Barton Springs Saloon — Restaurant in Austin

I visited this bar many times; the last was during one of the hardest nights of my life. I wasn’t loud or disruptive — I was struggling, and just needed a place to sit. When my emotions surfaced and I began to cry, someone at the table told me to leave. A few minutes later, I accidentally dropped a glass inside, and the owner told me to leave the bar altogether.

No one asked if I was okay. No one offered compassion. It wasn’t just embarrassing — it was dehumanizing.

This bar has a picture on the wall of a girl named Jessica, who used to come there. She died by suicide. One of the previous time visiting the bar I asked who she was, they said it quickly, quietly, like her story didn’t belong anymore.

This place may serve drinks, but it doesn’t serve people — not the ones hurting, not the ones who need a moment of grace.

And so I wrote this:

Jessica by C Bee

I sat at the table, my silence was loud, Not looking for pity, just out of the crowd. But sorrow spilled out like a drink on the floor, And they stared like I shouldn’t be there anymore. A dropped glass, a sob, and then I was told: "Leave." Like I was the problem. Like I couldn’t grieve.

They didn’t see the storm I survived, Only the part of me barely alive. Not rage, not threat — just wanting to be in that space. But some people panic when sadness shows face. It’s easier to label, to push pain away, Than to ask someone hurting if they’re okay.

And then I noticed a frame on the wall, A picture of someone once known by all. I asked, “Who is she?” and the silence grew— "That’s Jessica… she used to come here too.” The words felt heavy, like air turned to stone. Another soul who sat here, hurting alone.

In the back of the bar where the lights were low, She sat in her silence, and nobody’d know That her heart was breaking, slow and unseen— She smiled like smoke, and slipped in between.

Later, they posted her photo online, "If only we knew, if only a sign..." But the signs were there — they always are — You just didn’t look. You sat at the bar. And now she’s a headline, a moment, a name— But when she was breathing, you played the same game.

So I carry her memory like a flame in my chest, A vow to show up, even when pressed. To never let someone sit in that space Without at least offering a little grace. And if my truth makes the shallow turn cold, Then I’ll sit alone, but I’ll sit bold.

Because I won’t be silence. I won’t be shame. I won’t be scared to speak her name. And if you ever wonder what kindness is worth— It’s a chair pulled close. A soft...

My experience with this bar was equally short as it was unpleasant. I arrived, sat at the bar and asked the old bartender with a grey beard what their IPA selection was to which he responded that they don’t sell any IPA’s then asked for my ID, I showed him my ID then ordered an electric jellyfish IPA, I know I look young but that is no reason to falsely represent the drink selection simply because you think I’m underage, especially before looking at a form of ID to confirm age. The bartender then tossed the drink coaster with such aggression that it flew off the bar counter and onto the floor. I then drank my IPA and left hastily due to the uncomfortable and unwelcoming service. I hope management can teach him some manners and not to make prejudiced decisions because his parents obviously couldn’t. I also pray that management has less of a chip on their shoulder than...

Have you ever wanted an all inclusive drinking and entertainment experience? Look no further than Barton Springs Saloon. Equipped with the thickest urinal cakes on this side of the Mississippi, this local legend of a pub offers a unique insight into life in Austin Texas.

The obviously intentional juxtaposition between the wooden bar tops and the flatscreen TVs makes this place a desirable destination for both nature lovers and sports fans. The overwhelming amount of feminine energy became apparent the moment our group of 8 men walked through the door. Even though bachelor parties are oftentimes a showcase of masculinity, this fem-queen girlboss of a bar set us back on track to be portrayed as well-rounded emotion-acknowledging men having...