So I know the infamous (East) 6th Street is always the first thing in mind. But it's not QUITE what it used to be 2 years ago. The recession has kind of tarnished its rep with more muggings, fights and such. But some of my long-time favs still there are more the dives like Casino El Camino and Emo's who have survived over and over amongst the surrounding pop clubs. Casino has a small kitchen with the best burgers in town and Emo's always has great touring bands. Otherwise walk west to hit more the college crowd like Shakespeare's, Dizzy Rooster (MTV Real World hangout), or Blind Pig or the newer spots like Chupacabra or Moose Knuckle.
But if you REALLY want to check out the cooler side of Austin, then walk 6 blocks south along I-35 to the new Rainey St. district of some 8 bars and growing FAST. A bunch of 70+ yr old houses newly renovated in really cool ways to laid back lounge bars with full stage shows of bands any given night in their back yards! THAT is where you'll find more the hipper UT and Austin 20/30's crowd lately.
Then there is also WEST 6th Street (aka Market District by Whole Foods HQ). It's about 8 blocks west (a pedicab ride) of about 14 bars. Seems more of the older UT undergrads go here as it's a bit more classy with more lounges and a sorta dance club like The Ranch. But there are "new dives" there, too.
Also, around the corner just off W 6th is fairly new
The Rattle Inn on Nueces St - which is the official Iowa State bar Saturday night after our
ISU tailgate. Wear anything Iowa State and get $2 domestics or $3 imports. And since the weather will be in the 70's you'll dig their big roof bar up top overlooking downtown.