About Us

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Located at 8619 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78757, this property has a rich history of unique establishments. The first business on the site was Green Acres, a bar with an adjacent liquor store of the same name. Over the years, the location transformed into several other bars, including Ted’s Tegada, Barb’s, Hop’s, and finally Buddy’s Place.

In 1996, the bar was purchased by Alfred “Buddy” Lamb, who renamed it Buddy’s Place. Buddy often sat in the upper section of the bar, a space originally a house that had been relocated to the site and attached to the brick lower level. Known for his love of dominoes, Buddy also maintained a strict no-cussing policy—using the “F” word would result in immediate ejection. Buddy partnered with Jackie Smith, who became instrumental in running the bar’s day-today operations.

Buddy’s Place gained a reputation as a classic neighborhood dive bar where regulars gathered for cold beer, a relaxed atmosphere, and lively conversation. Its no-frills charm and welcoming environment made it a favorite among Austinites looking for an authentic experience. The bar’s laid-back vibe, combined with its unique history, has cemented its place as one of Austin’s enduring dive bars.

When Buddy passed away in 2008, he left the bar to Jackie (51% of the bar to Jackie and 49% to Red, his wife) along with one important request: that Jackie continue to provide a paycheck to Buddy’s widow for the rest of her life. Jackie honored this promise, solidifying his reputation as a man of integrity. Under Jackie’s leadership, Buddy’s Place thrived, becoming a beloved neighborhood institution.

Following Jackie’s passing in 2016, ownership transferred to his children, who later sold the bar to Duane Johnson. Jackie and Duane were best of friends – where you saw one, you were sure to see the other. Duane always helped around the bar and was a shoo-in as the next in line. Duane managed Buddy’s Place with dedication until his untimely passing in his sleep on March 23, 2024, at the age of 59. His loss was deeply felt by the all that called Buddy’s home and the larger Austin community.

Duane dedicated his life to keeping the beer cold and this old, grandfathered-in building clean and in working order. Despite some challenges along the way, Buddy's Place stayed open under the dedicated leadership of Shana Laney, one of Duane’s closest friends. After his passing, Shana took the reins and poured her heart into the bar, going above and beyond to keep its doors open. Her hard work and commitment ensured that Buddy's Place remained a gathering spot for the community, carrying on the legacy that meant so much to so many.

As of January 2025, Buddy’s is under new management. While it remains your favorite dive bar, minor renovations have been made to provide a more comfortable environment for you and your friends to enjoy cocktails. The new stewards, Shane Hill and Ryan Sabrsula are committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

Today, Buddy’s Place continues to honor the legacy of its past owners whose contributions left an indelible mark on the bar and its community. Its reputation as a quintessential Austin dive bar, with cold drinks and a no-nonsense charm, ensures that Buddy’s Place remains a treasured part of the city’s cultural fabric.