One of the most attractive performing spaces in Austin. If they happen to be booking music that you like, you are made in the shade. * The club is on three levels. The Ground Floor: A larger than usual performance space. Larger than usual because it takes up the entire footprint of the building with no space set aside for seating. If you want to dance or they are packing them in SRO, the square footage is there. Okay - it is not as big as the Concourse Project which has an entire South-of the-Airport Industrial Warehouse to work with. But for downtown, it is huge. * The Mezzanine - This is one place to go if you want to sit down. The space is divided between a) a set of large leather chairs with a pool table in the middle. The pool table area is on an open balcony that lets you hear or even watch the bands from on high. There is a bench with stools right on the balcony edge for semi-comfortable listening to the band below. If I am listening to the music, I will take the leather chairs rather than a stool. Ever try boogie-ing on a stool? Ever get transported to a higher place by the mystic beauty of what you are hearing on a stool? Slapstick moments await. However, it is hard to argue with a leather chair for big time listening. b) the Mezzanine bar with and a bunch of chairs and benches near a bowling alley. ?!?!? on the Bowling Alley. The Great Lebowski never had it so good. If you push the matter, the bar might even be able to make you a White Russian. * The Roof - which has one of the nicest and most comfortable roof sitting areas in Austin. There are places with nicer roof views, but not very many places with as much seating and as much comfortable seating. And yes there is a music stage if management decides they want to mix things up soundwise. Mostly though, this is a perfect place to rest your tootsies if standing listening to bands has become too much for you. It is also the perfect safety place if the band downstairs stinks so much, you need two floors of real estate between you and the abomination on stage. * I can't speak for the quality of the bar. I was here for a German government sponsored SXSW showcase - in this case of all Berlin DJs. Berlin DJs are up there with Ibiza DJs for being the best that electronic dance music has to offer. (That night however, an unknown Austin girl filled in for a missing act - and held her own with the best of Berlin. Suxxy Puxxy. Keep your eyes out for her if you like to dance.) The German government was offering free drinks as part of the motivation for you to come in to German Haus and hear free music. No exotic hard to get German beverages but I was pleased to take the normal stuff they were offering. So how good the bar is or how good the musicians they book are are TBD. * * * I generally find the Mohawk is a hard standard to beat ... So it is hard to get me to shift to other clubs. Still the space offered by the Speakeasy is extremely appealing. It would not take much for me to make an excuse to come back. read more

I've been to speakeasy a dozen times and it's funny how each visit can be completely different based on the band, event or even floor that you're on. This last visit we were on the main floor watching the live band and the vocalist was SO good. I think they went by the Souvenirs. There were good vibes and lots of dancing and singing. We tried a few drinks but my favorite was the hill country cooler. If you like sweet drinks, this one is for you. It was sweet tea vodka and peach in a cute mason jar with a peach gummy. read more

The Spazmatics perform every Wednesday in June at least and so we got tickets (BOGO). It's entertaining and you can dance to the best of 80's and 90's or head up to the second floor that has a pool table, ping pong table and listen to the music while overlooking the band and crowd. There's also the rooftop but it's too hot to be out there even in the evening. Like the space, enjoyed the band and drinks weren't too crazy. A can of corona was around $6 and their frozen prickly pear marg was around $15. read more

Our server was great and attentive. She did a great job keeping the drinks coming. Loved the peach cooler drink. The band last night, Rhinosaurus, was amazing. read more

Speakeasy - Band - Speakeasies Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Let's continue with this Austin City adventure with some night scenes. This is a two level club, a band was performing on the first level with a dance floor and full bar. The second floor had a DJ with a dance floor and full bar too. The upper level had a view of the City and seemed to be a younger crowd. We already had dinner, so we had a cocktail and enjoyed the music from a local band that performs the 80s here on a regular basis. The service was very good, a nice vibe from customers around us was welcoming. The lighting and sound system was pretty good. No cover charge was required, 21+ years old venue. Sincerely, Rosemary (California) read more

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If you're looking for a good laugh and show up on a Thursday the jokes on you. Drinks were overpriced and the comedians lacked talent. read more

Had a great time at Speakeasy on New Year's Eve! The place was lively and fun. We reserved a table at the dueling piano room. They had an espresso martini special for the night, so I had to try it. It was great! Service was a little slow due to the crowds, but overall, we had a really fun time ringing in the new year. read more

Awesome spot! There are multiple rooms/levels with different things going on, including pool, ping pong, and bowling on the second floor. It seems like they always have (great) live music. I enjoyed the Pop Rocks drink and key lime martini. read more

It's easy to speak easily about Speakeasy. This is a cool old bar along Congress. It's not THAT old, but it has a fun kind of set up that you won't find in most other bars. Entering at the street level, there's a stage, and a bar with a modest choice of beers. The stage set up is good for checking out live music. If you get bored of the action on the bottom floor, find those steps. They go up and up and up, past a ballroom on the second floor, a bowling alley, and up to a rooftop bar. Cool! The rooftop bar has its own little bar (thank gosh!) and nice views that look south down Congress towards the river. The rooftop bar has lots of places to chill, a spot for a live band or a DJ, and friendly bartenders. The rooftop bar seemed to offer a wider array of beers than the street level. The whole place looks ancient. The bricks look like they're barely hanging on, and the stairs seem to have had lots and lots of boots going up and down. Parking is nearly impossible on Congress. Good luck. The restrooms were fairly clean. read more

Good music, but Serving straight water.... I really wanted to stay for the bowling but i sobered up here.

Hosted a corporate event at Speakeasy and would again 100%! I had a seamless experience e working with Leslie to get everything booked, arranged and set up. I also met the owner of Speakeasy who was very friendly and welcoming. Food was great - we had pulled chicken tacos that were so yummy. Ambiance was fun and energetic. The band that played before spazmatcis was perfect - not too loud so we could still have conversation. Spazmatcis brought the volume and energy. Would absolutely recommend this gem for hosting a party or just a night out. read more

Speakeasy - Upstairs - bowling mezzanine - Speakeasies Near Me - Austin, Texas

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My husband and I had such a fun time when we visited Speakeasy on Saturday, 08/05/2023 (around 10pm) to listen to some live music that just makes Austin such a special place to live & to have a few drinks that made me feel a little bit prettier;). The Lonestar Souvenirs was the band playing on the night we stopped by & they were really talented & such a fun band to listen to! They played a mix of different song genres & really engaged w/ the audience (see videos included in this review of their awesomeness). Since "sharing is caring" here are a few of my FYIs & Helpful Tips: - This venue has 3 levels - 1st level ---has a bar, w/ high top tables all around the dance floor and stage area (see pics included in this review) 2nd level ----has another bar, and overlooks down to the 1st level, has a couple of ping pong tables, a couple of oversized couches, 2 lanes for bowling, giant connect four game, pool table, and a few other board games for everyone to enjoy (see pics included in this review) 3rd level----after climbing up a flight of stairs that definitely gets your glutes & hamstrings burning, you'll end up on the 3rd level of this venue which opens up to the rooftop that had another bar, a DJ playing techno music (I could be wrong about this since I don't listen to that music genre) and there was seating all around, overlooking downtown Austin. - Atmosphere: I can happily report that on the night we visited, the crowd in attendance was a mix of age ranges (I just can't hang w/ those early 20-somethin' babies ;) and while it was busy, it was overly crowded which added to us being able to fully enjoy our evening out. The vibe was very relaxed, casual, & great ambiance w/ candle votives on the tables! - No cover charge during our visit -Parking: We were staying at a hotel w/in walking distance so no parking needed for us but there is a paid parking lot located right next to Speakeasy on Congress. Not sure about the price. Hope this info helps! Till next time, Rebecca read more

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Probably my favorite downtown bar. I'd recommend sticking to the basics (beer or shots) when ordering drinks. Really nice space, with a huge variety of different vibes---lounge, EDM, honkey tonk---all under one roof. The rooftop area is a little lame. Congress Avenue isn't directly visible, and there's an unnecessary rooftop enclosure. The mezzanine and bottom floors are fabulous read more

Nothing out of the ordinary. Parking is limited in this part of town, so probably best to carpool or Uber. Staff is warm and welcoming. They hosted an event entirely for the company I work for. There are at least two floors, but I was unable to go to the second floor as their elevator wasn't working that day. They had stairs, but given that I was in a boot, that wasn't going to happen. A few of us were impaired that day. I had a coworker in a wheelchair and another with back problems, so they took this in stride and set up tables both upstairs and downstairs for us. They had the majority of the food upstairs though, but they were kind enough to bring us some. The ambiance was dark and they had a musician playing at some point that made it impossible to hear your thoughts. I admittedly peaced out as quickly as it was socially acceptable. Not my scene at all. read more

Speakeasy - Exterior. - Speakeasies Near Me - Austin, Texas

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If you ever get to Austin this is an awesome chill spot. Rooftop lounge live band ... note there is an elevator which i found after climbing the 59 steps to the top #speakeasyaustin #citylife #texas @ Speakeasy visit 8/10/2019 Late post but this came up in my FB memories and I ironically am back in Austin today. read more

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I truly love this place - one of downtown Austin's not so hidden gems. I've come here a few times randomly and every night I've gone, they've had live cover bands and it's been a blast! I really enjoy the atmosphere downstairs - lots of fun if you want to dance and sing along to the music with friends. The mezzanine level is more casual with games, always a good place to hang out with a date or a group of friends. And the rooftop is always a fun vibe (though it's like a sauna up there during the summertime!). Service is great and the people who come here are always super nice and pleasant! Always a good time! read more

Speakeasy - Speakeasies Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Solid drinks. Good AC. Comfy bar chairs. Attentive bartender & servers. We will go back soon. Live music on Friday night was fun. Blink cover band & the crowd had fun. read more

Speakeasy - Speakeasies Near Me - Austin, Texas

Unbelievable. Booked this place for a wedding afterparty and they cancelled without telling us ahead of time, right as we all started entering. Really unprofessional. read more

Chill speakeasy bar with various events/bands performing most weekends and sometimes during the week. The cocktail menu is decent and drinks are strong. There's some seating at the bar and round tables with chairs from where audience can enjoy the shows. Some street parking is available outside but you may have to park in a downtown garage on a busy Friday or Saturday night. read more

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This was the worst bar experience I have ever had. The staff were extremely rude, dismissive, and disrespectful from the moment we arrived. I have never seen a place so comfortable treating paying customers like an inconvenience. Do not come here unless you want to be treated like shit for a mediocre venue read more

Literally the atypical bar, table, stage set up. Really nice drinks and good dive bar/honky Toni vibe. Perhaps it was the evening I was there but the staff all seem to wish they were somewhere else. They're certainly pleasant and attentive but devoid of any interactions other than transactional. If the bands good, definitely stop in. If you're looking for a good bar, keep walking. read more

Speakeasy - Speakeasies Near Me - Austin, Texas

We were looking for live music Fourth of July weekend, and this place was just pouring out a vibe from the streets a lot of other places were charging like the Jazz place around the corner underneath RA or had a long line, but this place was very inviting and had a family of country musicians on stage. They saying all the new country and people can dance/2 step in the center of the stage if you want. Restrooms are clean and staff are friendly. Definitely would check it out if you are a fan of country or you were just rocking a pair of brand new boots. So interesting to see a bachelorette squad there too lol . read more

Nice love music stage on the first floor,cool games and lounge on the second and relaxing rooftop. Service was nice and quick.

Must check this place out! If nothing else the history and the bull. Got to hear the bully Nelson story. Lol. The drinks were GOOD and the bartender knew his drinks. Good selection of whiskey. Went in middle of day when it was dead but will go back when it's jumping. read more

Speakeasy - Bully-Nelson at speakeasy - Speakeasies Near Me - Austin, Texas

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The people working there are top notch and believe in the Keep Austin Weird motto. I have been there twice for the open mic on Monday evenings and was treated with kindness and respect. Great stage, chill atmosphere and musicians of all types are welcome. read more

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First time visiting the speakeasy, Haley are server was above and beyond fantastic! She took care of us like we were family! And she was crazy busy to boot! De spasmodics or a Uber great/entertaining band and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there would love to see if the spasmodics would come to Atlanta to play read more

Great bar! Knowledgable Bartenders. Solid relaxed chill vibe. They usually have a live band in the evening. They also have a rooftop terrace! Lots of space if you're with a large group. 5 stars in my opinion! read more

The Speakeasy is a rather large venue. In the evening they often run a comedy club or something live on one level. For everyone else there is an outside top deck with some pretty cool city views. There is also a small bar and seating. The drinks were decent but the outside views even better. read more

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DO NOT make the same mistake I made. Walking in at 8:55PM, getting charged $10 cover charge. Walked up to the bar, and they called LAST CALL! They were closing at 9PM and still charged and let us in. NOTHING to do with the place, just don't make the same mistake I MADE. read more

Tbh it's not my style of bar, but I came out on a Thursday at 6 PM and it was an alright place to kill 30 mins before going to a work dinner next door. I got the hill country peach tea cooler since it looked like the sweetest drink on the menu and can confirm it was fun! Tasted kinda like peach sparkling water, but with a kick at the end. The bartender was helpful, I felt like she was having to cover a lot of folks by herself though despite the fact it wasn't full inside the place at all. Overall review is this place is fine, I give 4/5 since it meets all the criteria for a perfectly reasonable and lovely place to hang out in the evening but 3/5 for me personally since it's a very old school, pop rock type vibe with music that teeters on too loud for me. Wouldn't seek out coming here again but it's cool it's in a historical building that's been around for a long time, and would gladly come again with friends later if someone were to invite me! read more

Speakeasy - View of the inside from the front corner of the bar near the entrance - Speakeasies Near Me - Austin, Texas

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After a rather difficult start to a bachelorette party at a different bar, we found the closet one to move to. Enter Speakeasy. I cannot give enough accolades to this establishment! They took our party in and made it a fabulous night we will never forget! Thank you for your kindness and hospitality! read more

Speakeasy - Stage set for band - Speakeasies Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I love this place! Great time! Don't miss out on a Rhinosaur show! Best 90s rock set list with amazing musicians! read more

Speakeasy - Rhinosaur's set list is perfection!!! - Speakeasies Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Such a great place! So much history in this building. The bartender was so nice and helpful. Drinks were excellent! Next visit we're trying the food! read more

What a fun venue! 3 floors - live music on the first, bar games on the second floor, and a rooftop bar dj area up top. A long staircase all the way up so be prepared! I went on a Friday and they had a 90's cover band, it was fun. The bartenders were friendly. This is during ACL so the bar wasn't packed at all. The crowd was pretty casual. They have complimentary popcorn haha. read more

Speakeasy - First floor stage - Speakeasies Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Haunted old building They were setting up for music It was ok Not bad at all Nor best bar of the night either read more

Decent priced cocktails, quick service and excellent live bands performing daily. Game room on 2nd floor and even a DJ spinning on their rooftop! Good times to enjoy right in the heart of Congress and other speakeasy's! read more

My friend and I came here for a night out and it was so much fun!! There was no cover and we loved how they have 3 different floors with each one having its own experience. The first floor had a bar, live music, and a dance floor; the second floor had fun games including ping pong, bowling, fusball, shuffleboard, jenga, pool, and connect 4; and the top floor was a rooftop with a DJ. We went to the rooftop to get drinks and chat and it was a great place to do so! They have a lot of seating and it's really cozy. We then played fusball, ping pong, and jenga on the second floor for the rest of the night and it was so fun!! So much to do here. There weren't too many people there so it wasn't crowded at all read more

I want to give a shout out and thanks to Mark at Speakeasy, who helped me wrestle my 70 lb keyboard and case down the elevator avoiding a dangerous trip down 2 flights of steep steps, brought it to my car and refused so much as a tip. This act of kindness was totally above and beyond!!! I've only performed a couple of times there and always found the staff there to be a total class act. I've played music in this town over 3 decades and am pretty damn jaded about venues here, but Mark wins for best act of kindness. I recommend the place for the live music, great drinks, and staff as cool as Mark. Cheers, brother! David Webb/ Keyboardist- The Lost Gonzo Band, and 3 Chord Rodeo Austin TX read more

Drink selection is pretty minimal, which was very surprising to me since this is a speakeasy. They don't have great selection and feels more like a run down bar rather than a speakeasy like the other speakeasies in Austin. Not bad but nothing special. read more

From the name I was expecting a "speakeasy" type bar that is all the rage now. This was not that. They did have a decent cocktail menu and the drinks I had were well made read more