Antone's Nightclub

08/27/2008 Posted by SRVfan

Antones is still the classiest club in town to hear any kind of music. I do miss the club on Lamar, and all the great times there. The last band I saw there was the Fabulous Thunderbirds ... and Tommy & Chris with someone they were playing with...possibly Charlie S and Bramhall. Will they EVER get together again? That was a classic group. They could've been SO powerful...the only next thing to SRV. At the new Antones on 5th St....I remember sitting against the back wall watching some band play...and Clifford was walking by in the main aisle in front of the band. He stopped and turned and looked directly at me. His eyes held vast energy, from all the greats he's known over the years - no doubt! He nodded and went on his way. It reminds me of the time SRV walked in to the Austin Opry House to receive his music awards. As he arrived with his friends and they all sat at their table front-center...SRV whirled into his front chair and immediately turned around to his left and stared directly into my eyes. Now THAT's "powerful stuff"~! PS...does Susan still sell photos of those early days?????

Pros: LOTZ of good memories from the 70's on. .

Cons: I live too far away to be there as much as I'd like.

01/15/2008 Posted by austinchucksa

absolutely the best live music venue in the city..the best musicians and shows and the best place to see a show. This is the mecca of the blues and live music.Once you step in you can feel the legends and the legendary performances that they have and continue to create.. The dream of the founder,Clifford Antone,it inspires musicians and audiences every night the doors are open.And they are always open. Every night is a treasure, just like its founder. Go see a blue Tuesday show and you will become a believer. See the Scabs perform and tell me you are not in the presense of true greatness. But always remember Muddy Waters played at his club..as well as Stevie..and Angela..Even the great Pinetop Perkins at age 93 still plays there and he will tell you great stories of Muddy Waters if you ask.But no one told stories like Clifford ,it is what I miss most about Austin.rest in peace Clifford. you would be proud at your little blues club.The place still is great.Clifford's sister Susan is now in charge and telling stories and doing a great job.Ask Rich the bar manager for a drink and who are the people in the posters..there is a story behind all those photos.But it is still the music that is the heart of this club.And what a great heart it is and always has been.

Pros: the music

Cons: none

03/06/2007 Posted by dawnstarart

Antone's has all the best musicians Austin has to offer and most of the great touring acts. It's an excellent medium sized venue where you can still see a big name act and get up close and personal. Sister Susan is carrying on the legacy of her brother, the late great Clifford Antone who basically started Sixth Street and singlehandedly brought a rich blues scene to Austin. Antone's still welcomes legends like Bobby Blue Bland, Pinetop Perkins, and Hubert Sumlin and brings back our old Austin favorites like The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Lou Ann Barton, Storyville, The Scabs, and Soulhat. Standing in front of Hubert Sumlin while he plays licks he invented from The Killing Floor is an awesome experience you won't forget. On Tuesdays, you can still catch one of the most humble, talented guitarists in the world, Derek O'Brien and his band featuring the powerful and explosive Malford Milligan. The stage is set up in the room where there's hardly a bad view in the house (unless your short, like me, you'll have to weave your way to the front!). The waitstaff is professional and courteous and should be commended for their effectiveness of handling crowds and keeping everyone safe and in order. A great experience all around and one that I'd highly recommend. Also great sound and lighting. Only thing missing is Clifford, but the place is full of his spirit.

Pros: They book great acts and have a wonderful stage for the audience to experience the performance.

Cons: Seating is limited, or non-existent at some shows so wear comfy shoes; Limited parking, but you can pay to park in the the Chase bank lot for a few bucks.

11/18/2006 Posted by ambrosgela

If you are in Austin, you must...MUST go to Antone's! This place is legendary. Yes, they have changed locations over the years, but the quality of music going on here never rests. Rest in peace, Clifford.

09/09/2005 Posted by robincrestedbuttecolorado

Antones was a soul gripping, put you in another dimension kinda time. It was July 2005, a rainy sultry Austin eve with the above mentioned spirits plus many others together for one notable night. The air was electrified, the movement was free... everyone was invested from the 60's flower babies, to the big black lovable football hero, to the dancing fairies hovering around Pinetop Perkins and Hubert Sumlin. The peek-a-boo magic was the large almost alive painting of Stevie Ray Vaughn on the wall whom many claimed to have seen twitch and shimmy to the rhythm of the piano, guitar and voices. You just can't repeat such a thing but back here in Arizona we try..... late at night- we step outside under the stars and begin the ritual dancing again to the musi and beat that carries through time and space ....little red rooster... Signed, Miss Robin

Pros: crowd/ atmosp., celebrity guests, group dancing

Cons: more time

06/19/2003 Posted by S_Spear

I can walk in once a month and the bartender knows my name. He knows my drink. The atmosphere is sometimes overwhelming. The drink specials are awesome, and do I really need to say anything about the music ?

01/02/2003 Posted by noantones

Once upon a time, this was a good spot. On my last visit, the bartenders were outright surly -- the most customer-hostile I have ever encountered in years of clubbing in Austin. Another fault: for whatever reason, Antone's has completely eliminated draft beer. The selection that is left is strictly lowest-common-denominator swill, is way over-priced, and on top of that you must buy it from the aforementioned neanderthals behind the bar.

Cons: nonexistent parking, awful service, beer selection bites

09/14/2002 Posted by moonlight

What can I say ? Great Music , super hot bar staff & history man , history !

08/16/2002 Posted by cbeggs

The best sound, the best bartenders, and restrooms were clean, and no problems with the music

Pros: Great Music, Great Bar, Great Security

Cons: No seating, Terrible Chairs, Not enough blues

08/14/2002 Posted by thirdsunrise

Antone's has the best stage in town -- you can see from anywhere in the place, and any place that hosts Guy Forsyth on a regular basis gets my vote!