Austin's legendary basement jazz bar on Congress Avenue, playing live music 365 nights a year since 1991.
Down a flight of stairs from Congress Avenue, past the hum of downtown Austin, the Elephant Room has been doing one thing exceptionally well since 1991: putting live jazz in front of people who care about it. No gimmicks, no cover-band karaoke, no DJ sets. Just the real thing, seven nights a week, in a low-ceilinged basement room where the music fills every corner.
The atmosphere earns its reputation honestly. Dim lighting, close quarters, and a rotating cast of musicians who bring genuine craft to every set make each visit feel like you stumbled onto something rare. Reviewers with 4.6 stars across more than 2,500 visits consistently call it intimate and immersive, the kind of room where you stop checking your phone because the trumpet won't let you. Young musicians keeping the tradition alive share the stage with seasoned players, and the result is a scene, not just a bar.
The Swift Building address puts you steps from the Texas State Capitol, but once you're downstairs, the city disappears. The Elephant Room has been Austin's underground jazz institution for over three decades, and on any given night, Monday through Sunday, the music starts and the room comes to life.
Live jazz music is the core of everything here. Seven nights a week, every week of the year, the Elephant Room books live performers who play full sets in the basement room. There are no off nights, no recorded filler, no exceptions. Whether you walk in on a Tuesday or a Saturday, you will hear live music.
The bar serves drinks to complement the experience, with bartenders who know how to work a room without interrupting the set. The service is attentive without being intrusive, the way a good jazz bar should be.
For those looking to host something memorable, private events can be arranged at the Elephant Room. The venue's character does the heavy lifting: a basement jazz room with decades of history behind it is a setting that no rented ballroom can replicate. Reach out through the website at elephantroom.com to discuss availability and details.
Take a look at our space and what we have to offer
“Amazing music, cool venue! Must see the Brew. Latin jazz at its best”
— A S
Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers
Yes. Live jazz is performed seven nights a week, 365 days a year. There are no nights without live music.
Monday through Friday, doors open at 5:00 PM and the room stays open until 2:00 AM. Saturday hours are 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Sunday the Elephant Room is open from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
The Elephant Room is located in the Swift Building at 315 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701. It's a basement venue, so head downstairs once you're inside.
Yes, the Elephant Room is available for private events. For details on availability and booking, visit elephantroom.com to get in touch with the venue directly.
The Elephant Room is a dedicated jazz venue. Live jazz is performed every night by a rotating lineup of musicians, ranging from intimate small-group sets to larger ensemble performances.
The Elephant Room has been open since 1991, making it one of Austin's longest-running live jazz venues with over three decades of continuous operation.
Absolutely. With a 4.6-star rating across more than 2,500 reviews, it's one of Austin's most beloved live music rooms. The intimate setting and nightly live jazz make it a standout experience on Congress Avenue.
Local places a short distance away, each with its own Doozer site. Tap any card to visit.
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