CACTUS CAFE Offers
Best Acoustic Music in Austin

#4 Austin Live Music Club

Gillian Welch has performed at the Cactus Cafe. Photo/Whistling in the Dark

The very best acoustic music in Austin is hard to find, but worth the hunt.

Nestled in the southwestern corner of the Texas Union building. This place is perfect for what it is.

A big living room, so small it forces you to be sociable. The artist gets immediate feedback because the place is so small. The intimacy between artist and audience is palpable.

They have an international reputation. Open since 1979, the list of artists that have played here is amazing. Townes Van Zandt, Flatlanders, Ani DiFranco, Dixie Chicks, John Hiatt, Guy Clark, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin and Nanci Griffith.

Live music in Austin at its very best. Every time I come here I take a deep breath and travel back in time.

This is the best of Austin clubs because of the quality of talent and how it's presented.

Small bar serves cheap drinks and I've never paid more than $5 at the door.

For the big shows they use the Texas Union Theater (375 seats) or the Texas Union Ballroom (1,200 seats).

You can expect a good time here. Probably the best first date club in Austin.

Strictly acoustic. SXSW showcase schedule is impressive.

My choice for best acoustic room in the city and my #4 choice for Best Overall Live Music in Austin.

CACTUS CAFE -- 2247 Guadalupe -- utexas.edu/txunion

LOCATION: 24th & Guadalupe. In the southwest corner of the Texas Union building. Part of University of Texas campus. Be sure to consult the web site, if it's a large show it will be at the Texas Union Theater or the Texas Union Ballroom. Check here (opens in a new window) (www.utexas.edu/txunion/about/maps/parking_map.pdf) for their parking map.

TICKETS: Most tickets are sold at the door, 30 minutes before the show, some you can purchase in advance. Consult current listings on their web site.

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