The Lucky Lounge - Austin, TX Review

I am a huge fan of the Happy Hour at Austin's Lucky Lounge, located in the Warehouse District at the corner of 5th and Lavaca. Most Happy Hours feature cheap drinks and/or half-priced appetizers, but even though the Lucky has neither of those things, they do have something that all of the other happy hours out there don't have: Ian "Mac" McLagan, keyboard legend of the Faces, Small Faces, and Rolling Stones. Mac and the Bump Band play Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., whenever they're in town (although McLagan is an Austin resident, he tours a lot overseas, as well as being in demand for session work).

The club also features live music several nights a week, usually with no cover charge. The atmosphere is cool and comfortable, with a glowing blue bar, brick walls, and '60s modern furniture. The area in front of the bar is pretty narrow, but that adds to the overall feel. Even a small crowd looks big here.

There are pool tables in the back (or the front, depending on which door you enter). I would have liked to see a better selection of draft beer, maybe some local brews like 512 Pale Ale rather than the bland Fireman's 4, but then I'm a fan of hoppier, stronger ales.

In any case, the Lucky Lounge is one of my favorite downtown clubs, and I recommend checking it out when you're in town. Hopefully, Mac will be in town as well.