a vortex of rhythm and energy—a truly hidden jewel pulsing with a worldly, electrifying vibe. The culinary experience was solid, but let me be clear: the music wasn't just good; it was mind-blowing! We had the sheer, unadulterated pleasure of witnessing the force of Afro Jazz, REY ARTEAGA, and ZOUMOUNTCH. This is the sound of an Austin legend being born.

Abraham Zubiate

Great bar with international music from all over the world 🌎 ,big patio with food trailer and great staff and bartenders

John Rose

Still one of my favorite places in Austin. Old Austin at its finest. Good people and good tunes. I love playing at this venue as well. The sound is great and they are really good to work with.

Jennifer

I love the diversity in age and colors. Its like someone mixed all the m&ms, and skittles and put them on the dance floor. Great vibe. The music is so good

David M

Stumbling into this bar was like waking up in another country halfway across the world. I went on Africa night, and I suggest you do too! After paying cover charge (which allows you access to an African buffet), you are greeted with an atmosphere that is so perfectly unique. The cocktails they serve are well thought out drinks that complement the theme of the bar. The drinks were strong, which was perfectly accompainied by the performers that were playing upbeat jazz with brass, winds, and drums, along with the ocassional singer. The music was incredible, the patrons all seemed kind and everyone was just enjoying their night. I can’t recommend this place enough, it’s truly a special spot. I hope to be back soon!

Chris Gillen

If you wanna get out of the hyper commercialized sixth Street area this place is the old school Austin you are looking for. Amazing African buffet, free pool tables a variety of human beings and intergalactic aliens alike and did I mention this is the music capital inside of Austin get there as fast as you can.

G Olmedo

My lady friend and I had the best tender beef ribs and potstickers! The beef rib plate is called The Purple Tejas. The ribs melted in our mouths and the little purple potatoes were just the perfect bite size. And then green onion added a nice crunchy caramelízed onions just popped. The potstickers were just so tasty too. 🥡🥠 Come and see what you think 😊 Wow. The ambience and music is 🔥 as well, great for any occasion, really.

Geoff Breitling

Sahara Lounge is the shiz! How have I missed this place until now? Hot the Agri best on Saturday night and it was the bomb! Danced for hours and enjoyed the amazing vibes. Will definitely be back as soon as possible!

Beatriz

One of those unique places in Austin, with different niche artists and live music. We've been there a couple of times for Brazilian music/food/events. They have space inside and outside, usually a food truck in the back patio area for food. Free parking.

David Nobles

Great venue for live world/Afro music Get there early. The lot fills quickly. Friday night cover is $14 for cash and $17 for cards. Comes with a limited (three item) buffet. Last night was a tasty vegetarian rice dish, a meaty stew, and a vegetarian beans dish. Food is tasty. Out back, folks sell amazing jerk chicken. Inside the venue, the music is really loud. If you want to converse move outside to a picnic table. You can still hear the music just fine. The crowd was a nice mix of ages and skin colors. So nice to be in a diverse crowd. Everyone was friendly. The vibe is laid back. Awesome bands. Good food. Great venue. Will be going back soon.

Benjamin Jacobi

If you're debating coming here, come here. Great size crowd on a Friday night. Full dance floor but space elsewhere just to hang out. Good drinks, awesome ecletic music. People actually dancing. Huge outdoor patio area, and two pool tables. It's hard to get a photo of the size of the place. Simply an amazing time.

+1

It’s hit or miss at the Sahara lounge because some of the bands and musicians are just god awful and out of tune while others are swooning or hip-hop or world, music or jazzy and are terrific. You never know what you’ll get here. If you like dive bars, you’ll love this grungy atmosphere even if you’re over 40. There’s an outdoor area with tables but as there are ashtrays everywhere, it’s best if you don’t like Smoak to just stay indoors.

A hidden gem in Austin. This is not a fancy place but certainly a place to have fun and enjoy good live music. The drinks selection is not huge and the caipirinha wasn't the best but the staff is super friendly and the music and space to dance is good. At least when I went (for Brazilian night) there were not too many choices of food. In general a very nice place to enjoy live music, play pool, dance inside or seat outside to have a drink and watch planes fly by in the sky. I reccomend trying this place.

There was a cover charge. It was one price for cash and another price for cards. The music was nice. People were really having a good time. The atmosphere was very smoky. This is not the place to visit if you have asthma or any type of breathing conditions. It was an overall fun place to hang out and dance.

Bar with great music and atmosphere for dancing! Get’s a little hot so dress casually!!

Really casual atmosphere, a couple pool tables,some good musicians (went there on Friday night, good band), drinks are at reasonable prices. The only thing, too hot in the summer time, no aircon.

T

My first time here after living in Austin for almost two years. The Sahara Allstars, the club’s own band, were great. Loved the call & response from the band. I wish there was more space to properly dance, but I was up & moving. Lots of people off all ages attended. I went for Santrofi with my mom, who grew up on hilife, so was sad to hear (from a friend!) at the end of the night that the band’s flight was was delayed. I don’t think they announced that! Others were also waiting around for them, too, smh. Was also a little annoyed to be id’d at the bar after I was already id’d & received a wristband to get into the venue. Otherwise, I had a great time. Next Africa Night, I’ll have to come early for the complimentary food, too. $12 cover in cash, $13 with card.

Lisa “TXGOLD”

Off the beaten path! This inconspicuous club is rustic but charming, . They offered a buffet a signature cocktail to die for. The entertainment was amazing and the outdoor space is a cool 😎place to talk to friends and meet new people.

+3

Interesting place. Back yard with plenty of tables unless it's a busy night. Atmosphere was enjoyable. The building itself is old and feels like it will fall apart any minute. Music is good and lots of people feeling the groove. I would go back.

Didn't eat here, just late night drinks. Great atmosphere. There is an $8 cover

I was enjoying the singers' set last night and then made the mistake of buying him some drinks, only for him to turn around and if front of everyone, ask me what I had put into it. He then told the crowd to "watch out for him and take his photo." This after I bought him two drinks and had been the only one who'd tipped him... Never again. Humor isn't shaming others for their generosity

It wasn't as i expected it to be. I was expecting to dance to currently Afrobeat music, within 25 minutes, we were all disappointed, all the way from Houston TX

This is my neighborhood dive bar. There was a 12$ cover at the entrance. The band was good and the energy was fun inside. The drinks are really expensive inspite of it being a dive bar. I've had better drinks at a similar bar like Liberty and they're cheaper. Food truck was unavailable which was surprising since the bar was crowded. Even though they charge cover at the entrance, me and my friends were interrupted several times by folks claiming to be homeless and asking us for money. They would interrupt us, inject themselves into the situation and repeatedly ask us for money. I noticed that the other bar patrons also seemed annoyed by their behavior. I think there is a reasonable expectation that if I was on the premises that there aren't people wandering around like it's a public street soliciting people for money. I've never had this experience at any other neighborhood/dive bar in Austin. Such a shame. This could be a better bar.

Very unpleasant experience I've been discriminated against by management ownership. It's a dive needs some work inside. It just looks dirty in the dining room and dance floor area... Pretty smalls got an outdoor patio great place if there's a good band playing prices aren't too bad but the manager is rudeand the live music on Saturday during the quote buffet is horrible. like I said I would only go there if there's a band that you want to see otherwise there are a lot better places to have drinks with friends in the South Congress or downtown area.

I used to live in the neighborhood and would go here often. I can say I will never go back. I’m disappointed in the staff for allowing a man to harass women. After chatting with some staff about this behavior I was told he’s a regular and that this happens repeatedly. I’m disappointed they did not handle the situation right away. While he continued to harass me and other women. I’m thankful for the stranger who stepped in and shielded me and others from the harasser. And for him eventually convincing the staff to kick the harasser out.

Walked in, not even 5min later, some white girl with curly blonde hair rudely told us that we didn’t pay cover and forced us out. When we walked in there was no one at the front that told us we needed to pay to get in, there was nothing at the front door or sign out front that said we needed to pay either.

Jaiden Guzman

Bartender last night (Thursday 11/20) was rude, too occupied on her phone. And I'm pretty sure she added more to her tip at the end of the night, I usually never have problems with the other bartenders like Sean, Allison, Alex or nick don't know what her problem was