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Live music, laid-back patrons and cold beer bring in all sorts to one of Austin's old-school, honky-tonk gems.
(866) 319-0648
1600 W Fifth St
(West Lynn Street)
Austin,
TX
78703
30.2739
-97.7634
Neighborhood: Old West Austin
Donn's Depot
Last updated 11.20.09
What People Are Saying About Donn's Depot
The Owner
Donn's Depot
Owner
Housed in an old Missouri-Pacific train depot, some of Austin's most talented musicians play at Donn's Depot six nights a week. Enjoy live music from music acts including Murphy's Inlaws, Earl Poole Ball, and Donn Adelman among others. Real train cars serve as seating areas, and the ladies restroom is a real caboose. Attracting students and retirees, this piano bar and saloon bridges the generation gap with its diverse range of musicians and musical genres, from swing, country, modern folk and pop.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – Housed within a former McNeil, Texas, train depot a mile west of downtown's nightlife nexus, Donn's incorporates several former Missouri-Pacific train cars into the overall bar design. But look beyond the choo-choo exterior and see a clientele of corsage-wearing grannies two-stepping in their Texas finery. The surprisingly romantic Lone Star setting also brings plenty of awestruck college students soaking up the roadhouse atmosphere and a diverse mix of country, Texas blues, jazz and rockabilly.
10/09/09
Want to experience horrible service? Check out Donn's Depot!
by CConk at Citysearch
Ever since I moved to Austin a few years back I have been using people's Citysearch reviews to find the cool and fun places to check out across the city. I'm bummed that I'm writing my very first review on such a horrible establishment but I just have to put the warning out there before people go by and check out Donn's Depot.
I had been to this place just once before and only for a beer on a night when it wasn't very busy. However, this past weekend Donn's Depot was packed due to their proximity to Zilker Park and it being ACL weekend. We had a bunch of friends meeting up at Donn's after one of the nights shows and the guy at the door was a total D-bag (can I even say d-bag on Citysearch? Oh well I'm putting it out there). A friend of mine was helping another friend outside to take her home and she got a plastic cup of water from the bar to bring out to her to drink while waiting for the cab. As she walks outside not only does D-bag Doorman grab her arm and yank her back inside, but after yelling at her inches from her face he proceeds to hit her hand up and throw all of the water into her face. Let me follow this by saying in no way was this an accidental occurrence. He deliberately threw the water all over her. I'm sorry, but I'm just not cool with going to a place in which the incredibly rude and hostile staff will poor drinks all over you for simply trying to help a friend.
Please don't waste your time here, go ahead and visit the Mean Eyed Cat just down the street. No hostile staff there!
- Pros: Their bathroom is kinda cool
- Cons: The staff is hostile and rude
10/05/09
Rude service kills cool vintage vibe
by mamontgomery at Citysearch
Checked this place out with friends this week--a group of Austinites and out-of-towners. Live in the neighborhood, but won't go back. Rude door man grabbed (lady) friends by the arm and dragged them roughly back to door when he failed to id them on the way in (he was busy chatting away from his post). Waitress was generally unpleasant. A group tried to leave with water when I was there, and the doorman threw it in a girl's face. Literally crushed the cup over her head. Might have been funny if the staff hadn't been so hateful about the whole thing.
Laid back? Hardly. I don't recommend this experience to anyone.
- Pros: cool environment and decor
- Cons: extraordinarily unpleasant staff
02/11/08
What a place!!
by celestialamazon at Citysearch
The first time I came to Donn's Depot, I knew I was home! heehee Good mix of ages, outside seating for smokers, and great to see the same people working there everytime I go. Note: there is a cover, but only on Friday and Saturday nights.- and for a place that has live music everyday they are open... that's a good deal to me! oo, ooo! and great for happy hour!
- Pros: great location, free parking, live music, and great drinks!!.. free snacks
- Cons: ..... hmmm...... I can't think of any right now.. HA!
The Details on Donn's Depot
Know Before You Go:
Although popcorn completes the official Donn's menu, longtime patrons occasionally bring in home-cooked tailgating-style appetizers such as chili.
Where to Sit:
While Donn's can get a bit on the smoky side, the patio provides a welcome escape for stargazing. There's also a piano room and a big-screen TV to catch the Horns.
The Extras:
The ladies room, an authentic caboose furnished with garish wallpaper and shag carpet, is a Texas legend.
Category:
Bars & Clubs, Sports Bars, Nightclubs, Neighborhood Bars, Musical Entertainers, Singles Bars, Lounges, Bars & Pubs, Community Organizations
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Travelers Check
Bar & Club Special Features:
As Seen In…
Message from Donn's Depot
- Austin's largest piano bar
- Great date place
- Dancing and live music
Housed in an old Missouri-Pacific train depot, some of Austin's most talented musicians play at Donn's Depot six nights a week. Enjoy live music from music acts including Murphy's Inlaws, Earl Poole Ball, and Donn Adelman among others. Real train cars serve as seating areas, and the ladies restroom is a real caboose. Attracting students and retirees, this piano bar and saloon bridges the generation gap with its diverse range of musicians and musical genres, from swing, country, modern folk and pop.
