Great concept and glad I read reviews before hand to be aware of phones being held at the front before being sat. While they mention a dress code, didn't seem to be enforced very well. Granted it was early in the evening around 5:30pm. So maybe things change later on. The initial arrival was warm and friendly and we got sat right away in a cozy booth area. Service was lack luster with no one checking on us until after something was said. Chevon was the staff member we ordered with and she seemed to be preoccupied with other items. The interactions were rushed and not genuine. Drinks were tasty too! Don't recall what exactly we had since I couldn't take a pic. lol the lighting was a bit low so read the menu by candle light. We ordered the chips and dip which were both a tasty snack to go along with the drinks. Restrooms are shared but have nice individual. When the check came, we chuckled a bit as they have a QR code to scan and pay....however, y'all got our phones! So how does that work? I'd go back and make a reservation for later in the evening to see the vibe. And try a couple different drinks. read more

Recommend having reservations so you get a table vs standing around the bar. Once you arrive they take your phone and lock it up. It's a no cell phone bar, which was nice. The downside is it is SOOO loud. If they expect people to talk to each other because they don't have their phones it defeats the purpose to have such loud music. It was impossible to hear any conversations outside of 2 people. This was the worst part of this cocktail lounge, which is so unfortunate. Drinks were great and so was the service. I had the Semi-Tough which had a hint of apple but not as much as I thought it would. I also had the not a penny more, not a penny less and loved it! It tasted kind of like an espresso martini, but better! read more

If you're looking for a night that feels like a secret you're lucky to be let in on, this speakeasy is it. Hidden behind an unassuming entrance, you step into a space that feels like time slows down. With warm lighting, immaculate 60's rose colored velvet walls, lush greenery, low music, and a kind of buzz that says, you're in the right place. From the start, Rachel greeted us like old friends. She caught wind that it was my girlfriend's birthday and immediately made it her mission to make the night memorable. John followed right behind her, the kind of host who doesn't miss a beat. He brought the well thought out compliments and sharp wit. Within minutes, we were laughing, clinking glasses, and feeling like we'd found our new favorite spot in Austin. The bartenders here don't just pour drinks, they create them. Each cocktail felt like a tiny work of art, balanced and bold without trying too hard. My girlfriend's mocktail had a floral twist that she's still talking about, and I'm not sure I'll ever find a dirty martini as stunning anywhere else. Jason checked in throughout the night, keeping things smooth and making sure every detail was right. You could tell he and the team genuinely cared about everyone's experience. What impressed me most wasn't only the drinks or the space, but the flexibility and energy of the staff. If you want a place where service meets soul, where the cocktails have as much character as the people behind the bar, this is it. We left with smiles, full hearts, and a new tradition. Every birthday from here on out, we're coming back. read more

Beautiful speak easy. They will ask for your phone upon entrance and i gave it up with no hesitation! I love how they have curated an intimate, sexy, velvet lounge, allowing you to be fully present in the moment with one another. read more

I booked the Powder Room for pre-dinner cocktails for my friend's birthday and it felt like I was being transported onto a movie set walking into the bar. Different shades of brown and orange, wood paneling, lights, cheetah print, etc - very 70/80s inside. Of note, they do not allow phones inside the bar (which I liked) and they store your phones in lockers at the host stand. They have a drink menu but also can make any OG cocktail you'd like. Half the group ordered off the menu, and the other half (myself included) ordered cocktails not on the menu. I ordered a Bees-Knees and then a second one with Lime instead of Lemon and would HIGHLY recommend the lime version. It was SO good! Everyone enjoyed their drinks and we got a round of compentary shots for the birthday girl which was a nice surprise *essentially 1 cocktail split 6 ways - not the traditional all liquor shot* My only reasoning for the 4 star review was that they put our party of 6 in a corner booth where we didn't fit/ had to cram AND with other party of 4. (So 10 people in this corner booth) The hostess said "we like to get cozy here" but half the bar wasn't occupied so why not sit us where we didn't have to cram? It was uncomfortable but we made it work. read more

I hate to say it but this place does not want black people in their establishments tried to visit on multiple occasions and it's always an excuse. They are either having a private party or the reservation list is full. We called to speak to management to get a better understanding on how to get in and it's the same run around. At this point just post a song that say no colored allowed because that is the vibe it gives. They also don't allow phones so you have no proof that it's a whites only club. read more

The design of the bar was beautiful. The drink I had was fine, but they take your cell phones and basically tell you you can't stand anywhere. Felt like I was in the way everywhere I stood and the waitstaff wasn't nice about it. Would go to the sandwich shop but not the speakeasy. read more

Was here for a private event and the decor and setting was amazing. Typically its a no phone lounge but they allowed us to keep them for the event. Delicious hand crafted cocktails! And the small bites were all delicious read more

Powder Room - Watermelon margarita and croquette potato - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Powder Room is certainly worth a visit. The speakeasy is located behind Manny's and the room itself is stunning with a central bar boasting a full model of a jaguar. The servers are beyond friendly, welcoming - and happy to speak about the menu as well as anything else. The no-phone policy is a highlight as everyone is talking to each other around the bar, and the bartenders engage with all. The drinks themselves were abundant in offerings with something for everyone. The servers kindly guided us toward the drinks that fit what we were looking for, and were happy to share their own favorites. There are bites available as well, but the highlight is really the atmosphere overall. Very much looking forward to returning read more

Amazing speakeasy that's right across the street from the Chase Parking Garage. I really loved the ambiance and service of the place - as it gave off an "exclusive experience" for those who were there. They did take our phones (which I would've preferred not to hand my phone over - in case of an emergency), but they give you a key to give back to the host after you finish your reservation. I didn't try any of the food here, but the shop outside of it is decent. Would return again! read more

Man...i had hoped of writing a good one here but this place wasn't what we expected. When you are looking at the site, reserving..you get this feeling that this place is chill, intimate, and exclusive. When we got there Friday night, and walked in..it was the total opposite. It was packed wall to wall, it was hot. This place would be a lot better if they made it more exclusive to people that reserve and kept the walk in limit down. The music was great but if you have THAT many people in there...and no dance floor at least..what's the point? Drinks were amazing...but man, this place has potential to be different. Too many people. Very crowded. read more

I love this Speak easy. Hidden and romantic and they make you check in your phone so you can truly be present.

No pictures for this review because phones were taken at the front desk. I love speakeasies! They're so fun to look for like an adult scavenger hunt. Powder Room is hidden behind a cafe called Manny's. I love walking thru the door and feeling like I've been transported some place else. Ambiance is magical with a cheetah in the center. Service is A+ because the bouncers were so cool and the staff inside were very nice. Honestly, I feel bad about the 3/5 stars but the drinks were just not good. Flying in from LA and NY and having just been at the Peacock at the Proper, the drinks at Powder Room were just not memorable. Again, this is probably just a personal preference, but the menu is too hectic. It's a small magazine booklet thing where menu items were duplicated on different pages. I would've preferred a clean menu with everything listed on just one page for ease of ordering. There's probably one vodka-based concoction that I didn't want so I opted for a gin-based one. read more

The ambiance was beautifully unmatched. However, if u plan on having a conversation, forget it. It's super loud. It's not a Speakeasy. It's a loud screamy! Opt to sit at the bar bc the furniture is made for Fisher Price people (low to the ground, tiny & very uncomfortable). The service was great but when they asked online & again in person what the occasion was, they never offered a dessert menu for the birthday girl. Why ask then? The food & drinks were superb! read more

Powder Room - Powder Room. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

3.5 stars out of 5. I wanted to love this space, so let me provide constructive criticism of what we loved and what fell short. Pros: - Interior design is incredible - DJ playing great music - Friendly staff all around - Hustling area in DT (lively) - Creative and thoughtful menu - Light snacks Side Notes: - Inside of Manny's - They take your phones when entering - No photos allowed - Reservations allowed (walk-ins open) - Regular DT Austin parking What We Got Done: - Espresso Martini - Old Fashioned ($26 one) x 2 What We Loved: Design: It is gorgeous in there. From the bar design to the DJ booth and the overall aesthetic, it felt very Gatsby-like and luxurious. The bathroom area was also excellent for those looking at the overall experience. Music: It was SAT night, and they were playing some House, and the DJ was spinning live. It matched the tone and vibe of the place. When we first got there, one of the first few, when they opened at 5 PM, it was a bit quiet, so you could hear our neighbor's conversation. They turned it up after a few moments, which was perfect. Staff: Incredibly friendly. Loved it. Nothing else to say except that whoever did the hiring and training paid extra attention to friendliness and kindness. Nice work! Taking Phones: I love their intention to take away people's phones. It's smart in today's world. After you check in at the front, you can return with the key they give you so that you can text or call someone (if needed). We forgot how to be present without checking our phones every minute, so having an organization that cares enough to make this a part of their experience is perfect. Opportunities To Improve: Drinks + Presentation: This is where they get the most significant ding for me. At $26 for an old-fashioned, I expected something better than Here Nor There, Small Victory, or In Plain Sight, some of my top cocktail lounges in Austin. However, for that much, it fell short, IMHO. The glassware could be a double-wide OF glass, and the ice cube could be more significant (hand-carved or a 2x2 cube); stamp your ice and possibly smoke it at that price. The taste was good, but the places I listed were more memorable. The Espresso Martini was also good, but it could have used some beans on top or ground beans for a finished cocktail. It just didn't feel as elevated as we would have hoped. They also state tableside mixology, so I thought they mixed your drinks next to your table. It was my confusion, but in case someone else thinks that from reading their description, it's not that, which is completely normal/fine. Drink Selection: Again, this is no fault to the waitress and staff, as they were incredibly kind! However, I wish they had more selection. Being a scotch, whiskey/whisky, and bourbon/rye lover, they didn't have a few things I asked for, which was okay, but I was hoping to have a few more choices for an upscale cocktail lounge (especially with Japanese whisky). Summary: This place has a ton of potential. I'm sure the drink program will continue to evolve, and I hope their selection expands. The space is gorgeous, and I'll check it out again with friends in the future to see how they grow. Great music, incredible staff, and gives you all the speakeasy vibes for sure, but elevated! A welcomed addition to the DT Austin experience. **No photos allowed because they take your phones at the front, which is a great idea IMHO. So no photos, but trust, it's gorgeous in there!** read more

I had yet to be to a speakeasy that felt like a club until visiting this place. The decor is a 10/10. The entry process was hectic and pretentious. Very little customer service. It makes you feel like someone's doing you a favor by letting you in. The DJ is phenomenal but the volume doesn't allow for any conversation which is unfortunate cuz who wants to yell all night. The unisex bathroom in this chaotic environment is just asking for trouble. Without making and direct statements...there's more going on there than just regular bathroom business. If you're a female do yourself the favor of going with a friend. Drinks were all round or over $20 and not impressive. Now to my least favorite part. This place could be incredible except it feels like a speakeasy that's lost its way and is a confused night club. The music is so loud that we were screaming at each other and the waitress. The waitress was so sweet and I could see how overwhelmed she was. Note to the owner...care for your staff and the environment they work in. Not only will you get more out of them but they'll work harder for you and your guests will see it. Not sure what clientele you're looking for here. The four of us are in our 30's-40 and we left as soon as we drank our drinks. The environment was intolerable and obnoxious. Would have loved to have had a better review to post about this place but unfortunately it was not a place I'd recommend or revisit. read more

What a cool place, my friends and I had the best time here. The ambiance from the moment you walk in the speakeasy is amazing. The decor is awesome as is the music and glassware. I will say that it is a bit overpriced and the prices are not all listed on the menu, but when the bill came after my boyfriend and I had each gotten a cocktail, then he got another and we pitched for a round of shots the bill was over $100. read more

Unique experience with the no-phones rule! Gorgeous decor inside-- gives very Great Gatsby meets safari vibes, in a good way. The cocktails on the menu are different/unique. I didn't love mine, but the friends I was with did really enjoy theirs. Knowing they also can make any OG cocktails, I would come back for the good vibes. Cozy spot for a date night or smaller group of friends. read more

Maybe the best cocktail menu I've ever seen. I love the no phone rule, it reminds you want life is supposed to be like and encourages a different level of presence. Ambience is fantastic and so are the drinks. read more

This is a beautiful cocktail bar with great drinks and decent snack selections. Unfortunately it was also pretty pretentious and the staff felt unwelcoming. We came here for a 6pm reservation which online says you can have a 90 minute slot. Unfortunately, the space was booked for an event at 7 and we were rushed out very unceremoniously. We were not told this until we arrived and it made for an awkward moment when we were asked to leave. Disappointing overall as there are similarly beautiful speakeasies with better hospitality. I would suggest closing out reservations like that if a private party is anticipated like that. read more

Must go to bar in Austin. The environment is incredible (no phones) and truly feels like a speakeasy. The decor is swanky and high end all around. The menu is crafted really well (drinks only) and fits the vibe perfectly. Recommend getting a table vs doing the bar as that area can get packed easily. read more

I have been wanting to come here for a while because I had thought it would be a vibe...nope. I arrived with friends from out of town. Literally every worker that I interacted with was rude and dismissive. I had a reservation and they had the audacity to tell me I was 4 minutes too early. Like be FR?!? They let a group of guys who were loud about having no reservation go in before me. Then the next two women I interacted with were just as rude. Drinks were nothing special. Definitely not worth the price. And the cherry on top was it being so loud we were screaming at each other to have conversation. I had way better expectations for this place. Not worth the hype at all. Do better! read more

oOooO, if you want to be seen but not be photographed, head here. It was a Sunday evening and we were surprisingly admitted without reservations. Put in your map "manny's" and once inside walk to the silver doors towards the back. The host will take your phones and give you a key, which will allow you to get your phones back once you're ready to leave. The ambiance is chill and intimate. Staff are fun and accommodating. The menu is interspersed in a magazine (similar to Retail Therapy) so we went off menu. They made me "The Last Word" with blue chartreuse and it was not good so she gladly made me a French 75. Green chartreuse is still hard to get! Loved the space to catch up with my girls. Some of the seating options are too close together but if you're in the mood to get to know others, this is perfect. I would love to come back. read more

Cool experience, loved how phones had to be checked in at the front desk, the bar was very pretty. Had to go through Manny's to get to the speakeasy. Great amounts of seating and space, really good for groups. Was kind of disappointed with the cocktails, they sounded super interesting and tasted fine but I was expecting a lot more. I got the Just Above My Head (cognac, bourbon, clarified strawberry juice, bitters), and it was just kind of mediocre, the clarified juice thing is not cool enough to carry a cocktail anymore. Food was also mid. Ambiance was impeccable though read more

You can't have your phones or cameras inside and I completely standby that idea. The space effectively facilitates conversation. The ambiance is great and the drinks were good though pretty pricey. Depending on where you sit it could be slightly uncomfortable. We went at a busy time so the servers had a lot to juggle. read more

Fun spot. Very upscale with lots of people to mingle with. Suggest making a table reservation if you have a group of 6 or more. Drink prices were ok but bottle services are high. After 10pm, to keep your table the waitress will ask if you want to switch to bottle service. Fortunately we were lucky enough that no other groups wanted to get bottle service so we were able to continue to sit/order drinks till we left. Recommend checking out this spot read more

I am loving the speakeasy's that are coming to Austin. The club scene in ATX is too young for my liking, so having the option of something grown and sexy is much appreciated. I did not realize that Manny's is an actual restaurant and that the cookies on the counter were available for purchase. I bought chocolate chip and banana nutella cookies for our group and they were delicious! I also did not read the reviews before going so I was not aware that they take your cell phones and I like that! However, when it came time to order drinks, it was so dark and with the one small candle on your table, it was a difficult task. We ordered a drink that had bell peppers in it and that's pretty much all you tasted. It was awful, so we sent it back and replaced it with a rose champagne, that was warm! I have never tasted warm champagne before and I was pretty shocked that they actually served it. Naturally, it was awful. Just FYI, you have to ask which champagne/wine is chilled which is something I have never experienced before. Thank goodness, they had a bottle of Schramsburg blanc de blanc chilled. We visited around 10:30 and it was indeed a little clubby, but we were ok with it. I would not mind going pre dinner for drinks and a different atmosphere. Every staff member we encountered were awesome, they just need to do a better job on their drinks. read more

I have been here twice now and it's a gem. Drinks were good the first time and even better the second time. The mezcal drink was a little watery the first time but they really honed in on the flavors and balance the second time. The blue drink was a delight, not too sweet and the chartreuse shined through beautifully with all the island vibes intact. It was loud at 830 on a Friday. Definitely know you're getting into more of a party vibe than a prim and proper cocktail bar. Very fun with our group of six. Reservations recommended. No pics because they lock up your phone upon entering. read more

First of all, this is a beautiful cocktail bar. I loved everything about the ambience- chic and elegant. I do not have pictures because they require you to give your phone to the front desk. I've been to other cocktail bars that request you do not use your phone, but not a big fan of actually giving it to the front desk. Regardless, the issues I have with Powder Room are 1. The drinks are just okay, but high cocktail prices, like you would expect for a high end product, like Roosevelt Room. They didn't seem to have much alcohol in them at all and most were overly sweet. 2. The service is not good. They cleared my friend and I's drink before we had finished it, and without asking, so that I was unable to ask for them to give it back. Overall stuffy/pretentious vibe from service. I would recommend you check out another cocktail bar, since austin has so many truly 5 star ones. read more

Such A beautifully decorated gem nestled in the heart of Austin!! Cozy yet sophisticated touches of old world charm! You feel like you just walked into a Hollywood film and get to enjoy an old fashioned right next to the Rat Pack and Marlyn Monroe. Our waitress actually looked like Marlyn Monroe! She had a beautiful smile and served us our cocktails with elegance and grace. We will be coming back to see Madison aka: Marlyn Monroe. read more

Love this new, super cute cocktail lounge that's hidden behind Manny's. You have to go through what looks like the kitchen doors. They take your phone at the entrance so be prepared to enjoy a night without distractions. You won't know what time it is inside either. The decor is super swanky - love the tiger on top of the bar. read more

I've seen this place all over social media, so I was super excited to try it! My friend made a reservation for 13 in advance to celebrate her birthday to make sure we would get a table for all our friends. Unfortunately, it was all downhill immediately upon arrival. The bouncer and hosts were very friendly, but after taking our phones (there are no phones or cameras allowed inside) they informed us that we would not be seated at a table large enough for us, and instead we would be seated at a smaller table and reseated in 30 minutes to a table large enough for all of us. They promised that they would bring over chairs for the rest of our party so that no one would have to stand until being moved to the larger table. That was a total lie. We were seated at a table that was maybe large enough for 6-7 people, so half of our party was standing. The wait staff then refused to bring over chairs for anyone, so we had to take turns sitting at the table. Considering this is a nice bar, we dressed up for the occasion, and all the girls were very unhappy about having to stand in their heels. The inside is very stylish and has gorgeous lighting, but they have some acoustic issues that make it very loud. We were shouting over each other trying to have conversations. About 20 minutes into our reservation, we were informed that we would soon be kicked out due to a last minute buyout of the bar. There was no compensation offered or even an apology, just a very blunt directive that we would need to leave soon. After an hour of our uncomfortable seating situation, we were moved to a table that was large enough for all of us, but we were extremely disappointed considering we made a reservation in advance specifically because we knew we were a large party and would need to be seated at a large table. The drinks were another story. There is a very small, limited menu of 10 cocktails. The menu gave the impression that off-menu drinks are not approved of. I ordered the Icarus Agenda, the only rum cocktail on the menu, which is labeled as a "stronger" cocktail. I was extremely disappointed. The "cocktail" tasted like coconut milk with simple syrup in it. I'm not sure that there was any rum in it at all. One of my friends ordered the No One Here Gets Out Alive, which tasted like straight up bell peppers (very strange, don't recommend). Another friend ordered the Earthly Possessions, which smelled and tasted extremely smoky like mezcal. The waitress was adamant that it was not a mistake, so my friend choked it down but also highly did not recommend it. Because of the extremely inconvenient seating situation, the bar was nice enough to send us a round of shooters on the house. The shooters were tasty, but also did not taste like they had any alcohol in them. After being moved to the second table, we decided to cut our losses and leave. When we were initially being sat at the small table, the hostess and our waitress told us that our first round would be complementary due to the inconvenience, but when we spoke to the manager, they told us they had sent us a free round of shooters (which we did not ask for) and would be giving us a 25% discount instead. They claimed that this was a better deal for us in the end, but the math does not check out at all. I'm not sure how many rounds we would have had to order to make that work out in our favor, but paying for any amount of rounds of weak drinks is not worth it in my opinion. In the end, the bar ended up comping all of our drinks because they wanted us to leave in order for the private party to be able to enter. We all felt like they didn't want us there and they were annoyed to have to deal with us at all. Overall, I was extremely disappointed in this bar, especially considering we were there to celebrate my friend's birthday. I love the concept of locking your phone up to be intentional about spending time with your friends, but in order to be a successful bar, you still need to execute on the basics. That means seating people at the tables they reserve and serving good drinks. Powder Room clearly is not capable of either of those things. When people talk about problematic bars in Austin, they often speak of pretentious, overpriced bars with poor service and weak drinks. I had not experienced that until now, but I can confidently say that this is one of the worst bars in Austin. I have never felt like such an inconvenience at any establishment until this point. I can't even say that you should bear with the horrible service for the drinks, because the drinks are awful too. I think it goes without saying, but no one should feel the need to argue with a manager while celebrating their birthday. Although it is very pretty inside, I would not recommend this bar to my worst enemy. If you're looking for a nice bar for a special occasion, I recommend Roosevelt Room, Holiday on 7th, or Codependent Cocktails. read more

This place is a damn party and the staff is above and beyond. Special shout out to Paul + Amanda who were so helpful and communicative in getting my left cards there to me. Will happily be returning again soon :) read more

Very innovative cocktails (Thanks Ryan) and great service from the front desk. They had a buy out and I had a reservation, Angela called right away to find another time and even squeezed us into a busy night. Also, the build out is good and perfect for enjoying a cocktail read more

Was here to celebrate my wife's birthday with a large group of her friends last night and made a reservation a few weeks ago. The Good: - The interior decor selection is 10/10. I will give credit where credit is due - it felt like you're in a Miami club back in the 70's. Well done to whoever had design input there. - The DJ was very good The Bad: - Customer service is horrendous. We had a reservation for 11pm and we sat in Manny's for almost 30 minutes while watching walk-in's and other folks get brought back constantly ahead of us. It was maddening to see - it felt like a pretentious LA club where they are almost doing you a favor letting you in the doors. By the way - the table reservation is only for 90 minutes and so we barely had an hour for our reservation. Totally unprofessional. - The check-in process is complete chaos. No organization and a lot of stressed out employees trying to figure out how to manage a literal zoo of people. It took forever to get from point A to point B. - This place is not a "speakeasy"....this is a nightclub/lounge hiding behind the speakeasy branding. You can't even have a conversation inside because it is SO LOUD. Yes the DJ was great...but wait, there are DJ's at speakeasy's? None that I've been to. - The menu is way too busy. The magazine idea is a cool concept but it's so hard to read and understand the options. It's too dark in there to have that much happening on little pages trying to decipher the drinks. - It is SO HOT inside. Likely because they are clearly over capacity with bodies coupled with there being no AC constantly running. - The "we take your phones" concept to me falls flat for this place. There is nothing exclusive or special enough about PR that warrants this policy. - What is your target clientele? Is it the wannabe uppity/snooty Austin socialites or is it the normal Austinite civilians? Your dress code needs to be properly enforced. There was a table next to us and everybody was wearing athletic wear or sweats. Crazy to see at a place that commands on average $20 for a drink. Definitely won't be returning...it's just not for us. There's too many great options around downtown that are actual speakeasy's and more intimate settings to continue giving this place money. Roosevelt Room is half a block down the street. read more

Came to the powder room to celebrate a birthday because I've heard so much hype about this speakeasy, high end cocktails, speakeasy vibes, beautiful interior, high quality cocktails, unique experience. Nope. We entered for our reservation at 12am hoping for a nice new experience where we can enjoy each others company and savor our cool drinks but instead we were greeted by an absolutely packed, club vibe, extremely loud dj and music, same as any other club or bar, unoriginal atmosphere. The service was impersonal. Our reservation had us sat with another party surrounded by a loud crowd, the only positive was the drinks. They were good. They were overpriced considering nothing about the place was special. We had one drink and left. Absolutely disappointed. This is not a speakeasy, it's a club you need a reservation to get into. Completely not worth it read more

Ambiance is a 10/10. The space is beautifully curated with design that is impressive and welcoming, but elevated and chic. Cocktails were good as well! I would recommend this place to start with drinks before dinner. read more

Seems like the reviews are quite mixed. I think the people not loving the Powder Room are expecting it to be something it's not. If you go in knowing it's a lounge vibe cocktail bar in the earlier hours and then transitions into more of a club- you'll plan accordingly. Go early if your goal is to sit and have conversations with your friends. Go later if you want to hear music (DJ, performances, etc). I liked the phones locked up. No one was walking around talking video, no one was posing their drinks. People were enjoying each other and what they ordered. Of course you can step out and check your phone (they give you a key), of course you could give your babysitter the direct phone number to the host stand, of course you could choose another establishment if you need eyes on your cell phone at every minute. Drinks are $15-22 range so plan accordingly. It's an upscale casual to fancy vibe. We found the drinks from their crafted menu to be quite impressive. Layered flavors, bold ideas. I think this was worth a few bucks more. Now, if you are looking for your more standard craft cocktails with a lower price tag- there are plenty of places close by to check out. Wine, beer, and sparkling options were all fair priced. Our service was great and I'm sad I didn't catch the young man's name. He had a lot of positive energy and he and his team made it clear they wanted us to have a good time - they even said if we didn't like a drink we could swap it. I think you have to give them some leeway in the service department for the first few weeks after opening- a new concept, with new staff in training is probably going to have some hiccups at first. Just go and try it and if you don't like it- don't go back. But it's a beautiful space with exciting decor. If all else fails you can say you drank a cocktail under the dramatic gaze of a stunning leopard. read more

Incredible new bar located tucked away behind a diner. The vibe when you walk in is astounding and the service was pretty incredible too. I was a little surprised when they asked to hold our phones but honestly it was the perfect idea. My husband and I enjoyed a great conversation with no distractions. I got their Mezcal drink (I can't remember the name) and my husband got their version of an old fashioned both of which were super delicious. read more

If you're into Miami or LA in Austin, this is for you. Also phone check at the door is super lame.