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    The Roosevelt Room

    4.4 (918 reviews)
    PriceyCocktail Bars
    Closed 3:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 months ago

    The Roosevelt Room Photos

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    THE ROOSEVELT ROOM ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - The Roosevelt Room

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    Amy D.

    The ambience is dark and swanky, great for those who want to sit and have a drink in a moody vibe. Our drinks were all pretty good. Our service was tough, as they were very short staffed (1 server for the entire place) ... so it took awhile for orders, etc. Host and server were super stressed and it showed. I'm sure the experience would have been great if they were better staffed.

    Patrick H.

    There were strong recommendations for checking out The Roosevelt Room and I definitely echo that. One of the best cocktail bars I've ever been too. Very moody vibes with a dark environmental. Menu is not overwhelming but there were soo many interesting choices. Every drink I had was delicious. I sat by the bar and the bartenders were attentive. Highly recommend if you're visiting Austin!

    Rousseanne D.

    Hit up The Roosevelt Room and WOW - the drinks are next level . Each cocktail is photogenic and crafted so well. The vibe is chic yet chill. Only hiccup was the slow service once it got busy, but honestly, the quality of the drinks will have me coming back. Definitely a must-visit for any cocktail lover in Austin!

    Hummus and unique drink
    Kristal O.

    More of a 3.5 but gave it a 4 because the cocktails were phenomenal! Very cute spot and the craft cocktails were so good! I had an Apple of my Pie annnnnnd some drink the recommended that was super unique. However, every single person who we encountered who worked there seemed like zombies. It was a huge mood/vibe killer my lord. I even said thank you to one who let me pass to the restaurant and she wouldn't even look at me we had two rounds and left.

    Marcella N.

    Still amazing years later! Best cocktail bar we visited on our trip. Tried to come back the next night and they were booked for a private event. Lawrence is phenomenal and made exceptional drinks.

    Michelle V.

    Great cocktail bar!! I went with some friends for a birthday reservation and had a great time We tried a couple of options - the gin sour / too little too late / Saturn / couple other things I loved the Saturn - my absolute favorite - gin and passionfruit flavor - so good!! Service was pretty good considering we ordered two rounds and were a pretty large party Very dark and moody inside - HUGE cocktail list - they have something for everyone! They even had cleopatra playing on the screen

    Jane B.

    Have visited Austin a few times, and enjoyed going to The Roosevelt Room for cocktails. It is a large, well-known cocktail bar located downtown and within walking distance of many hotels and popular nightlife spots. While you can walk in, I would recommend making a reservation, especially on busier nights. Their cocktail menu is extensive, easily over a hundred options, and thoughtfully organized by theme, spirit, and even time period. It is especially fun to see classic and historical cocktails categorized by era. There is plenty of seating, both along the bar and at tables throughout the space. The bartenders are excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly, and happy to help guide you through the menu. Across my visits, I tried several different cocktails and really enjoyed exploring some lesser-known gin drinks in particular. Highly recommend stopping here for a drink before or after dinner if you are visiting Austin.

    Katrina S.

    I stopped by when the main Roosevelt Room had an event and their next door Christmas bar was open. My review is for the Christmas bar. What a fun spot! They decked this out in Christmas decorations even throughout the bathroom. You have plenty of photo ops but when you're done with that. Grab your drink! Between the fun glasses and the great variety in holiday drinks, you can't go wrong. The bartenders are excellent and will make a great drink off menu for you too! Must visit!

    Cigar Box cocktail
    RoseMary F.

    The Roosevelt Room is an Award-winning restaurant. It is an "experience" you will not want to miss. My friend, Te-see, did the research and made reservations, which minimized our wait time. Enter the waiting room, the hostess will check you in and open the velvet curtain so you can be escorted to your seat/table. The first floor has a long bar and high-top stools on the left-hand side and tables to the right side of the room. We had seats in the upstairs loft, which has its own bar. This area is smaller and more intimate, you'll have a full view of the main floor below. Both rooms are dimly lit with candles and chandeliers, nice leather seats, hardwood floors giving a comfortable and semi-mysterious vibe. The cocktails are to be appreciated for their quality top-shelf ingredients. The list is quite impressive, organized by era (pre- and post-Prohibition years). The drinks are named and inspired from places all over the world (Alpha order): Brazil, Canada, Cuba, London, Malaysia, Paris, Peru, Trinidad, Virgin Islands and the United States (USA separate list) USA States inspired drinks (in Alpha order): California, Milwaukee, Louisiana, New York, Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia I enjoyed the "Cigar Box," cocktail which was served on a crystal ashtray. The cigar was a cinnamon stick, which was dipped and lit for a smoky look. My sandwich was a classic Ruben Corned Beef on rye with Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut and Russian dressing, served with side salad or kettle chips. The Roosevelt Room has Master Bartendering classes every month on making cocktails. You can request a private class for 8 to 100 friends starting at $150 per person (includes cocktails and appetizers). NOTE: For a limited time, proceeds from featured drinks will go to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) .... applause and thank you VERY MUCH to Roosevelt Room for this. Sincerely, Rosemary (California)

    Loved this light fixture!
    Jed M.

    Enjoyed some drinks at the Roosevelt Room but slightly underwhelmed. Very dark, cozy, and sophisticated and classic cocktail lounge atmosphere. It was fun watching the bartenders craft their works of art and also enjoyed the classic movie The Birds playing which added to the vintage feel! Decent service. Prices are steep as cocktails enter the $20+ range but it was a unique cocktail lounge experience nonetheless. Also ordered some bar snacks- popcorn ($6) and spiced nuts ($9)- again added to the experience but underwhelming, not unique, and not worth it for the value. For example, warming these snacks or popping the popcorn fresh would elevate these snacks but they were served cold. Additionally, there is a $1/ guest fee charged on top of exorbitant prices so they are definitely raking in the coin. I'm just not sure it was worth it. They have an expansive cocktail menu. I had an old fashioned and a Tipperary which were fine but didn't blow my socks off. Maybe I would have been more impressed with more exotic drinks. If you're wanting an intimate and unique place for a date night, this would be a solid option but you'll need your paycheck!

    Sammi K.

    Are you kidding that this is considered one of Austin's top bars? The drinks were completely underwhelming. We ordered "too late too little" and the "milk punch."One tasted like fruity water and the other one tasted like seasoning sauce. And then they tucked in an extra charge for "employee benefits?" The only redeeming quality here is the interior design. If this is the benchmark for Austin, I genuinely feel bad for the locals.

    Wendi K.

    The best cocktails you'll ever have in a dark, sophisticated atmosphere. Happy hour is amazing - $12 cocktails. The Sherry cobbler was like a yummy dessert - flavorful and not too sweet at all. BF got a few old fashioned-esque drinks and said that they were indeed, the best drinks he's ever had. The Cheese board ($25) was beautiful and had some very unique items. Staff are very polite and knowledgeable - Cameron is the best!

    Silver Meadows & Hemingway Daiquri
    Gina N.

    We stopped at the Roosevelt Room after deciding the vibes at Powder Room weren't for us. The ambiance was much more intimate, there was penty of seating to accomodate for couples and groups and overall, much more laid-back. Upon walking in, a huge wall filled with awards greeted us, then the hostess. She informed us that the establishment was highly decorated and recognized for its drinks. We were seated at the illuminated bar top, past the velvet curtains. Its quite dim inside - the further you are from the bar, the darker it gets since the bar is the main light source. The menu is quite massive and can get a little intimdating. However, that wasn't much of an issue as the bartender made us reccomendations based on our preferences. We got the Silver Meadows and Hemingway Daiquri. I personally didn't like the punch of sake in the Silver Meadows and found the Hemingway Daiquri to be preferable. Both lean towards the refreshing/tart flavor profile. Overall, the vibes were right: quiet and lounge-like. The service was also exceptional with knowledgable bartenders. They were also super friendly. I've had better drinks, but still really enjoyed.

    Classic Martini  & Clover Club

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    Page 1 of 23

    The Roosevelt Room Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Roosevelt Room

    Hello! I know this is an upscale place, but I am wondering kind of what the price range is on drinks?

    Regular menu you're going to be around $18-$24 but they do have some specialty whiskey cocktail drinks as high as around $40

    What's a good time for happy hour?

    Everyday 3-6PM

    Do they do 1.5 ounce or 2 ounce pours for whiskey?

    What kind of music do they play?

    Oh, it's different every time. Last time I was there it was jazz music which fit the ambiance well. It was a great accent!

    Is there still HH on Saturdays? What are the food options like?

    Hi Chelsea, Thanks so much for reaching out. Yes, we host Happy Hour from 4pm-7pm on Saturdays.… Read more

    Does this pub show, Fox Sports Live for the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury Heavyweight Boxing fight?

    It does not. It is a cocktail bar.

    Do you need reservations or can you just walk in?

    It's best to have a reservation but you can ask the door person to put your name on the list.

    What is the clothing vibe like? All kinds? Or mainly cocktail? (Introvert that likes to plan)

    Definitely not a cocktail vibe. But dressing a little bit nicer would help you feel a little more integrated.

    Is there a cigar room? Do they offer cigars?

    You can't smoke inside in Austin.

    Is there still Jazz on Thursday's?

    Yes

    Is there a cover?

    No cover

    Is there live music on Friday and Saturday nights?

    Is there live jazz every night?

    Hey Amanda, thanks so much for reaching out! At the moment, we only have live jazz on Thursday nights from 9:30pm-12:30am. Cheers!

    Can you bring your own cigars?

    Hello Ava, unfortunately since we are a fully indoor venue we do not allow for smoking inside. We look forward to hooting you sometime soon though!… Read more

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    Here Nor There - The code has to be entered

    Here Nor There

    4.7(399 reviews)
    0.3 miDowntown
    $$$

    Here Nor There is one of the best speakeasies in Austin, hands down…read more The drinks are always incredible--thoughtfully crafted and consistently good. The ambiance is moody and intimate, with music that makes the whole experience feel elevated. Definitely a go-to for a great night.

    Last night we rounded out our evening with reservations at Here Nor There…read more If I told you the location of this speakeasy then...lol. It's been around since 2018 so most folks know where it is by now. Heads up, you no longer have to use their app to make a reservation. Simply do so through Open Table and that's when you'll get the entry code. So glad it's no longer a members-only spot as well. The basement location gives anything but a basement vibe. When you enter, you'll see the infamous black paint on white walls mural but then you're transformed into something more. An elegant and elevated high-end speakeasy that transports you to what life in speakeasy settings must have felt like in the days of olde. Who doesn't love being greeted by a tasteful, giant, fake bear with welcome cocktails? The low-lit space brings a feeling of warmth, secrecy, romance, and mystery. You absolutely get the feeling you're in a special and secret hideaway space. From the refined wallpaper to hand blown glass lighting fixtures to the lush and velvety sofa seating, you are truly immersed in the vibe. It brings a feeling of noir and romance with even sexier drinks. Being seated in one of the nooks is my favorite and just really adds to the overall experience. If you follow my reviews then you know I often refer to excellent cocktails as liquid works of art. And, in this case, it's like the most exclusive, high-end art gallery of liquid masterpieces. Cocktails with branded cubes, top tier alcohol and other ingredients from around the globe make for a worthy piece of drinkable art. It doesn't end with cocktails! The mocktails are equally as beautiful and delicious. I highly recommend the cocktails and mocktails. Service is exactly what you would expect and want it to be in this environment. Yes, the prices are a bit higher than average but you're paying for art, atmosphere, and experience that is beyond wonderful.

    Photos
    Here Nor There - Amaretto Sour

    Amaretto Sour

    Here Nor There - We in it!

    We in it!

    Here Nor There - Milk and honey

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    Milk and honey

    Powder Room - Craft Cocktail Bar

    Powder Room

    4.0(135 reviews)
    0.0 miWarehouse District, Downtown

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

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

    Photos
    Powder Room - Spicy margarita

    Spicy margarita

    Powder Room - Leaving Powder Room

    Leaving Powder Room

    Powder Room - Craft Cocktail Lounge

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    Craft Cocktail Lounge

    Fortune Teller - Bar

    Fortune Teller

    4.9(30 reviews)
    4.7 mi

    Parking? Easy. They have a front lot off Congress and another one off Sandra (just South on…read moreCongress after you pass the bar). The drinks? Oh my gaaahhd. I'm usually not a fan of 'craft cocktails' out bc they're overpriced and not nearly as good as what my partner makes at home, but these were glorious. These drinks had layers of flavor. And fresh ingredients. And they were reasonably priced. Honestly, I don't even remember the last time we had such good drinks out (ok that's a lie but another review and it was at that place where Crowbar used to be - but these win hands down). The bartenders were nice and knowledgeable (Did I mention they make amazing drinks?). The outside has a similar feel to Cosmic but more secluded which is nice. They have plenty of seating, mostly outside, and food from an onsite truck, Sabor Tapatio. Honestly, I feel like this place is a unicorn. 78745 low key vibe but also with some old school Austin feels (I'm talking 2005 mid-Noughties - not 20-teen Rainey Street batch cocktails). They also have coffee in the mornings which we'll be checking out sooner rather than later. 10/10 recommend.

    Met a friend here on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I was happy that it wasn't overcrowded - one of us…read moredid have to utilize the add-on parking in the back. There are plenty of different seating options but very few seats inside. The place is chill, ordering drinks took some time even with no rush. Seems like they have some pre-mixed type of cocktails. Honestly, neither of us liked our drinks much. We actually left it behind. The food truck is nice to have though we didn't get to try. Happy that South Austin is finally seeing some nice spacious outdoor hangout spots.

    Photos
    Fortune Teller - Outside

    Outside

    Fortune Teller - Great patio .

    Great patio .

    Fortune Teller

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    Marlow - Mocktail (Grow a Pear)

    Marlow

    4.8(33 reviews)
    0.6 miDowntown

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

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

    Photos
    Marlow
    Marlow
    Marlow - Chicken slider

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    Chicken slider

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

    Whisler's

    4.3(675 reviews)
    1.5 miEast Austin
    $$

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

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

    Photos
    Whisler's - Side bar

    Side bar

    Whisler's - Inside seating

    Inside seating

    Whisler's - Main bar

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    Main bar

    Equipment Room - Mocktail.

    Equipment Room

    4.5(120 reviews)
    1.0 mi78704 (South Austin)

    It's a rainy night in Austin. My girlfriend is in town because my cousin and her fiancé are getting…read moremarried in Austin. It's also the weekend of our one year anniversary. An hour ago it wasn't raining, but now it's pouring. A few months ago, I heard of a newer bar and experience called Equipment Room just right off of South Congress. Music means everything to me. Nothing can express emotions and instill a feeling in 3 minutes like a song can. I live for that. Equipment Room is inherently Japanese in concept. Existing in Japan for over 50 years, listening bars combine high fidelity audio equipment with impressively crafted cocktails and alcohol combining the passion of music in a space to gather with comfortable chairs and a beautiful atmosphere. The concept has expanded westward as all cool things inevitably do, but I would never think a spot would be successful in Austin like it would be in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and so on. As I back my car into a parking spot on South Congress, I grab the umbrella out of my trunk and walk my girlfriend and me to the entrance trying to not get ourselves soaked in the process. This is not the first time we have tried to go to Equipment Room. We tried to get a walk-in table just to see out of morbid curiosity and that was a failure. I booked her and me a table for this night and I was madly looking forward to it. As we got to the small entrance, we were introduced to the hostess who brought us from the stairs into the main underground space and to our seats on the couch in a large wraparound sofa with other parties sitting near us. The music is faint from the entrance, but once you walk through the main walkway, a wave of sound hits your eardrums. You're immediately engrossed into the music like walking into a concert hall or putting a fresh pair of headphones on for the first time. As we sat down, selections from Outkast's Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik were playing through the speakers. Our hostess introduced us to their "User Manual" (their menu) where it contained all the snacks and drinks you could get your grubby hands on. There's more than just drinks and food on the menu. The first page introduces the concept and gives a few house rules. The second page shows all the equipment this so-called room has, from the premium Klipsch speakers, their preamps and amplifiers as well as their turntables and mixers. It's a dream page for music nerds. I want a $15k speaker in my apartment, but those noise complaints would never end. Our waitress came by shortly to give us water and take our order. Their menu is quite expansive, but the main pages we were told to check out were their A-side drinks or the classics and their B-side drinks, which are more experimental. We had to go with experimental for starters because who knows when you'll get to try something similar again. I started with a Goca Dünya while my girlfriend ordered a Deceptacon. The Goca Dünya was a vodka based floral drink with pistachio foam and Amaro Nonino, an Italian herbal liqueur. The Deceptacon was a rum-based cacao drink with a touch of lime and mint. It took a little time for our drinks to come out, clearly, as they are quite intricate. I loved my drink, bluntly. The pistachio foam was a great balance to the herbal flavors at the bottom. My girlfriend and I continued to enjoy each other's company as the music continued. The space we were in was decorated with posters and memorabilia from legendary artists coming through Austin and some general music decor like that purple album from that Prince guy. The DJ-curator that night was on a tear playing incredible soul music holding the bar hostage with a taste of funk. Jimmy Smith came next before transitioning to a few tracks from Bobbie Gentry. The last albums he pulled out were Steely Dan's Aja (a stone cold classic) and Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life (a top 10 album of all time). Not only was he playing classics like Isn't She Lovely, but he threw down some deeper cuts like Black Man and Contusion. Incredible. We both got another drink with my girlfriend getting their A-Side Espresso Martini while I got the Brown Sugar from their B-Sides. It was a seaweed and mushroom infused whiskey with a few more bells and whistles and it was super unique. Quite a bit of their menu is Japanese-inspired in homage to the originators of listening bars. This includes Japanese beer, sake, and Japanese-inspired food and beverages on their menu. Very cool. The worst part of the night came when our hour and 45 minute reservation came to a close. I could've stayed there for another 3 hours and never grown tired, but with how popular this space has become, they gotta kick you out at some point. This is an experience you have to have. It's worth it. I'll be strolling back in soon enough because there is nothing like this in Austin and it's truly a special space. RIYL: Actively listening to music.

    Loved this place so much..!!! If you want to go somewhere to just lounge with low lighting and have…read moresome delicious drinks with great music in the background , this is place is it! They play no digital music and their speakers are installed throughout the whole building. The sound is great! The menu was so cute and on theme. The furniture and decor is mid century modern. I went here for my birthday and they gave my table a round of Sake shots, which was nice! My table ordered drinks: the Brown Sugar, Goca Dünya, Suffer No Fool (non alcoholic), Vitamin C. They were all delicious and they did not skimp on the alcohol! It was well balanced! I seriously recommend the Goca Dünya--that pistachio foam was addictive! For food, we got the Cheese board to have something to pick on and we demolished it, haha. It came with marmalade and crackers. The cheeses were great, along with the dried fruits and nuts. The cheese selections seem to rotate every other season, which is cool.

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

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

    Equipment Room - Beautifully simple bar tops

    Beautifully simple bar tops

    Equipment Room - Bar area

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    Bar area

    The Roosevelt Room - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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