SAGEBRUSH

Sagebrush is a South Congress honky-tonk at the far south end of the strip, past the boutiques and the fancy brunch spots, in a stretch of the road that still feels a little more working-class than trendy. The venue has a stage for live music, pool tables, a full bar serving beer and cocktails, and the straightforward setup of a place that knows exactly what it is. The booking favors country, Americana, honky-tonk, and roots music, with shows happening most nights of the week. The crowd is a mix of South Austin locals, musicians, and people who prefer their country music in a bar rather than in a stadium. Sagebrush does not have the name recognition of The White Horse or The Continental Club, but regulars will tell you the shows are just as good and the room is often less crowded, which can be a real advantage on a Friday night. The vibe is down-home and unpretentious. You can shoot pool, drink a cheap beer, and listen to a band that is playing for the love of it. Sagebrush represents a side of South Congress that existed long before the street became a shopping destination, and it continues to hold that ground.