Cactus Cafe — Local services in Austin

I have only one experience here – seeing John Paul White perform his new (at the time not even released) album. OMG! It was intimate and perfect from an experience standpoint. The drinks were fairly priced and they were stocked well (I went for whiskey neat). The sound system isn't the best and the electric amp was mic'd poorly, but that may not have been Cactus's staff. The sound volume was perfect. Most venues crank the music so loud that you can't actually here the nuances of fantastic performers and you leave with your ears ringing. Not here – it was perfect.

Oh, and the best part was the timing. I don't know if it was Cactus Cafe who decided or JPW who decided, but the whole thing ended at 11. Perfect! Why don't more places start live music at a time family people can enjoy it and not be a zombie...

Attended Open Mic event at Cactus Cafe while visiting Austin Jan 2024. The artists were top notch, some professional with announced song release dates. Audience was warm to the newer artists if you’re planning to perform, just keep in mind the high talent level can be intimidating. Place was packed, guessing 100 fans with standing room only for 20 in the back…. arrive early if planning to attend. Located on UT campus, but parked on adjacent street off campus with short 5 min walk. No food or drink served in room during performances, but lots of places around nearby before and after. ...

I saw Van Hunt here and I think he was disappointed. I wasn't, though. He kept trying to get the crowd to get up and move, but there's just not enough room to do that in this venue. It's very tight and intimate, so I don't think it lends itself to really rocking, loud shows...that's just my humble opinion. You just have to know where this place is because we walked for a half hour before we stumbled upon it. All in all, it's a cool little place and I know it's historic. I'd go here to see a "talk" before I'd go to hear a band again. It's...