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    J Carver’s

    4.5 (304 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndSteakhouses, Seafood, Cocktail Bars
    Open 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    J Carver’s Photos

    Business Info

    J CARVER’S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy

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    Recommended Reviews - J Carver’s

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    Bone marrow
    Cam H.

    Everything was so delicious!! Steak was cooked and flavored perfectly without being too salty like other places. Paired well with other dishes like the potato gnocchi, which was a highlight for us. It was so creamy and rich, same as the sweet corn. The shrimp appetizer was also very good. Shrimp was crispy with that nice sweet and savory flavor. Crab cake was okay because I'm usually not a fan of them. The brussel sprouts were a bit too salty for my taste but they were crispy which I did enjoy. Bone marrow was good but a bit bland, although the garlic bread that came along with it was very good and aromatic. The banana bread dessert was decent. I thought it could've been more moist. I liked the ice cream that came with it more. Service was great, everyone was attentive. Very pretty upscale restaurant. Great for a romantic night out.

    Delores L.

    J. Carver's is one of our favorite restaurants for celebrating special occasions. The food, drinks, and service are consistently outstanding. Entering J. Carver's feels a bit mysterious...you pass through a thick, split velvet curtain before stepping inside the restaurant. The main dining area is dimly lit, cozy, and romantic with white tablecloths, an impressive wall of wine, and fresh flowers at each table. Attire ranges from casual to formal. The menu focuses on continental cuisine, offering classics like steak, fish, and oysters. For appetizers, we chose Maine lobster bisque, Caesar salad, and deliciously crispy Italian bread. My husband had filet mignon while I enjoyed trout with risotto, plus a side of scalloped potatoes. Dessert was a tough choice between sorbet and bread pudding, so we decided to have both. Service at J. Carver's truly stands out. The staff are attentive and knowledgeable, expertly guiding guests through the menu. The entire experience is seamless and enjoyable from beginning to end.

    Sweet chile fried shrimp
    Damian C.

    I got scared for a moment. Although they do offer valet parking, the entrance did look a little sketchy. Upon entry we were greeted to intimate bar style restaurant that was then surrounded by strategically placed table seating. The mood was clearly intimate which explained the double blackout curtains at the entrance. Took the hostess longer than expected to find our reservation that we were 15 minutes early for and then our table. That might be my only complaint. Our waitress, Brittany, was bubbly friendly and super knowledgeable of the menu, the specials, and even house favorites. She guided us to some delicious fruity tropical drinks while we perused the menu. Decisions made we opted for a 10oz sirloin for two accompanied with potato gnocchi and fries. Appetizers were crab cake and sweet chile fried shrimp. The shrimp wasn't as spicy as I expected but they were season sooo well and were amazing. The crab cake was phenomenal!! The sirloin we asked for medium but it was more close to medium rare. But the cut, the season, the flavor, even at that temperature was exquisite. The gnocchi, something the Bean favors at any restaurant, was yummy. Fries with shoe string thin and crispy. Dessert was a triple tier chocolate cake for me and banana bread pudding for my love with a scoop of ice cream. Chef's kiss. The atmosphere was intimate throughout, music inundated the surroundings. The restaurant is a bit of a tight squeeze, but the food was top tier. Valet service was careful and expedient.

    Rex C.

    I've eaten at the top steakhouses in Texas, around the USA and outside of the country and I must say J carver is a cut above and probably my favorite restaurant of all time! From the decor, the top notch customer service from Ian and the general manager, the food and overall experience. Decor: the place is lit dimly and the style of the restaurant is very intimate and sexy. Also who has dental picks in the restroom? Huge plus for that! Customer service: Ian is an absolute professional! He gave us some great suggestions and was on top of it. The food came out quick. He is a great conversationalist and takes his job serious. Top notch Ian! He even walked us out and opened the door for us. We were met by the GM who asked about our experience. I told him it was top notch and that we would be back soon and will bring clients and friends here. Great job team! Food: everything was top notch! Simply the best. The shrimp appetizer was amazing ! So was the crab cake. The Tagliatelle alla Bolognese was phenomenal! We just got back from Italy and this was better than any dish I had in Italy. So dam good. Full of flavor and simply the best. This could be my final meal before I exit this earth. The 10z filet steak was made to absolute perfection! So much flavor. One of the best steaks ever. The corn side dish was great too! Once again Ian, the Gm and staff really showed up and made my birthday special. Thank yall so much. It meant everything to me. The card that yall signed was so a nice touch. Thank yall

    Crispy shrimp appetizer
    Jay L.

    Top notch from beginning to end. Everything was amazing. Crispy shrimp were huge, well seasoned. Steak tartare was awesome and well spiced including great capers, the crab cake was fresh lump blue crab, plenty to share with 4 people. The Dover sole was amazing with brown butter, flaky, slightly flour dredged fish. Beets were large, seasoned with orange which hit well. The filet was perfect. The gnocchi was large format side, creamy, rich, delicious. Only hiccup was one of our groups filets came out medium instead of medium rare. Our waiter was top notch and a pro. He agreed and immediately took back the steak and replaced it. The bananas foster with praline ice cream was huge, again easily shared with 4, dense bread pudding. Just an amazing meal, dark but lively vibes, excellent service. 10/10!!

    Tanyea F.

    This place was amazing. From the thoughtful details in our reservation to the complimentary champagne while we waited everything was intentional. The bar seating was perfect, and our server Marcus was incredibly knowledgeable and kind. The food? Outstanding. The smoked steak was truly one of a kind. Thank you for an experience that matched the service top tier from start to finish.

    Jennifer D.

    Yummy! J Carver's ranks right up there for me with Jeffrey's and Dean's. I am a filet connoisseur and their 10oz center cut filet was fantastic. But I'm getting ahead of myself. The ambience was lovely for date night. I enjoyed the Fall cocktail that was a spiced pear whiskey sour. It was unique. But then I got the Godfather and oh my...I need another. Definitely recommend if you're a whiskey fan. The crispy country italian bread is a must... with the grana, garlic and herbs all nice and warm and toasty. Mmmm I need to make some at home. The Fuji apple salad was fresh. I liked the citrus vinaigrette on it. As mentioned previously, the filet was cooked to perfection and ranks high on the list of filets. I especially enjoyed the baked potato gnocchi though I wish it had more gnocchi. We asked the waiter his suggestion for dessert and he said the strawberry vacherin. Not gonna lie, wasn't even at the top of my list but we tried it anyway and it was so fresh and light and creamy! It was a solid recommendation. Overall, definitely recommend J Carver's.

    10 ounce filet carpet bag style
    Marty P.

    This was overall my favorite meal in Austin! I dined here this past Friday evening. I ordered the 10 ounce filet carpet bag style with a side of beets and a side of fries. The 10 ounce filet came with a nice gravy bowl of dipping sauce. I dipped some of my steak and the fried oysters in it. The steak was heavenly. I feared it wouldn't be a big enough size. However, it was perfect! I savored every bite moaning while chewing each bite. They sat me at the bar area. It was a very comfortable chair and the patrons were pleasant. The interior of the place is upscale. Staff is very polite. The bartender who waited in me was dressed very professional and kind. She spoke in a clear and loud enough voice where I didn't need to ask her to repeat anything. The side of beets were another highlight of this meal. I savored each bite. They were prepared so well that I finished every bite and almost considered drinking the juice at the bottom of the bowl when finished. I would love to return here. I feel that I will be back in Austin before the year is out. If so, I'm definitely returning to J Carvers!

    Tricia N.

    Was in town for a wedding during our wedding anniversary week and decided to have a date here for our last night in Austin and I am glad we did! Everything was amazing, from the ambiance, to the service and the food. We ordered the filet for two people since we did not want our own steak due to the fact that we've been stuffing our faces with BBQ ever since we got to Texas and it was the perfect amount for two people. Steak was great, perfectly cooked medium. We even got to choose our own knives to cut our steak, nice and unique touch to our experience. The sides were amazing, we got the crab fried rice and the corn. Gosh it was insanely good, highly recommend these items. I encourage to try this place out for a fancy night out, great location too. It's very close to the bars. 5/5 overall!!

    Excellent wine selection
    Roy A.

    Had a wonderful evening at J Carver's with business associates and friends. Lively ambiance with excellent cocktails, great wine list and outstanding cuisine. Especially enjoyed the jumbo lump blue crab cake which was elegantly plated and eagerly shared with our party. The tomahawk ribeye for two was excellent as was the presentation, along with the porterhouse. Service was attentive and helpful.

    Stacie A.

    We love a good steakhouse and always make a point to seek out the best one in town when we travel. J Carver's seemed like the top choice in Austin, so we were excited to try it while visiting for my husband's birthday and Valentine's weekend. Unfortunately, the experience ended up being underwhelming. We sat at the bar, and while the service was perfectly pleasant, it lacked the attentiveness you typically receive at a table. Considering the prices are the same, we probably wouldn't choose bar seating again. Food-wise, the Caesar salad was solid and the beef tartare was excellent. The crab cake, however, missed the mark. The crab itself was high quality, but it wasn't really a "cake" -- more of a loose pile of crab topped with sauce. We ordered the porterhouse, and this is where the experience dipped further. The presentation felt awkward and a bit tacky, which was surprising for a restaurant of this caliber. The steak itself was fine, but not particularly memorable or on par with other high-end steakhouses we've visited. Lastly, the wine pricing was difficult to overlook. As wine collectors who own several bottles from their cellar list, we were surprised to see what appeared to be at least a 100% markup across the board. Overall, while there were a few highlights, the experience didn't quite justify the price point, and it's not a place we'd likely return to on our next trip to Austin.

    Oysters
    Cinzia L.

    Last night was our first time trying J Carvers. We had reservations for 5:45 which we arrived earlier for. The restaurant has a really nice layout and the decor gave me Gatsby vibes. The restaurant has a lovely golden hue to it. Very inviting. We ordered a bottle of wine, oysters, escargot, Caesar salad, the halibut, steak and lobster and finished it off with a chocolate cake. For the most part everything was great until a table by us started vaping. I kept getting whiffs of sweet candy flavored something during my meal when I realized what it was. ( I know a restaurant can't really control that.) The second thing I noticed was I was starting to get a stuffy nose towards the end of the dinner. I felt it was getting smoky inside. It was very subtle but enough for me to feel relief once we approached the front of the restaurant. We were seated at the back left in a booth. I know they have a wood fired grill so perhaps as they got busier that may have been the reason. Overall it was a lovely experience. Nick and Phillip provided great service too. We will definitely be back.

    Main menu (June 2025)
    Jay S.

    The service is excellent and the ambiance isn't bad either. However, the food is very overrated and overpriced. We had a large selection of the items on the menu and even though our group was very hungry, we were pretty underwhelmed. Food: 3/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 4/5 Value: 1/5 Overall: 2.5/5

    Carpet Bagger steak, mushroom and snap peas with mushrooms

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    Ask the Community - J Carver’s

    Are there Gluten free options?

    Yes! Plenty

    Is this accessible for someone with a walker?

    Yes! I would put it in the reservation notes so they can seat you by the front.

    Is there any outdoor dining available?

    No. There is not.

    View All 4 Questions

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    Here Nor There - The code has to be entered

    Here Nor There

    4.7(399 reviews)
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    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.

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    Powder Room - Craft Cocktail Bar

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    Upon stepping in I felt like I was transported to Miami in the 70s or 80s. Once you enter you turn…read morein your phones making it easy to lose time in connecting with your company. The staff was super nice and attentive our waitress came by multiple times and drinks were good and quick. They have a fun magazine style menu and plenty of options including mocktails. The mocktails were well balanced and not too sweet and my husband enjoyed every drink he tried. We ordered the French fries which were so good the perfect blend of freshness and salt. Would definitely come back for the ambiance and the no phones was a great reminder to connect to who your with and be present.

    The vibes are great, but I'm not sure they are worth the wait. There are two lines: one for…read morewalk-ins and one for those with reservations. We waited maybe 15 minutes at the walk-in line as others progressively started to pile on behind us. Then again, even people in the reservation line were waiting. This is definitely the kind of place that wants you to wait. The kind of place that wants to build a line outdoors to intrigue onlookers. We were treated nicely, but we definitely could have gotten in right away. By the time we walked in, the place was probably at 60% capacity. It was standing room only at the bar, but not overcrowded by any means. There is a dress code, but it's not entirely clear what it is. Some guy dressed to the 9s got turned away for not having sleeves whereas I got in with sneakers and a t-shirt. They ask for your cellphones upon entering and give you a key in exchange, but there doesn't seem to be any security to enforce it if you don't want to give them up. I have no problem with their policy, but I bet a lot of customers do. Interestingly, their little social experiment seemed to have a positive effect, where we ended up talking to strangers and vice versa. The Powder Room may be making America social again.

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    The Roosevelt Room

    4.4(918 reviews)
    0.2 miWarehouse District, Downtown
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    I stumbled into this bar and it is the most beautiful space. The couch/ alcove seating they have is…read moremy favorite. You can sit to face the beautiful bar and watch the old movies they play. There is no sound so if they put the words on you could know what's happening but that's not the point. The vibe is curated! Their menu takes your through time and has drinks from each decade. It's such fun experience to drink through different eras.

    "No I've never been to Austin, but I kinda like the music...all the people say it's crazy but I…read moreknow they don't abuse it..." (RIP Chuck Negron) This was my "Must go to" spot on the first day we were here...and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I made a reservation per recommendation on their website and I am glad I did. As the evening went on it got very busy. The foyer where you check in reminded me of the lobby of a small theatre. There were 2 velveteen curtains separating it from the restaurant. When the curtains parted a huge room with high industrial ceilings and architecture was revealed. WOW!!!! The hostess led us upstairs to the smaller loft bar and told us to sit where ever we wanted...So, we sat with a review to the entire place! We ordered food and drinks from their huge cocktail menu. We watched the bartender make both drinks with fascination. *BTW The bartenders here need to know how to make every cocktail by heart and there are over 50 specialty cocktails! Rosie and I went with: Vodkadora - Wódka Vodka, raspberry syrup, ginger syrup, lime, soda water Cigar Box - Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, smoked black tea syrup, RR lavender bitters, tobacco essence, served on an ashtray with a flamed cinnamon stick Food: CLASSIC REUBEN w/chips - 5/5 sooo good (Rye bread with Rosemary-Garlic Butter, Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese, housemade Sauerkraut & Russian Dressing) SALADE VERTE 5/5 - light and fresh Loved the industrial space and decor. Great for large groups - don't really recommend for children ~ and that's all I have to say about that...

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    The Roosevelt Room - BUCK TO THE FUTURE
 rye whiskey, manzanilla sherry, strawberry-basil purée, nardini amaro, ginger syrup, lemon, barrel smoked black pepper

    BUCK TO THE FUTURE rye whiskey, manzanilla sherry, strawberry-basil purée, nardini amaro, ginger syrup, lemon, barrel smoked black pepper

    The Roosevelt Room - ZOMBIE
 rr tiki rum blend, donn's mix, falernum, lime,
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    Fortune Teller - Bar

    Fortune Teller

    4.9(30 reviews)
    4.7 mi

    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.

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    Fortune Teller - Great patio .

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    4.8(32 reviews)
    0.8 miDowntown

    I discovered Marlow through a Yelp Elite event and knew I had to come back. We stopped by on a…read moreSaturday night around 9:30/10pm and had a great time! Great house music from the DJ, friendly staff, and an easygoing atmosphere that's perfect for hanging out. I was having a sober night and tried a few drinks from their Dry January Specials menu. Wow, they did not disappoint. The Alrighty Aphrodite was delicious, and the So Fresh, So Clean was exactly that, super refreshing with a great pineapple flavor. My husband had the Dusty Trail (strong and perfect for bourbon lovers) and a Coquito that was creamy and smooth with a hint of cinnamon. Parking is limited, but we found street parking nearby. Overall, great drinks, great music, and a spot I'll definitely keep coming back to.

    Marlow's has a very Austin vibe. I grew up in Austin and just moved back. Austin has changed a lot…read moreso I was happy to visit a place like Marlow that's dedicated to keeping the Austin vibe alive. The owner is also an Austinite! Marlow's has a really in interesting and delicious drink menu. I tried both mocktails (option to add THC) and really enjoyed them both. Most mocktails with NA liquor have honestly tasted a bit weird and a bit off. I usually have one and call it a day. However, I really enjoyed the first one that I tried the second one, which I also liked. The bartenders work amazingly fast and take multiple drink orders at a time and don't miss a beat! There's street parking and during weekdays, it's free to park after a certain hour.

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    Whisler's - Left On Read - Delicious! (Tequila, Amaro, Bitters, Strawberry, Citrus, Spice, Egg White )

    Whisler's

    4.3(675 reviews)
    1.7 miEast Austin
    $$

    These are moments I think why do I live in San Antonio ( and often work in Austin ) when I can just…read morelive here and enjoy great restaurants, bars and weird gothic haunts like this with weird dark goth decor, a scent of palo santo , superb music, a great crowd and amazing drinks! College me would have lived here !! Enjoyed a French 75, my husband enjoyed a smoked Old Fashioned and it was a great place to grab a drink prior to seeing Springsteen at the Moody seated amongst candles , a weird alter of sorts while enjoying some Stevie Wonder as is playing now though some weird NIN or Type O might have been more appropriate

    I went to Whisler's and had one of the worst bar experiences I've ever had…read more I had one drink. I was completely sober for all intents and purposes. The bartender claimed I was drunk and cut me off anyway. I was at the bar talking to a girl while waiting to get a drink (the wait was long because the service is very slow, despite the bar not being very busy at all). She was clearly into me, and the bartender kept jumping in trying to talk to her too (instead of doing his job making drinks). He was doing all sorts of things to try and flirt with her and make her laugh: pulling out and showing her buckets of pre mixed cocktails, running and sliding under the bar, etc. She was engaging with both of us , and right in the middle of that, I get cut off out of nowhere. No explanation other than claiming I looked drunk, which I very clearly wasn't. It felt very clear what was going on--he wanted me out of the way. I left and asked the bouncer on my way out if I seemed drunk. This was literally two minutes later. He said no, not at all, and asked me why I would even ask that. I then told him exactly what happened and asked him to let the owner or whoever was in charge know about this extremely unprofessional conduct so they can discipline the bartender. His response was that the bartender has discretion to cut anyone off, and let me know the bartender is supposedly married so he couldn't have been flirting with any of the customers. Well, sounds like his logic is flawed--not only COULD he flirt with his customers, he WAS, and was therefore cheating. I hope his wife finds out. This is perfectly representative of Austin customer service lately and not normal in other places. I was in Tampa for an entire month earlier this year and this would've been unthinkable there. I'm not coming back.

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    Equipment Room - Mocktail.

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    4.5(120 reviews)
    1.2 mi78704 (South Austin)

    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.

    Photos
    Equipment Room - XS made NA -- Lustau Fino Sherry, Giffard NA Pineapple Liqueur, passionfruit, lime, blue spirulina, mirin, dragonfruit syrup, Liquid Rizz

    XS made NA -- Lustau Fino Sherry, Giffard NA Pineapple Liqueur, passionfruit, lime, blue spirulina, mirin, dragonfruit syrup, Liquid Rizz

    Equipment Room - Beautifully simple bar tops

    Beautifully simple bar tops

    Equipment Room - Bar area

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    Bar area

    Midnight Cowboy - Drinks LOOKED delicious

    Midnight Cowboy

    4.0(580 reviews)
    0.6 miDowntown
    $$

    I was unable to check out the quality or ambiance of this establishment as there were a number of…read moreissues with my reservation. Basically, I had a large group reserved for a celebration, and I didn't get a confirmation email and when I noticed this I scrambled to find another reservation. The reservation link I was sent to kept erroring out when I tried to process it. Apparently the incorrect date was selected and I did not notice I was charged an exorbitant amount of money because it was a larger party, but we had every intention of going and we would have spent quite a bit of money. After being charged a $120 no show fee I tried to contact them to see if they could at least squeeze us in or take the no show fee off but they said their policy was clearly stated and they don't respond to my last email. Also, there is no phone number which is incredibly frustrating as I would have called to confirm my 5:30pm reservation issue, but instead just assumed it didn't go through While part of this was undoubtedly user error, the process of reserving and confirming reservations was not easy. Furthermore, the establishment was not overly understanding Some tips: Go to a different bar. There are so many great bars, lounges, and speakeasy's in the area, and I wouldn't risk the potential hassle. We pivoted to the Roosevelt room last minute and we had a great time Cheers!

    5-star speakeasy...if you like cool, secretive, unusual speakeasy cocktail bars - this is the place…read morefor you! Located on 6th street in downtown Austin (near the Driskill hotel), in what looks like from the street an apartment complex. You buzz the "secret" button and if you have a reservation, they let you in and escort you to your beautiful, sexy table. Their menu is creative and their every cocktail delicious! The theme we experienced was tarot cards and we loved the presentation and creativity of cocktails. Service is excellent and all drinks are around $20. Worth a visit for sure - great 5-star speakeasy and so fun for a date or with a group.

    Photos
    Midnight Cowboy - Table side bartending

    Table side bartending

    Midnight Cowboy - Libations of the night

    Libations of the night

    Midnight Cowboy

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    J Carver’s - steak - Updated May 2026

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