The Hole in the Wall has been a cornerstone of the city's live music scene since it opened in 1974.
We’ve been providing a perfectly gritty, laid-back intimate space for all kinds of musicians since the start. Before Austin was crowned the “live music capital of the world”—there was the Hole in the Wall.
It all started with Nancy Griffith. She was the first person to play music at Hole— and served as the inspiration for the front stage to be built at all.
Since then, the Hole in the Wall has survived Austin’s ever-changing landscape for over 50 years. We’ve continued to be the go-to club for generations of beginner bands, touring acts, and music legends to throw back a few, have a laugh with the locals, and, as one of our most revered regulars, Doug Sahm, once said, “get down to the nitty gritty.”
Local success stories Spoon, The Gourds, Shakey Graves, Timbuk 3, Bob Schneider, Fastball, Black Joe Lewis, & Gary Clark Jr. have all gone on to wider acclaim after honing their chops on our cozy stage in the front window.
In recent years, touring acts like Old 97s, Mother Hips, John Doe and Jonathan Richman have graced the larger stage in the middle of the venue, and a portrait the whole joint was painted by Bob Dylan himself.
Through a handful of earnest bar owners, and a couple of near-death experiences with the bottom line, the Hole in the Wall now flourishes in its current era as a live music staple.
Stop by whenever you feel like a stiff dose of authentic Austin. A few rounds later, it’s safe to say you might be involved in creating a Hole in the Wall legend of your own.
It might be a good thing that these walls can’t talk, but if you’ve been a part of history at Hole in the Wall, we’d love to hear from you.
Email us your stories at archive@theholeinthewallaustin.com
