Roosevelt Room is a standout cocktail bar and event venue located in the heart of downtown Austin's…read morehistoric Warehouse District. The space has a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere, making it a great spot for a night out, special occasion, or simply enjoying thoughtfully crafted cocktails. I came here for the first time recently fly to enjoy after dinner cocktails and catch up with a friend. I started with the Oaxaca Old Fashioned, created by Phil Ward in 2007 at Death & Co. in New York City. This cocktail features reposado tequila, Del Maguey Vida mezcal, maguey sap syrup, mole bitters, Angostura bitters, cassia tincture, and a flamed orange peel. The combination of tequila and mezcal brought a beautiful smoky depth, while the mole bitters and orange peel added layers of spice and richness. It was a unique and memorable twist on a classic Old Fashioned. I ended up liking my friends drink better so traded for the Buck to the Future which was another creative standout, featuring George Dickel Rye Whiskey, Lustau Manzanilla Sherry, strawberry-basil-balsamic purée, Nardini Amaro, ginger syrup, lemon, and barrel-smoked black pepper. This cocktail had an impressive balance of sweet, savory, herbal, and smoky flavors. The strawberry and basil brought a fresh brightness, while the sherry, amaro, and rye created a complex backbone with a subtle peppery finish. I then tried the Penicillin, a classic cocktail created by Sam Ross in 2005 at Milk & Honey in New York City. Roosevelt Room's version combines blended Scotch, Ardbeg 10-year Scotch, honey and ginger syrup, and lemon juice, finished with candied ginger. It had a wonderful balance of smoky Scotch, bright citrus, and warming ginger notes. It was smooth, complex, and a great introduction to their cocktail program. Roosevelt Room clearly takes pride in the art of cocktail making, with knowledgeable bartenders and a menu that highlights some of the most influential drinks in modern cocktail history. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates expertly crafted cocktails in an elegant Austin setting.

Upscale yet fun cocktail bar with great staff and drinks…read more Food: 4 Service: 4.5 Atmosphere: 4.5 Cost to worth it rating: 3 Opentableable: yes Return worthiness: yes Highlights - Classy atmosphere - Upstairs has a few tables and a quieter smaller bar - Downstairs has booths tables and a long bar which is a bit more lively - Isaac: skilled bartender that was fun to watch him make the drinks - Great temperature controlled drinks super cold classes--it's the little extra things that make a differene - Some cocktails have very cool glasses: one with a very long stem, a skull, etc. - Martinis: unique shisho and solid vesper - Grilled cheese: looked basic but the gouda and cheddar mix garlic rosemary oil on the sourdough bread, and crispy cheese on edges were great. 4.5 stars - Looks nice but no dress code where the FAQ said come in what you are comfortable in which which I appreciate - Can make reservation on open table and choose upstairs or down Midlights - Downstairs has a different menu than upstairs : down more simple by time period, up more upscale detailed - Pretzels for dessert were just simple tiny crispy choc covered. 3 stars - For the grilled cheese might have been able to go with an upgraded chip from Ruffles--maybe even a Kettle chip Lowlights - Even in quieter upstairs can't hear the bartender when right in front of him - Special board featuring drinks but they were out of the one I wanted

Such a fun speakeasy to find and get into! Reservations are necessary so you can get the code to…read morethe gate. It's also a small place, which makes it intimate. I would have loved a little couch instead of the high top table we got. Probably would have stayed longer if we had a more comfortable spot to relax and converse. Would be a really cute spot for a date night if you get a couch. Wasn't too loud. Our waitress didn't know the menu really well, but the drinks were good. Cute presentation and unique flavor combos. I'd recommend hitting this spot for a pre-game drink before heading off for some downtown fun!

Here Nor There is a cool, intimate speakeasy that makes you feel like you've stepped into another…read moreworld through its storybook-style menu and delicious cocktails. The entrance is tucked away in a gated alley, and you'll need a reservation to receive the gate code. As soon as we walked in, we were welcomed with complimentary prosecco. Every drink we tried was fantastic, and you can tell the bartenders put a lot of care and creativity into each cocktail. I highly recommend the Milk & Honey and the Wildflower Highball. Toward the end of our visit, the staff surprised me with a complimentary Desert Water for my birthday. It was such a thoughtful gesture and made my night even more memorable!

I found this via search of rooftop bars near downtown and I was pleasantly surprised at this…read morelocation and the venue itself. Arrived around 5:45-6 PM on a Thursday. This is gonna be located on the fifth floor in the JW Marriott. You have to walk through the pool area as this is on the west side of the building. Well, we didn't have a reservation and we were able to get sat right away. I forget the name of the individual who assisted us by placing our order. I ended up getting the espresso martini, and then my other person got an old-fashioned. I was asked if I wanted a shot of Bailey's with the espresso martini and that to me would've been way too much. The martini itself was almost kind of smoky. Not your typical kind of very crisp espresso martini had a nice foam on top of it. We also ended up ordering the sliders to go along as we had dinner reservations, and that bacon jam on there is magnificent. The sliders were all juicy and very well put together bun was very soft and the flavor of everything was really good. I would totally go back just for the sliders. Overall the service was great. The views were also quite stunning of downtown and the ambience overall which is very chill. The front part of the bar was actually closed due to a private event so I can imagine getting to take photos on that corner would be really pretty to see.

My friends and I had a FABULOUS time here. The ambiance is beautiful and so cozy! Without a res on…read morea Friday evening (around 6:30/7) we were able to get a nice, big cabana area. The couches were so comfortable and the ambiance was so pretty. In terms of the drinks and food, it was okay! Got the job done, but nothing to rave about. I enjoyed the sliders the most. I enjoyed my drink as well (5th Floor Cooldown) once we added the extra sweetener we requested. Without it, I wasn't a huge fan (wasn't sweet, despite being told that it was). Valet parking is only $15 (for 2 hours) with validation. I appreciated that, as it made parking not a headache.

Went to Zanzibar for their 4th of July celebration. It's always a vibe in there, this time was no…read moredifferent. The music and the ambiance set the perfect tone for a good time. I had the spicy tuna roll and my husband had two hot dogs, we both enjoyed our selections and the drinks were as tasty as they are beautiful. Definitely recommend checking them out.

Excellent rooftop bar ambiance! Great drinks limited good…read moremenu. Good place to hangout.

I always enjoy going to Firehouse Lounge. I love the speakeasy feel and the hidden entrance. The…read morebartenders are always friendly and they make great drinks. The prices are more than reasonable. And the best part is the live music and vibes. They always bring great artists that bring energy and fun. This is easily one of my favorite spots in Austin.

This bar is located in the Firehouse Hostel. In fact, it's a speakeasy hidden behind a sliding…read morebookshelf right in the lobby. It's rightfully named as the building was once an actual firehouse that was built in 1885. Like all good speakeasies, it's got dim lighting that accentuates the building's rustic, 1800s era architecture. Hip and cool interior design with vintage furnishings and accessories. It's cozy and comfortable. This popular spot gets busy and it's easy to see why. The hip decor and good service mixed with excellent drinks makes it apparent why they're so popular. They offer frozen cocktails (my fave) that often change. The craft cocktails are spectacular. The bar menu offers a variety of beer as well. In addition, they do an incredible mocktail and offer different varieties. If you're going for a cocktail, the daiquiri and paper plane are perfection.

The food was delicious the atmosphere and ambience is refreshing and relaxing…read more The Texas air and sunset, coupled with a lovely breeze from the fans around the upstairs rooftop patio had us set for the night. We will definitely be back it was a win-10/10!

Super chill rooftop in the aloft hotel on Congress…read more Food: N/A Service: 3 Atmosphere: 4 Cost to worth it rating: 3 Opentableable: no walk-in only Return worthiness: yes Highlights: - Liked the casual relaxed vibe in a rooftop so didn't have to be fancy - Mix of ages - Plenty of seating - Cute white lights hanging - Could go full party drink mode or relax with a few - Have water jugs out so you can fill your own Midlights: - Order at bar line can be long and not many working behind it but then saw waiter coming around when was seated - Drinks just ok--there more for vibes Lowlights: - Didn't get to try the tacos since we were off to have a meal after

Eden Cocktail Bar is a great spot in Austin. The drinks are excellent and I loved the Maravilla. It…read moreis their take on a mezcal old fashioned and it is absolutely fantastic. The music is on point and it makes the whole place feel lively without being overwhelming. One tip: reservations are highly recommended because it fills up quickly. Also, the entrance can be a little tricky to find the first time. You enter from the alley between 6th and 7th Street on San Jacinto. Overall, amazing drinks, great vibe, and definitely a place I recommend checking out if you are in Austin.

PRO TIP: Look for the red light above a purple door tucked in an alley, near a dumpster, behind…read moredirty six. Definitely sketch-- be wary of your surroundings. It's nerve-wracking when you tell your friends, "I know a spot," and then lead them down an alley behind Dirty Sixth... but here we are. In true speakeasy fashion, once you're inside, it's a complete 180. The space is quaint, dark, moody, and intimate. Like all places in Austin, I'd recommend making reservations in advanced since seating is limited. The vibe is relaxed and low-key, with solid craft cocktails--exactly what I was looking for in my thirties girls' night out. Service is mid.

We visited Prohibition ATX and loved our experience! Although it took us about 5 minutes to find…read morethe entrance, once we did, we were glad we made the effort. The atmosphere is very relaxed and cozy/fun. The bartenders were very helpful and the drinks were delicious. I highly recommend the old fashioned!

I am a sucker for a speakeasy when it is done right. I love the idea of being somewhere that not…read moreeveryone knows about. It feels like an IYKYK atmosphere. Located off Anderson Mill in the corner of a strip mall is a bookshelf with a door on the right side. If you cannot figure out the entrance, there is a doorbell to ring as well. I believe it is owned by the same people who own The Mill bar right next door, which makes it feel like a cool bonus space. My friend and I sat next to a faux fireplace, where we were greeted by the only bartender working and placed our order. Once he opened the tab, it was disappointing that he never came back to check if we wanted another drink. It wasn't super busy on the Monday we went, but since he was the only one manning the bar, the bartender was always doing something, so I don't blame him fully for not checking back in with us. I ordered a drink called the Velvet Vice. It looked nothing like the picture and tasted similar to an Aviation cocktail with egg whites. I happened to really like it. It is a very relaxed space, but once the speakeasy gimmick wears off, it does not have much else going for it. It is still a cool place, but I am not sure it was worth the lengthy drive to get there. RIYL: A bar hidden behind a bookshelf