Deep Eddy Cabaret - Austin, TX

"Now THIS is a weird place for a strip club..."

When I was a child, my family would take a weekly trip to the Magnolia Cafe to enjoy brunch. A restaurant that deserves its own separate post, we would always enjoy pancakes and eggs there each weekend. Each time we would go, I would see this sign across the street, planted right in front of what resembles an old Southern farmhouse, with a mirrored glass door for an entryway (very similar to the doors most commonly seen in front of strip clubs, or so I've heard). I never asked my parents about that place, as I was positive that they had never been there before, but it always puzzled me why such a place of ill repute would be planted right next to a community swimming pool that held the same name. That is until fellow blogger and Austinite Billy Willson (the Catholic guy that walked into the bar) introduced me to this wonderful place.

While the smoking ordinance in Austin has made every bar a smoke free zone, the first thing you would think of when walking into Deep Eddy Cabaret is "I'm going to smell like a wet cigarette in the morning." However, because all smoking is prohibited except for the back patio area, all you see is a dive bar that appears to have been stuck in 1985. Rusty chairs of all different types, (Paul Rudd on mushrooms would get kicked out of the bar trying to count all of them) a couple of pool tables and an analog jukebox is most of what makes up this place, a bar that caters to those in need of a cold drink and some good music.

One of the biggest draws to me about Deep Eddy Cabaret is its no-frills beer selection (no liquor here). With a plate hanging in my honor at the Flying Saucer (celebrating my consumption of 200 different beers), I am a huge fan of variety, but there are also times when all I require out of my beer is that it is cold and refreshing. To that end, Deep Eddy delivers. Not only is the beer super-cold out of the keg, but the pitchers they give you have been frozen, to ensure that even if its just you and a buddy, your beer is always going to be cold. And with regards to the selection, Texas staples Lone Star and Shiner Bock are on draft, as well as Dos Equis Amber, in case you want to go international (for an upcharge, natch). Their premium selection consists of several import bottles, as well as local favorites Real Ale (whose brown ale is nothing short of amazing). Their prices are also amazing; you WILL NOT find a cheaper non-happy hour pitcher of Shiner or Lone Star anywhere in the Austin Metro Area.

In addition, while I am a huge fan of the digital jukebox that lets me pay 20 bucks to play whatever 12 songs I can think of off of the top of my head, there is something to be said about a bar that refuses to go along with the times and maintain a standard, A-N 0-9 jukebox. The music selection on the jukebox at Deep Eddy will appease anyone, whether you are a redneck hankering for some Willie Nelson or a 90's child wanting to bring back some Nirvana (No Nickelback though, sorry guys). And if you're into games, they've got two pool tables, as well as a series of board games that would make Zinnie's proud.

And, in an effort to bring this all back full-circle, I have to mention Magnolia Cafe again. While the food selection at Deep Eddy consists of nothing more than pretzels and chips intended to make you drink more, you do have access to a 24-hour breakfast spot right across the street. Because let's be honest; we can have all the Mickey D's burgers and Krystal Chiks we want to close out the night, but wouldn't we all rather have this?

In short, while Deep Eddy may not be the ideal place to spend a drunken and crazy Friday night, it is by far the best place to host an afterparty after being out on 6th street. While you won't find your soulmate there (the median age of the clientele is ~45), what you will find is a damn good place to get a cold beer and be within walking distance of one of the better late night diners in Austin. Just make sure to bring your cash.

Deep Eddy Cabaret, 2315 Lake Austin Blvd