Ginny's is the Church of Country, and it even has the steeple to prove it. This Little Longhorn will make you want to boot scoot, but the space is tiny, so you may have to step out back for a proper two-step. Live music usually starts around 9pm, but Sundays offer a special 4pm show (Dale Watson is a staple when he's not touring) served up alongside Chicken Shit Bingo.

Yes, The Hole in the Wall has its grungy, dirty, rock-loving persona. But make no mistake: its stages are primed for local rockabilly, roots and classic country acts throughout the week. Afterall, this was Doug Sahm's playground for years and sounds of the Texas Tornadoes are still heard regularly on the patio jukebox.

The Saxon is a South Austin legend in Texas blues, an intimate, shadowy haunt with plenty of tucked away booths. Notable weekly acts include The Resentments, Bob Schneider and Bobby Whitlock and Coco Carmel. This gem is also known for its star-studded surprise drop-ins by Bonnie Rait and Willie Nelson.

A South Congress haven for live shows, Continental Club is home to weekly gigs by some of Austin's most established players. Showcased regularly are local legends Earl Poole Ball, Redd Volkaert and Casper Rawls. These guys played with the original giants of country like Merle Haggard, Buck Owens and The Man in Black.

Threadgill's World Headquarters has been on the Austin scene for decades. Janis Joplin got her start singing weeknights at the flagship North Lamar location. These days, the Beergarden on Riverside is home to a nice balance of local acts and smaller touring shows. Supplement your music and food cravings here: the menu features downhome goodness, including a world famous chicken fried steak.

Tucked away in a corner of the UT Student Union, Cactus Cafe is one of the best places in town for an intimate, acoustic sound experience. Open since 1979, this hideaway is where Lyle Lovett and Lucinda Williams cut their teeth. And in true Austin style, the Cactus gives up-and-comers the chance to perform on the same stage where legends like Townes Van Zandt once stood.