Amarillo's Cultural Hub on Historic Route 66
The 806 Coffee + Lounge has served as a cornerstone of Amarillo's artistic and music community since 2007. Located in the Historic Route 66 District along Southwest 6th Avenue this coffee house and performance venue has become known as the home of Amarillo's longest-running open mic night and a vital gathering place for local and traveling artists musicians and community members.
Open Mic Tradition
The 806 hosts the most extensive open mic program in Amarillo with multiple events throughout each month. Regular open mic nights occur on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month welcoming musicians poets and performers of all genres and skill levels. The 3rd Wednesday features a Music Open Mic with a specific focus on musical performances while the 3rd Thursday brings Fright Night Open Mic with a unique themed atmosphere. These events have launched careers and provided a supportive environment for emerging artists for nearly two decades.
Jazz Scene and Jam Sessions
The venue plays a significant role in Amarillo's thriving jazz community hosting monthly jazz jam sessions led by Austin Brazille and other local jazz educators. These sessions bring together students from Amarillo College West Texas A&M University and professional musicians creating an intergenerational learning environment. The jam sessions have become an integral part of the city's jazz culture connecting performers across different skill levels and backgrounds.
Art and Community Events
Beyond music The 806 serves as an art gallery showcasing works from local artists with monthly rotating exhibitions. The venue participates in First Thursday events in the Route 66 District featuring art openings and receptions at 7 PM followed by live music at 9 PM. The space includes vintage furniture and contemporary art creating an atmosphere that is both comfortable and inspiring. Monthly art walks poetry slams and community gatherings make The 806 a true community center.
Food Beverage and Atmosphere
The 806 specializes in fair-trade and organic coffees and teas alongside all-natural beverages including house-made soft drinks and chai. The entirely vegetarian menu features many vegan options such as the famous vegan chili hummus blue corn nachos bagel pizzas and freshly-baked goods including espresso brownies scones and muffins. The venue offers craft beers ales and wines selected for quality and value. Hours extend late into the evening making it a destination for night owls and artists working into the small hours.