Monday 3rd of September 2012 05:47:00 PM

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*** CLOSED *** Lovejoy's Taproom closed August 2012, citing difficult business conditions. Coincidentally, I had visited just two weeks earlier, not realizing my notes below would be an epitaph. Rest in peace.

Lovejoy's Taproom has the strange atmosphere of a cheap dive bar, but with an upscale beer selection. Street parking is metered, and the neighborhood is, shall we say, less-than-upscale. Inside there are two small 8 chair bars side by side. There are a couple pool tables, pinball, and a television. They have 18 guest beers on tap and about 60 bottled varieties. They have one in-house brew called Brother Bob's English Style Bitter, medium bodied, 5.5% abv, with decent flavor. Lovejoy's is a dark, yet friendly dive bar. There are better bars in Austin, but this was an intriguing stop.

Thursday 20th of January 2011 06:23:26 PM

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This is a one of a kind establishment with a wide variety of clientelle. They have expanded their inventory of guest taps over the years and have a number of their own beers as well. Their own beers can be hit or miss - something that hasn't changed over the years.
The atmosphere is very Austin. It can feel either seedy or homey, depending on where you grew up. But the wall paintings could mesmerize anyone. Some of the furnishings have clearly seen better days and that adds to the charm for locals.
Service is great, as long as you're ordering from the bar. The staff knows their beer and are very friendly. And this may be the cheapest pint near 6th street. I have never had the food here.
Be warned - it is located across from a homeless shelter. Be nice to them - it could be you...

Sunday 19th of July 2009 10:53:17 PM

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This person needs 3 or more reviews on the site for their scores to start counting.

When in Austin, this is my favorite place not to mention beer bar/brewpub. It is a one of a kind eclectic atmosphere that mixes many different excellent beers with a wide assortment of patrons in a relaxed and very informal setting. Pool tables, WiFi, four or five of its own brews which seem to generally be decent along with 15+ other quality brews on tap including some nice local Texan beers. They even offer cask ale at least some of the time. The general theme here might impress the average stopper-by to label this sort of a punk/hippie bar of some sort. Lots of tatoos, unusual hair styles and piercings, etc, mostly a younger crowd. But there's also lots of other types of folks here. Generally kind of a college bar feel. I really love it. Nothing very mainstream about it. Unusual and good beer and music...and clientele. The service/staff is good and knowledgeable. While there may be beer bars right in Austin with greater quantity of brew, like the Ginger Man, this little place offers a relaxed yet stimulating environment to mix with some interesting people and sample plenty of excellent beers. And the beers will include a few very unusual ones, some substantial taste treats. One of my favorite brewpubs anywhere actually, I just wish I got to Austin more often. BTW, it's also very nicely priced.