Merkaba Lounge & Grill

08/19/08

A bit out of control

by sekretshpr at Citysearch

I know it's hard to manage large groups, but they really need to have better security. Couldn't believe how many people walked out with drinks. Saw a lot of glass in the parking lot from all the drunks hanging outside. Food is ok, staff isn't that friendly.

• Pros: It is a nice looking bar
• Cons: Drinking in the parking lot- flat tire city

04/29/08

Good food, great music on a huge stage, big dance floor - I just wish there wasn't so much smoke!

by wonkos at Citysearch

My friends and I have been going to Merkaba for a long time now to see some of our favorite bands. The stage and dance floor are great and the tapas food is better than most bar fare. The staff here is always fantastic and are all a lot of fun. I am not sure whether the person who wrote that review about overly-drunk people was going to the same bar or if they are a puritan who considers the consumption of alcohol in general to be sinful, but I have always found the crowd here to be a lot of fun without falling all over themselves. My only complaint about this bar is the smoke. Being outside the city limits of Austin, smoking is legal inside this bar and lots of the patrons take advantage of this fact. I always leave smelling like an ashtray and with a bit of a raw throat. I guess it is a testament to the significant plus sides of this venue that I think it is worth braving the nicotine fog to go there again and again!

• Pros: Great place for live music, good food and drinks, friendly staff and patrons
• Cons: Smoke

04/24/08

Far from a good time...

by HunterLJames at Citysearch

!Warning!

This is where people go to get ridiculously, disgustingly wasted. And the bathrooms are covered in a strange white powder. People are packed in there like sardines. And at last call, good luck getting to the bar. Every low life drunk in N. Austin and metro areas are in there. I'll never go in there again!