Parking? Easy. They have a front lot off Congress and another one off Sandra (just South on…read moreCongress after you pass the bar). The drinks? Oh my gaaahhd. I'm usually not a fan of 'craft cocktails' out bc they're overpriced and not nearly as good as what my partner makes at home, but these were glorious. These drinks had layers of flavor. And fresh ingredients. And they were reasonably priced. Honestly, I don't even remember the last time we had such good drinks out (ok that's a lie but another review and it was at that place where Crowbar used to be - but these win hands down). The bartenders were nice and knowledgeable (Did I mention they make amazing drinks?). The outside has a similar feel to Cosmic but more secluded which is nice. They have plenty of seating, mostly outside, and food from an onsite truck, Sabor Tapatio. Honestly, I feel like this place is a unicorn. 78745 low key vibe but also with some old school Austin feels (I'm talking 2005 mid-Noughties - not 20-teen Rainey Street batch cocktails). They also have coffee in the mornings which we'll be checking out sooner rather than later. 10/10 recommend.

Met a friend here on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I was happy that it wasn't overcrowded - one of us…read moredid have to utilize the add-on parking in the back. There are plenty of different seating options but very few seats inside. The place is chill, ordering drinks took some time even with no rush. Seems like they have some pre-mixed type of cocktails. Honestly, neither of us liked our drinks much. We actually left it behind. The food truck is nice to have though we didn't get to try. Happy that South Austin is finally seeing some nice spacious outdoor hangout spots.

Excellent spot and a little hidden away from the street side - it blends in with the hotel it's…read morepart of. The coffee shop is a large, high-ceiling room adjacent to the hotel lobby, with an upstairs and patio. Upstairs is the place to go, it is a well-decorated, library feeling room that is quiet enough to do some reading or work, but still a level where conversation would be okay. Coffee itself has been consistently high quality with a small assortment of baked/prepared goods as well.

Great spot to hang out and grab a coffee with a friend (downstairs) or come and quietly read by…read moreyourself (upstairs). UPDATE: many reviews mentioned 4 hour parking, but this is no longer true - it is 2 HOUR parking the with a fee of $10 afterword. Not ideal for a remote working location for more than a short break. Matcha was one of the more expensive in Austin but solid. Food was great (got the birria tacos which were SO tender, although I did have a slight stomach ache right after - maybe just the grease). Went on a Tues during the day and there were many people working upstairs (quietly), but available seats for 2 or 3 ppl downstairs.

It's a rainy night in Austin. My girlfriend is in town because my cousin and her fiancé are getting…read moremarried in Austin. It's also the weekend of our one year anniversary. An hour ago it wasn't raining, but now it's pouring. A few months ago, I heard of a newer bar and experience called Equipment Room just right off of South Congress. Music means everything to me. Nothing can express emotions and instill a feeling in 3 minutes like a song can. I live for that. Equipment Room is inherently Japanese in concept. Existing in Japan for over 50 years, listening bars combine high fidelity audio equipment with impressively crafted cocktails and alcohol combining the passion of music in a space to gather with comfortable chairs and a beautiful atmosphere. The concept has expanded westward as all cool things inevitably do, but I would never think a spot would be successful in Austin like it would be in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and so on. As I back my car into a parking spot on South Congress, I grab the umbrella out of my trunk and walk my girlfriend and me to the entrance trying to not get ourselves soaked in the process. This is not the first time we have tried to go to Equipment Room. We tried to get a walk-in table just to see out of morbid curiosity and that was a failure. I booked her and me a table for this night and I was madly looking forward to it. As we got to the small entrance, we were introduced to the hostess who brought us from the stairs into the main underground space and to our seats on the couch in a large wraparound sofa with other parties sitting near us. The music is faint from the entrance, but once you walk through the main walkway, a wave of sound hits your eardrums. You're immediately engrossed into the music like walking into a concert hall or putting a fresh pair of headphones on for the first time. As we sat down, selections from Outkast's Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik were playing through the speakers. Our hostess introduced us to their "User Manual" (their menu) where it contained all the snacks and drinks you could get your grubby hands on. There's more than just drinks and food on the menu. The first page introduces the concept and gives a few house rules. The second page shows all the equipment this so-called room has, from the premium Klipsch speakers, their preamps and amplifiers as well as their turntables and mixers. It's a dream page for music nerds. I want a $15k speaker in my apartment, but those noise complaints would never end. Our waitress came by shortly to give us water and take our order. Their menu is quite expansive, but the main pages we were told to check out were their A-side drinks or the classics and their B-side drinks, which are more experimental. We had to go with experimental for starters because who knows when you'll get to try something similar again. I started with a Goca Dünya while my girlfriend ordered a Deceptacon. The Goca Dünya was a vodka based floral drink with pistachio foam and Amaro Nonino, an Italian herbal liqueur. The Deceptacon was a rum-based cacao drink with a touch of lime and mint. It took a little time for our drinks to come out, clearly, as they are quite intricate. I loved my drink, bluntly. The pistachio foam was a great balance to the herbal flavors at the bottom. My girlfriend and I continued to enjoy each other's company as the music continued. The space we were in was decorated with posters and memorabilia from legendary artists coming through Austin and some general music decor like that purple album from that Prince guy. The DJ-curator that night was on a tear playing incredible soul music holding the bar hostage with a taste of funk. Jimmy Smith came next before transitioning to a few tracks from Bobbie Gentry. The last albums he pulled out were Steely Dan's Aja (a stone cold classic) and Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life (a top 10 album of all time). Not only was he playing classics like Isn't She Lovely, but he threw down some deeper cuts like Black Man and Contusion. Incredible. We both got another drink with my girlfriend getting their A-Side Espresso Martini while I got the Brown Sugar from their B-Sides. It was a seaweed and mushroom infused whiskey with a few more bells and whistles and it was super unique. Quite a bit of their menu is Japanese-inspired in homage to the originators of listening bars. This includes Japanese beer, sake, and Japanese-inspired food and beverages on their menu. Very cool. The worst part of the night came when our hour and 45 minute reservation came to a close. I could've stayed there for another 3 hours and never grown tired, but with how popular this space has become, they gotta kick you out at some point. This is an experience you have to have. It's worth it. I'll be strolling back in soon enough because there is nothing like this in Austin and it's truly a special space. RIYL: Actively listening to music.

Loved this place so much..!!! If you want to go somewhere to just lounge with low lighting and have…read moresome delicious drinks with great music in the background , this is place is it! They play no digital music and their speakers are installed throughout the whole building. The sound is great! The menu was so cute and on theme. The furniture and decor is mid century modern. I went here for my birthday and they gave my table a round of Sake shots, which was nice! My table ordered drinks: the Brown Sugar, Goca Dünya, Suffer No Fool (non alcoholic), Vitamin C. They were all delicious and they did not skimp on the alcohol! It was well balanced! I seriously recommend the Goca Dünya--that pistachio foam was addictive! For food, we got the Cheese board to have something to pick on and we demolished it, haha. It came with marmalade and crackers. The cheeses were great, along with the dried fruits and nuts. The cheese selections seem to rotate every other season, which is cool.

This is such a lovely hideaway bar! The vibes are immaculate and I loved the dark moodiness of it…read moreall. We were a little lost when we first arrived because the door is quite subtle, but fortunately someone else was also entering. Our servers were all very friendly and we were seated by the manager. I highly recommend making a reservation--the only reason we got in was because another reservation for 10:00 didn't show and it was almost 20 past! The drinks were good and they have a pretty solid list of "experimentals" as well as some themed drinks for the bar. I had the Daisy and an espresso martini and enjoyed both. All in all, I think this place is great for a 1:1 or coming with a small group of 2-4 people. And our receipt came inside of a book, which added to the quirkiness of the place. Would definitely come back!

It's located next to Oasthouse and has an entrance either from inside the restaurant or outside…read more Large parking lot! I had the Nick+Nora+Des and the Daisy and while both were good my favorite was the Nick+Nora+Des. There is an upstairs section and even a small third level too.

Great area. They have a couple pickle ball courts, coffee house, stage and mixology bar. That being…read moresaid...they miss entertainment. It's super odd bars around them have entertainment and crowds but not here. Seems like the guests mainly come for pickle ball, yet the stage mainly goes unused. If they can work out entertainment then they may have a great venue for guests.

I met some friends on a Saturday morning for coffee. I ordered a latte and blueberry muffin, both…read moreyummy. My friends got breakfast tacos from one of the trucks and gave two thumbs up. There are two nice pickleball courts, both in use. Lots of indoor and shady outdoor seating. All and all, a nice place to meet up with friends.

Here Nor There is one of the best speakeasies in Austin, hands down…read more The drinks are always incredible--thoughtfully crafted and consistently good. The ambiance is moody and intimate, with music that makes the whole experience feel elevated. Definitely a go-to for a great night.

Last night we rounded out our evening with reservations at Here Nor There…read more If I told you the location of this speakeasy then...lol. It's been around since 2018 so most folks know where it is by now. Heads up, you no longer have to use their app to make a reservation. Simply do so through Open Table and that's when you'll get the entry code. So glad it's no longer a members-only spot as well. The basement location gives anything but a basement vibe. When you enter, you'll see the infamous black paint on white walls mural but then you're transformed into something more. An elegant and elevated high-end speakeasy that transports you to what life in speakeasy settings must have felt like in the days of olde. Who doesn't love being greeted by a tasteful, giant, fake bear with welcome cocktails? The low-lit space brings a feeling of warmth, secrecy, romance, and mystery. You absolutely get the feeling you're in a special and secret hideaway space. From the refined wallpaper to hand blown glass lighting fixtures to the lush and velvety sofa seating, you are truly immersed in the vibe. It brings a feeling of noir and romance with even sexier drinks. Being seated in one of the nooks is my favorite and just really adds to the overall experience. If you follow my reviews then you know I often refer to excellent cocktails as liquid works of art. And, in this case, it's like the most exclusive, high-end art gallery of liquid masterpieces. Cocktails with branded cubes, top tier alcohol and other ingredients from around the globe make for a worthy piece of drinkable art. It doesn't end with cocktails! The mocktails are equally as beautiful and delicious. I highly recommend the cocktails and mocktails. Service is exactly what you would expect and want it to be in this environment. Yes, the prices are a bit higher than average but you're paying for art, atmosphere, and experience that is beyond wonderful.

Cool little dive bar. Good and friendly bar service with a mix of different xmas themed cocktails…read moreand Christmas decor. We appreciated the $5 special which includes a small high life and a shot of whiskey. I'm pretty sure the pepperoni pizza we got there was digiorno though which I find a bit unusual.

We visited this cool bar initially because we had a coupon for a free cocktail from one of the…read moreapartment buildings we toured. We went on scooters on a hot day, and it was a great place to cool down and have a tiki drink! Our bartender was so nice and welcoming, and we had the whole place to ourselves. Very cute interior - loved the record wall and sign near the restrooms. There is a fun photobooth with hilarious photos people have taken too. They had just released a new drink menu, and I tried one that was made with vegan cream of coconut and tequila. It was SO good and refreshing. Prices are reasonable and they have a great happy hour too! We will be back at night time!

Cute little bar on south lamar - parking lot is paid parking however the establishments in the lot…read moreoffer 2 hours free parking credit. We came for the $10 lunch specials we saw on instagram a while back but turns out they arent doing those anymore. When we arrived around 12:30 they advised they didnt have a cook, however we stayed for a drink ($5 wells) she showed up around 1 and we decided to order the burger $10 special, a hot dog and al pastor taco plate. Our bill was $46 with tip and 2 well drinks. The food was decent, just average hot dog and burger, the tacos were less than impressive with cold canned pineapple strewn across the top of dry meat and undercooked tortillas. Would go back for a cheap dog or burger and drinks.

Ex Files is quirky and fun! Daily drink specials and BRUNCH! Also hidden gem for watching the game…read moreup close. Make sure you validate your parking, but they are good about reminders.

With a space so gorgeous you'd swear it was torn from a page in an interior design magazine, it's…read morealmost daunting to step inside. Bright and sunny, wide open with lots of natural light, tasteful hanging planters, and minimalist decor, there's nowhere to hide. It's a place to see and be seen, but not nearly as pretentious as that sounds. They just care about the details and it shows, including the attentive service and well balanced drinks. Though I feel like I should crawl back into the dark, dank dive bars that I know best, it's a gorgeous breath of fresh air for those good hair days. Generous parking lot, easy off the highway, good evening hours. The only thing I'll knock it for is being so far south! Anyone in the neighborhood has better treasure this place, since I won't be able to get out there that often.

Fantastic but expensive. Had the watermelon aguafresca and vodka. It was $14, wow. A bit high. It…read morewas great though.

If you've been to Lala's Little Nugget you know what to expect here, except…read more.. Imagine Lala's feels like a chill, comfy neighborhood bar where you can actually enjoy yourself, and the ambiance, and have a conversation with whoever you came with, instead of a tourist clogged beehive? Because BOOM that's Lala's South Pole. I'm not even a big Christmas person, and I am smitten. Charming, quite, festive. It feels like a hidden gem. I probably shouldn't be reviewing it so it can stay that way, but no one like a gatekeeper. Also, absolute baller pizza from Brooklyn Pie Co. I had to really talk myself down from going back the next night just for more pizza. The service is... well what you would expect from a "trendy" Austin dive bar, as in... None, but that's part of the charm kind of? I've actually tried a lot of new pizza places lately and this is what stands out in my mind. Drinks wise? It's a bar. They serve you alcohol. Nothing special, but nothing wrong with it either.

I've been to Lala's Little Nugget a whole bunch of times but never to this location. We were there…read morefor Nickel City's holiday party (yes, in February) & had a fab time. They've got a huge back outdoor patio as well as a front patio. Brooklyn Pie Co. is set up inside to take care of your food needs. For those that don't know, Lala's South Pole (& Little Nugget) are year-round holiday bars. While Little Nugget really goes all out, South Pole isn't too shabby at all. Great decor, wonderfully curated holiday cocktails and mocktails, beers, spirits, and more. Super service. This is a place where there's no way you could ever feel sad or down and out because it's just pumpkin' with happy holiday vibes.