The Mean-Eyed Cat

11/02/2007 Posted by longhorngirl82

I've lived in Austin for years and have driven by the Mean Eyed Cat thousands of times. I stopped by a few weekends ago and had a pitcher of beer with some friends. Although this is considered a "dive" bar, it's pretty nice on the inside for a dive bar and has a great outdoor patio you can sit at. This is definitely an Austin spot and a great place to hang out with friends.

10/30/2007 Posted by josh

This is a fun bar to sit outside and feel like you're somewhere out in the Texas Hill Country. It has a relaxed icehouse feel, but it's full of rock 'n rollers instead of bikers. Convenient location across from El Arroyo makes it a good first stop while you're on your way into town for a night of fun.

01/05/2007 Posted by burnetdurnit

This place is just OK. I know this is listed as a "dive bar" on this site, but I really don't think it's as much a dive as a trendy hotspot. It's too contrived and it seems to try too hard to be a dive bar. The people are a little too hip and probably go there because going to "dive" bars may be in now, but anyone who has been to the Poodle Dog or Lala's can tell the real thing.

Pros: Outdoor seating, Johnny Cash theme

Cons: Fake

11/09/2006 Posted by asherkathryn

This is a great bar! The guys behind the bar a very friendly and cool. Great atmosphere! I always feel comfortable there and have a great time!

07/21/2006 Posted by biskit

I have spent many a night talking with friends over pitchers of Lonestar on the patio of Mean Eyed Cat. It's a great place, very chill. Everyone I've met there is very friendly. It's a great place to go with friends when you actually want to talk to them and don't want to be yelling over bad pop music. Beer is pretty cheap too. Go check it out.

10/18/2005 Posted by kayanaustin

The Cat is my current favorite for a quick beer or two or six. It's easy to get to, always has close parking and the bar staff is great. Sure, there's the total Johnny Cash theme but the jukebox also includes the Pixies, Ozzie and much, much more. The beer specials are good and the patio, although small, is nice at night. Check it out!

Pros: Beer specials, Frito pie!, nice wine list

Cons: small venue, no hard liquor

10/13/2005 Posted by johnny_whitetail

If you're not a fan of Johnny Cash don't waste your time joining me at Mean Eyed Cat!! This former chainsaw repair shack is unpretentious and full of character. There's a great beer and wine selection, and the "hot a**" wasabi nuts are a must. The crowd is laid back and fun, and the music is classic country (Cash, Cash, Cash, Haggard, Willie, Waylon, Hank Jr & III, etc...). I'll meet you there on Friday's....bring some singles and pull up a stool!!

Pros: Atmosphere, Music, Beer selection

Cons: Limited seating

06/30/2005 Posted by blick

Wow, this place sucks. I would NEVER go back. Whoever wrote the previous reviews probably work there because I don't know how anyone would enjoy this place. The Johnny Cash theme is about as cheesy as it gets and the bartenders are pitiful. With so many great bars in Austin don't bother with this place.

Pros: air conditioned

Cons: everything else

06/29/2005 Posted by mbertrang

My friends and I seem to make our way to the Cat every time we go out. Its a great place to start your evening, catch last call, and everything in between. The staff is super friendly in a rare, genuine way. Small enough to be cozy, rarely 'crowded', and you can actually have a conversation without having to yell over the din of music or other people.

Pros: Good Parking, Inexepensive

05/03/2005 Posted by ynketxn

This place is a gem. Awesome & large outdoor patio, non-smoking inside (I smoke, but I don't mind), a pool table, cheap pitchers, yummy tamales, and the motif is all in homage to Cash! Mean-Eyed Cat has a nice, chill vibe -- the bartenders are cool, and I've made new friends sitting at the big picnic benches. The jukebox features the likes of Cash, Hank III, Social Distortion, Willie, etc. Check this place out! It's directly across 5th from El Arroyo.

Pros: Ambience, Patio, Music