Basic bar for meeting affable Austinites and hatching schemes

Noteworthy for: The assertive friendliness of the patrons may be off-putting at first, but you'll grow to love it if you stick around long enough.

Neighborhood hangouts don't come any more basic than Deep Eddy: it's just a rectangular space with a bar along one side, an excellent jukebox, and a few chairs. The regulars do act like they own the place, but in a welcoming, friendly-drunk kind of way. There's no lurking in the corner here. Interaction is required.

The beer-only bar's central location means it's a good place to go early in the evening before you have a plan. Just sit back, have a couple of beers, chat with some amusing locals, and thumb through the paper while figuring out your next move.