Cheer Up Charlies

392 reviews

900 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

www.cheerupcharlies.com

+15124312133

About

Cheer Up Charlies is a Gay night club located at 900 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701. It has received 392 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday4PM-2AM
Tuesday4PM-2AM
Wednesday4PM-2AM
Thursday4PM-2AM
FridayClosed
Saturday6PM-2AM
Sunday6PM-2AM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Cheer Up Charlies: 900 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

  • Cheer Up Charlies has 4.6 stars from 392 reviews

  • Gay night club

  • "absolutely not worth your time"

    "The former home of Club de Ville, Cheer Up Charlie's is a great part of the Red River bar and music scene"

    "What a fun hang out! First of all, I generally don't like going out to bars because I'm a non drinker and I find very little variety in whats usually offered for people like me"

    "Nice atmosphere, i loved the tupac mural they have in the back"

    "Love love love ❤️ this place!!! Not only are the staff incredible the drinks are too! I had an amazing banana flavored beverage that the bartender recommended"

Reviews

  • Phillip Ching

absolutely not worth your time. today is Sunday, November 14th, 2021. their hours both printed and online show that they open at 4pm — we arrived at 4:26pm. the lady came up to us and said they were not open because she was late and that they were not opening up until 5pm today, which is fine. what was not fine was the blonde lady who said it was our fault for walking through an open gate coming in to be customers. she then walked us out and we apologized and she continued to not take responsibility for being late. after she walked us out, she closed the gate and put the chains on. do not waste your time — they're very rude and not queer welcoming.

  • Colin Sullender

The former home of Club de Ville, Cheer Up Charlie's is a great part of the Red River bar and music scene. The outdoor stage is cut into the granite hillside backing the property and offers a very unique music-listening environment. A quick glance at their website proves that live music is very much still kicking on Red River. Drinks are cheap and the bartenders have always been quite friendly during all my interactions. This is a solid choice for hanging out prior to shows at neighboring Mohawk, especially if you want to sit down. There is usually a food truck parked out front if you get hungry.

  • Celesta Danger

What a fun hang out! First of all, I generally don't like going out to bars because I'm a non drinker and I find very little variety in whats usually offered for people like me. This quirky cozy vegan joint actually has FRESH JUICE COCKTAILS! I was so delighted to see that on the menu and even more thrilled when the bartenders had no issue whatsoever pouring me the juice without the alcohol and basically charged next to nothing of it!@! Everything is vegan including the food truck Arlos. Super fun events, artistic and colorful ambiance, interesting staff. loved it!

  • Barbara Jones

Nice atmosphere, i loved the tupac mural they have in the back. We got there late at night on a Thursday, not looking for food I knew exactly what i was going for, their famous crazy "elote" I've see on IG. Corn on the cob, with hot cheeto dust all over , umm yes. We also got the I believe was called churro ice cream? Both sides were soo good! Which we accompanied with beer on the tab! Lol (classy) I think this place makes a great "hang out" place with a hunch of friends as they have table games!

  • Jade Briant (Neverluvlost)

Love love love ❤️ this place!!! Not only are the staff incredible the drinks are too! I had an amazing banana flavored beverage that the bartender recommended. The cool thing about this place are the drinks and atmosphere. The drinks are infused with different things like kale and rose water. It also smells so good in this place. Everyone is open and friendly. They have a inside and outside. That play different types of music. Live music is also played outside.

  • The Felice Life

This place is as Austin as it gets. It's patrons are as unique as its name. This is a great Red River spot to enjoy beverages and people watching. Good indoor stage and lots of patio seating. This spot has very creative cocktails that use Kambucha and other natural ingredients. This is bar is happening on the week nights as well as weekends. Great food trucks out front. A lot of the indy bands that play at Stubb's will hang out here after their shows.

  • Samantha S

I usually love this place but when I went last night, my partner and I had three drinks each and we felt no buzz at all. I think the bartender either forgot to give us any alcohol in our drinks or were severely under pouring for us. We couldn’t taste any of the alcohol that was supposed to be in our drinks and during the show we were attending, I heard in the crowd that she had forgotten it in other people’s drinks as well.

  • Vanessa Goldberg

Cheer ups is like a "cult favorite" for the odd balls in Austin. The best and the coolest people hang out at Cheer ups including drag queens, people who love bounce houses (they have had a bounce house on occasion), arm wresting championships for women, and power woman bands. I've seen some awesome shows and concerts at Cheer ups. The drinks are delicious, the bar tenders are happy, the bar is cool. Check it out!

  • Anthony Cioffi

Such a welcome relief at the end of a long walk down the 6th Street mayhem. Chuck's - (can I call it that lol) - has beautifully assimilated into a rocky alcove with billowing parachutes over water jet steel and concrete block patios creating an organic environment that promotes intimate moments and here I am living the American dream. Great and gay decor + sexy/innocent/adolescent lighting!

  • Cup

This place is amazing!! I met the cutie Jschlatt here He was pretty soft i don't know why he has such a different internet persona lol drinks bit too expensive for me maybe because I'm used to the price of water lol Sweet place, glad to have met that cutie Jschlatt he was so cuddly ❤️
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

  • Dee Frazier

Their new location is amazing!! The old location was tiny and awkward, but the new location has 2 outside bars, and one inside bar. The inside has a great dancefloor, and the bar. The outside has a great outdoor stage, and the otherside has a cool chill area with astroturf on the bench. They make excellent use of lighting and have great drinks as always!

  • The Brown Experience

My Rating of this Business. Drum role Plz) 1# Aesthetic > 5 out of 5 2# Service > 5 out of 5 3# Entertainment > 5 out of 5 ( The Drag show event was definitely giving Goddesses) 4# Seating Available ? Yes 5#Would I revisit? Absolutely 6# Would I tell a friend ? Hell yes!
Food: 2
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Kati Driscoll

I was in Austin for less than 24 hours but made it a point to stop by for a show and to check out the murals done by one of my favorite artists. In addition to a charming & delicious drink menu, they also have a cute patio. I loved being able to enjoy music in a very cool, LGBTQ friendly space. It was a total gem! Definitely recommend.

  • Stacy Gonzales

Great indoor atmosphere, and the outdoor stage is really unique. The only complaints I have is that drinks are expensive, especially if you're there early and expecting Happy Hour prices, AND they charge an automatic 20% tip. No notice posted anywhere, so be prepared!
Price per person
$100+
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Bart Lavis

Great spot! If you want a no b.s. place that's down to earth and with good music this is a must. This is my SXSW go to for great shows. Also in the plaza is Arlos, the best vegan burger on the planet. I want you to go to support them but I don't want you to go because I feel like this is a gem of a place that needs to stay low key.

  • Chloe Dymon

Visiting Austin from Toronto and I really can't recommend Cheer Up Charlies more, especially to queer people. I had such a great time, had some wonderful conversations with the sweetest people ever, and the drag show was so fun the house down boots. I'm really going to miss this place, thank you so much for a great experience :)

  • Jillian Anderson

The new location is so perfect for CUC--the old epic venue is a large shoe to fill but I can't think of a better crew to get the job done. Saw Butcher Bear spin last Saturday and it was an experience. Love that damn bear's beats. So happy cheer ups is back and beefing up an already great live music district like Red River!

  • Morgan Brown

I shot a show here featuring Dodo and Grandmaster Orchestra. The stage is really unique and features a cool custom neon sign and some colored LED poles against a stone wall (the venue is on the side of a steep hill). Great atmosphere and the sound quality was excellent, too.
Atmosphere: 5

  • MayaW

What to say about Cheer Ups?! THAT ITS EPIC?! You won’t regret coming here any day any time it’s open. They’ll either have live music, food trucks, drag show watch party, dance music. The vibes are always on point here and everybody is welcome. Just one of the best spots in all of Texas really

  • Bob Janson

Would have been fun minus the fact that the bartender was clearly drunk and kept mentioning how coked out he was loudly enough for everyone to hear. Definitely better bars around. I hope the guy gets some help but like as a customer it was definitely just not a good experience at all.

  • Justin Leon

Awesome music venue!! This is one of the best places in Austin to catch local acts. I had the pleasure of watching the Whiskey Shivers perform here to a packed house. The cover charge is usually 5 dollars or less and they have cheap drinks. Wonderful place any night of the week!

  • Johnny !

A very trendy, indie, fringe music venue. Known as LGBTQ friendly, but accepting of all. They also have an all vegan food truck called Arlo's that's actually pretty decent. Note: I'm not LGBT or Vegan -- but I enjoy this place for drinks, music, friends, and fun.

  • Robert Caffery

Cheer Ups is one of the greatest spots in Austin. Laidback and welcoming atmosphere, unique and delicious speciality drinks, a variety of music and everts, a vegan food truck that even the most hardcore carnivore can get down with, definitely worth stopping by!

  • Caroline Long

Cheer Up Charlies does exactly what it aims to do--it's a dingy, dark dancehall where you can really cut loose and are guaranteed to have a fun end to your night out. There are two bars available, an indoor and an outdoor stage, and plenty of room to dance!

  • Sean Handley

Fun bar in the Red River district to end out the night. Drinks are decent. Music is hit or miss. Patio is great chill out spot and inside can get absolutely insane. Take that as a you will. I'll definitely go back, if nothing else, for Arlo's food truck.

  • Sarah Kennedy

My favorite gay bar in Austin! The atmosphere is absolutely unbeatable and the drag performances are better than anything you’ve ever experienced. Recommend for anyone wanting to meet someone new, get drinks with friends, or just watch a band perform!

  • Kevin Linares-Ruiz

This is the gay bar to visit when visiting Austin! Really big venue. Fun guys, dancing and good drinks. Will be back! The music is a bit too loud sometimes. Would be nice to have some tech house with RNB/pop.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Some One

Great place to dance..fun without being too rowdy. Love that it is LGBT friendly, but not you're generic "gay bar". Cheer ups is unique with a wide range of music from punk, shoegaze, 90s pop, and even some country. Just all around cool place.

  • Ryan Bares

Their new space at Red River is really great. It has a great vibe. Plenty of space, outdoor seating and nice stage outside (and room for indoor DJ). Very friendly bar staff and affordable drinks. They also have a food truck in the parking lot.

  • Mabel Nash Greenberg

Queer friendly but everyone’s welcome club. Amazing vibe, music, and fresh drinks (including one with kale and ginger that’s delicious) for reasonable prices. Come as you are and spend the whole night dancing. Thank you for a great night!!!

  • Katalina Inzunza

Super fun and upbeat place with awesome music! The DJs were great both nights we were there while visiting Austin. Everyone was super friendly and the vibe was fun. One night they had an artist on the stage painting while the music played.

  • Thom Fain

Lots of fond memories here - especially when it was still Club DeVille. In spite of the rampant Red River district gentrification and P.C. Culture ramblings from its late night patrons, Cheer Up Charlies always creates an atmosphere that

  • Matthew Harris

I had a great time there last night. The acoustics in the outdoor stage area were great. The drinks were delicious and reasonably priced. The staff was professional and service was fast, even with it packed. Absolutely would recommend.

  • Jason Cairel (czechplzzz)

Maybe the most boundary free venue in all of Austin. Cheer Ups is a staple of acceptance and unique local music support that you rarely run into. Regardless of Orientation ---- you will have a good time and memorable experience here :)

  • Amorous Koda

Nice place. I absolutely love the neon lights they have! I was by myself but I still had a decent time there. If I had a girlfriend I'd definitely want to take her here to relax and hangout while drinking a few drinks. More

  • Hadyn Evans

Great atmosphere and amazing theme nights! Amazing part of the LGBTQ+ community and great music! The only thing is that there’s only one bar so it can take awhile to get a drink because it’s usually packed (in a good way)

  • Adrian Poe

I've been hanging at Cheer Up since the early Eastside days. Always lovely! The space is gorgeous, the sound is great, the cocktails are amazing, the food court is delish and the staff is always warm and gracious.

  • Eric K

Good beer selection and prices. Good bands frequently booked. A good place to sit down and get cheaper, better drinks in between performers at Stubb's and other Red River venues (cheaper, better drinks and seating

  • Negative Concord

My husband and I drove from Houston to see our friends The Ex-Optimists do their set. Really nice vibe, lots of good local bands! I hope that, when our band (Negative Concord) is ready, that we get a show there!

  • Paul Behnke

From the outside this place looks weird and cheesy. But the bar has very unique cocktails. I had a whiskey ginger cocktail and it was so good. The outdoor environment is unique and would be great for happy hour.

  • Jasmine Ann List

This is a great spot for LGTBQ+ and allies. The drinks were great and the music was even better! The Halloween themed drag show was hilarious. Lots of food trucks are close by, great location for a good time.

  • Bailey Sasser

Cheer Up is a chill place during the day and can get very packed at night depending on what events are going on. Always a good time though. Great food truck out back. Indoor/outdoor stage, seating, and bars.

  • Paul Clay

This is my favorite place! An dance floor in the roof, great view of the street, skilled bartenders, and great for college students. Just a side note, there are alloy of Indian students that go there too.

  • Valerie Ruiz

Great drinks & specials. Love the space and decor. Lots of nice seating. Amazing food truck that serves vegan comfort food. Located not far from 35 so pretty easy to get there. Over all a true Austin gem!

  • Zach Smith

Pumping sound and vibrant atmosphere in the heat of Austin. Excellent mix of performance, drag and a variety of dance sounds. Check out weekends and nite a school monthly. Queer and LGBT + space!!!!

  • Caroline Sinha

Great place to go, they had free live music and the band was amazing. Chill vibe, everyone was friendly. I also later noticed that their 2 bathrooms said "toilets+urinals" and "toilets". Love it!

  • Anna S

My all time favorite bar! I always feel so safe here and comfortable. The people who work here are so nice and welcoming and make it a safe space for everyone which i really appreciate and value.

  • William Rogers III (Will)

Cool & creepy atmosphere. The bands that play there this night were quirky & fun. The bar service was fast & efficient. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a different kind of bar downtown.

  • John King

The location has changed but the vibe has not. At the old Club deVille location, well decorated and still has the iconic rock wall. Inside stage can be difficult to see if there's a crowd.

  • Devon R

Nice lounge with a scenic view of Austin. The problem is, how often owner or waitress have to clean around the outside lounge because of them are dirty more than we’re expected. However.

  • Karly H (Exploring the lakes!)

New favorite bar ever!! I am for Minneapolis and we don’t have a bar like this at all!!! Great drinks, people and variety of areas. Number one place for me to check out when I am back.

  • Coco Gray

We went for the Neon Rainbows drag show and it was incredible!! The DJ played amazing dancing music afterwards and the Kale Lime Gingerita was delicious :) Would definitely go back!!

  • Monkeey Ayanami

Great little place to see some awesome bands. One of the last good places to see live music in this town. Welcoming to all, not stuck up like some other so called inclusive bars

  • scottinthesky

Awful. After reluctantly serving a weak drink, the bartender told us there's a mandatory 20% tip. Thankfully he told the first - me - in line so I finished it and we all left.

  • Alice Taranto

Cool people here, nice to find a place with kind of”alternative” folks. Very welcoming. Bars and attractions (stage, lounge) on either side of the place keep people flowing.

  • Aaron Zaremsky

Hung out here whilst in town. Cool bar in Austin. Hip, but relaxed. Live, but inviting. Music, DJs, drinks, and dancing. Colorful and vibrant atmosphere. Good times!

  • Erica

Lucas was the best part of the night! He made wonderful drinks when I told him to surprise me. 10/10 coming back just for him.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Mark S

Obnoxious and loud music till 2 am. Do not stay at any hotel in the area. The people that own this dirty place and the customers are extremely inconsiderate

  • Mairin Hamilton

I went to the most recent "middle school dance party" and it was the most fun I've had since moving here! Great drinks for a great price, and a nice crowd.

  • 1 2

Good vegan drinks, good location. Live music or events often happening outside. Arlos is right outside, also vegan, very delicious. Prices were acceptable.

  • Peter Salem

Really awesome place to hang out, with live music and a courtyard. Good selection of drinks, great crowd, and really cool poppy design.

  • James Williams

I've loved going to Cheer Ups since they were down E 6th! My band Grand Child always has an absolute blast playing there as well!

  • Jeff Dulgar

Great drinks, made with fresh-squeezed juice! The vegan food truck on the premises is absolutely delicious (from a non-vegan!)

  • Mackenzie Becker

Cutie great time. Yummie drinkies. Mac n cheese tastes like waffles. If that’s your vibe you are IN. Burger was bangin’.

  • cmtangoe

Nice staff- but what is up with bars not stocking the ingredients for an old fashion? Lol- like, are we being serious?!?

  • Savannah Schmidt

lucas is the best bartender here! love coming to see him here
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Fernando Balo

The bar is amazing! They had some great music playing that night! I love the whole atmosphere!

  • Rockie4 Life

First time coming here, and I am enjoying myself! Loved the drag show …

  • Dexter

The ultimate safe space for LGBTQIA+ people. Thank you for doing what you do.

  • Benedet Lopz

Awesome bar, cheap drinks, good music, food truck and lots of people. Love it

  • Jordan Hogan

Such a chill vibe here. Drinks are reasonably priced and the music is great.

  • Dee Dee

Loved the drag show and great drinks!
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Andre Rios

Great community and fun atmosphere! Arlo's food truck is really good, too.

  • JONaTHaN TReYLuX

The lead vocalist of the band #OtherLovers makes everything #5starPlus.

  • Werner Schueller

Now with fixed 20% tip included on all bills
Service: 1

  • Laura Soldevila

House specialty drinks are mega good. Tap beer choice great.

  • Daniel B.

This is a fun lively place with really tasty cocktails!

  • Katie Rowley

Best place to dance, drinks are so good and best music

  • Carly

The door person Milo is a thief.
Service: 1

  • Oui Are

I had a great time & the drinks were good.

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