The bar used to be a house, which the business owners and crew gutted and rebuilt. The bar used to be a house, which the business owners and crew gutted and rebuilt.[/caption]

On Manchaca Road, visitors to bar Moontower Saloon can experience what co-owner Josh Bumb refers to as “Way South Awesome, Texas”—cold beer in hand, lights strung up in an oak tree canopy and the vibe of a big backyard party.

Co-owners Josh, his father, Lawrence Bumb, and friend Richard Veregge have hosted volleyball tournaments, charity fundraisers, Geeks Who Drink trivia nights and even a party specifically devoted to corgis—including one of Josh’s, named The Dude—at the bar, which offers something for everyone, Josh said.

“If you’re like me and you don’t like being in a crowd, I can still hang out here comfortably because there’s plenty of elbow room,” he said.

Beers are offered on tap, and the business also has a full bar. Beers are offered on tap, and the business also has a full bar.[/caption]

What started as a 3-acre property has grown to accommodate sand volleyball courts and more parking spaces.

“We just kind of built it as a place that we would want to go, a place that kind of puts some Austin back into Austin—but we didn’t know if it would work out here. In fact, a lot of people thought we were nuts,” Josh said.

Josh and Veregge both worked at Lawrence’s bar in San Marcos. When they saw the Manchaca property, which at the time was surrounded by other empty properties, they decided to transform the house. Since the bar opened in 2012 other venues have opened or announced plans to open along the road.

From left: Lawrence Bumb, Josh Bumb and Richard Veregge co-own South Austin bar Moontower Saloon. From left: Lawrence Bumb, Josh Bumb and Richard Veregge co-own South Austin bar Moontower Saloon.What'[/caption]

Moontower’s dog-friendly yard has pathways, decks, and food trailers The Triple Wide and Armadillo Flats, which offer items such as burgers and pizza.

“It’s relaxed and comfortable,” Veregge said.

Patrons, including Southwest Austin residents and those coming from as far as Round Rock, have embraced Moontower’s presence, Josh said.

The full bar drink menu is “pretty simple,” he said, noting it is mainly the basics and a few craft beers.

“We didn’t invent drinking under an oak tree,” Josh said. “We just sort of put it together in a well-balanced way.”

Moontower SaloonWhat’s next?

Moontower Saloon’s co-owners have been discussing what they could do with the property behind the location, some of which could be developed as light industrial space to lease out to other businesses.

“We’re in the process of figuring it out,” co-owner Richard Veregge said.

Co-owner Josh Bumb said the team tabled previous plans for a dance hall but is now discussing potential other development as well as renting out green space for weddings and events.

Moontower Saloon 10212 Manchaca Road, Austin 512-712-5661 • www.moontowersaloon.com Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m. -2 a.m., Sun. noon-2 a.m.