Cozy area in the back with some great cocktails! The Drafting Room had an unexpected scene in my opinion. Walking up to this place it was really loud, as there was a live performer playing. But, there was a small area in the back of the property that had a bar and it was closed off. You could still slightly hear the music through the glass but you could still hold a conversation at least. We got a vodka drink and an old fashioned, both were super tasty and strong. On the walls in this back area, had old drawings it seemed. Hence the name of the place I guess; The Drafting Room! read more

The Drafting Room - Bar in back - Wine Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Cute little bar on Rainey with some great cocktails and mixed shots that pack a punch! The bartender is super nice and funny :D They have a few heaters that warm you up on a cold night and the interior is cozy with a couple of tables for 4-6 people. Live music on weekends make this one of the few bars on Rainey that have the old Austin charm :') read more

See all

Drafting Room has a cute outdoor patio area or you can go into their little cozy bar to order and dine in there. For a Sunday around 4 PM it was pretty empty, but nice if you wanted to get away from other bars nearby with live music. Good to people watch. We ordered cheese quesadillas and a trio with chips. The quesadilla was simple, but tasty. From the trio the queso was my favorite. It was a unique flavor to it. read more

The Drafting Room - Outdoor seating - Wine Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

We stopped in The Drafting Room after being recruited by the bartender as we initially just peeled in and walked back out because we were hungry. We stopped and had a taco each at the food truck directly in front which was very tasty! Then we went back to the bar. It was nice and cozy inside. We enjoyed some great conversation with the fellow bar patrons and the bartender. We ordered the watermelon margaritas which were made with love and incredible. We enjoyed our drinks so much that we stopped back the following night. We wanted to have a more intimate conversation so we chose to sit at one of the small tables behind the bar. We ordered the hibiscus martini because the watermelon was now out of season!! This margarita did not disappoint either. I highly recommend stopping in for a tasty cocktail!!!!!! read more

The Drafting Room - a burrito in a paper container - Wine Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

If you're looking for stylishly off the Beaten path in the cacophony of Rainey street, look no further than the drafting room. We literally came here for one beer but Brandon's congeniality caused us to stay and stay. We will be back and as downtown locals, we've found an oasis in the cool busy ness of Rainey street. On the booze front. There's great draft and lots of cocktails and a great outdoor seating area. read more

The Drafting Room - a man standing in front of a bar - Wine Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Get drafted! This is a cool little house that is the last owner-operated bar on Rainey Street! This place was where the owner planned to open his architecture business when he got the place back in the 90's. If you look at all the photos around the bar, the owner went and took photos of all the houses on Rainey Street when he moved in. Now, most of those old houses are gone- bulldozed to make way for a huge set of condominiums, apartments, or the Van Zandt Hotel. They strive to offer local beers, and local-ish liquors. They try to keep it as Texan as they can. The bar is small in the back, but the bartenders do a great job of keeping drinks flowing while keeping order. There's an area where bands can play in the back, with lots of seating. Bathrooms could be easier to find- they're hidden behind that white shed in the back. They have a restaurant that's open as long as the bar is. They serve delicious tacos, and have vegan offerings as well. There's a jug of ice water so you don't have to buy beers in the back. Be sure to check out the collection of plants that this guy is cultivating! Sweet! When I went, the stage was rockin', and good times were had by all. read more

The drinks here are good. Fairly priced. As a melanated tourist on Rainey street, I felt comfortable in this bar.An openpen restaurant/bar concept like most of the places on Rainey. My best friend and I Went here on a Thursday night, no cover charge for us women not sure if men had to pay. I don't think so. Friendly staff. Great live band covering today's hits and Even a throwback like Ginuwine pony. I had a good time. They also have a heated lamp on the side patio by the bar great accommodation on these chilly January nights. read more

This ended up being our 1st & only stop on our bar crawl because Demetrius was so awesome. Perfect margarita, classic Banquet, and so many laughs. Don't worry, he only makes fun of you if he likes you. If he happens to be off, still a must! read more

Little hidden gem on Rainey street. Even though I live close by, somehow I've never been here before. This bar officially wins my vote of confidence as a comfy cove to just hang out, chill, and get away from all the craziness of Rainey street They make craft cocktails for extremely reasonable prices. Just tell the bartender what you want and they'll take good care of you. Cheap delicious tacos outside if you start feeling a bit peckish. On most nights they also have live music out on the patio. read more

This little hideaway is a great place for a drink. With capacity being at about 15 people this can be a fun place for an intimate date. There is a patio outside too! They have plenty of drinks to choose from with a lot of local options. They have local beer and some wine on tap. They also have some yummy handcrafted cocktails. I had a cocktail -- some kind of watermelon margarita and it was delicious and refreshing! This was a great break from the busy bars on Rainey street. read more

The drafting room is a cool spot on rainey street. front building is a coffee spot, I think, then the side yard is full of shade, tables and chairs and at night well lit with tree lights. then in the very back is another building which is seating and a bar. the bar is super small but has to bartenders. they were both so busy it was hard to get a drink suggestion. I get it, they didn't have time to hear me out, so I didn't get anything. it was really cold but the live music on the porch in the back kept us there, unfortunately while we were there for an hour, they didn't make any money bc we didn't buy anything. maybe next time. we will be back because we liked the vibe. read more

The Drafting Room - Wine Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Great little gem, tucked away off the beaten Path. Only place that had live music durning the day on rainy street. Such a good margaritas and they have a nice NA beer! Bartender/ owner,? So friendly !! read more

This place was one of the favorite places I visited while in Austin! Met the owners' sons who were hilarious, super accommodating and will probably run the world some day! Good luck gents! Loved the Rosé on tap...delish. The atmosphere and ambiance inside and out were perfect. Enjoy the food from the restaurant in the front which was delicious and fresh and I will definitely come back the next time I visit Austin. Adore this place! Signed with Love and Calories, #TheOriginalCharlestonian read more

The Drafting Room - Jenga outside on the patio with Rosé Photo Credit: #TheOriginalCharlestonian - Wine Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Cute little bar in the back and nice tables in the outdoor patio. They have wine on "draft" which is a pretty neat concept. There is also food you can order which is by the entrance. read more

I can assure you that this place is, unfortunately, open. I saw a local seasonal beer (Black Thunder) that was released some time ago. So I asked the bartender if their tap list was up to date. She rolled her eyes, and assured me it is. So I ordered me a Black Thunder. The keg blew, about 1/2 way through my pour. The bartender came up to me, said the keg blew , and I could have a pilsner instead I asked what pilsner, and in a tone that clearly indicated she could not give a shit less said she didn't know. Being that whatever beer she wanted to give me wasn't even close to what I ordered I declined it. If looks could kill most of Rainey would have dropped dead. She then took the orders of my friends at the bar. And tried to run our card without coming back to me. When I spoke up, I ordered a $14 whiskey. She slammed the bottles around on the back bar until she found what I had asked for, and poured me the dregs of that bottle. It was maybe 3/4 of oz. So, if you like surly bartenders who don't actually want to serve drinks, perfect place for you. read more

Came here a Saturday night, got the rudest and laziest bartender in town. Not only did she not know how to make a godfather, she also breezed through an old fashion without mixing the bitters into the sugar. Also did not middle the mint leaves in the mojito. Definitely did not make is welcome, and told us that there were waiting customers and she did not have the time to focus on our drinks. Extra star is for the live music, which can be great depending on the night and the band. read more

The Drafting Room is THE most romantic place on Rainey Street and nobody really knows (yet) because they're still working on completely opening up the space with a bistro at the front (called Lestelle House). We came to get beer/wine with a bachelorette group and the staff were incredible. They have $4 beers and a variety of wines. Most seating is outdoors (and, trust me, if the weather is nice...that's where you'll want to be) but they also have 2-3 small tables inside in the bar room if you need to be indoors. The place was originally the owner's architect studio. The bathrooms are super cute too. Can't wait to return when their bistro opens! read more

Apparently this place has been open for three weeks, who knew? While frolicking around Rainey Street on a beautiful Sunday Funday, my friends and I noticed the sleek looking building with an "open" sign and decided to check it out. The Drafting Room is a classy looking place, and is rather small but cute and quiet. The patio is quaint, and while they don't serve food yet, a French bistro is expected to open in the front house some time this summer. We were in the back house, which is a tiny bar. An architect owns the lot, and still operates his business right above the bar. What I've gathered is that this guy realized how many bars/restaurants were popping up on Rainey, and was like "when life gives you lemons, take advantage of your spot and open a bar!" I think this attitude might come off as slightly insulting to people in the existing restaurant industry, there is a very distinct attitude of the place that just anyone can open a successful restaurant/bar... but to each his own. It's only beer and wine, and not a huge selection. BUT THEY HAVE PROSECCO ON TAP. So I mean, that's awesome. The glasses that the Prosecco is served in are from IKEA though, like when I finished my glass I saw IKEA in big block letters, so that wasn't as awesome. Oh well. Anywho, it's a cute little place. A nice break from all the bros at the other bars on Rainey. read more

The Drafting Room - a beer dispenser and a beer dispenser - Wine Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Amazing, hidden-away spot on Rainey St! Tucked behind L'estelle House and pretty quiet and chill, so you might miss it, but definitely don't! A solid selection of local beers on draft, plus a very impressive selection of wines on draft and in bottles. Some great Italian and Austrian wines, plus some nice ones from Washington state as well. The bartender/owner was super friendly and rad and the vibe is just really chill and friends. We had an great time! read more

Great service. Amazing fries and cookies. Very friendly towards our big group of friends. Beautiful interior. Very clean and stylish decor. Prosecco on draft for a great price. Great location on Rainey street. No complaints at all. read more

The Drafting Room - Wine Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

If you're looking for somewhere that's never super packed, has friendly helpful bartender, and reasonably priced drinks in the shade, this may be the place. It's always pleasantly strange to see an owner pull their weight when their bartenders are busy. The owner was bussing tables and taking out trash while trading pleasantries. Seems like a good environment for the employees, it's definitely a great environment for the customers! read more

One of my favorite spots in Austin, Texas. Best staff and service, the atmosphere is quaint and chill. The food at L'Estelle is excellent. Live music selection is superb! read more

One of the few places in Austin spinning house music! (Sundays) There's an open patio area and a bar which has a great selection of beer & cocktails. read more

What an adorable spot! This place has been on my bookmarks for oh, about 100 years. Or at least the whole year they've been open. I love wine on draft. Given that I'm not a sommelier, I can't tell you whether that's better or worse or if it makes not difference at all. What I do know is that it's novel and fun to belly up and see wine poured out of a draft. We sat in here on a chilly night and had a couple of glasses. I know sometimes they have mimosa specials and they make it with blood orange soda (not OJ) which is a special treat. Sadly, the night we were there L'Estelle was closed and so we had to go elsewhere for snacks. We'll be back here to try and catch their opening hours. read more

We sat outside and listened to the best music! The ambiance was perfect. Would be 5 stars except for the servers inside at the bar. Everyone else was amazing and we had a really nice time. read more

This place is a gem and definitely a haven from the college type crowds that flood Rainey. The story and history of this place is very cool as told by one of the bartenders and I really can appreciate this open floor layout that incorporates most of the outdoors and seamless architecture. They do need allot more social media drive to this place as it was prime hour on Rainy when we entered and there were all but 6 people on the property. I would peg it as someplace adults can come who aren't into the major party scene but want a cool place to observe the scene that it Rainey on a weekend night. Good wines and very knowledgable staff. read more

Love this new bar on Rainey. It's very cute and tiny (good in afternoon, I'd probably hate it at night cause I hate crowds) with one small bar and then outside seating out front. I only got beer, but I saw that the wine comes in shallow plastic cups which I kind of appreciate. Atmosphere was great and casual, but not too casual. Some cute pups were hanging out too. read more

My boyfriend and I only came here for one drink and it was enjoyable. They have a few local beers on tap which is always a nice thing for us to try. There is a small bar in the back and I believe a window at the front of the lot where you can order your drinks and sit outside. The bartender was super friendly and talkative. She gave us a ton of tips on great things we can do in Austin. I don't remember anything super special about this place but I would come back if I were in the area, this time, probably during brunch. The next day their food smelled amazing and the place was extremely busy with locals indulging and delicious looking food/drink. read more

Happened upon this place while around Rainey around 11pm (not the usual 130am stumble). Imagine me drunk walking and turning my neck to the left to see a Japanese style grey slate rock floor garden with perimeter tall bamboo shoots - this was the true reason how I convinced the people with me to just sit in for a few minute break amongst the ear-ringing live music played at all the next door establishments. The feeling coming from the colours of the environment and atmosphere seems like the perk that keeps it separate from the neighbours. Extremely zen and low key while potentially being able to host drunk going away parties. The chairs are metallic thin ones. Not the most comfortable, but maybe the best for humid summer time. On this slot of property is two buildings: one to the right upon entering that appears to be a close-to-opening bistro and one in the back that is two stories. The bottom story being the bar and the top being what I assume is the owner's residence. I'd make it a point to drop by for a glass of wine, which they have on draft as well, next time I'm in Austin. read more

A low key Dive-y place to unwind on Rainey. There is plenty of outdoor seating, great for small groups. The indoor seating area is a bit small, but very nicely decorated. They serve a variety of beer, wine, and sparkling wine on tap, with $2 off on tap beer and prossecco during happy hour! A refreshing change from the many beer gardens around! read more

The Drafting Room - Happy Hour $2 off prosecco and beers on tap - Wine Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

We sat here after ordered from L'Estelle House. The bartender was very nice, repeatedly letting me try samples of various beers and drinks they have. It's local craft beer and wine, no liquor. I'm not a huge beer drinker, so I just had water, but the guys with me loved their options for beer! Only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is that it was unbelievably hot inside and would've been more comfortable sitting outside. They could just use a little added A/C in there. read more

Was walking with a group of friends through the throng that Rainey St. has become and we were looking for a haven from the masses, as no one was yet drunk enough to deal with them all. Suddenly, Drafting Room appeared and we ran in. Cool place, but mostly outdoor. I like that they have a water jug for free for anyone, it really eliminates the time spent by bartenders passing out water, and makes it soooo much easier to hydrate. I can't tell y'all how much I appreciate that! Decent beer and wine selection. Nothing fancy. A good chill place to chat and grab some drinks before hitting up one of the larger establishments in the area. read more

Excellent service and superb cocktail menu. I visited a couple of times and was greeted with excellent music and fabulous service by Matt, one their bartenders. I highly suggest the Grapefruit Mood Mojito! read more

The outdoor seating was really nice, and the indoor space was small but comfortable. Good beer on tap, as well as wine and bubbles for a change in pace. Bartender was knowledgeable and welcoming. Good place to sit down and take a date or close group before or after eating. read more

The Drafting Room - Nice outdoor and indoor seating - Wine Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

This place is the perfect Rainey Street getaway. The whiskey sour is the best I've ever had, made with TX Whisky and a ginger lemon simple. Melissa is so sweet and makes sure you're happy with the quality cocktails she makes! The bar feels like home! read more

Stumbled across this place while bar hopping on Rainey street. It's so cute, romantic- we were pulled in by the ambience. The owner was working and she was so sweet and helpful. Service at it's finest. They don't have food right now, but a French bistro is in the works. Too bad I am just visiting- otherwise I would be a regular. Great spot to stop and enjoy a glass of Prosecco. You won't regret it. read more

I wanna start this review off with the fact I've been here before. A friend of mine had multiple positive experiences and I've been with her multiple times. Every time we went this very nice gentlemen name Manu would be there and he was amazing. That same friend moved to Seattle and can't wait to come visit him again and bring her friends from there because he's so awesome. I've witnessed it. I wish I could've just reviewed on the times I've been with her, but unfortunately I decided that after all my good experiences I would bring a group of my 15 girlfriends for her bachelorette party because "prosecco on tap" sounded awesome. Right? Wrong. First we enter the bar and there was one gentleman working the bar and greeted us. We ordered a round of prosecco. He would pour it until it foamed to the top, let it sizzle down, and repeat until the glass was almost full. For those unfamiliar this is basically making it flat. I let this slide, paid for 3 of them (me, my sister and the bride) and tipped the 20%. Well he was short a drink, and asked my friend if she would like a water since she was "expecting" My friend is probably a size 10, if that. I sincerely wish I was joking. She was so offended she said she would like nothing. When he came for payment he offered her a drink on the house but she again said she was so offended she did not want one. He apologized again offered her a drink again, but she said she didn't want anything served by hi. Because she was so offended. She said if he docked 2 drinks we could call it even, but he said "I'll do one because I respect the miracle of life". I later asked if he apologized and his words to me were "are you a mother? I have a child and I respect the miracle of life. One day you will understand what I mean" I say, yes sir I have a 2 year old, and she doesn't look pregnant and she's with a bachelorette party and that he should apologize. He then says "I understand you're the ring leader. (Facing my friend) Ma'am I apologize I just have a child and respect life. It's a beautiful and magical thing." Again, my friend is a size 10, if that. Even if she was 300 pounds how dare him? I then ask for his name. He says "Manu" I really wish if you are going to give me a false name you'd give me a legit fake name dude and not a coworker. That's rude strike number 2...3.... Maybe 4? I've lost count at this point. I don't care cause I won't be back and all 10 of my girlfriends will be sure to tell everyone what happened since this place was the reason we ended up on Rainey to begin with. Now I see why the place doesn't stay busy... I would like to also add we paid $13 for each glass of very flat prosecco thanks to a sloppy pour. We went down the block to Bar 96 and toasted my friends marriage with a $3.25 glass of cheap champagne and it tasted better. So basically save your money and go somewhere else. Anywhere else. I've recommended this place time a stone again, but will NEVER be back. read more

My boyfriend and I loved the chill vibe of this place and would definitely recommend it if the manager wasn't shady. We ordered two beers and my boyfriend was going to pay with his debit card at first until we chose to pay with cash, he left his debit card by accident on the bar. We called and the manager had it. We went up there the next day to get it! We ended up with a $39 charge on there? The card was never used by us, the manager said he would refund it if we came back. We live in Arkansas. Very unprofessional and shady. read more

Awesome bar. Small off the road. Hidden if you don't know what you are looking for. I found it due to a Meetup event. Excellent draft beer selection. Manu is a great bartender. He was knowledgable on the beer selections and took great care if out group. I'll be back next time I'm in town! read more

Called ahead (the number listed on yelp number) to make sure the bar was open. Gentleman who answers told me me yes, and that the white wine was nine dollars. I informed him that I would be walking over. I was a 10 minute walk away at a SXSW session and was craving a nice white wine instead of the mixed drinks that were offered around the area. When I arrived at the nearly empty bar, the menu reflected that the wine was $10. I told the bartender that I'd just spoken to someone on the phone and they communicated $9. He seemed skeptical, and told me he doesn't know what number I even called because they don't have a phone there. I showed him the number on the Yelp app and he said "oh", and that it was probably the owner, but that pricing was difference for SXSW (even though I only called 20 min prior). That was fine. Whatever, it was only $1. But I was kind of annoyed that a price adjustment wasn't offered. I asked to try the Sav Blanc and Reisling on draft. When I tried them, both wines were room temperature. I guess that they hadn't gotten cold yet. Already unimpressed, I left and went to the Fairmont hotel. The service was unfeeling from the bartender and information given was disorganized. The location was clean an read more