Austin Country

Central to the Red River Cultural District, the current home of Elysium Nightclub has been a queer Austin institution since the 1970s, when it was known as Austin Country. With light shows, an impressive sound system, and “swirling disco fog,” this Red River gay bar opened in 1973 and served as a gay community hub, hosting fundraisers and sponsoring Hippie Hollow’s annual Splash Day.

Described by manager James Spiller as more a “gay community” than “just another bar,” Ausitn Country featured a dance floor with “elaborate light and sound system,” a patio, pool tables, aquarium, plush “quiet bar,” and a big screen TV viewing room. According to Spiller, the space originally comprised three barns connected together; it functioned as a stable, and allegedly housed the horses of General John J. Pershing, a prominent figure in American military history. In fact, a “stable” appears in this location on the 1935 Sandborne map of Austin, so there may well be some validity to this legend.

Opened in 1973, Austin Country was owned by Keith Edwards and Bunch Brittain. Brittain was an active figure in Austin’s queer politics, serving on a steering committee for the Human Rights Advocates of the Texas Gay Task Force in addition to establishing a line of communication between Austin’s gay community and law enforcement. In June of 1980, Jimmy Snell became the first Black man to win the Democratic nomination for Travis County Commissioner after campaigning in Austin Country and other local gay bars. The bar hosted fundraisers for numerous queer Austin organizations, including Gay Community Services of Austin. Austin Country (alongside Sally’s Apartment) sponsored Hippie Hollow’s Splash Day, delivering beer to the event via boat free of charge.

Austin Country was known for its impressive sound system and dance scene—with music genres including rock, new wave, and disco. The bar hosted a plethora of queer entertainers as well as the infamous Texas Competition for Miss Gay USA on July 6th, 1980. At that time, Wednesday happy hour included a 10-cent draft beer special and a 35-cent “bar drink.” – John Stenzel