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The Mohawk
Categories: Nightlife Dance Clubs Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Nightlife Bars Lounges Dance Clubs, Music Venues, Lounges [Edit]
917 Red River StAustin, TX 78799
Neighborhood: Downtown
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ages Allowed:
- 21+
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
132 reviews for The Mohawk
Review Highlights
"Great space that often has cool or unusual bands."
(in 49 reviews)
"The outdoor stage setup is excellent."
(in 8 reviews)
"Seen many shows here and I'm always impressed."
(in 37 reviews)
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132 reviews in English
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Review from Jessica A.
Austin, TX
1/25/2012 34 Check-ins Here
I can't even begin to tell everyone how I pretty much love Mohawk like a BFF and how this is probably the best overall venue in the city of Austin.
First of all, live shows. They have lots of them. And they are pretty much all amazing. Sure, most of the bands are "indie" but bands like the Melvins, Circa Survive and even Nah Dude play there. Also, there isn't a bad seat in the house. Sure, it's pretty much all standing room, but you can stand pretty much anywhere, including the 2nd story when it isn't just VIP.
Secondly, the bar staff rocks. Actually, all the staff is pretty much amazing. They remember your drink orders. They are always calm, happy and nice. They like making crazy drinks. Oh, and they love whiskey!
Finally, the drink selection is choice and theme nights are awesome. There is usually a cider on tap. Want a hot toddy? They can whip it up. Maybe even in June. The theme nights vary from mustache happy hours to bike night with free live music. They even let you ride your Harley right inside the outside stage area. Rad/
Overall, A+. Love this place!!! -
Review from Melissa A.
Austin, TX
2/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Mohawk is one of the better live music venues in town. For one thing, it is on Red River, which is cool, but is not on some crumbly side of a hill (ahem, Stubb's), so you needn't worry about what footwear goes well with gravel. Although, when it is crowded, as it often is, you probably want real shoes and not sandals anyway. And for some reason, I tend to spend an inordinate amount of time here when it is freezing ass cold, though I'm sure they book bands in the cooler months on purpose. However, I did come here a few times last summer and saw a lot more of my bartenders than I cared to.
While the midnight downtown music curfew is horrendously horrible, there are actually two upsides to this is you happen to be seeing a show at Mohawk: 1) if you are an oldie, or someone who generally likes to go to sleep and get up at reasonable hours, you can go to Mohawk and rest assured you will be tucked in by 12:30 or so, 1b) If you are leaving downtown that early, there is no traffic, 2) if you want to stay out, Mohawk generally hosts two bands after outdoor shows inside. These are generally no cover, I think, for anyone, and definitely no cover if you went to the outside show. These late shows are a great way to catch new Austin music at bargain basement prices.
Use caution when going to shows at the Mohawk. Lately, as Ashley S. points out, the venue has seemed oversold, but that really depends on what you are seeing. If it has 1000 likes on Facebook or whatever, it is probably going to be pretty crowded. And you can probably sit outside at Club de Ville and still hear it pretty well.
I really like the recent renovations of expanding the women's restroom (I was here a few months ago and there was a line for the men's and not the women's--true story, I swear). So hooray for reverse sexually discriminate architecture. They also seem to be building some sort of roof. I hope it is not one that will totally trap the heat and make it unbearable to stand under (cough, Emo's outside). Only time will tell... -
Review from Ashley S.
1/16/2012
Over the years I have been to many shows here. There's never been a bad time had here, in fact it is one of my favorite venues (that's still open) around town because of it's small space. Well, I never thought I'd be complaining about their small size. Sold out shows are always fun, you know there's going to be a big mix of people dying to see the same band as you. But the past couple of recent sold out shows I've been to were completely OVERSOLD. And by that I mean, uncomfortably overcrowded, to the point of no movement (even while standing in the back).
The quick lowdown of this space:
-Inside space has an area for a very SMALL show. There was absolutely NO MORE room for people to keep trickling in. Sure it was sold out, easily done with such a small room for a show. But I kept thinking, holy mother of hipsters this space is less than 1,000 sq ft aka as small as my fricken house.
-Outside venue is a sight to see. It's not too big or too small. There are all these secret passages to other areas from outside to inside that you may never know of. There are balconies over looking the show below, but although they are a nice touch they provide absolutely no viewing purpose of the show going on below. This is only an appropriate space if you are on the edge, or need to stay near the port-a-potty for a much too active bladder.
Still a 4 star. It used to be as good as it gets in my perfectly biased, humble opinion. There's no escaping the ever lovely Mohawk. They always get the bands I'm into. Tons of bar areas so it's never too long to get a drink. Parking close by is never an issue if you plan ahead and get there a bit earlier. Because anyone who's anyone knows the further north you go the more parking there is.
For now, I still got ya back Mohawk. Just quit making my claustrophobia come out to play. And stop inviting people here who are wearing glasses that probably don't even have a prescription in them.Listed in: Best Live Music Venues
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Review from Katie J.
Austin, TX
10/18/2011
Saw Washed Out here last night, and it was a great show. Obviously this review is for the venue, but I can't help but smile when thinking about how awesome those guys are. Enjoyed Feathers a lot, too.
All bartenders were friendly, bouncer was nice, will call attendant was also congenial.
Outdoor areas are really cool and easy to navigate.
Please please please do something about the super stinky porta potties that haunt the second level outside! You can smell them halfway down the lower staircase and up the higher one. Ewww.
Will be back and will avoid the second balcony area due to stench. Finger's crossed that the potties will be removed though! -
Review from Sarah C.
9/7/2011
This is one of my favorite music venues in Austin. Over the years, they've offered great, affordable shows and a whole lot of fun!
The crowd can vary depending on the show - one of my favorite shows there was a few years back for 4/20 - when Collie Budz - one of my favorite Caribbean musicians, along with other local acts of a similar, ganja-loving nature.
The venue is great, too, because it offers a wide variety of seating. You can be downstairs and in front of the stage, or seated indoors, on the upstairs patio, or even on their "mezzanine" - there is just so much variety.
Service is also friendly and efficient even when there is a bit of a crowd.
All in all, Mohawk is a fun, versatile venue that's great every time! -
Review from Jessica S.
Austin, TX
6/12/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I dig this place.
There's plenty of bars (never long of a wait).
There's plenty of stalls in the bathrooms (never long of a wait).
There can be a nice breeze upstairs, and well, it's just a cool venue.
I dig this place. -
Review from auralee p.
Metairie, LA
7/31/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Solid indoor/outdoor venue. About as clean as a place like it can be, the drinks are reasonably priced and the staff are generally not douchebags. When I drive nine hours from New Orleans for a show in Austin I don't want to have to muck around discarded beer cans and broken bottles all over the floor so thanks for not letting that happen, Mohawk.
If you're one of those elitist types you can chill out on one of the balconies and watch the bands/sweaty masses churning about below you. No such luck for inside shows since that room is considerably smaller, but then again live music is always better when you're in close quarters.... right? -
Review from Lauren G.
6/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here a few times, and there's nothing special that sets it apart from any other music venue, except that there's a sizable upstairs balcony area that provides a breeze sometimes. Other than that, its typical concert prices and the standard beer/liquor.
On a personal note, I got in a Jersey-Shore-type throw down on Saturday because some woman was very insistent that my friend and I were standing "too close". Seriously? It was a sold out show and it was packed, I could barely see the band anyway. They decided the best way to let us know that we were in their space was to shove us backward. It got ugly.
My point is that if you're one of those people that doesn't like crowds, DON'T GO HERE FOR A SOLD OUT SHOW! It will be crazy packed and you won't have fun. So don't try to ruin someone else's good time. -
Review from Trina H.
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I heart Mohawk. Had the blessed opportunity to catch Toro y Moi here and it was AWWSUMM! Had a great view of them and the sound was impeccable for being outdoors. The bar inside was beautifully adorned with majestic portraits of manly, beardy men. *le-freaking-swoon* Truly my new go-to spot to catch my fave bands and artists :)
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Review from Kimberly L.
Webster, TX
3/29/2011
Wow. Ok, I was all prepared to not like this place since the concert I was attending was outside and it was supposed to be somewhere near 90° last Saturday. Ugh.
But. Mohawk did it right! They offered free water and had plenty of fans blowing so yeah it was hot but not as hot as it could have been.
I went to the Spencer Bell Legacy concert here in memory of the late, great Spencer Bell who passed away at the age of 20 from adrenal cancer. Most the bands that played were friends with Spencer and covered many of his songs. It was an amazing concert with so much love and energy and I am so glad it happened at Mohawk.
The bands were amazing! There was a local Austin reggae group called Axis Unity that really rocked it and then of course the groups I was there for: The Stevedores (the group Spencer was in), Tin Tin Can, The Kissing Club, Union Shop and Mechanical People. They all were on FIRE that night and not because of the heat!
The sound was fantastic! From the above roof-top deck to down below near the stage it all sounded amazing!! The fans were blowing on both the performers and on us near the stage and that felt great.
And the bathrooms! OMG the bathrooms! They were clean! With toilet paper! Maybe the crowd was different but I was very impressed and wasn't at all scared to go pee.
I can't comment on the drink prices as I just stuck with water, but it was free and the bartenders were so nice about just getting water for me. Now I did tip them, but still, a lot of bartenders hate getting water for people and they let you know it.
So yeah. Mohawk rocks. Thanks for helping to make last weekend a mind-blowing experience honoring a musician lost too soon and enjoying some fantastic groups playing to remember their friend.Listed in: My bliss - 100 Monkeys (and…
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Review from Yoshi W.
Brooklyn, NY
1/9/2012
My friends and I had a great time! The band was great, and the crowd was chilled. The patio area was definitely a plus!
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Review from Mickey A.
1/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Mohawk is the new black. I'm so tired of sixth st., so tired of shiny shirts, so tired of punks, so tired of a lot of things in downtown Austin....but this is the redeeming factor for me. They have a wide array of bands playing here any given night and you can see death metal one night and catch an afro-beat show the next. Diversity in music, I'm all for it.
I also like the fact that they serve a vast array of beers and don't rape your wallet to get said beers. I never drink Miller High Life, but I do when I'm at The Mohawk. Why? I'm embracing my inner bum as they offer big quart bottles of it for around 5 bones. The bartenders treat everyone the same and I like that I can use my iPhone app to tab out at the end of the night.
This and The Parish are the two places I look at first when cracking open the fresh Chronicle every Thursday. Abhor normalcy!! Ample seating for those of us who don't like standing for four hours.Listed in: Bars I Have Been Expelled From
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Review from David E.
Madison, WI
6/14/2011
Been here a couple times, during my travels. First time I went was a small turnout, a few local bands. I went by myself and had a great time, met cool people and watched great bands.
Great vibe, energy, and awesome venue. Hopefully my band will get to Austin and play here. -
Review from Em B.
Austin, TX
10/18/2011
I love the new outside set up! You are guaranteed a good view of the stage in any area! I just wish they didn't have a colony of Port-o-pots by the best area (right above the band). Blech.
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Review from Jeanette D.
Brooklyn, NY
10/4/2011
Very cool outdoor venue, plus love the beard painting gallery inside. One word to the wise-buy beer inside, much better selection than rooftop can collection.
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Review from Heather F.
Austin, TX
1/3/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Dare I say that The Mohawk is my favorite music venue in the Red River area?
The layout is fantastic. You enter via a breezway, off to the left is an outdoor stage with plenty of room, but wait, you can walk up a flight of stairs and be at a HUGE patio with an upstairs bar that overlooks the outdoor stage. Yes!
Though I will say most of the shows I have seen were indoors. Inside you have a cozy bar in the same room with a fireplace that they light during the winter months, there is a large moose's head mounted on the wall and paintings of famous men, all with beards. The indoor stage is small but this allows you for some great up close performances with the bands.
The Mohawk does a great job booking great music (indie rock bands mostly), and they usually participate in what is going on in the local music scene, such as hosting after party shows for Fun Fun Fun Fest, shows during SXSW and shows during Austin Free Week. This is a live music venue that you must check out!!Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Charlie K.
St. Petersburg, FL
4/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I officially love the Mohawk. This will definitely be a stop whenever I'm in Austin. Two stages (one indoor and one outdoor) offering different music and atmosphere really made this place stand out to me. The drink selection was pretty good and reasonably priced and I met some awesome bartenders who told me some great local spots to hit.
Protip: Make sure to ask the bartenders about their tattoos and you'll kick off some great conversation with in-the-know locals (assuming the bar isn't crazy swamped at the time). -
Review from Mat W.
Seattle, WA
3/21/2011
Outdoor stage 5-stars
Indoor stage 1-2 stars
Also, someone shit on the toilet seat.... -
Review from Chris S.
Aliso Viejo, CA
9/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Busy bar. Note the paintings on the wall. indoor, outdoor, and balcony seating. Cool looking building. Drinks were not too pricey. Staff was nice.
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Review from Lindsay K.
Austin, TX
2/24/2011
I'm not sure how the Mohawk is being repeatedly deemed the "venue that Emo's wishes it was-" because Emo's doesn't even hold a candle to this place. Emo's doesn't wish they were any venue which is superior (which is almost everywhere) because Emo's enjoys sucking, and Mohawk is everything that Emo's is not. I'm not even sure how they're comparable other than the fact that they both have multiple indoor/outdoor stages.
But anyhow, Mohawk rules. It's one of the best venues in town, and definitely a favorite. Even on crowded nights it's still fun, and never too hard to get a drink with multiple bars. Always plenty of good bands and acts rolling through these doors, the Mohawk is doing something right when they can draw large crowds regularly and still keep everyone happy.
Great vibe, friendly efficient service, awesome shows and decent drinks. Does it get any better than having multiple upstairs views of some of your favorite artists? I think not. -
Review from Susie S.
Austin, TX
5/3/2011
Was here for a show for the first time a few days ago. Great venue! Love all the options that you can view the show. The staff here was really nice.
I probably shouldn't have but I found a plug on the side patio where I charged my phone, great find! Only con was that the bar was cash only. Didn't check all the bars so I could be wrong. Can't wait for another show here! -
Review from Kelly S.
This place is a weird haven for really gorgeous overly bearded tattooed men. Their faces are beautiful... their earning potential limited... and yet, it's nice just to stare and marvel.
Its a seriously cool spot with lots of great music and an incredible amount of people watching. And it's roomy like you wouldn't believe. From their outside stage which rocked all the SX bands, the upstairs concrete patio overlooking club deville, the "grizzly bear room" with its funky furniture, green walls and bathroom that spells like rotting sewage to the super hilarious graffiti.
It's can be hot as hell inside and the drinks aren't especially cheap but they do a great job of being the reason people flock to Austin in mustached droves to worship at the feet of the live music capital of the world -
Review from Tara L.
Austin, TX
1/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm going to go ahead and tout this place as my favorite live music venue in the Red River district. Hands down this place has solidified a place in my heart as a haven for hella good music and cozy good times. This is as close as I get to a bar where everyone knows my name, because all my best friends love to chill here and there's usually one or two on hand to greet me.
Every time I'm here they add to the already welcoming atmosphere. Tattooed and bearded door men add to it's rugged feel. Fireplaces in the winter and airy spaces in the summer make it enjoyable year 'round. The Green Room upstairs boasts pool tables and couches, the upstairs balcony has tables and chairs and great views of down town--prime for people watching. The middle deck has a newly added bbq stand. If you need a change of scenery at The Mohawk just hop floors or float from room to room...no need to bar hop when you post up here.
Mohawk always touts the best in indie music as far as the talent they line up to play live. I've seen the likes of Cursive, The Hold Steady, The Black Lips, Art Brut, T Bird and The Breaks, Clem Snide, April Smith and the Great Picture Show, Four Tet, and that's just a handful...It's always a good thing to check up on Mohawk's live music roster regularly because the venue is intimate--the outside shows even have an intimate feel, surprising when the place is at capacity you can usually still find a good spot. Caveat: when the place is at capacity it can be tough to migrate, much less belly up to the bar so just double fist it and you'll be fine. -
Review from Tope E.
Austin, TX
1/7/2011
Mohawk's got taste! It sells itself as awkward but really it's just an awesome place to hang out with plenty of live music to please the ears and the soul. Red River really brought out this golden child. There is diversity in the crowd, depending on the music and the night. There is plenty of space both inside, outside and a couple of roof top terraces to really enjoy your beverage or the music below.
Mohawk made it on my limited list! -
Review from Jessica T.
San Francisco, CA
6/21/2010
By. Far. One. Of. The. Coolest. Venues. I. Have. Ever. Been. Into.
Rugged. Dark. Unique. Packed with character. Large. Diverse crowd. Beard themed art. Mellow crowd. Random dancing girl in a bikini. Buckhunter. Big bears on walls. Rooftop dance floor.
And its all about the Green Room.
It's aaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllll about the Green Room.
One of the most on point spots for an impromptu retro photo shoot on a Thursday night in Austin.
Mohawk and the moments spent on a 70's couch - in that Green Room - with beautiful people - are the parts of Austin that I'd love to stuff in my waaaaaaayyyyy too tight jeans pocket and smuggle back with me to San Francisco.
Trust.Listed in: Austin.
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Review from Brian L.
Austin, TX
12/19/2010
This place is amazing. Sure there's another place down the street with an outdoor stage, but Mohawk is truly the place where you can always find a good view.
I came to watch a band. ONE band. I didn't want to see a bunch of other acts.
I'm getting a little older. I've worked for 5-6 yrs where I was on my feet all the time. So I don't have the energy to stand 3 hrs waiting for headliner while smaller bands play their 4-5 song sets. Not only that, but it was below 40 degrees outside.
So doors opened at 8pm. First band at 9pm. I showed up around 10:30pm, and I had an awesome view. So you could stand in the mob up close, BUT you could go up some stairs, grab a pulled pork sandwich from The Shed and hang out overlooking the band from the side. OR a few more steps and you're overlooking the band straight on from the rooftop.
At the top, there were CHAIRS. Yes, chairs. There was even a cushy bar stool to keep my butt warm. There were these small tables make of recycle milk crates up there too.
I came with two friends. One friend is probably 4'10" - 5' if you want to compliment her. So usually shows can be hard to get a good view. Nope, we stood at the front rail of the rooftop. My friend commented on how they wish they did their wedding at Mohawk instead of some fancy pants place.
You could stand anywhere in Mohawk and get a good view. Other places you gotta come really early or pay a lot extra to get one of these "skybox" spots.
Props to Mohawk for being really cool and making every spot an equal opportunity viewing location for even the vertically challenged. -
Review from Daniel J.
11/1/2010
This is the venue that Emo's wishes it was.
Mohawk's is houses in a building that has undergone numerous name-changes and atmospheres, but I think this one is here to stay. There is nary an evening where the latest or greatest alternative/indie/hipsteriffic band isn't on the bill and the Mohawk seems to fill up the majority of my show schedule. The shows here also tend to always have reasonable prices. Due to the quality nature of acts performing at Mohawk's, I usually check out the calendar here before heading to the all-inclusive http://showlistaustin.com.
Some of the most memorable shows I have seen (Low, Liars, No Age, Ringo Deathstarr) have been housed here, and looking at the calendar, there are more to come.
The outside area is spacious and sounds good despite being an outdoors venue (which can often result in a lot of sound being "lost" in the air). You can either watch from the front lines down below or head upstairs to watch from above. Either way, you get a great view no matter what spot you occupy.
The inside screams classy hunting lodge to me, but maybe I'm just coerced by the lovable ol' bear who angrily greets you upon entering. The bar is on-par with most everything else in Austin but, for a venue bar, I like this one a little more than the others. I admit I might be biased because I know the bar manager and the staff is friendly, attentive, and talkative with me, but they seem to do a good job with others from what I've seen.
The inside stage is a nice, intimate area for bands. I have only been in there once when it was absolutely packed, otherwise there has been room to maneuver and the sound quality was great.
I truly hope this remains in place and complaints from neighbors who occupy the upscale apartments across the street about the noise don't ever cause this venue to shut down.Listed in: Keep it Hip, Keep it Loud
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Review from Don B.
6/18/2010
Mohawk: This bar totally doesn't give a fuck, and I love that about it. I've only been here once, on an off night, but I can get why it's a local indie live-music institution. With multiple areas including a bar downstairs with some taxidermy and a small stage, a large outdoor venue adjacent to the bar on the same level, a mezzanine/balcony that overlooks Club DeVille next door, a rooftop bar area that featured a hip-hop DJ when I was there, and a hidden Green Room that sits above the 1st floor small bar/show area. It's a labyrinthian dive-bar live music venue with the crust and grit of years of indie, punk, and various other shows.
The night we showed up (a random Thursday) and were confronted with a $3 cover to pay for some random local indie bands, a hip-hop DJ, a one-man hip-hop act, and... well... a shitload of hipsters: indie-hipsters, hip-hop-sters, and straight up punks. It was a diverse crowd that seemed plenty friendly and laid back. The music on all levels was entertaining, and the bar waits were nil. The beard photos on the wall were nothing short of rad, and the somewhat apathetic bar staff made me feel like I was in Portland again (the heat was a constant reminder that I wasn't).
Overall, a great and diverse space to hear some music, get hip with your fixie and your plaid shirt and enjoy a laid-back drunken time. I like.Listed in: Austin!, Austin Watering Holes, Austin Music Venues
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Review from Ella Jane M.
Austin, TX
4/24/2011
I've been to the Mohawk a lot. And I feel a little bad about leaving two stars, but my recent experiences there deem it to be necessary.
the good: when I go to Mohawk to see less popular or local bands play inside, it's always a good time. not too crowded, the downstairs indoor bartenders are the best, they've even got a few chairs.
the bad: Mohawk is at one of the lowest elevations downtown. therefore, when it's hot and humid, the hot air just sits right where the crowd stands for outdoor shows.
the ugly: two words - transmission entertainment. mohawk has a huge capacity because of the two elevated balconies. the problem? if you're on one of those balconies, but not in the first two rows of people, you can't see a damn thing. but transmission insists on filling the venue to absolute capacity, which means everyone crams into the downstairs, or spends most of the set going from balcony to balcony. me and #1BF! saw Wire there a couple of weeks ago, and it was so incredibly packed that it was basically impossible to have a good time. I got tired of the heat and the 6'7 350 pound guy standing in front of me on the balcony (clearly not Mohawk's fault - some people are just inconsiderate dickwads) so we went downstairs. just standing there, by the downstairs bar, some jerk managed to elbow me in the face, and I couldn't tell when I was getting groped or not by all the people passing through, having given up on the crush downstairs, trying to find a good view from the balcony. I personally hate getting groped and jacked in the face, so I headed into the bar to just get the hell away from it all. during my 20 foot journey to the back door, I passed a pregnant woman in the crush who was just standing there screaming for help.
look - I know a lot of people want to go see awesome bands like Wire and Yelle. and I know the fire department says, okay, you can have this many people in here. but it's totally irresponsible to sell to capacity at that bar for a big name band. no one's going to have a good time.
that being said: we'll be back on Wednesday for the Reigning Sound. hopefully it won't be packed, because it means I'll probably just go the hell home. if you want to enjoy seeing a band, see them at emo's annex, or the parish, or red 7. if you want to get packed in like a sardine, but be surrounded with people who don't understand that you can't see from anwhere so just stop moving the hell around already, go to mohawk.
ps: upstairs bartenders are assholes. yeah, I know you got the short end of the stick. and though I'll still tip you 20%, you guys are giant freaking dicks. -
Review from Johnny T.
5/11/2010
This place is like magic. Seriously, I felt like I was on a movie set. It's a wide-open music venue with twists, turns, nooks, crannies, and levels for all the eye to see. After walking in a garage door-sized entryway, cut right to head to the bar/inside stage area and talk shop or cut left to go outside and stare at the big-ass outside stage (which would look much smaller in an enclosed space). Walk up the natural steps to stand atop said stage and gaze out at the limestone walls, streets below or people bopping to whatever music is being played at the aforementioned stage. Across from the "I'm-the-king-of-the-world" view, is the Green Room/private room/freaky freaky room. For real, for real...it harkened to the secret lair of a James Bond villain (complete with freaky freaky femme fatales). I like.
It's as though someone created a concert venue in a cave, combined it with the space of a field party, set it in the middle of a city and added a vip bonus area to make it even cooler. I would be way to a.d.d. to concentrate solely on a show here. I'd want to explore like I was Encyclopedia Brown and Bugs Meany had just pulled off a heist. Or, maybe I'd just be that nosy-ass Harriet the Spy. In any event, there so much more to do here than drink and listen to music. Thar be a world of wonder to discover. Explore...but don't do so on a dead night, cuz they will shut the place down and throw your ass out whether or not you just bought a beer. -
Review from Chiqui B.
Kyle, TX
I've caught several shows here. Good sound inside and outside. Drinks are reasonably priced for the Red River District. Make sure to take a picture with the bear.
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Review from Trish F.
Boston, MA
12/5/2010
This venue is one of the reasons I'd love to move to Austin.
The location is great. It was stumbling distance from the Sheraton, where I was staying on my trip, and a decent walk from 6th St. and several eateries. The outside space is awesome. I love the second floor spaces and I really don't think there's a bad spot. Didn't get a chance to check out the indoor space though. Also, they had a FREE Mates of State show. Heck yeah! The show ran relatively on time and the sound was terrific.
I was tempted to check out the wrestling night just to see how they modified the venue, but I was so tired. Maybe next time! -
Review from Zach M.
7/12/2011
I've gone here a few times and every time its either been so packed you cant get to the bar or the show was awful (but that's more or less the fault of the performances). There isn't anything special about it and when you want to leave for another venue, you're already a good distance from other places in a shadier part of town.
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Review from M.E. F.
Arlington, VA
8/24/2011
So much fun to people watch from the second floor balcony on stage left. Went there to see the Dum Dum Girls and the two opening bands were really fun too. Water and bathrooms were easy to get to and the crowd wasn't out of control. Only thing is that I wish I knew they only accepted cash, since I had to use the ATM out in front and the fee was something near $4.
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Review from Anna G.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2009
This place is, like, cooler than cool. It's so indie rock that it should be affixed with a PBR tall can and riding a fixie with a wallet chained to its ass.
Another Austin venue with one indoor stage and one outdoor stage. The outdoor area is really the winner, however: the patio opens up from the inside into the stage area, which is large and aptly linked to the outdoor bar. From there, however, you can walk up a couple different sets of stairs to extensions of the patio that overlook the stage, the surrounding areas, and some (slightly obstructed, but still nice) views of Austin.
Seeing as you can fit tons of great bands into one afternoon here and also offer up some excellent atmosphere, it's safe to say that venues like the Mohawk allow for the sheer size and awesomeness of the SxSW music festival to happen (among many others, of course).
P.S. I hate fixies.Listed in: Austin, TX
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Review from Sarah M.
Austin, TX
4/10/2007
There's not much to say about Mohawk, but I guess that's good for me, as I could turn a review of a street corner into a novella. Pleasant interior with a smallish stage, run-of-the-mill bar, and a few frazzled gents attending many thirsty, cover-paying patrons. A great venue for up-and-coming bands getting their feet wet. The biggest draws for Mohawk are - 1. their relative distance from the 6th Street din, and 2. the enviable outdoor set-up. A breezy, wide open patio-ish area for chatting, and a second story layout for the cool kids.
Mohawk's a Maybe. -
Review from Tiffany N.
Denver, CO
3/27/2009
I think my favorite part about this bar is the bear with the claws sticking out. Many a photo op has been had in the vicinity of this thing. Then again I also like the indoor and outdoor stages that are set up here. And I also like how you can sneak into the green room just by... ha! You didn't really think I'd tell you how I sneak into the green room did you? Then my secret would be ruined and I couldn't ever do it again. Just be aware that there are ways...
Anyway, I've seen plenty of fantastic shows here each time I've been to Austin. The bar staff has always been friendly to me and the crowds are manageable. All that adds up to a venue I'm a fan of.Listed in: It's me! In Austin!, Live Music in Austin
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Review from Mindy B.
Austin, TX
12/10/2008
Thank you Mohawk for not being height-ist.
Being vertically challenged, one of my biggest peeves in life is a music venue where I CAN'T SEE THE BAND!
If I wanted to hear the band from behind six-foot tall frat boys who oh-so-cleverly chose the shortest person in a 10 foot radius (usually me) to stand in front of, I would've gone down to campus with my iPod. Thanks to the Mohawk, I won't ever have to do this.
It was also pretty convenient that they had bars upstairs, downstairs, inside and out, so I didn't have to travel far to get my drink on. The upstairs balcony was actually my favorite spot to watch the bands play and the people mill around below.
A word of caution though: do not be alarmed by the giant stuffed bear as you walk into the door, I promise it can't hurt you. I just wish someone had given me that advice before I had my third Rum and Diet Coke. -
Review from Kevin N.
Here's the thing that you learn about the Mohawk over time: there are a myriad happenings here, and it stands to reason that any given one of them may be wrought with a certain amount of interesting and musical shenanigans: for our part, tonight we caught a set intentionally purposed by and up and coming act and a supposedly secret but ultimately poorly held secret set by another act. They were both fun, both accessible, and definitely featured a wide variety of folks who make these sort of things happen. If you were the kid growing up who liked to move the magician's cape, you would appreciate opportunities to be in the know.
Even so, it's the little things that make these trips to see bands and drink giant Lone Stars and smile insider smiles with your friends -- the kind of smiles that signify you'll all be thrusting your arms skyward in celebration afterward -- easier to swallow. It's a room that knows what it is, and they're aging well. And here's looking forward to an upcoming iteration.Listed in: Austin Downtown, Some Austin Night Spots, Austin Patios, Austin Music Venues
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/21/2009
Four stars is probably about right even forgiving the wise-ass working the door (yes,… Read more »
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Review from Ryan N.
Austin, TX
2/28/2009 1 photo
Forgive the brevity, but this is absolutely my impression:
Mohawk is Emo's for those who prefer clean bathrooms.
