Austin Saloon-A Vanishing Breed

On the edge of hip downtown is a local, under-the-radar hangout that you won't find listed in "things to do in Austin". This scruffy down-home piano bar/saloon is tucked into a corner lot with a couple of rusty boxcars, a railroad depot and a red caboose that serves as the ladies room.


For almost forty years, Donn's Depot has been the place for baby boomers and beyond to dance the night away to oldies, rock and roll, blues, swing and country. On Tuesday and Friday nights Donn sings and plays piano to a packed house who take to the wooden dance floor moving to the music they love. If you think this is just for the older crowd, think again. Later in the evening, college kids and thirty-somethings drop by to take in the scene and friendly vibe.

Over the years Donn has seen it all from behind his piano. Couples have met and fallen in love while two-stepping and swing dancing, not to mention a movie shoot and a few wedding receptions. 

If you are in the area and want to take in some local color, don't miss the experience. You never know who will show up to jam. Guest performers have included Jerry Jeff Walker, Marcia Ball, George Strait, Kerrie Rodriguez and a long list of talented musicians.

Double dating at Donn's

The lyrics from the "Cheers" song comes to mind, "Where everybody knows your name."

I'm fairly certain this is not one of those California transplants.

Among Austin's ever increasing trendy new hot spots, Donn's Depot stands out as refreshing, real and a whole lot of fun.  Oh, did I mention cheap drinks and free popcorn?

Donn's Depot

1600 West  5th Street

cover charge $3.00-$6.00

In the Throes

Yes, I know it's been too long since my last post, but I have good reason for my absence. For the past few weeks I have been in the process of moving. Not one to wait for the moving van to arrive, I have made countless trips with my car loaded to the gills. This was no small feat considering the oppressive heat and humidity. With temperatures well above 100 degrees, I soldiered on determined to move most everything but the furniture. Now that I think about it, the movers definitely had the easier job. I've always said that moving is hell, and moving in August is certainly proof of that.


Slowly as I unpack and put things away, the house is starting to feel more like mine. You know that point, when you can find what you are looking for without  opening half a dozen of the wrong drawers. I am quickly becoming accustomed to the sounds of my new home; the squeaking of the wood floors, the stretching of the spring on the screen door as it opens and closes, the quiet hum of ceiling fans.


I promise to post photos of my 1920's bungalow in the near future as things evolve. Thankfully this house doesn't need any interior work, but when spring comes it will be time to tackle the landscaping.To put it simply, the yard is a disaster, and the drought has not helped matters. It will be a challenge to find ways to reduce the amount of lawn and cut down on watering.


On the positive side, there are some magnificent oak trees shading the backyard, and my old, arthritic dog will not have to struggle with going up and down steps to go outside. When fall brings cooler weather I know she will love sitting on the front porch watching the mothers pushing baby strollers and the children playing in the park.


While most of the circumstances surrounding this move have been within my control, there remains the not so small inconvenience of living without TV, internet or land line for two weeks. Fifteen days to be exact, and I am experiencing serious withdrawal pangs. I hope I don't make a fool of myself and throw my arms around the cable guy when he finally appears at my door. If he has a criminal record-no problem. If he's drunk-no problem. If he looks suspiciously like one of the photos on America's Most Wanted-no problem. I will welcome him like the savior he is,rescuing me from sensory deprivation. All I want is to be reconnected to the world again!

Oh, no! Are we moving again?