Sahara Lounge: Austin's Eclectic Eastside Gem

Sahara Lounge, an iconic East Austin music club, has landed on the 2024 USA TODAY Bars of the Year list, alongside 26 other notable establishments across the nation. The diverse list, curated by USA TODAY Network food writers, showcases an array of dive bars and high-end cocktail lounges.

"I think what makes it special...are the ghosts that live in the building," says Topaz McGarrigle, co-owner. "Any space that has been a music venue for such a long time starts to have a special mojo in the walls...there's literally no right angles or straight surfaces, and it sounds better."

A Unique Vibe

Sahara Lounge, tucked away in far East Austin, exudes a unique vibe. On any given Friday night, you'll find a lively crowd dancing to Prince, with the heat rising and cold beers in hand. Return on Saturday for Africa Night, where you can groove to the infectious rhythms and then retreat to the back courtyard with a signature Sahara Slant cocktail, a refreshing blend of akpateshi (an herbaceous liquor crafted by co-owner Ibrahim Aminou), spiced rum, and ginger beer.

In a city that sometimes feels homogenized, Sahara Lounge offers an exciting escape, like a mirage that settles into a dream. The bar's origins are rooted in a dream, quite literally. The story began with a phone call to Eileen Bristol, Topaz McGarrigle's mother and bandmate in the Michigan jazz band Zoumountchi. Ibrahim Aminou, also a bandmate, shared a dream about opening a jazz lounge in Austin, where Topaz lived. A year later, the trio brought this vision to life.

Sahara Lounge, an amalgamation of three buildings, is the definition of ramshackle charm. Its main building, constructed in 1962, boasts a visibly angled roof, inspiring the name of their house cocktail.

Music is at the heart and soul of Sahara Lounge, founded by professional musicians. Bristol and Aminou perform weekly with Zoumountchi during Africa Nights, while Topaz, frontman of Golden Dawn Arkestra, spins records monthly for Ladies Night. The calendar also features Body Rock ATX, one of Austin's best dance parties, produced by hip-hop royalty Jonathan "Chaka" Mahone and Ghislaine "Qi Dada" Jean of Riders Against the Storm, alongside DJ Chorizo Funk.

If you're seeking a quieter evening, visit before the bass-thumping shows begin and immerse yourself in the musical history adorning the walls or retreat to the backyard, where conversations flow as freely as the Quan Yin fountain, a tribute to the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

"The community...is super unique," Topaz adds. "The vibe is timeless; you could be in Austin, New Orleans, or somewhere in the middle of Africa."

Experience it: Sahara Lounge | 1413 Webberville Road, Austin, Texas | 512-927-0700