If you're a fan of attaboy, milk and honey, Dutch kills, and other prohibition style cocktail bars, this is your joint. I immediately recognized the bar setup and the types of drinks featured on their menu having spent time bartending at similar bars in the DMV. The ambience is exactly like those aforementioned bars with a mid century aesthetic but it was actually nice that it wasn't super crowded and I wasn't waiting an hour to get a call back haha. The staff are pleasant and had good technique. Cocktails hit right except for my henmingway daiq which was off balance but frankly it followed right after two very sweet (but well balanced) cocktails so it could have been my palette. Not to mention working at these style of bars will cause you to knitpick the hell of every cocktail you consume for the rest of your life and even turn you off from drinking at cocktail bars (I didn't like Dutch kills at all despite my massive erection for their hand carved ice setup!) so even slightly flawed is hella good in normal bar criteria. read more

The best speakeasy I've ever been to. Hard to find but worth the adventure. They have charcuterie board to munch on and a drink menu that will blow your mind. The atmosphere is super chill. Clean bathrooms. Friendly staff and amazing drink menu. read more

Small Victory - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

This bar is across the street from an alley way and I couldn't find it and had to resort to asking a couple random guys who were standing in the general area. Finding this place is definitely a small victory in itself. You walk up the spiral staircase and you'll see a door. Open the door and you'll stumble (like I did) into a cool little spot. Speaking of little, this is not a big place and will be difficult to find a table or spot for big groups during busy times. I was able to find a table because another party had just left and I was just by myself. I ordered the hurricane ($13) which was pretty sweet but not terribly sweet. The interior was very nice and I had a good relaxing time there. read more

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Another great speakeasy in Austin. This place is really small and intimate. I like the buzzer feature because it adds that extra sense of security. I'd recommend ordering any of the drinks with whiskey, bourbon, or scotch. They' were out of this world and you can definitely tell the bartenders are alchemists at the core. Personally, I'd recommend the Fancy free or the Prince Edward. Our server Brittany also took wonderful care of us. I'd place this spot in the middle of the pack between garage and here nor there in terms of Austin speakeasies. I'll be back soon! read more

Great date night spot! It has a cozy vibe that you could just sit and chat for a while. We told our server what kind of things we liked and he surprised us. Both drinks were delicious! I recommend making a reservation because there is limited seating. A fun place to go to switch it up or if you're looking for a quieter experience read more

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This was the last stop of the night during a recent night out in downtown Austin. We visited 6 other speakeasies/cocktail bars on this trip and were kind of let down at this one. Really cool concept and atmosphere however the cocktails we got were just not that good. I think it had something to do with our bartender who just didn't seem too friendly. We had her create some cocktails for us, neither of which she bothered to explain what was in them. We also ordered some pretty traditional cocktails and they were just okay. I don't know maybe it was just us and what we ordered. Either way, we just weren't impressed. I'd definitely give this place another shot in hopes of getting a more enthusiastic bartender. read more

Small Victory - Outside door - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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This place is a hidden gem! Great cocktails, bar tenders are amazing and the music is fabulous! Super cozy place! Will be back! read more

Small Victory - Bar area - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Intimate quiet setting. The staff was very attentive and gave amazing drink recommendations. Do not pass on the charcuterie board! Quality meats and cheeses were a perfect accompaniment. read more

Small Victory - a bartender behind the bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

I had a great visit on a Wednesday night. This place fills up pretty quickly on weekends but on a weeknight I was able to just walk in. The staff is really invested in what they do. All had great knowledge on mixology and were friendly to talk to even though i was tipsy and slightly more annoying than usual. I had the Maiden's Blush which was very lemony and not too sweet. The menu is massive and has multiple options for all sorts of options like tropical drinks, wine-based, martinis,sours, etc. they even have a few marked Low ABV which I've never seen before and am sure any DD would appreciate. I also had a mini cheese plate which came with lovely crackers, honey, and perfectly thin sliced bread. They have five cheeses to choose from that the bartenders go over with you. Decor inside isn't too quirky but it was fun to peruse through their old mixology books. read more

My favorite speakeasy in Austin. Quaint little bar--perfectly suited for a tasty well crafted cocktail. What makes this place unique is the fact that it's a small bar and doesn't cater to large groups. Come with 2-4 people and you'll be sure to find a spot to sit/stand comfortably. When we have guests from out of town, I love showing off this little gem! It's a speakeasy and hence it's a bit tough to find. For reference, I took a pic of the outside of the building it's located in. Once you've located the building, you go inside and its on the second floor. All of their classic cocktails are made with care and thought. My choice of drink is an old fashioned and they make a good one! I'm not a Tiki drinker, however, I know a good one when I've had one. Small Victory hands down makes the best Tiki drinks in Austin. After, go ahead and pop into the driskill hotel for a perfect Martini. Cheers read more

Small Victory - Entrance - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Love a good Speak Easy! It's small and intimate with good lighting. Customer attentiveness could be a little better...however, upon request one of the bartenders made a personal drink for my husband based on his taste preferences after trying a drink he didn't really care for. read more

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Definitely walked around the parking garage looking for its entrance for much longer than I care to admit. Let me save you the trouble: it's not IN the parking garage. It's a red door on the street outside of the parking garage. While you might think that you'll be fine to just breeze in without a reservation, 9 out of 10 times you will be turned away, as the venue itself is pretty narrow and the seating is really for groups of 2-4, max, and there's no real standing around at the bar, so every seat is usually accounted for by reservations. So, just do yourself a favor and make one so you do get the pleasure of having a cocktail there. Once you're buzzed in, you walk up a flight of stairs and enter a dark, emerald bar. It's a pretty narrow corridor, so the seating options are pretty intimate. Their cocktail menu has some classic and unique signature items, but I always just flip to the back to follow their martini guide and indulge in a very smooth, very delightful dirty gin martini. So smooth I could drink my weight's worth of them, but try not to...for everyone's sake. The staff has always been friendly and welcoming and the bartenders are making moves behind the bar nonstop all night long, so rarely is there downtime between your first drink and your second! read more

Good chill cocktail bar. It's kind of hidden and hard to find so had to ask someone. It's worth checking out and having a drink or two!

An absolute cornerstone in the finely-crafted Austin Cocktail scene, Josh Loving (the former beverage director at Jeffrey's and Josephine House,) opened this spot in 2016. The bartenders here carry the reputation of being some of the absolute best in town. The menu bypasses all of the typical smoke and mirrors that you might find in some of the other Austin cocktail bars focused on the modern craft cocktail movement and cuts straight to focus on detail and precision of classic cocktail craftsmanship. The brilliant bartenders here (JoJo, Candice, and Leandra to name a few) are happy to stray from the menu to stir up some of the famous concoctions of the legendary bartender Sasha Petraske. Small Victory is always a wonderful experience -- treat this place with the respect that it deserves! read more

We slipped into Small Victory on a rainy evening in mid-December. They had a half-dozen fun Christmas-themed cocktails and mulled wine on the menu, each with a perfect and funny movie quote. I tried the bartender's choice old fashioned, which turned out to be a rye-based (my fave) variant, a Montecarlo. I immediately knew we were in the right place! After telling the bartender she killed it, we went further down her wormhole, and victory was mine! Finished the night off with a delicious mulled wine, and left with a huge grin. See you next time we're in Austin! read more

Cool history and truly a speakeasy. Reservations highly recommended. Wonderful cocktails and nibble food. Good service too!

You had me at the word Speakeasy! Thanks to y'all in Austin my fiancé and I had a fun evening exploring the downtown. Our first stop was Small Victory. Look for a plain glass door with just the letters SV on it. It's very easy to miss. Go up the concrete winding stairs and your greeted by dim lighting and soft jazz music playing in the background. We sat down at the bar and were given a drink menu. The bartenders are mixologists and can concoct pretty much anything you're in the mood for. We kept it simple and ordered off the extensive drink menu. Fiancé had a Singapore Sling and I tried the Bombay Cocktail No.2. If you're looking for a potent drink the Bombay is the way to go. Smooth but strong this isn't for the weak of heart...er...liver. The Singapore Sling is your classic tiki drink and will deceive you with its delicious fruit flavor but it packs a punch. Drinks will set you back $12-14 each but it's on par with drink prices downtown. The ambiance and the cocktails make Small Victory a huge victory in my book! read more

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Landed here Friday, briefly, after a party I was at was ridiculously overpopulated. As others have said, it's hard to find Small Victory. Right now the red door is also behind some construction scaffolding. The guy at the door was super nice. We landed the last open table and I was immediately loving the baby blue seats. The cocktails are pricey, I had a Hurricane that was $13. It was worth the money for what I got. My friend had a gin martini and she was very pleased. It was full and you have to go to the bar to order. It's cramped so she had to wiggle her way into a spot where she could get someone's attention to order. It was a bit loud, but that's expected when there's lots of people in a small place. Given that point, it's also intimate because of the way the seating is. I'd love to check it out again someday. Worth the visit! read more

The cocktails are hand crafted with care and they have a nice selection of whiskey available. The bartenders will even make a customized cocktail for you based on your preferences; the whiskey cocktail they made for me was perfect. Their build-your-own charcuterie boards are pretty amazing, with a nice selection of meats and cheeses to choose from and they don't skimp on the portion sizes. This speakeasy style bar is even more inconspicuous behind the construction going on out front, but is well worth the "find". Just don't tell too many people about this place because we should keep this gem to ourselves. So Shhhhh! read more

Small Victory - Charcuterie Board - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

A contender for best speakeasy in Austin, this place has a comfortable, intimate atmosphere with a great selection of classic cocktails and updated takes on classics. I found out about this place on 7th through a friend and was surprised when I actually located it: the spot is hidden behind an unassuming street-access door, which leads up a winding staircase to the bar. The bar has an intimate, grown up vibe. In contrast to Here Nor There, it doesn't hold itself out as a particularly exclusive place, but it also feels a bit more adult than a place like Firehouse Lounge. It is perhaps more comparable to Eden or Midnight Cowboy down the street, however, its located well off of 6th street, so you don't have to involve yourself in that insanity in order to get here. Two things that are noteworthy here are 1) the very impressive selection of cocktails (ranging from classics, to modern takes), and 2) the lack of gimmicks. Whereas most other speakeasy bars in the area have UV-lit menus, overly punn-y cocktail names, or wacky glassware, this place has straightforward and tasty cocktails. Also, this place isn't overly represented by one particular style of cocktail; you can order more spirit forward or more fruity drinks alike and won't be disappointed. The charcuterie and cheese boards are pretty solid if you are into those types of things as well. It's worth noting: you will need a reservation to get in and you will need to press the buzzer to be let into the bar. Overall, chill spot worth checking out! read more

This is the best cocktail spot in Austin! It is kind of a speakeasy but more just a place harder to find. All Cocktails on the list are $15 and the list is large! The bartenders are very friendly and willing to deal with dumb questions just to make sure they find the right drink for you. What I like the best is that all the drinks are existing known cocktails whether new or classic but, they just want to do them really good. read more

Another one of those "hidden speakeasies" that's been popping up around Austin. This one happens to be located on the mezzanine level of a non-descript parking garage across from the Aloft Hotel (and Upstairs at Caroline). Maybe I ordered the wrong drinks but I wasn't super impressed with their cocktails. Lots of watered down, sweet drinks with random citrus elements thrown in. Ugh, just not my thing. I prefer stronger traditional cocktails or cocktails that have some true creative element to them, like the ones offered at Midnight Cowboy or Fulton in the lobby of the Fairmount. read more

Small Victory - Bar Area - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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What a cute spot! Tucked away through an incognito entrance, this long and narrow galley style bar was delightful. I recommend the bartenders choice -- all of my cocktails were unique and tailored to me! We got the 3 meat 3 cheese board to try a little of everything. I will say it cost a pretty penny... for drinks and a board this place was not cheap. Would still return and recommend! read more

Small Victory - 3 meat 3 cheese shark coochie board - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

The ambiance was cool, but wasn't overly impressive or memorable to us. The drinks were fine but weren't my favorite compared to some other cocktail bars we went to in the area-- but that could just be a personal preference. Pro tip: make reservations in advance! read more

Outstanding, sophisticated, hip, intimate, dark, and elegant! An eloquent speakeasy that I truly loved! The location is small and in a parking garage (they even incorporated the concrete beams into the construction and you can see signs of the garage in the decor... I believe reservations are good here especially if you have any kind of group. It is a long space with small tables accept at the end where there is one table that could seat 10 with a couple of added chairs I think. The bar is long and fully stock... and they mix some mind blowing/brain melting artisan cocktails here too! My favorite was the Maple Leaf! Seriously loved this drink and can't stop thinking about it and how I can make it at home! (Better not or I might wind up one step closer to being that stay at home drinker that never goes out anymore... NAH!) I really liked this spot... it is good for small groups, they have some food, and the feel of the place is sophisticated... if your looking for a cool spot for a wonderful drink look hard at Small Victory! It is small in side but large on a good time! read more

Small Victory - Maple leaf! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Our group of 7 ladies were on our way to Carolines Upstairs but still had a good 45 minutes to kill before our reservation. With a quick snap of the Yelp app I suggested we stop in Small Victory across the street for a quick drink. Up the winding white stairs we went to this seemingly obscure bar with very little signage. Inside it was dark, cold, and perfect. The bar is narrow and not a place for groups. Our group was only able to fit comfortably because it was so early in the night. The aesthetic is perfection. Blue velvet wall seating running parallel to the bar. Everything was tastefully thought out and planned and it just felt really well thought out for the space. Nothing was overly kitchy or trendy and it wasn't something I feel that I've seen. The menu was a tiki hybrid and I'm down for that. I found myself wanting a Singapore Sling but also fancying a Fog Cutter (which wasn't on the menu). Our bartender was friendly, but definitely not talkative. He was probably much too busy to chat. Drinks do take some time, so be aware of that. The Singapore Sling was delicious and yet not overly sweet which is why I typically avoid it. The Fog Cutter was absolute perfection. The crushed ice was perhaps the most magical part. It was like a snow cone! All the flavors married nicely especially considering what's in this concoction - everything from white rum, gin, brandy, sherry, and orgeat. It's essentially the Long island if Tiki drinks. But if made well, will absolutely never taste like alcohol! I could have spent more time in this bar but we had reservations across the street. If I ever find myself back in Austin you can bet I'll be here. read more

Small Victory - Singapore sling and Fog Cutter - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Accidentally found this cool speak easy type bar. We walked all around the building when I looked at the Yelp reviews saying there's a red door on 7th then we saw it. You hit the button on the speaker to talk to them and they will buzz you in. Very cool vibe and yummy drinks!! read more

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Love Small Victory. It's always a great way to start an evening out in town. Ordered the London Calling and a Bourbon Old Fashioned for my friend. Charcuterie and cheese plate was equally beautiful and delicious! read more

Small Victory - Charcuterie and cheese plate - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Great atmosphere. Friendly service. Would love to come back here again if I'm in the Austin area.

I had enjoyed a night out with friends and I was given a tour of 3 speakeasy bars and this one was my favorite. It's a hidden speakeasy bar within Austin that serves awesome drinks and had excellent staff that I'm assume had been busy since it was South by second weekend. This place is great for a drink and hanging out with friends. Or better yet talk to your neighbor that is sitting next to you. read more

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This place is such great spot... if you can find it! Haha! It's a nondescript speakeasy which makes it that much sweeter! Go through the glass door and walk up the stairs to enter this beautifully designed interior. The decor and wallpaper throw you back immediately and great little date spot! The bartenders were friendly and accommodating for any creative ideas you may have to customize your drink. When I visit Austin again, I will be stopping by for sure! read more

As a tourist in Austin not familiar with the speakeasy scene, I was able to snag a 6:00 friday reservation a few days in advance. We were not disappointed! Similar to the other reviews, I did the "bartenders choice" where I advised I enjoy a (extra) spicy margarita. The bartender made me a delicious, unique and on-point cocktail (that wasn't just a spicy margarita) alongside a full explanation of the ingredients. We also got a charcuterie board (selected from a wonderful variety of 6 meat and 6 cheese options). We will definitely return! read more

Small Victory - 1/1 charcuterie with goat cheese and prosciutto - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

I like speakeasies a lot just because of the themed exclusivity and uniqueness. If you can't find this place, because there may not be anyone hanging around outside to give it away, the outside entrance is an unassuming glass door with a "V" on it. If you look in from the outside, you'll just see a stairs going up to the actual door into the bar. This place can get busy, but not too annoyingly busy so you likely won't get turned away like you might at the super exclusive Midnight Cowboy. They use chemistry glassware to prepare your drinks. I don't recall what I got to try exactly, but everything was delicious. If you're in a smaller group, around 4 people, this is a good place to go. It may be obnoxious for a huge group to take over, but it is what it is! Yes for Small Victories! read more

Small Victory - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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My husband and I came to Small Victory two nights in a row during our quick weekend trip in Austin-- it's that good. Easy to miss, but look for a glass door with an SV sign next to a parking garage, and take the white winding staircase up to the bar. Major speakeasy vibes: dark, intimate with small high booth seating against the wall, good selection of music and fancy cocktail offerings. I've never deemed myself one to enjoy cocktails being a wine/beer person, but I ordered the None But the Brave cocktail on a whim and was incredibly impressed. Not too sweet with the perfect balance of ginger, lemon and brandy. My husband struck up a conversation with the bartender to gauge what to drink and was recommended a Montecarlo--- let's just say the man hasn't turned back and has bought all the supplies to make his own at home. We came back the following night to take advantage of their happy hour specials. I personally was not a fan of the cocktail and wine options on the list (I ordered a fortified wine for the first time and ...last time), so went back to my original selection from the night before. Their cheese platter is also rich with a great selection of meat and cheese- choose your own, but can't go wrong with any option. Highly recommend Small Victory. read more

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This cocktail lounge/speakeasy is absolutely fantastic. Five of us got five different cocktails and they were all absolutely fantastic. Personally I ordered the Saturn and if woman and cocktail could marry and produce offspring, I would get shin splints walking down that aisle so fast. Our children would win the Nobel peace prize for mixology. Come here to wet your whistle, amongst other things - because it's that good. read more

Small Victory has been on my list for a bit and I'm glad I finally got to experience this secret bar in Austin. Great drinks and atmosphere. Anytime there are mezcal drinks, I have to get them. The Don Lockwood No 2 was great. Also ordered Quaker and Penicillin. The charcuterie board was excellent as well. If you haven't been, go online and book your reservation. It's just to the side of the Paramount Theater so head there after your show. I'll be back! read more

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Great vibes. We got the bartenders choice on drinks and then a charcuterie board. It was all delicious and the aesthetic was cool.

Love the sneaky entrance! The staff was super informative and could tel you the history of every crafted cocktail on the menu. Very cool aesthetic too! read more

Small Victory - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Amazing speakeasy. The host and bartenders are great as well, easy going and make the place better. Drinks are also amazing and don't be afraid to ask for suggestions or even a drink that's not on the menu. read more

Small Victory - African Flower - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Small Victory indeed! Located on the second floor of a multi-level downtown Austin parking garage directly across the street from the Driskill Bar entrance, SV is a cool find. Very intimate, skinny, long bar with bench seating on the opposite side. This once daytime greasy burger joint (for those in the know, this used to be Mike's) has been transformed into a dive-ish meets swanky cocktail bar with the blue velvet seating, exposed concrete columns that still stand after several decades, with some of the best mixologists in the ATX. Yes, the emphasis at SV is on creating traditional and signature cocktails. The wine and beer menus are limited albeit sufficient; however, I highly suggest speaking with the barkeep and accept recommendations on your preference for libations and you will not be disappointed. Watching them create each masterpiece is worth the trip alone: all of the little bottles of bitters, oils, house-made syrups, etc. = very mad scientist-esque concocted with the greatest finesse. One really nice touch is that SV has a machine that makes massive ice blocks that the staff painstakingly cuts into huge cubes, square bars, and yes, even circles. This is becoming more and more of a lost art (think of some NYC or Tokyo joints). I honestly am not aware of another place in Austin that goes to such measures to make sure your drink is 100% perfect, all the way down to the ice. Once you've experienced the proper pour and had the privilege of not being forced to indulge in a watered down drink or one that quickly loses its effervescence, you will understand why the ice is so important. Plus, frankly, it's just neato. SV also offers a small variety of food items, including a few build-your-won charcutrie and cheese options ($6 each or 4 for $20) and assorted olive or nut filled bowls to snack on for about 4 bucks each. Overall: What's not to like? As soon as you walk through the dark wood, nameless exterior door, you are somehow transformed to another era. Cocktails aren't cheap - ~$12 and UP - but it's certainly worth the $ for a post-dinner night cap...or two. Cheers! read more

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