The Black Cat

Opened as a biker bar in 1985, The Black Cat went on to become a world-renowned live-music venue on a bygone 6th street scene in Austin.  People described the entrance as the “dark hole between Scruffy’s and the 311 Club”.  Originally opened in 1984 by legendary Austin local Paul Sessums at 313 6th Street, the club had no phone and never advertised. It was also a family affair, with Paul’s wife Roberta and their two kids all working in the small, dark space to create what many consider one of the greatest live-music Austin dives ever. A true underground and music venue bar, anyone with a motorcycle license was allowed in free, no questions asked. But as the small club’s popularity grew, the bikers were joined by UT frat guys, druggies, artsy types, college professors and area rednecks. And nobody died! Sometime in the wee hours on July 7, 2002, an electrical fire broke out and completely destroyed the interior space. The club never reopened. But for 18 years, The Cat ruled a part of 6th street that no longer exists. And it is sorely missed by those who were there.