Austin Sports Tavern

I Just moved to this area of Austin I lived further South. Since moving to this area AST has become my regular place on Spurs game nights and Wed. is a must with all the beautiful women that come in for SALSA night. Sunday is TEJANO night which is pretty cool with a live band. The food is as good as it gets in a Sports Bar LOVE the steaks!

I used to play poker here so I would try to eat when I was there. First the menu is limited, second it was not original, third they could not even get it right. The food was poorly prepared and tasted like a blind five year old made it. I can not judge the quality of the drinks since I am not a drinker.

Disclaimer: I am considerably and shamelessly spoiled by Dallas’ superb treatment of salsa dancers, in that they really bend over backwards for us.
Good Things:
— AST’s floor is new, and smooth, and new. Even when it’s not new, it will likely still be smooth.
— Parking is plentiful if you get there before 10:30. Once the lot is full, I presume you must search for spots in the neighboring streets
— They offer Latin dancing Wednesday and now Friday nights. I very much appreciate the Friday night option, as often that’s the only night a student can get their salsa on without interfering with papers, etc.
Not-​so-​good Things:
— Although nice (and perpetually smooth), their floor is sometimes sticky with what feels like spilled alcohol. Yes, this is a bar, but it’s noticeable enough for some leads to have commented on this in the past.
— $ 5 cover and *no free water*. Sigh. I feel obliged to emphasize an important anthem of social dancers worldwide: we must remain hydrated. We are sweating pounds off every time we get on the floor. Charging for bottled water when admission is already nearing its upper limit seems borderline Copa. I have witnessed bartenders at Dallas refill coolers with water and replenish plastic cups so we may hydrate between songs free of money. Do they not like money? Maybe. But their royal treatment is tough for me to forget.

It’s true, I do practically live here. Never did I think I’d become a regular at a sports bar. But I am. I don’t come here to stare at men running around in tight pants on the giant flat screens, though, I come for the dancing.
Not a dancer? Well, like I said, there are the giant flat screens, but most sports bars have those, right? What sets AST apart from your run of the mill sports bar is THE FOOD! Yes, they have a lot of the typical bar food items, but they also serve amazing steaks (I’ve had ‘em a couple of times), pork chops, and chicken dishes that are divine! Like I said, I’m here A LOT so you can take my word for it. I’ve slowly been eating my way through the entire menu (my expanding wasteline will vouch for me). Oh, and the Mexican Martinis may just be the best in town. (Plus, they can take your dancing from a 1 to a 5 in just a few sips).
Which brings me back to why I actually started this review. Call me biased if you will, but the truth is, I’ve been to a lot of the Salsa venues in town and I can speak from experience. AST has one of the better dance floors around. And the music is pretty good, too, mixing salsa, bachata, merengue, cha cha, and even a cumbia or two for fun.
Still don’t wanna believe me? Just drop in on a Wednesday night and see for yourself. That many great dancers can’t all be wrong!
PS
I help with a salsa class here on Fridays. So, if you’ve never tried the dance or just want to polish your skills, come by at 9 and keep me company. I promise, it’s fun!

I’m not sure why Lorena O hasn’t reviewed this place. Girlfriend has EIGHTEEN check-​ins. She practically lives there, helping with the dance class Wednesday nights. But I’ll give you the 411 until she chimes in.
Pro + they have a great dance floor. I’ve never seen this place during the day, but I assume that tables and chairs are moved from the area we use for dancing.
Con — they charge you $ 5 to get in for salsa night and do not offer free water.
Pro + DJ Manolis is super-​sweet, making his salsa DJing efforts interactive (via his FB page).
Con — they charge you $ 2 for a bottle of water, because they don’t offer free water.
Pro + the dance leads are typically very good. I get in at least 2 straight hours of cardio when I head over. With Friday night salsa starting up here too, I’ll be even more ripped. Ha.
Con — there is no free water. none. $ 5 to get in, and no free water.
I don’t drink when dancing — no one wants me toppling over mid-​spin. That said, I have no idea what kind of pricing they’ve got, or anything about the food. But the atmosphere is alright for dancing.
Which brings me to: you should be dancing. Really. Do it.

This sports bar is new and they have AMAZING Salsa dancing every Wednesday. I have gone there to Salsa dance since I heard of it’s opening and I absolutely love it. The dance floor is big, the music is fantastic and they have great drink specials. The DJ (Manolis) is by far one of the best salsa and international music DJ, that I’ve heard in a while. I am definitely a fan and keep going there every Wednesday. Many kudos to who ever organized this.

This Sports bar is brand new and it really isn’t crowded at all due to it’s current location. It is located at the northwest intersection of the Oltorf and I-​35 intersection. (Connected to the Clarion Inn) It’s one of those hidden places that once you find you will definatley come back. I enjoyed their 2 dollar lonestar pint that I am told is always 2 dollars and their ribeye and shrimp for just 10.99. I was served by a great bartender named James and a server named Angela. I had a wonderful time there and I know once this bar is up and running it will be constantly busy do to there obvious customer service standards, drink prices, entertainment and overall energy. South Austin needs a good sports bar off of oltorf and 35. Thanks for the fun!