Cheer Up Charlies

900 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
+1 512-431-2133
$$$ Live music venue
(496 Reviews)

Welcome to Cheer Up Charlie’s, a vibrant live music venue nestled in the heart of Austin’s renowned Red River cultural arts district. Located at 900 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701, this unique spot is not just a bar—it's an experience, a community, and a celebration of local talent.

From the moment you step inside, the eclectic and electric atmosphere envelops you. With its outdoor seating adorned with twinkling string lights and a cozy patio setup, it's the perfect place for friends to gather and enjoy one another's company under the stars. Seating areas are designed for everyone, whether you're looking to chill out and make new friends or enjoy breathtaking performances on stage.

What really sets Cheer Up Charlie’s apart is its commitment to showcasing diverse local talent. Many visitors have shared their thrilling experiences witnessing live performances, such as Dodo and Grandmaster Orchestra, all enhanced by a remarkable sound system. As one customer, Travis Young, described, attending themed nights and performances—like the unforgettable drag show by Bridgette Bandit—is a chapter worth reliving. With an energy that pulses in the air, it’s clear that nights here are meant to be celebrated.

But it's not only the music that keeps patrons coming back. The venue also boasts a stellar food truck known as Asador, serving up delicious bites that perfectly accompany your drinks. Joe Cruz emphasizes the welcoming atmosphere, highlighting the venue's dedication to inclusivity and community spirit—an essential space for BIPOC artists and audiences alike.

Patrons have enjoyed the quick drink service, ensuring you never have to step away from the excitement for long. The moment you walk in, the friendly staff greet you like family, setting the tone for your night. It’s no wonder regulars like Toni Rask describe it as a downtown staple where you can always find a fun crowd ready to enjoy the next great performance.

Whether you’re a local looking to unwind or a visitor hoping to dive into the Austin nightlife, Cheer Up Charlie’s promises an unforgettable experience filled with rhythm, laughter, and camaraderie. Embrace the spirit of Austin and make this lively venue a part of your journey!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Highlights
Has live performances
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

5:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Tuesday

4:30 PM - 2:00 AM

Wednesday

4:30 PM - 2:00 AM

Thursday

5:30 PM - 2:00 AM

Friday

4:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Saturday

4:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Sunday

12:00 PM - 2:00 AM

496 Reviews
Toni Rask

04 Sep 2025

I always have a great time. Quick drink service. Multiple areas for entertainment or hanging out with friends. Everyone is friendly and you always meets new people. What a great staple of downtown.

jackie G

15 Aug 2025

Husband and I Came across this bar while looking for a place to have a few drinks. Not knowing this was a gay bar I just saw pretty lights, walked in and we're immediately greeted and attended to. Bar tender suggested a few drinks based on our taste, atmosphere was very cool. There is outside seating w a stage for bands and shows. I would like to go back but husband is iffy my drink a violet palmer. 5x

Morgan Brown

25 Jun 2025

I shot a show here featuring Dodo and Grandmaster Orchestra. The stage is really unique and features a cool custom neon sign and some colored LED poles against a stone wall (the venue is on the side of a steep hill). Great atmosphere and the sound quality was excellent, too.

Joe Cruz

15 Jun 2025

I always come here on my scooter. Tons of street parking located in Red River cultural arts district. The space is literally built into rocks. Atmosphere like this is hard to find anywhere else in austin. Asador food truck attached to the side is the real deal. I love the hippie lounge nights on Sunday with Mary Jae and Wyatt on DJ. Such an important space for BIPOC. Great sound system inside. Tons of bathrooms, multiple bars, hip service/staff. Dress chic! Everyone is so impressive.

Travis Young

30 May 2025

I recently visited Cheer Up Charlie’s for the first time, and it was an absolutely awesome experience! The night was themed as a throwback to the 90s Western, and the vibe was electric. Bridgette Bandit kicked off the drag show, and let me tell you, it was a performance for the books—10s 10s 10s across the board! The energy, the crowd, and the overall atmosphere made it a night to remember. If you’re looking for a fun and unique spot to enjoy great entertainment, Cheer Up Charlie’s is definitely the place to be. Can’t wait to go back!

Marsh D

28 May 2025

Cheer Up Charlie’s is the heartbeat of Austin’s nightlife, a true embodiment of everything that makes this city so unique. Tucked away on East 6th, it’s got that effortless charm—part dive bar, part music venue, all-around vibe. The outdoor patio, with its string lights and cozy corners, feels like a backyard party where everyone’s invited. Inside, the music is always on point, with local bands and DJs delivering the perfect soundtrack to a night out. The best part? The crowd. It’s a mix of everyone—locals, creatives, and travelers—coming together in that cool, unpretentious way that Austin does best. Grab one of their kombucha cocktails (seriously, don’t sleep on them), kick back, and let the night take you wherever it goes. Whether you’re here to dance, catch a show, or just soak in the scene, Cheer Up Charlie’s is always a vibe. It’s not just a bar—it’s an experience, and it’s a must for anyone looking to capture the spirit of Austin.

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