The Honest Take
What it's actually like
The ABGB - Austin Beer Garden & Brewing Company - is a South Lamar institution that manages the rare combination of excellent craft beer, all-ages admission, no cover charge, and consistently good live music. It's got the kind of laid-back weekend energy that makes it a perfect afternoon or early evening stop.
For two-steppers, the ABGB is a secondary venue - meaning the dancing depends on who's playing rather than being a dedicated dance night every time. Wednesdays with Warren Hood and Sundays with Sunday Best are the two reliable dancing dates.
The beer is made in-house and genuinely good. The food trucks out front rotate but are reliably solid. The vibe is family-friendly and welcoming in a way that a lot of Austin bars can't claim - the all-ages policy makes it a genuinely different experience than the 21+ honky-tonks.
The Back Story
A brewery built for everyone
The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. opened to the public on August 30, 2013, founded by a group of five: co-owner Mark Jensen, brewers Amos Lowe and Brian "Swifty" Peters, and Jill and Curt Knobloch. Peters had already helped found Austin's Live Oak Brewing Co. back in 1996, so the brewing pedigree behind ABGB went back almost two decades before it opened.
The concept from day one was a big, welcoming South Austin space built around community: craft beer brewed on-site, real food, and live music, with room for families in the afternoons and dancers once the bands start. It's grown into one of the few Austin honky-tonk-adjacent rooms that's genuinely comfortable for a kid's birthday and a two-step lesson on the same Sunday.
The Dance Floor
Two-stepping at ABGB
[PENDING - Vanessa to confirm the real indoor/outdoor dance setup at ABGB before this section is rewritten. Previous copy claiming outdoor patio dancing was inaccurate and has been removed.]
When to Go
Best nights for dancing
Sunday Best, 4-7pm - a rotating weekly band built for dancing. Good for afternoon two-stepping.
More eclectic booking. Check the calendar for country acts.
Warren Hood residency. One of the best recurring gigs for dancing at the ABGB.
This Week
Current schedule
The full ABGB schedule is included in our daily-updated Austin two-step guide. Check there for tonight's band and set times.
ABGB bands are listed in the main schedule, updated every day since 2021.
See Today's Schedule →Practical Info
Everything you need to know
FAQ
Common questions
Is ABGB all ages?
Yes - ABGB is all ages. It's one of the few Austin live music venues where the whole family can come. No ID required to enter, though you'll need one to drink.
Does ABGB have a cover charge?
No - ABGB has no cover charge for their regular live music nights. Tip the bands when you can.
Is ABGB good for two-stepping?
ABGB is a good two-step spot on the right nights - specifically Wednesdays with Warren Hood and Sundays with Sunday Best.
Does ABGB brew their own beer?
Yes - ABGB (Austin Beer Garden & Brewing Company) brews all their own beer on site. The selection is solid and the food truck situation out front is reliably good.
When did ABGB open?
ABGB (Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.) opened to the public on August 30, 2013, founded by Mark Jensen, brewers Amos Lowe and Brian Peters, and Jill and Curt Knobloch.
Is ABGB family-friendly?
Yes, ABGB was built as a community brewery and beer garden from the start, with room for families earlier in the day and live music and dancing as the night goes on.