Esther's Follies

Work Hours

Location

About the Business

In the beginning, there was nobody here but us turkeys....

In the spring of 1977, 6th Street was a neighborhood with an African-American/Hispanic/Lebanese heritage whose nighttime residents were primarily artists and winos. The JJJ Tavern had been dispensing drinks and philosophy at Esther's present site since 1950.

Then, in the middle of 6th Street's 500th block, Michael Shelton and Shannon Sedwick, who already operated Austin's famed Liberty Lunch, leased an old, narrow bar at 515 (now Flamingo Cantina), throwing the first party on April Fool's Day.

The next Friday night, it turned into an improvisational free-for-all of fun with singers, poets, dancers, mimes, musicians, and comics coming in off the street to create the unique comic environment where anything and everything could happen if it brought a smile. Led by Doug Dyer's creative musical productions, Terry Galloway's skits, William Dente's virtuoso creation of Dame Della Diva, and an inspired energy, the first shows explod

Established in 1977.

Business Name

Esther’s Follies

Specialties

Musical Sketch Comedy, Political Satire, and Award-winning Magic all in one show!

Amenities

Accepts Credit Cards, Accepts Apple Pay, Casual, Moderate Noise, Good for Groups, Street Parking, Private Lot Parking, Free Wi-Fi, Best nights on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Full Bar, Wheelchair Accessible, TV, No Outdoor Seating, Not Good For Kids, Not Good For Dancing, No Smoking, Bike Parking

Business Owner

Shannon and Michael S. (Business Owner)

Shannon Sedwick and Michael Shelton met at UT Austin in the Theater Department in the early 60's and have been creating magic ever since.  They are also the owners of the iconic Austin pub the Tavern located on 12th & Lamar.

Categories

• Arts & Entertainment
• Nightlife

Categories By Location

• Austin, Texas, United States
• Arts & Entertainment
• Nightlife

• Texas, United States
• Arts & Entertainment
• Nightlife

• United States
• Arts & Entertainment
• Nightlife

Tags

Performing Arts, Comedy Clubs