This week in "Jim Duncan's Austin," we adapt several of his histories of dive bars, which he defines by atmosphere and attitude. In the coming weeks, expect more short histories of Austin dives and honkytonks.
1947: Cut-Rite / Mean Eyed Cat
The Mean-Eyed Cat combines Johnny Cash, a movie location and an ancient tree. It is not often you will find a business that has been in the movies, been dedicated to a legendary country singer, and been saved from the wrecking ball by a tree, but that summarizes the history of the Mean-Eyed Cat.
1951: Deep Eddy Cabaret
Named after a popular swimming hole that was once part of the Colorado River behind the bar, Deep Eddy Cabaret is a time capsule from the 1950s. As one of Austin's oldest dive bars, it still possesses many of its original furnishings.
1951: Halo Haven / 04 Lounge
For more than 70 years, a nondescript, concrete, windowless, easy-to-miss structure at 3808 South Congress Ave. has served neighborhood dining and drinking desires. Its newest occupant, the 04 Lounge, has been described as a "no-frills neighborhood spot decorated with flea market finds" and "no windows, no overt signage — nothing fancy. Just one of Austin's best dive bars."
1955: Continental Club
Over a century ago, the building that is now home to one of Austin's premier music venues was occupied by one of its first automobile paint shops. Before it found its destiny as the iconic Continental Club, 1315 South Congress Ave. was also home to an oil reclamation company, a restaurant, a laundromat and an appliance store.
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