A group of 15 of us were in Austin on vacation. We spent Friday on Dirty Sixth and Rainey and I low key kinda hated it. Then on Saturday we had dinner at Odd Duck (fantastic) and the waitress told me that the kind of people who eat at Odd Duck go dancing at Hotel Vegas. There was a cover band in Hotel Vegas so we went around the back to go dancing in their sister bar Volstead. Soooooo fun. I love that they have multiple areas so people with different vibes can hang in different areas. I was on the dance floor all night and couldn't get enough. Even when it was at capacity and you had to wait to get back in I still loved it. This music made time nonexistent (the Tito's probably helped). I made new friends. Lifesaver to have a food truck there too. 10/10 recommend for hipster types in their early 30s. read more

I always love this place and I was so excited to see some fancy cocktails offered last night at $5 a pop: Moscow Mule, French 75, Old Fashioned. However, it appears this is not the place to get a fancy cocktail. The Old Fashioned had way too much bitters and no cherry. The Moscow Mule had enough lime in it to choke me. Tasted more like a terrible margarita. Not sure if they ran out of ginger beer or what, but we all wound up abandoning our drinks. Yuck. Now that the whining is done. This is a great place with nice bartenders and excellent music, perfect for dancing. The second Tuesday of the month is Sad Bastard Tuesday, which is why I was there this time. It was Melancholy May and between the velvet wallpaper, exotic animal trophies on the wall (I love the tapir), and the mopey music playing, it felt like I was in a Wes Anderson film. On normal weekends, this is a great place to hear mashups of hip hop and latin dance. Sometimes a bit weird, but usually really good! read more

Hipsters For A Day, Part I When my friends Brian, John, and Yvette told me we were headed into East Austin to hear a band that played "surf rock", I immediately wished I owned a Kevlar vest. Sensing my apprehension, Yvette agreed that it was indeed deep into a side of town that we could never tell our parents about (Dear Lord, Nathan/Yvette; you're going there?!" is what we'd most likely hear), but she said that it was going to be OK. I wanted to ask what specifically would make it "OK", but I decided to just ride the wave and if I were to get shot, so be it. Actually, as we meandered our way down the street, it started to dawn on me that if I wasn't going to end up a chalk outline that night at the hands of some criminal, the hipsters would most likely kill me. I thought their invasion and subsequent gentrification had all been slightly exaggerated but clearly, it wasn't. The streets and bars were just as lively as their counterparts across the highway. By the time we had parked in this unfamiliar territory, I had already gotten my second wind, we had a new inside joke involving taking a Claritin, and we'd named one of our biographical movies "If D*cks Could Talk", to be aired on Lifetime starring Valerie Bertinelli. Incidentally, she could be cast for any one of us. As we walked into The Volstead, a woman was pretty hot and heavy into performing a jig in the middle of the room. We all looked at each other as I couldn't help but announce "...Aaaaand the Yelp review has written itself." Seriously, this woman was all up in there, and the patrons were either watching intently or acting as if nothing was happening. Homo, we aren't in the gay bars anymore... The venue isn't that large, so we had to squeeze by Miss Riverdance and her new gentleman friend who was standing on his head to get to the bar. I ordered a vodka tonic that had a nice pour, but it seemed out of place among the 16 oz. cans of Lone Star everyone seemed to be holding. I made a mental note to switch for the next round. The ambiance is dark but certainly NOT quiet, and there didn't seem to be much seating. A band played, people listened, and aside from the dancers with zero self-awareness, the place seemed by all accounts a typical Austin lounge. As Yvette chatted with a friend of hers, Brian, John and I found ourselves in standing room only, surveying the room. Upon closer examination, it was apparent that "Smashing Hipster Stereotypes" was certainly not going to be this evening's theme. It was all there. There really were beanies, skinny jeans, and that characteristic "bored, but engaged" look on everyone's faces that they've perfected so well. I also noticed that every single guy had some sort of facial hair. So here I was: sipping a vodka tonic, freshly-shaven, in a rabbit fur-collared coat; this crowd probably thought I looked like a giant asshole. Oh well, I probably didn't stick out half as bad as I imagined. It didn't help that we were standing immediately outside the ladies' restroom, but there was literally no place else to go. It was incredibly awkward, and I hope the girls knew we weren't any sort of creepers purposefully lurking. When I learned they had a patio, claustrophobia and the desire for a cigarette made me bolt straight for it. I was able to find my bearings a little better on the spacious patio that featured long tables, a food cart, and a giant port-a-john. I nursed my hangover and my vodka tonic as Yvette and John traded "babies vomiting in our mouths" stories. I tuned out until we got to a story about an adult vomiting on Yvette, which was an anecdote I find so much more hilarious. The barback was friendly and periodically cleared our empty drinks in a timely fashion. Right as I was contemplating growing a full on beard and ordering an ironic tall boy beer, it was time to bounce and see the band at the other venue. It was just as well. The music was louder, and there were more people starting to aggressively dance. I lacked the strength to even watch them, much less join them. It was...an interesting place to say the least. It's not everyone's scene (certainly not mine), but if you want a lounge on E. 6th, with music and a patio, well...here you go. Enjoy. read more

Located in a former brothel, the Volstead Lounge at Hotel Vegas mixes cocktail bar with dance club while still maintaining a somewhat Hipster Sixth atmosphere. Immediately upon entering, one must fight through the dance floor to reach the crowded bar or expansive backyard. There is usually a DJ playing music and it always gets packed after midnight on the weekends. The backyard is shared with Hotel Vegas and has a decent food truck serving up a variety of options. Unless you like waiting in lines forever for the bathroom, the outdoor porta potties are probably your best bet. The bar offers a typical selection of drinks at fairly average prices (maybe a little more than neighboring places). Be warned that the quality of cocktails noticeably decreases the busier it gets. Also, the proximity of the dancefloor to the inside bar makes people queue up in nonexistent lines so keep an eye out. read more

I love this new bar on the east side. They opened a few days before SXSW. The owners are awesome and very friendly. Full bar with a good selection of wine, cigarettes, and taffy! Huge outdoor area with chairs and tables and a few indoor vintage sofas and tables. I love the flocked damask wallpaper (which my parents STILL have in their house that they built in the 70's) and the interior is well done! I don't have much more to say but to go check it out for yourself. You will probably have more creative things to say. read more

The bar tender have to be replaced that are rude and disrespectful I saw the bar tender treat the customer badly

The Volstead is, more or less, cut from a really similar cloth from some other East Austin haunts: you'll note the vintage patterned wallpaper, warm bones that draw you into comfy environs, beneath the steady gaze of mounted game and bartenders shaking or stirring their take on magic. Brews here aren't ordinary, but there aren't oodles of them and the taps seem to offer a fairly static assortment. That said, even when they're hopping it's fairly rare that I find myself lingering for a sip of whatever I have my mind set on, and it seems clear moreover that this is a room built (or perhaps curated) for conversations, those low chats that come free and easy, hand in hand with catching up with old friends. But who knows, perhaps that's a harbinger of the East side in general these days: accessible, cool, facile. Far from the staid glance and disapproving rope culture so prevalent in other cities' hot spots. Volstead, for its lack of frills, succeeds where it does largely because of that same idea. Come here to catch up, or remember why you shouldn't be in a hurry to do just that, or anything for that matter. read more

Volstead. How fun. The lay-out of the inside is like a hotel lobby circa 1925. It is very shabby-chic hence very East Austin. The interior reminds me very much of the beloved Scoot Inn as they have the same sort of wallpaper and light fixtures. Though plenty of space there isn't a lot of decor or seating which means there is a lot of room to stand around. They have a fake fireplace opening and mantel on the wall with a mounted boar's head that has a plaque that says "British Honduras, 1963". I thought that was cool. There is a huge outdoor patio area that on Saturday night had a live DJ. If there is one main thing Volstead Lounge has that's plenty of space. I was not super impressed with the drinks hence minus one star. I saw rubber mats on the bar advertising Russian Standard which is one of my favorite brands of the newer vodkas but alas the bartender said they don't carry it anymore. I think that Volstead has a lot of potential. Hopefully they will work on more of the details including more decor, better music and more events and really spruce up the bar drinks and vodka choices. Austin could really use a kick-ass vodka bar and Volstead has the potential to create this niche. read more

We love this place when they offer La Cruda on sundays! We are regulars. We have noticed the blonde manager consistently has a bad attitude, she comes off like she hates her job and takes it out on others. My sister wanted to wash her hands after using the outside bathrooms, and she gave my sister shit about it. My sister wasn't taking the attitude from her and told her she was only washing her hands. 5 minutes later we are being asked to leave???? Sweetie if you don't have good customer service and don't like people why do you work this job?? Why is she still around? Unfortunately we and other friends won't be coming back, we don't support this type of bad service. She's been known be terrible at people, yet she's still around! read more

I've been here probably 50 plus times. It's definitely one of the top spots on east 6th to get a great cocktail. We used to come here all the time, because we get the same drinks EVERY TIME. He gets the Old Fashioned and I get the French 75. I love classic cocktails made right, and it just doesn't happen anywhere. I first started frequenting Volstead regularly in early 2012 and this was not the hot spot to go out to. Often it was dead, with great music. Volstead has had its ups and downs with me. I did not go back for a very long time because I was so pissed off at this one bartender who refused to take the time to make me a cocktail. I knew I should have waited for my typical guy with the hipster mustache. While I saw others who did have cocktails in their hands. Needless to say, I was offended and took it personally. Over the years, I've seen this place morph into THE place to go on east 6th. Often they've got a DJ and some great mixes coming out, along with dancing which tends to make it difficult to move inside. The back patio is also connected to Hotel Vegas and there is a huge outdoor space. I like Volstead a lot and am happy for their success, just don't expect to get a fancy cocktail if its hoppin' that night. For me, this is more of a starter bar so we can get the drinks we like at an earlier more manageable time. read more

Was here this past Saturday night. Never heard of this place. I only ended up here bc our friend took me and my husband here. PROS -Vibe at this place is great! -The DJ is amazing! Was focused more on hip hop that was 7+ years old. He played SOME recent hits. But that's not the focus. Brings back lots of memories. Haaaaaay! Mixes great -Diverse crowd (hipsters, stoners, hip hop heads, uptight looking people you wouldnt expect, mostly youger people, some older as in 40+) -The outside is big and spacious. Plenty of seating. -Bartender was great - They also let you bring your dogs otuside! Plus in my book. CONS -Inside is too small IMO, so that's why I gave it 4 stars. It gets hot and uncomfortable QUICK. -Dont come here if you're offended by the smell of weed -Dont come here if really loud inside music isnt your thing read more

Great first impression here. I came in around eleven on a Saturday night after a delicious dinner at Justine's and Volstead had the perfect amount of activity and people without interference. By interference I mean too much noise to enjoy the company I'm with or too many people that my tush cannot enjoy a chair. The bartenders can do some nice old fashioned cocktails and their draft beer selection is nothing to complain about. Sadly, the next few times I came somewhat changed my opinion. Next time I came was around nine on a Tuesday night, the place was completely empty but the DJ was playing so loudly that even on the patio it was hard to maintain a conversation. I'm torn. While I really enjoy the drink selection and the interior of this place, I need a bit more consistency. One of the things I take into consideration when choosing somewhere to grab a beverage is whether or not I'm in the mood for a bustling environment or a chill one. I'll end up passing on a wild card for a guarantee most nights of the week! read more

Their outdoor space is beautiful. I want to spend every beautiful Austin night there. The staff looks gruff and intimidating but they aren't. Even when they are slammed, they still know how to take care of their patrons. Ladies, bring your fashion game. I felt a little under dressed but I didn't feel judged for it. There's a burger trailer that smelled delicious. I'll have to try it out sometime Only downside, the bathrooms are tiny and only have one stall. There are portapotties outside but who really wants to do that. read more

Volstead offers TabbedOut payment!! Boom! The inside is a throwback to the lobby in that hotel in The Shining. Super creepy and charming. Aside from that... ...they make a mean Old Fashioned with care and precision. ...their whiskey and bourbon selection is pretty good ...they have cheap beer that is perfect for rounding out a long night of drinking expensive cocktails This place is awesome because when they have a special, they have a special. Hit this place on the off hours, and you'll definitely run into a special for a mid- or top-shelf liquor. When I don't feel like hitting my usual Liberty or Violet Crown, I go to Volstead. The patio out back is huge and great for groups, and the drinks are good for the prices you pay. That, and the dance party that broke out as I was walking out on a Saturday night. It sucked me in and spit me out like an hour later. The beat just got me, what can I say? Highly recommend. read more

I loved this place until this past Monday, A friend forgot their ID there so we swung by the pick it up ... A completely empty bar yet the bartender was being a real asshole like we were inconveniencing him in some way. We even bought drinks and he just killed my vibe so much I had to go .....Just another Old crotchety bartender that needs to find a different job since he's obviously an unhappy person On a side not from this terrible experience, I have enjoyed myself many times here and plan to go back but I hope and pray I never see this guy again read more

Typical east side joint. Dark and grimy. Ok drinks. It gets super hot when packed. Parking sucks but hey that's Austin. Nothing really makes this spot stand out from others. Just another place to meet up. read more

Are you a hipster? Do you have an entirely black outfit or access to your grandmother's closet so that you can pretend you're a hipster? Yes? Excellent. You will fit right in here. Luckily, I own a pair of black skinny jeans and a trendy black jacket so I was allowed entry at the door... Ok, in all seriousness, if a sea of hipsters makes you uncomfortable, I would avoid this bar like the plague. Then again, if a sea of hipsters makes you uncomfortable, you probably aren't anywhere near the "new" East Austin so it won't be a problem. Now, despite the too cool crowd, the Volstead itself is actually a pretty decent bar. They have a full bar and good bartenders, in addition to craft cocktails. The decor is interesting, quite pretty, and actually keeps the "different" touches to a minimum (only one taxidermied animal, hallelujah). There are a few tables with random collections of chairs and barstools and an old couch. I don't know that I would say walking in it reminded me of New Orleans (I live in New Orleans, so I'm a fair judge), but I can see where it is New Orleans inspired. The large outdoor space is a plus and the bathroom isn't too horrible so hey, there's that. Friday night is DJ'd and varies from top 40 hits to the Beatles. The last time I went, this was accompanied by strange hipster dancing like I time-warped to the 60s--complete with the swim, the mashed potato, the twist and the watusi. Seriously. If you take inspiration from other eras that's interesting, but when the whole room is dancing the same dance from 50 years ago to a modern pop song, it's just pretentious. Alright, I know it sounds like I don't like this bar, but besides the sometimes high-minded clientele, this is a good spot to head with your friends. They have good drinks, ok music (minus dancing) and a relaxed atmosphere. Just ignore the hipsters. read more

Love the energy and sound of this place! On slower nights you can request whatever from the dj and they will play it! So much fun karaoke and other stuff going on. Love the bass!!! read more

I've been to the Volstead twice now, once as a performer and once as a spectator. The location itself is nicely decorated and the outdoor patio is spacious and well-situated for chatting. As far as music goes, it's a fun spot though the inside is a bit cramped. It's not well-arranged for larger musical groups or shows that would attract larger groups, so just be aware that if you're trying to get in to see a band, you may be smushed. RE: drinks and service. I'm not super into cocktails, and though the one I tried was pretty good it struck me as expensive. I had a beer the second time I visited and it was definitely pricier than other bars on East 6th. The service was good, nice bartenders that are attentive. read more

We found this place on Do512 for good dives and happy hours. We loved the old, dusty feel of the first room and cheap beer of course! Out back, we went and got some cheap frozen margaritas which were really good! We got to chat with the bartenders out back for a while about our travels which was nice. We didn't stay for the DJ, but heard that it's a huge draw. Would definitely come back! Feel free to learn all about my travels around the US at www.tandaintheusofa.com! read more

Some friends and I randomly stumbled in here to see the "Miss Drunk Dial" contest otherwise I wouldn't have visited here on my own volition. Granted, the interior was set up for the contest but the furniture looked like it was replicate model of a Seattle grunge flop house from the 90's. (I don't think I'd sit on that couch). The drinks were solid and they do serve tall boys (though I think that's a requirement of all bars on East 6th). They do have a back patio that is vast and expansive. Though I didn't understand the two fenced-in areas. It was strange and looked more like a hipster POW camp. Additionally, the back patio provides easy access to Hotel Vegas next store. It was an interesting experience heavily influenced by the events going on that night. I'll probably be back again under other circumstances. read more

I love this place. Now that they have fixed the broken toilet seat in the women's bathroom, there is no complaint that you could possibly make. Eric (Erick, Erik, I'm sorry) is an awesome bartender. I asked if they had absinthe, to which he mixed me up some ice water, improvised an absinthe spoon and chunk of raw sugar, and brought what they had available to a beautiful louche. I was so impressed by him going above and beyond for me. This is not to mention that their Jameson and Ginger has got to be THE BEST....They use that Maine Root Ginger Brew, which just......really takes it to the next level flavor-wise. There is pretty much always a kickin DJ, your obligatory mounted animals, and a spacious outdoor option in the back. Thisssss....would have to be my favorite East Side bar. read more

I seemed to enjoy this place a lot more than my Yelper compatriots. It's finely lit interior creates an intimate ambiance that a lot of East Side establishments only strive to achieve. The bar service is generally snappy, even at high volumes, and the music is generally on point. My only real gripe is the layout of the interior. Seating is awkwardly placed in the center of the dance floor and one may easily find themselves stumbling over someone rising out of their chair. read more

It's like a frat party for people who don't like going to frat parties. Friday night DJ needs to work on this transitions from one song to the next. Also, stop teasing us with good songs only to end up with a flop. Gets too crowded sometimes. read more

My first time at Volstead was about three weeks ago on a Friday night. Awesome ambiance; the indoor set up consists of several tables with chairs, a juke box, and two couches set up in the corner. The outside seating area is probably the highlight of the bar; spacious, lots of tables, and i liked that they actually had several two seaters floating around outside. A projector played movies on the outside wall, which was a nice touch. They weren't busy at all for a Friday night, which is expected of a new bar, but I give it a couple months and it'll be just as crowded as Shang ri la. The only negative I give this place are the teeny tiny bathrooms and the DJ. (kinda boring.) Other than that, great place. Check it out. read more

This place is one of my favorite Austin chill lounges. When you get to the bar the bartenders have a vast knowledge of great drinks that they can make you, but if you just want a beer they have that too. The bartenders are all very cool and not pertentious at all. They are happy to help you understand anything you want to know about a drink. Some of my favorite drinks are: The Lion's Tail Old Fashioned Sazerac Champagne Cocktail They have these enormous block ice cubes and fantastic glassware to drink from. If you haven't had many experiences with gourmet liquor drinks before then you should try this place - you won't be disappointed! Sometimes they have DJ's in there spinning, and you can also check out Hotel Vegas through their back yard. to sum it up: 1. fantastic drinks that will blow your mind 2. friendly and knowledgable bartenders 3. not pertentious 4. extremely fun 5. lighting inside the bar kicks ass. read more

We walked over here from Takoba and I found the ambience to be pretty rad. I got whatever the special drink was that night, a Rita something or other - some sort of martini that was deeeeeelish, but took a freakishly long time to make. We were definitely a lot less 'hip' than the other patrons, or just not trying as hard, not sure which. I loved the fact that it had a giant patio in the back and you could be with your friends but still have a crowd around you. We'll return someday, maybe in the fall when you can really enjoy the outdoors. read more

Volstead. Here's what I liked: The vibe was great. Though I'm not a hip hister no one made me feel out of place. The music was admittedly too loud for me. And it wasn't my taste but I won't hold that against them. So. Go to a bar with your boss and your coworker. The bathroom is a little shady in a good way. They have several IPA's on draft, which wins points for me. And for my craft beer-loving boss. All in all kids, it was a total win. The cocktails were entirely intriguing as well. I didn't stick around long enough to order one of my own. All in all, I'm diggin' what they're working with here and definitely be down for going back and exploring those cocktails! read more

It was an ok place- music was more ethnic than I can get into, my wife enjoyed dancing but there just wasn't anything special about the place and with so many options I can't see needing to visit here again read more

Okay, so I like Volstead a lot, actually. Like, the backyard with its something like 25 perfectly spaced benches, and a sweet dance floor area--all that stuff is good, and makes for a really excellent social environment. But the reason this review is 1 star is because of one thing--"DJ" King Louie, who "DJed" tonight (Dec 4/5, 2015). I will gladly bump this review up to 4 stars if I hear that "DJ" King Louie will never play at Volstead again, because there's really no other problem. I love dancing, but let me tell you why I got *really* frustrated trying to dance at Volstead tonight. First, for some reason, this person found it impossible to play a single song for more than 45 seconds straight. Like, probably not one single song played for longer than a minute. Most of them were cut short within 30 seconds. Does this person know how dancing works? Because so far as I know, how dancing works is people get into a rhythm and then enjoy moving in that rhythm for a little while. I'm not asking for the same song for 5 minutes straight, but please, don't switch the shit ten seconds after I've figured out how to move my body to it. I take a second to get into the rhythm, and I want some time to enjoy competently moving my body in that way before suddenly I have to figure out a new rhythm. Second, this person has no clue how to transition between songs. Sometimes there were like 15 seconds with no steady or easily-identified beat between songs. I'm not a dance scientist, but I'm pretty sure that one of the foundational principles is that you never let there stop being a beat or other regularly repeating audio cue to guide people in continuing to move some part of their body in a roughly regularly repeating fashion. "DJ" King Louie apparently thinks people don't mind stopping dancing for 15 seconds between two-thirds of the songs. Third, this person sliced up songs for no reason at all. Like, they couldn't help themself, they had to relentlessly play with whatever fancy equipment or software they had like they were an eight-year-old with a new toy on Christmas morning, and repeat some shitty, irrelevant part of approximately every other song, or make that "spinning a record" noise uselessly and at inappropriate moments. Yes, we get it, the day of the week is Friday and it is nighttime--there's no reason to make the "it's Friday night" part of "This Is How We Do It" repeat like seven times in a row, in a totally awkward and undanceable way. Fourth--and maybe this is just me being annoyed by this--but this person is what you might call a music tease. Like, between one song and the next, they would often play three seconds of some third song, and then you would never hear that third song again. What? Like, when people hear the first glimmer of a song and then it disappears, they get excited and expect to hear more of it. They get ready to dance to it. "DJ" King Louie maybe thinks nothing of repeatedly misleading people about what is about to get played, but I mind, and I suspect others do, too. The upshot of all of this is, I would look around and sometimes like less than 8% of the crowd was dancing, not just between transitions but sometimes right in the middle of a song. Like, this "DJ" killed the dance floor something like 15 times while I was there tonight. Why would anyone hire this person to DJ? This person should not be allowed to jockey discs. Volstead, please!--do not keep making the mistake of allowing this person to destroy your dance floor. Volstead, renounce "DJ" King Louie, and never look back. read more

Friday night dance party... do it! I love this bar on Fridays. It has an awesome DJ and a fun atmosphere. If you're not feeling it inside you can head outside where there are picnic tables and tacos. It's the best of both worlds. It does get crowded and there is only one bathroom (plus portapotties outside). In the summer it gets super hot especially if you're dancing. I'm hoping this summer they'll invest in some more AC but I'm not overly optimistic. As far as drinks go it's pretty run of the mill. The decor is like.. weird animal heads. Definitely a fun spot for dancing! Try it out. read more

Awesome place to go whenever I'm in Austin! This bar has a very inviting crowd and a great mix of music. I especially love Friday nights when DJ King Louie is playing, he's got the jams for every type of person! But don't take my word for it check, check it yourself! read more

Fridays are the only time to go, because that is when the bar at least attempts to play good music. As it is the same DJ on Fridays, I have never been to place where the DJ plays the same songs, in the same order, in the same manner every, single, week. He cuts off some of the best songs, and plays his weird techno/latin instrumentals and Paper Planes for way too long. He doesn't gauge the crowd, so with a crowd of very few women, he'll play Pony (why?). And when a new "hit" drops, he'll play the entire song even though it has only been out for a few days and clearly only a handful of people in the crowd are familiar (Walk It Talk It 3 days after the album dropped). So either mix up your playlists a bit and show some creativeness or Volstead, test a new DJ. Lastly, if I can hear people's conversations going on inside the club from outside in that stupid long line, then there are not that many people inside and you should let us in. read more

Went this past Friday Night - the DJ inside knows what's up! Great mix of music - couldn't get away from the dance floor because every song was great! They actually have a pretty decent frozen marg also - not too sweet. Also a good place to go to sit and chill. read more

Came to Volstead Lounge for a Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas tribute party. The flyer said the party started at 7PM, but when my girlfriend and I got there at 7:30 we were the only ones in the entire bar dressed up, including staff. There was no props indicating a themed F&L party but a hastily put-together menu printed out featuring 4 overpriced, plain-jane cocktails renamed after stuff from the movie. The bartender serving us had no idea an F&L party was happening that night despite being advertised on quite a few social networks. On top of that, he was extremely rude and ignored us while we stood at the bar right in front of him while he talked to his friend next to us. We went inside to do some shots, and saw a sign on the wall advertising daily shot specials. We asked three staff members about the shot special, and no one knew what we were talking about, even after I pointed out the sign that stated "Daily Shot Specials!" on the wall. As a saving grace for the complete flop of a party and the clueless staff, the new manager gave my girlfriend and I a shot of tequila on the house before we hit the road. He was very kind to us and apologized, letting us know that new management had taken over and they were still getting the hang of things around the bar. Please put more effort into events that you throw. Probably won't be back unless we get dragged in on a Friday night. read more

Just literally got chewed out from the bartender guy (long hair with beard) on Thurs 7/11 for opening the bathroom door twice to see if the girl in the bathroom was done doing her blow off the back of the toilet yet. It was literally 8:00 pm. About to order a drink from the bar while waiting for bathroom, but the bartender greeted me with, "why do you feel the need to open the bathroom door when someone is obviously in there..". This is a bathroom with a stall with a door, and a separate sink so I obviously opened the door twice to see if she was done in the stall and hopefully on to washing her hands. It was not a private bathroom or it would have had a lock on the main door. Didn't realize I was violating bathroom etiquette. I totally feel that this bartender and the two girls in the bathroom were passing their icebreaker "cocaine" box back and forth holding up the bathroom for 20 min. What girl faces the toilet when they pee??? Definitely won't be going back to Volstead even though I frequented there. read more

I am fortunate enough to live upstairs from the Volstead Lounge, one of the newest additions to the East 6th Street district, at the Hotel Vegas. The bar opened right at the beginning of the SXSW craziness and was packed the entire time. I attended their opening night and was blown away at the dramatic transformation. Everything was thoughtfully chosen, from the gold pattered wallpaper to the eclectic and aged furniture to the taxidermy and cigarette stand. The staff is knowledgeable and nice. There is passion with no pretension here. Last night my boyfriend and I came in and were greeted with open arms. We were so excited to find out they have a decent selection of liquors and absinthe, and they even prepare it the proper way! We also got to sample a few of their potential signature cocktails, each one delicious and unique. The Volstead will be a regular spot of ours even when we move from the Hotel Vegas. I can't wait to see all of the amazing things they will do. read more

Good place to go if your squad can't decide if they want to sit around and chat or dance the night away. The outdoor area (Volstead) is huge so plenty of room for chilling, while the dancefloor (Hotel Vegas) is pretty small and can get packed. read more

Music was mostly 90's hip hop. The DJ would mix in some random music and kill the vibe. If you want to people watch, but not dance, I'd recommend. read more

Casual, speakeasy vibe with great bartenders and customers alike. We were never handed a cocktail menu but I don't believe it's that kind of place. We ordered "fancy" cocktails all the same and we were served with a smile while others at the bar drank beer. Two thumbs and a hipster stache curled at the ends! I'd definitely go here again. read more