Though I’ve only been living in Austin for a very short time, I’ve been a visitor more times than I can count. Thanks to a few of my good friends having lived down here at one time or another, I’ve had a plethora of opportunities to soak in the experience that is Austin. And it most certainly is an experience to experience.
There are many things about this city that I absolutely love, but if I were given the choice to spend one evening at only one place, you better believe I would spend it at the Jackalope, a self-proclaimed “dive bar” on 6th Street in downtown Austin (Talk about a run-on sentence).
My first experience at this establishment occurred during the 2008 Summer Olympics in which the Americans barely beat the French in the most intense swimming relay I’ve ever seen. Never in my life had I thought I would give a rat’s behind about swimming competitions, but when it comes to Americans beating down some smelly Frenchmen, then I’m all about it.
Anyways, talk about a good reason to celebrate! We shot-gunned some Lone Stars and headed on down to the Jackalope to honor a victory for the good ol’ USA. And I’ve been spending my (and my parents’) hard earned money there ever since.
Sure there are a lot of Austin-y bars in Austin, but there are several things that make this the most Austin-y of them all (in my humble opinion):
1) Pretty damn good food
The menu consists of items you would typically classify as “bar food,” but it blows the stereotype out of the water with its amazingly delicious eats. Their signature burger, the Chipotle Bacon Cheeseburger, was even featured on the Food Network’s “Best. Burger. Ever.” I recently ate this burger, and, in my opinion, it’s earned the sh*t out of that title. It is as tasty as it is enormous, and, if you visit the Jackalope, this is a must have.
Their wings are straight-out-of-hell spicy. The first time I ordered them, I had to race to the bathroom and stick my mouth under the faucet to prevent it from catching on fire. Another patron using the facilities at the time thought I was barfing in the sink. Fortunately for him (and me), I wasn’t. I even went on to eat more wings that night. I highly recommend these as well, but you may want to have a fire extinguisher at the ready.
2) The Helldorado
The Helldorado is the Jackalope’s signature beverage. This is a giant, community drink that can really pack a punch. The grenadine infused vodka drink is served in a large, martini-glass-looking vat with extra long straws for you and your friends to enjoy. Be careful, because this thing will sneak up on your sobriety and knock you straight on your ass. I would know.
3) Jackalope statue
If you’re going to name your bar the Jackalope, you may as well have a giant statue of said mystical beast smack dab in the middle of the entryway. And that is exactly what they did. As soon as patrons enter the bar, they are greeted by a several-foot-tall statue of a Jackalope complete with a saddle in which you are encouraged to mount. This thing is super fun, and I am sure a lot of people visit the bar simply to get a picture riding this big antlered monster. There are certainly plenty of pictures of an over excited me floating around the Internet.
4) B-movies on tap
In addition to a giant Jackalope, they have a huge collection of the finest risqué B-movies you’ve probably never heard of. A steady stream of more than interesting movies plays from open to close on multiple screens throughout the bar. Sure they have other TVs on airing sports and other bar-like programming, but this is one of the most badass aspects of the establishment. If you don’t feel like talking to anyone, you can just kick back and watch a flick.
5) Atmosphere
This place sure has a lot of personality. Upon entering the place, you immediately notice the weird, underworld-y vibe this place puts out. Red lights are the primary form of illumination. The bartenders are usually pretty tatted up and have a plethora of piercings (Not to mention, they are extremely friendly). Odd decorations are strewn throughout, including older paintings of topless women and neked lady chandeliers. Thanks to the atmosphere and the other elements listed above, the only phrase I can use to accurately describe the place is devilishly mischievous. Not bad or evil. Just mischievous. And I freakin’ love it.
If you’re ever in town and need a fun, laid back place to grab a burger and a beer, I strongly recommend you check out the Jackalope.