Hi-Lo

Elite '08

367

389

Kevin N.

Austin, TX

As a general rule, I've recently discovered that going into any bar in a giant foam cowboy hat can keep things pretty entertaining.  To that end, when I recently hit Hi-Lo for some Halloween ballyhoo, the Hi-Lo did not disappoint.  It's a relatively simple shotgun setup with a small stage tucked off in the corner, and on this night, with all comers crammed in here (and potentially dressed) like sardines, the place was electric with excitement.  

Others have mentioned the wall of Guitar Hero guitars (seems like when Red Bull put that in around SXSW of last year I would swear I saw that Slash was here for the dedication ceremony...does that make him the Mayor of Guitartown?  I digress -), and those are pretty cool, packed around an enclave where they occasionally bring in DJs to spin.  The bar staff was totally on the ball and quick with a concoction to sling, remarkably so given the crowd, and Hi-Lo, at least Halloween night, was one of those places you kinda wish you could bottle and break out in a fix.  'Cause you never know when a little happy mojo might be in the offing.

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Elite '08

126

269

Tara H.

Austin, TX

For a Friday night at 10:00, this place was dead.

D-E-A-D.

Being as I am not a huge fan of crowds, that was okay with me. The bartenders were friendly, A/C was at the perfect level and we played one game of pool after another.

I dug the cool arched ceiling thing and the old school furniture. Honestly, I expected this place to be way more obnoxious. You know...kind of full of itself.

The funk band was just starting up when we left, but I wish I could have heard more!

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3

39

Cyrus M.

Dallas, TX

This place is decent but not great.. and I have a feeling it will be getting another remodel and renaming in a year or so.. just like it did when it used to be Oslo. Belmont next door is taking a lot their business.. although I guess its not that big of a deal because Matt Luckie owns both of them. Betsy's Bar in the back is way cooler than Hi-Lo.

This is a borderline 3 to 4 stars joint.. just nothing really too compelling about the place... kinda like Lucky Lounge but without that IT factor...

Actually it is kinda cool to be able to go back and forth between Hi-lo and Betsy's Bar through a simple sound proof doorway.. which are complete opposites of each other. Hi-Lo plays loud hip-hop, is darker, has a dance floor area and Betsy's Bar plays more indie-type and rock and roll music has a very old rustic, antiquated, wooden feel, has some serious character.. and you can play atari videogames!

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Elite '08

202

457

Susie G.

Austin, TX

We kept saying we were going to meet at Hi-Lo and people kept saying., oh Ive been meaning to get to Betsy's Bar. I was completely confused till now, reading the yelp reviews. I did not leave Hi-Lo to go through the sound proof door to Betsy's bar. Silly me :)

For a Friday night around 10, there were quite a few people. A really great chill laid back, leave your coat and purse cause no one would dare take it vibe. A Mr.Cool sexy singer man sang superstitious and other sultry songs.

Typical sex couple getting it on on the dance floor and then some of my Meet in social group jammin out..in their own way. I guess we all looked pretty silly.

All in all, I liked this place a lot. I have a vague vague memory of being here once while drinking and trying to find some girls bartender boyfriend and it being insanely packed. Tonight was much better.

Give it a shot for a laid back, grab a drink and chill kind of venue. Oh and make eyes at the singer man. He'll like it .

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Elite '08

475

608

phil h.

San Francisco, CA

We walked into Hi-Lo and were immediately greeted by one of the friendliest bartenders that I've ever encountered.  She happily served me my first ever Shiner Bock in Texas (we do have it in SF but I felt the need to have one in Austin) with a smile on her face and eagerly wanted to hear all about SF and what brought me to Austin.  Bonus points for being adjacent to Betsy's Bar: http://www.yelp.com/bi...

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12

16

Ryan G.

San Francisco, CA

This was definitely a hip bar.  The guitar hero guitars mounted on the walls, along with the dance wall that projected silhouettes to the outside street, was very cool.  Also, the connection to Betsy's Bar next door, which has some awesome game systems and burlesque shows playing, was awesome.

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