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10 Secrets Behind B.D. Riley's: Why Austin's Oldest Irish Pub Is Still The Mueller Neighborhood's Heartbeat

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B.D. Riley's Irish Pub stands today, in December 2025, not just as a bar, but as a vibrant piece of living history and a true neighborhood focal point in Austin, Texas. While the pub's original iconic Sixth Street location closed in 2020, its spirit and authentic Irish hospitality thrive in the bustling Mueller neighborhood, proving that the heart of an Irish pub is its community, not just its address.

The current location, nestled behind the "Big Pint" at Aldrich and McBee, has become a cherished gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, maintaining its status as Austin's oldest Irish Pub since its founding in 2000. From its award-winning menu to its commitment to live, no-cover music, B.D. Riley's continues to offer a genuine slice of the Emerald Isle right in the heart of the Lone Star State, led by dedicated owners Steve Basile and John Erwin.

The Authentic Irish Pedigree: History, Owners, and The Name's Legacy

The story of B.D. Riley's is one of passion and a vision to craft a piece of Ireland in Texas. The pub's enduring success is largely credited to its local ownership and commitment to authenticity, a quality often lost in the modern pub scene. Co-owners John Erwin and Steve Basile have successfully navigated the challenges of a changing city, ensuring the Mueller location retains the classic, friendly atmosphere that patrons have loved for decades.

The pub’s name itself holds a fascinating, uniquely Texan-Irish history. It is named for Bessie Dee Riley, the daughter of an Irish immigrant to Texas, grounding the establishment in a deep, personal connection to both cultures. This blend of Irish tradition and Texas spirit is the foundation of the pub’s enduring charm and its commitment to quality food, fun, and sports.

  • Founding Year: 2000 (making it Austin's Oldest Irish Pub)
  • Current Location: Aldrich Street at Mueller (since 2017)
  • Original Location: 204 E. Sixth St. (closed in 2020)
  • Co-Owners: John Erwin and Steve Basile
  • Namesake: Bessie Dee Riley, daughter of an Irish immigrant

The 5 Essential Tastes of B.D. Riley's Menu & Drink List

While the atmosphere is a major draw, the menu at B.D. Riley's is where the pub truly shines, offering classic Irish comfort food alongside Texas specialties. The kitchen consistently receives high praise for its quality, elevating standard pub fare to award-winning status.

1. The Award-Winning Fish & Chips

This is arguably the pub's most famous dish. The Fish & Chips are frequently cited as the best in Austin, featuring perfectly battered and fried fish with a generous side of chips (fries). It’s a must-try for any first-time visitor, embodying the heart of traditional pub dining.

2. Traditional Shepherd's Pie

For those seeking true Irish warmth, the Shepherd's Pie is a hearty classic. It features traditional ground lamb slow-cooked in a rich Guinness brown gravy, mixed with onions, carrots, and peas, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

3. The Perfect Pint o' Guinness

A true Irish pub is judged by its pour, and B.D. Riley's prides itself on serving Perfect Pints o' Guinness. Their dedication to the correct temperature, glassware, and two-part pour process ensures a creamy, authentic experience that transports you straight to Dublin.

4. Irish Whiskey and Beer Stock

Beyond Guinness, the pub boasts an impressive stock of both beer and Irish Whiskey. They source much of their authentic Irish decor and spirits directly from Ireland, providing a genuine taste of the Emerald Isle.

5. Corned Beef and Texas Specialties

In addition to the core Irish offerings like Corned Beef, the menu cleverly incorporates local flavor, offering Texas specialties to cater to the diverse Austin palate. This fusion ensures there’s something for everyone, making it a favorite for families and diverse groups.

The Pulse of Mueller: Events, Sports, and Community Life

B.D. Riley's is more than just a place to eat and drink; it's a dynamic community hub, especially in the Mueller neighborhood. Their robust schedule of events and commitment to live entertainment solidify its role as a vibrant local focal point.

Live Music and Entertainment (No Cover Ever)

The pub is a champion of local talent, offering live music nightly with a strict "no cover ever" policy, making quality entertainment accessible to all. The music selection is diverse, culminating in traditional Irish tunes on Sunday, which adds a special cultural touch to the end of the week.

TC's Trivia Tuesdays

A popular mid-week attraction is the free weekly trivia contest, hosted by Mueller resident Tommy “TC” Corbett. Known as TC’s Trivia Tuesdays (or sometimes Wednesday, depending on the week's schedule), the event draws a crowd with prizes often totaling over $170, fostering a fun, competitive, and social atmosphere.

A Haven for Sports Fans

For sports enthusiasts, B.D. Riley's is a prime destination. They are proud to be part of the Fighting Irish Pub Network, making it an official home for Notre Dame sports fans in Austin. Additionally, the pub frequently hosts appreciative transplanted New Englanders, creating a welcoming environment for various fan bases to gather and cheer.

Beyond the Pint: The Dog-Friendly and Family Experience

The pub's current location at Aldrich Street is designed to be inclusive, extending its hospitality beyond adult patrons. The spacious, inviting environment makes it a popular spot for the entire family and their four-legged friends.

The Dog-Friendly Patio

One of the most appreciated features of the Mueller location is its spacious (dog-friendly) patio. This area allows patrons to enjoy their Fish & Chips and a pint outdoors while their dogs relax beside them, catering perfectly to the Austin lifestyle.

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations (A Year-Round Focus)

As an authentic Irish pub, their commitment to celebrating Irish culture is year-round, but it peaks with their massive St. Patrick's Day events. The pub is known for its extensive celebrations, often kicking off with a "St. Practice Day" and continuing the festivities over multiple days, making it the top destination in Austin to celebrate the Irish holiday.

B.D. Riley's Irish Pub, under the continued stewardship of its dedicated owners, remains a cornerstone of the Austin community. By focusing on quality food, authentic Irish spirits, and a vibrant schedule of no-cover live music and community events like TC’s Trivia, the pub has successfully cemented its legacy as more than just a drinking establishment. It is a warm, welcoming patch of Irish comfort that continues to thrive and evolve in the heart of the Mueller neighborhood.

10 Secrets Behind B.D. Riley's: Why Austin's Oldest Irish Pub is Still the Mueller Neighborhood's Heartbeat
bd riley's irish pub
bd riley's irish pub

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