Okay - let me say this RIGHT up front. This is one crazy place. And I love it. This place is singlehandedly keeping Austin weird. I mean, If no one else was involved - these people could pull it off all by themselves. Maybe it's the keypad with a secret code to get in. I had been told about it by a local Uber driver. But I didn't have the code. And I came anyway. Fortunately a couple was punching in the numbers as I walked up so I grabbed the door behind them before it closed and - Voila! - I was in! As I walked in, to my right was a row of "lamps up high on the wall - with plastic doll heads serving as the "lampshades". It was eerie and bizarre. Maybe that was it. Or perhaps it was the moose on the wall with a knitted scarf, or maybe it was the neon sign that read "Mmmmm .... your hair smells good". How random is that? Or maybe it was the actual real-life chainsaw hanging inside a picture frame. Or the Buried axe door handle in the bathroom. Or maybe it was the dark humor enshrined within the wickedly brilliant drink names: "Nobody Actually Liked Miranda" or "Life in San Antonio" or "And a Banana Cognac, B****" - and others that pushed the envelope even further. I have seldom had so much enjoyment reading a menu. Perhaps it was Rochelle who was just BRILLIANT - a master at her craft at the bar, and just plain gifted at establishing rapport with people. The bottom line is this: There were a lot of moving parts to this place and they all came together at this one junction - providing a fascinating one of a kind concept. These people aren't serving drinks - they are delivering an EXPERIENCE that you WILL not and CANNOT get anywhere else. Here's how great this is: If you don't come here, you can't say you've been to Austin. Officially. This is Austin at its finest weirdness. I would mention the drinks except I don't know how. After the identifiable first drink (Boulevardier) Rochelle went behind the wizards curtain and started cranking out unique cocktails. It was like watching a mad scientist at work (except she wasn't mad, just irritated - " - and the cocktails whatever they were. were unique and delicious. We were completely off-road at this point and it was a trip worth taking. Great place and a great night!!!!! read more

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I can't believe this place is still here. I stumbled upon it with some friends probably not long after it first opened in 2016. We had been headed to the bar that was next to it at the time, and upon seeing that the other place was more of a clubby scene than we were looking for, we walked away as I muttered something about wishing we could just find a cool speakeasy. As I said this, we were passing by some dude lurking outside an unmarked door, who interjected, "This place is a speakeasy." We all stopped dead in our tracks as I said, "What??" I mean, that has to be one of the weirdest things that has ever happened to me. Would YOU believe a random guy on the street who just happens to hear that you're looking for a speakeasy and suddenly claims to be standing in front of one? Ha, we were definitely skeptical...but intrigued, especially as we studied the sign and had to concede his point that yeah, a floppy disk repair company in 2016 sounded a little...fake. Still, we remained skeptical at the idea of being struck by speakeasy lightning, so he gave us the code in order to prove it. Well, I'll be damned. It WAS a speakeasy. Flash forward to June 2021...damn, this place hasn't changed a bit, and I love it. Getting access seems to be harder now, but I kinda love that and am not going to give away any secrets here. There are so many "speakeasys" with too much emphasis on the "easy." You gotta really want this one -- and they've got to like the idea of hanging out with you. There's more to this place than the setup, though. Their cocktail game is strong. After studying the menu, I asked the bartender what he thought of the drink called "Do The Jane Fondle." He said it was his favorite drink on the menu. Well, damn, gimme one of those, then. I love egg white drinks but had never had a drink with a full raw egg before. Don't let that spook you...it's REALLY worth trying. This drink is house-infused peach Buffalo Trace bourbon, lemon, honey, whole egg, and habanero tincture. So, yep, it's like a whiskey sour on steroids. The whiskey sour aspect is smooth and slightly fruity with the peach infusion, creamier than your average whiskey sour with egg white. Then it ends with a surprise hit of spice in the back of your throat (that's the habanero) that literally made me say "wow" out loud. It was delicious with a surprise kick of heat at the end. I loved it. My boyfriend had the Racketeer, which also is a really phenomenal drink and in fact was his favorite of our entire weekend in Austin. If creamy, smooth, slightly fruity, and slightly spicy (the Jane Fondle) doesn't sound like your cup of tea, then try the Racketeer, which is a fantastic blend of Old Overholt rye, mezcal, carpano antica, yellow chartreuse, Benedictine, and Peychaud's bitters -- all stirred and served up in a Laphroaig-rinsed glass. Good LORD it was good. Our favorite bar at home in Dallas is a speakeasy mezcalria (La Viuda Negra) where the bartender, Hugo, has a phenomenal Mezcal Old Fashioned on the menu. The one on the menu here has a very different list of ingredients, and the bartenders swore we'd like it better than Hugo's. I'm not sure I agree, but I'll say it was damn good and definitely worth trying, especially if you've never had a mezcal Old Fashioned before. So, yeah, don't let the kitchsy decor fool you -- these guys are putting out some really interesting, unique cocktails that will keep you coming back for more. I'm only 5% ashamed to say that we actually came back the next day and did another round of the exact same two drinks. The vibe is laid-back, chill, and fun. As we learned going two days in a row, some bartenders are more talkative and welcoming than others. If the bartender's vibe isn't your style when you first go, try again another day, and then find out what days the fun ones work, haha. Also, I recommend a weekday evening if you want the place pretty much to yourself -- makes for a better opportunity for getting the bartenders' takes on the menu. read more

Floppy Disk Repair - Racketeer (left) and Do The Jane Fondle (right) - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

I used to come here all the time but it had been a while. I was aware of the "code" situation but not aware of how much the rules had changed. I visited a few days ago--on a freakin' Wednesday, of all things--and they were horribly rude to my entire party. I was with friends who flew in from across the country to visit and guaranteed them that they'd love Floppy Disk. Not only were the employees rude about the code, the woman basically cornered us and pushed us out the door. Disgusting behavior. Especially for a bar, in Austin, on a Wednesday. I've been treated better at high-end bars in bigger cities who were less snooty than the employees at this place. We were asking people who were walking out, for the code to get in and everyone looked confused trying to remember but they were helping anyway. Some lady told me that if they didn't let us in, to tell them we know someone named Rich. Idk who Rich is, but we didn't even have a moment to say his name before we were kicked out. Ok, so you want us to go to another bar first, buy a minimum # of drinks and then get a receipt that they'd WRITE the code on for us to get into this bar. Sounds very schemey. Total rip-off. Super disappointed in this place. read more

Lame as hell. Told me not to hit the wall with the swing and there was nobody else there. Low energy and rude. read more

FlashDrive Accidentally Flushed - Thank Gawd For Floppy Disks! SITREP When in Austin, you want to check out Floppy Disk Repair ("Floppy") because not only do they serve up the best drinks, but they are the epitome of "Kitsch". SPECIAL NOTE - "SECRET CODE" Yes. This is one of THOSE places. People sidle on up to the door. A person asks them for the code. And they either know it or they don't. If you don't know it, then you don't get in: it's as simple as that. Lucky for us, our buddy Chase (who works at a ritzy restaurant a block away) KNOWS the code and got us in with him. And apparently just not any one can get the secret code - this establishment is tied very much to the hospitality industry and I appreciate that. [PRO-TIP: so check in with your friends in the Austin service industry and perhaps one of them will you with them.] DECOR & SWINGS! There is so much to see here, hanging from the ceiling, "growing out" from the walls - some things are downright creepy, but fun! And how can you not love a place with indoor swings for placing you butt down in? Very creative AND can make it a challenge to enjoy your drink without spilling part of it onto yourself! PROPS ...go to Zack cause he knows how to make a nice stiff drink! His VIEUX CARRE and PARKSIDE FIZZ are particularly tasty. :D THE LOWDOWN So if you can *weasle* your way into Floppy with a friend who has the "Know How", you are truly in for a treat! read more

TLDR, they don't take kindly to walking in behind someone... got yelled at for not knowing the code. I guess we were being addressed by the individual at the bar, but it was loud and I couldn't hear. Not a good fit if you're hard of hearing or over stimulated by your surroundings. Also, the world has moved on the Zip disks. read more

Super cool speakeasy, amazing drinks. Unless you know the password it's nearly impossible to get in, not sure how on gets the code beforehand. We snuck in with another couple we were in Austin for less than 24 hours so it had to be done. The vibe is straight outta The Shining! read more

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The ambiance is very unique and quirky. The drinks were amazing. A must visit. The bartenders had amazing service.

The drinks we got were pretty tasty, the cereal milk one especially. They definitely make their drinks strong! We came in on a Sunday evening and were able to grab 3 swing seats at the bar. It was a fun unique experience, the decor was pretty scary but it's like one of those games where every time you look you find something you didn't notice before. read more

Floppy Disk Repair - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

This review is long overdue. My friends and I stopped by about a month ago. First time visit for me and it didn't disappoint. Cozy and chill ambiance with strong cocktails. Definitely worth the visit. read more

Great drinks, love the hidden code aspect. Drink menu names are not for the feint of heart. Service was 10/10. Ambiance was great- music was best out of most of the bars we went to. read more

Awesome cocktails and atmosphere! I would love to come back again if I'm ever in the area.

This is the go-to speakeasy for lots of Austin locals, and I was really impressed when I went with friends recently. The drinks are great, the ambiance is great (lots of conversations, a handful of tables, and nice background music). This is definitely worth a visit for locals and visitors alike (if you can access the bar). read more

One of the most unique bars in downtown, truly worth the visit if you can find the door code. Floppy Disk was one of the first speakeasy bars I heard about in Austin and it was the last speakeasy bar I tried, simply because I had to really track down the door code! I ended up getting it through a really roundabout and happenstance way (meeting people at another random bar in East Austin who happened to know the door code from a friend of a friend). The menu has some classic cocktails, new twists on classics, and some altogether new (and sometimes strange concoctions). I'm a big fan of unusual cocktails (and of cereal) so I tried two of their "adult cereal drinks": one was a Coco Puffs-inspired cocktail and another was a Trix-inspired cocktail, both made with whole milk and served with a side of the actual cereal. While kind of simple sounding, these drinks were altogether unusual and fantastic. The overall vibe of this place is also very unique and I didn't know what to expect from the pictures I saw elsewhere online. Everything is bathed in a red glow and the walls are lined with punk/subversive imagery. The night we went they were playing some classic 80's bangers. While it's a smaller bar, it also packs a lot of energy. read more

Floppy disk repair is a tourist trap! This place used to be so much better, but it's been ruined over the years. It has this pretentious exclusivity for no apparent reason. The changing code is so ridiculous, in my opinion. If you are visiting Austin, this is a great place to impress your friends on the outside. On the inside, you probably won't really care for the drinks. read more

Do you have the access code to get in? This place is actually for the Red-Headed Step Child Bar, but you already knew you needed to know someone, who knew someone, who once had the code who could maybe get you in. Nice speakeasy but can be crowded AF in this tiny lounge. We were with some friends and as we were exploring 6th Street, quickly realized we wanted a more intimate setting and refined drinks. After speaking to some "locals" Floppy Disk Repair kept coming up. Having spent a good chunk of my younger days in NYC, I knew a thing or two about speakeasy bars but geez, they tried to make this super exclusive! It's ok, because who wants to go to a crowded bar but wow, we had to go to another bar to smooze the bartender, aka drop lots $$$, to get the access code. Once inside, I could see the appeal but try to get a seat and buckle up because you'll meet some characters in here. It was towards the tail end of the night when we got here so it was full of lots of fun, weird, folks. It was fun but don't know if I'd necessarily want to make someone else jump through hoops to get here. read more

Undercover as a Floppy Disk Repair shop with the only way to get in is inputting the code to unlock the door, the Red Headed Stepchild is a very hip yet small bar in Austin. Once you enter, you are greeted with dimmed lights, swings as bar seats, and doll heads decoration. Overall this is a very smallll bar which might be why they only restrict those with a code. I was a little worried about not being able to get the code and gain access. After researching the interweb, I figured that either my hotel concierge might know the code (they didn't), or I can bribe the bar next door for the code. However I got extremely lucky and I just stood outside, and tried my luck and asked a guy taking a smoke break outside. He was nice and offered to open the door for us when he is done with his break (yasss!) The drinks in here were very cool with vulgar names. I got the ball gag which had strawberry based drink and was delicious. My friend got the basic bitch, which was their version of a spicy moscow mule. Service here was great, we were promptly served and the bartender frequently checked up on us. Gave us recommendations when we informed them it was our first time. read more

Floppy Disk Repair - Ball gag - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Trying to contact anyone here. I came in with my boyfriend the other night to get 1 drink before leaving town. We ordered the one drink, signed the receipt for it (it was around like $15-17), and left. My bank statement says my bill was $50. It if not pending, it is fully charged. And now bc of the whole "no contact # shpeel," I can't get ahold of anyone to figure out what happened, but I wld like to not have spent $50 on a single drink. read more

What can I say? I asked, they consulted and they definitely did not disappoint. The trust was definitely balanced with their expertise. Ty and Lars met above the expectations to a chill night. read more

Code is 7625* I tell you this because of the arrogance of this place and their sister store, el cockfight next door. We walked in (the door was open) we were straight away "greeted" by an angry guy who told us to leave because we had not used the code. We were told we had to go next door and buy a shot to get the code. Went next door, bought drinks and shots and the angry bartender told us "they are not losing money next door" When we pointed out It was pretty empty, he then got super defensive. Sad that poor attitude will not enable this place to have repeat customers. read more

I love speakeasy bars. Little hidden gems with eclectic cocktail menu's. Floppy Disk was definitely a hidden gem. A long line outside because the only way to get in is with a password. How you get the password is still a question for me. I had no idea why people were standing outside. I walked up and a guy was walking in so me and my friends followed behind. We sat down at a table and started to order. This place has a chill groovy Motown feel. The service was not bad but the servers seemed irritated. The lights are super dim, So beware or using flash when trying to gather photos. The entire staff yelled at me and then the bartender came to me personally and told me to not use my flash. Never gave a reason so yeah...beware! Many of the menu items were milk based but if you don't see what you want on the menu just ask for it (I did). The womens bathroom was broken so I used the mens (it was pretty clean). They have cool swings at the entry but the place is very small so hopefully no one is coming in while you try to get photos. Not sure if I'll go back because I don't know how to get in but if I do I will be more prepared. read more

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A secret speakeasy where you need to get a password from bar next door. Was extremely full on a Thursday. Service not great and very expensive drinks. read more

In Austin for a birthday adventure with my Love... this place was suggested by a bartender at another place on the kinda overrated 6th st... sure awesome concept! Speakeasy, you have to have a code to get in, small bar with an awesome atmosphere... dark, relaxed and mysterious.... Nate at the bar made me THE perfect drink, what else can I say? I came here with my love, and am leaving with another... I wish I could package this place up and keep it in my pocket! I will come back to Austin JUST for this place! So much love! read more

Floppy Disk Repair - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Floppy Disk Repaid is a speakeasy that requires a code to get in. It is a fairly small/intimate space and some fun swing seats near the entrance. The cocktail menu is pretty fun with some interesting names. I liked that the bartenders were very engaged and took some effort to make non-alcoholic drinks (not on menu). The decor in here is interesting but not as creepy as it sounds. (There are random doll heads everywhere and they had silence of the lambs playing on a tv hah.) read more

Secret bar in Austin so much so you need a code to get through the front door. Once your in there's a kinda a dark vibe with red lighting, cool swing seats and a cool cocktail menu. Tell the bartender what you like and she'll make up her own concoction. Overall cool place to grab some cocktails, chill and enjoy the weirdness of Austin. read more

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Floppy Disk Repair is a front for Red Headed StepChild and my absolute favorite part of visiting Austin. We had a two prong approach to getting in: two of us waited outside the locked door for someone to come out. The other two went to the bar next door to schmooze the bartenders for the code. Waiting outside was the winner. The four of us easily got a table to ourselves and held civil conversation. One of the employees was friendly, chatted and recommended drinks. The drinks were tasty. What I liked was that there were familiar cocktails for folks who prefer to stay in their lane and creative libations for those of us who like to wander freely. All of the drinks had fun names that felt naughty to say and even naughtier when we read the descriptions. The drinks were creative but not mixologist fancy. A mixologist would have weird bitters, unusual liquors, and fancy techniques. With milk and cereal based drinks and jello-shots, Red Headed StepChild's creativity is really approachable. It's more like a break-dancer than a ballerina. Anyway, the whole experience was a lot of fun between getting in to trying several inventive drinks. Being able to sit at a table and converse with my friends was a bonus that many bars can't offer. read more

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Our mixologist choked me and my friend drank mommy's milk; after being good boys and finishing our doggy bowls, we swung and giggled our night away. It's the details in this place that make it a true experience. I want you to like it here. I wish we could stay here forever... and ever... and ever . read more

Came to site this place for a potential event and could not be more disappointed. At first it looked cool, atmosphere was a mix of silly horror and industrial. Drinks overall had a decent flavor, but service was horrible. Took 10 mins for the first drink...been waiting 30 for the second. Guess these guys don't like making money. Oh well...dozens of other cool bars to check out. This place needs better management for sure. Losing at least $100 every 10 minutes with us here. read more

*We left before even ordering drinks... Got the code from a bar we enjoyed earlier (it was fantastic) and had to say it to be let in (door guy was confusingly drunk or acting drunk, it was strange). The vibe was off right away for us... neat looking spot but very small, dark (could not see the menu at all) AND SO HOT... like upper lip sweat hot, like can we just crack the door since there's a door guy??? It just wasn't comfortable for drinking and having a good time. It was loud with music, which is fine, but not a place for quality conversation. Great name and I see the intrigue.... just wasn't for us last night. read more

We went looking for speakeasy type bars when we were in town and got lucky and was able to get in. bartender next door wouldn't tell us the password but after reading reviews we kinda hung out outside when a manager or something from next door went in. We polity asked if we could check it out and after some hesitation he let us go in. Funny menu, funky decor. Small room. Must try to see if you want a good Austin weird experience. read more

Floppy Disk Repair - Menu - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

From other reviews, I thought I could get the password from someone next door at Handlebar. No such luck with the bouncer or either of the two bartenders I spoke to. I wondered if it was because I wasn't getting a drink, so I ordered one, hoping they would be forthcoming by the time I finished. Still nothing. As I had decided to give up and go to the venue where I was attending a show that night, I saw a group come up to the Floppy Disk Repair door looking confident. Without a moment's hesitation, I ducked in behind them. The bar is tiny, with enough seating for maybe only 20 people. I'm surprised the doorman let me in when it looked like it was already bursting with people. I was fortunate to snag one of the swing seats at the bar. I ordered the My Trix Are Not For Your Kids because ever since Please Don't Tell's cocktails with Momofuku cereal milk in NYC, I can't resist cocktails with cereal milk in them. I think the little shot glass of Trix was intended as a novelty garnish, but I snacked on it anyways. The drink itself was decent, but on the small side. Maybe my threshold for creepiness is too high, but I didn't think this place was as macabre as people make it out to be. Not much taxidermy or scary paraphernalia. If you ever make it to St. Malo in your life, now there's the ultimate creepy but fun bar - also with swings, and way more bent or broken dolls. read more

Floppy Disk Repair - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Loved it. I love horror movies and that is the theme all around. Yummy drinks and a super personable bartender. Fun! Drinks are pricey, but worth it. read more

Nice speakeasy vibe as expected. Drinks are good but the bartenders are so skillful, I just said dealers choice with gin and got a great cocktail. The music is on point too. One thing that was a bit concerning is the receipt I have and what's on my CC statement (after it processed with the tip etc) was different (higher on my statement). Hopefully this was a mistake but just be sure to check cause $.60 on each check adds up read more

What a great place. Drinks are spot on. The vibe is so fun. Nice place to chill! Music was rockin! Visited twice while on vacation because we loved it that much. read more

This is probably the most inept repair shop I've ever been to! They tired to pour vodka to fix my poor floppy disk Jk. I recommend going to the bar early (like 5 or 6). There was no wait (or even bouncer so I got to type in the door code -- very fun). There started to be a line at like 8 which I wouldn't of liked to wait in, so defs start your night here. They seem to take themselves too seriously (although that's a common trend woth speak easies). The drinks have funny names/descriptions but are all seem to require a fairly sophisticated pallet. My favorite drink was "Anal Sundays". Our bar tender (90% sure his name was Steven) was really great! I would want to be his friend in real life but he probs wouldn't want to be mine read more

The red headed bar tender the girl specifically cause they all red headed is the reason I will never return to this place. I'm having a good time with my friends minding my business. She made her way to say turn off your flash. Ok, cool, I have my feet propped up, she pointed to me like a was a child to tell me to put my feet down. Ok cool. A girl in our group asked for a water never got it. My friend was thirsty. Asked for a water and pointed out that the girl in our group had been waiting for water too. She returned with water and said if it's taking too long come to the bar. We had a reserved table where we shouldn't have to go to the bar counter and were told we were being waited on. I understand following rules. But being rude?! And not holding her team accountable to hold to excellent service?! Is not ok. Never want to risk having this experience and won't be recommending this place no matter the exclusivity. read more

I absolutely love this speakeasy! It's a guaranteed good time every time we go...plus the little adventures you have to go on to the other bars to get the secret password opens you up to new places. Great people, great drinks, great atmosphere, great fun! read more

Floppy Disk Repair - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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You need a code (which you definitely need or they won't let you go in) to get in which you can get from Firehouse Lounge a block up the street. Even after getting the code, it took a us 45 min to get in! It was a small space and the drinks were quite pricey but they were quite tasty! Every drink on the menu was uniquely named and easy to drink. If you do go, I'd recommend earlier in the night or on a weekday to avoid some of the crowd read more

Floppy Disk Repair - Quite the cover - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

A must visit. Super low key spot. Bartenders are great. Music is slick. Lighting is bloody red. Recommend you visit read more

Floppy Disk Repair - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

The experience is pretty cool but it can get super crowded. I was in Austin for the weekend and I came here with a group of friends on a Saturday night. Getting in is pretty cool, you need to know a pass code and enter it into a keypad near the door. Lucky for me one of my friends knew the code but we still had to wait in line since the bar was at capacity. After waiting around 20 minutes we got in but the bar itself was packed. The menu has some unique drinks like a milk and cereal cocktail. If you've never been I'd say check it out read more