The Golden Horn — Restaurant in Austin

I am in charge of scoping out locations for our guests to hang out at after our film screenings and panels are done for the night at Austin Action Fest in August. I remembered Barfly and drove over to discover The Golden Horn had replaced the burger joint downstairs. Much to my delight, I saw designated smoking area outside for patrons that partake in smoking. Which is awesome because artist tend to smoke cigarettes...it's a thing...and I am happy we would be able to accommodate them. I stepped inside and was immediately taken aback by the incredible transformation that has taken place. The atmosphere is beyond "cool"...it reminded me of something swanky you'd see in a movie. I asked about hosting our event and was advised I needed to speak to Pat, the General Manager. He greeted me like an old friend and was beyond down to earth and helpful. I appreciate how straightforward he was about time constraints and was grateful for his willingness to collaborate. Needless to say, I returned this last weekend to check out what it would be like on an actual Saturday night. Good vibes. Everyone was themselves with no pretentious snobbyness. Everybody came as they were and the dress code was non existent. There were people dressed to the 9's and then others that had on jeans and retro shirts. I loved that we all meshed together and just chilled and laughed. I saw all walks of life and backgrounds represented and no cookie cutter/cliques. It felt like Austin back in 2001 and I couldn't help but smile. I had the opportunity to taste some of the cocktails and the artistry, flavor n care were evident. It was so much fun to tell the bartender surprise me after describing what I like and actually being ecstatic about the concoction he prepared. I learned Gina always picks out the best movies to play and Pat DJs to your soul with a wide range of music that keeps you nodding your head along. I thought it was amazing to learn that Pat, the GM, personally samples every new batch of the new cocktails to make sure it is palatable and delicious. If you are looking for a haven amongst the wonkiness out there...this oasis is hidden in plain sight. With affordable prices to boot! Closing remarks on this novel of a review, the staff genuinely cares. Like for real for real, they want to make sure every person that comes thru that door feels safe, comfortable, welcome and cared about. If you feel like you had the BEST time and those drinks got you right, they will ensure your Uber is ordered, that you make it safely to your Uber and you can leave your vehicle overnight and come back for it in the morning with no worries of it being towed. Knowing you made the right choice. All the kudos for being a bar that supports not drinking and driving...and really standing on...

Cool, laid back vibes with throwback decor that feels obvious in retrospect. As a project by the Barfly’s team, it wasn’t surprising to find friendly bartenders serving up affordable beer and cocktails, but unlike Barfly’s they’ve got quite a few of those beers on tap. The kitchen on site is run by Yellow Ranger, who is serving up Asian-inspired bites like egg rolls, Taiwanese chicken, orange cauliflower, or some of the best green beans with a chili crisp oil, all of which was exceedingly well executed. Seating is plentiful indoors and out with booths, sofas, a large high top shared table, and plenty of room at the bar counter. While a couple of the booths could accommodate up to 6 people, I think The Golden Horn is likely best enjoyed with groups a bit smaller than that. Overall a welcome addition to the neighborhood that satisfies a long-time desire of mine for Barfly’s to have a food...

Hosted our 2025 closing party here in late June for Austin Asian American Film Festival. The bar staff was so generous and friendly. Cocktails were strong in the best way possible without compromising taste. Our visitors and local guests alike had a fantastic time and kept exclaiming how we have the best parties. Well, it's easy with joints like this! Also with the community-oriented and heavy film buff vibes of the owners, it was a no-brainer to for us.

My cocktails of choice were the Espresso Martini and Old Fashioned! Vibes were absolutely immaculate. Other patrons graciously gave us the floor a bit to take over the pool/darts area for our Jury/Audience Awards too. Our photographer Erica Rich was so inspired when capturing these wonderful memories that...