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    Watertrade

    4.4 (38 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated 1 week ago

    Watertrade Photos

    WATERTRADE ATMOSPHERE

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    Wagyu nigiri
    Jeremy K.

    Mixed reviews for Watertrade, which makes me sad to say. The ambiance is fantastic, sit at the bar if you can because you get to watch the mixologist make delicious drinks. Great selection of cocktails and since Watertrade is connected to an omakase restaurant you can order some unique dishes too. Why am I ranking Watertrade 3/5? The workers were pretentious and made us feel unwelcome. They would give a recommendation and if we didn't move forward with the recommendation it was uncomfortable. This not only happened with our primary waitress but also the backup that was walking around. Maybe they were just socially awkward, tired, who knows. But when you're spending $18+ per drink and order 14 pieces of wagyu treat your customers better.

    Megan L.

    This is definitely one of my favorite speakeasies in Austin if not my favorite. You should reserve it in advance, which requires a $10 booking fee. I've been here a few years ago for the omakase and had the pleasure of sitting at the bar before my meal, but I've never ordered an actual cocktail. I remembered how much I loved the vibes and felt like I was transported to a nice cocktail bar in NYC, and that vibe is quite hard to find here in Austin. My boyfriend is also a huge vibe chaser, so I brought him here as a surprise to celebrate a work achievement! We both fell in love. From food and light bites to presentation to the drinks to the bartenders, everything is immaculate. It feels like you're frozen in time in the bar, and there's nothing else to do besides enjoy some cocktails with some really delicious light bites. The cocktails are presented beautifully, and they're well-crafted. Watertrade is truly a gem.

    Our drinks - so good
    Bertha V.

    This is a great speakeasy! I think that is what it is. We came here after dinner so we came just for drinks. As soon as you walk in you see this dimly cool looking bar , a couple of seats and seating in the bar. They specialize in Japanese whiskey and they have a pretty cool menu. The drinks consisted of very interesting ingredients. The drinks we ordered were so good. Out bartender was very nice and described the drinks to us and even recommended us what drinks to order that were to our liking. We had some great service.

    Heaven +Earth
    Kim P.

    Do future you a favor and make yourself a reservation at Watertrade. I showed up without one on a Friday night and was lucky to only have a 30 minute wait! The weather was warm-ish so I didn't mind just waiting in the courtyard at the bottom of the stairs. The vibe of this place is dark and mysterious speakeasy with a smoky smell. I was seated at the bar in between two groups, though I felt like my bartender did a great job giving me attention and making sure my drinks were filled. I started off with Heaven +Earth because I live mezcal based drinks. It was Negroni adjacent with the Campari. The smoke made for an impressive show. In the mix, I somehow forgot that gusano is the worm in mezcal and thus Sal de gusano meant that the salt on the rim had ground up worm in it! No worries though cause the bartender asked me how I was enjoying the worm salt, which was a funny reminder. I asked the bartender for the opposite of that cocktail for my second drink and he delivered by recommending the Summer Samurai. It was quite the show between lighting the alcohol soaked sugar on fire, adding cinnamon and then putting it out. It was so good that the lady next to me got one too! Highly recommend this place for an elevated cocktail experience.

    Irene L.

    Such a cool place but service was terrible. We sent in our allergies ahead of time. Our server knew about it but didn't recommend anything, asked us what we want then said they didn't have. She should be telling us what we can substitute to instead of asking what we want. Brought a wrong drink, also missed one of our order. Didn't even apologize and just asked "so do you still want it?" We did not except this kind of service at a place like this.

    Tongue cut sparrow
    Michelle V.

    Super cute bar next to otoko! We came Saturday night around 9:30 and were able to get seated at the bar top - overall it's very cute inside but on the smaller side. Service was great - drinks are super intricate to make and there are 31 cocktails on the menu!! I ordered the tongue cut sparrow - tequila and pineapple flavors - very refreshing and crisp! I loved it and would definitely order another one! My fiancée ordered the heaven and earth - whiskey based I think and had the whole smoke show going on! Unfortunately my fiancée didn't love it but the flavor profile is rich - complex - and smokey I think - definitely for someone who loves that. Overall we had a good experience and would try other drinks from the menu next time! I think the description really helps find what you'll like.

    Fries
    Elle K.

    Wow!! This place is a hidden gem. Very cozy upscale vibe inside with only a few table/couch areas, then seating at the bar too. The bar is really pretty and love all the decor. When you first get there they offer a welcome drink of sake, sparkling wine, or an N/A option. We opted for the sake and it was very good! They offer a ton of N/A cocktail options too. We only came for drinks but tried the fries which were fried eggplant and surprisingly delicious, loved the sauce to dip them in. The Goma Fashioned (their version of an old fashioned) was one of the best I've ever had. The summer samurai was also great, and has a cool fire aspect to it when they serve it. Impressively everyone loved their drinks! Very great service and will definitely come back here for drinks and to try the restaurant Otoko next door!

    Jurojin's Dram and a finely cut cube
    Stephanie K.

    One of the best kept secrets in Austin, known mostly to locals and guests of Chef Yoshi Okai at the neighboring 12-seater Otoko, this is where you'll want to snag a seat for some of the sexiest cocktails and bites in town. Dark but not brooding, paneled in mirrors, following the Japanese practice of Kaizen where materials from Otoko are preciously given new life in delightful drinks and dishes, this is where I found myself pre-concert making friends with Eddie, an expert mixologist if there ever was one. He'll show you Chef Yoshi's special sake, or toss you some Luck of the Sea - a smoky, toasty sweet twist on an Old Fashioned, made new again with Japanese whiskey, sesame, and nori. If you're not ready for a full tasting menu (do book that on your return, it's exquisite), a selection of seasonal snacks ranging from uni-stacked oysters to smoked tamari Hamachi sashimi (Yoshi's nod to TX BBQ) will keep you slim and snappy. All you have to do is make nice with Dustin at the door - he runs a tight ship!

    Dan C.

    Cozy curated atmosphere in a beautiful small room tucked within the South Congress Hotel. Experienced either as a stand-alone reservation to the Watertrade, or as the welcoming experience ahead of dinner at Otoko. Note that Watertrade specifically refers to the bar space. It's well worth a visit in itself, and offers a menu with some bites that are all about super delicious quality over quantity -- including several that are in common with the menu at the adjoining omakase counter, Otoko. Libations are wonderfully and whimsically concocted, with a comprehensive and descriptive menu -- or for the more adventurous, let the bartenders craft something to your liking. Presentation is often low-fi spectacular...

    View of the first thurs of the month live music event hosted by the hotel; pic taken just at the top of the stairs by the entrance
    Stephanie W.

    I went to watertrade as part of the ticket for going to Otoko. They give you a "free welcome toast" glass of either wine or sake when you buy the ticket to Otoko so I had a glass of sparkling wine, and I also ordered a cocktail. The bar itself has a low light, sexy ambiance - it would be excellent for a date night. The bartenders are helpful and check in often, which is always very appreciated. The bartender recommended a cocktail to me because I asked for something a little bit more sweet/fruity so the one I got was the tongue cut sparrow. It was very flavorful and I really enjoyed it, it's a little pricey at $17 (and that's on the cheaper end of the cocktails - most others were more), but it was clearly very high-quality alcohol they were using, and it tasted really good. It was actually a really lovely addition to my dinner as well since I didn't get any of the other add-ons that areavailable at Otoko (eg the sake flight add on). I would actually really like to come back to watertrade at some point either with friends or maybe on a date to try some of the other cocktail since they/the ingredients are all seasons of Japan themed, but again just need to be mindful that they're a bit on the pricier side so, so buying several drinks would add up. The other thing to be mindful of is that parking is kind of a nightmare in that area; if you're eating at Otoko they do validate parking in the south Congress hotel garage so that makes it free but if you're just going to watertrade, I don't believe you get validated parking. You can park on one of the side roads for free if you get lucky but even those areas tend to fill up. There is some parking on the street as well but also can fill up during busy times. Ideally if you're going to eat one of the restaurants on South Congress that has a lot then you should just park in whatever lot that is and walk to watertrade. To get in, I walked inside the courtyard at the hotel, and went up the staircase on the left just behind Maieday restaurant. You'll get to the top and there's just a single brown rustic door that says Otoko and when you go inside and the first area you'll see on your left is the watertrade bar. Overall, I can really only knock off a star because the cocktails are a little bit pricey and parking is a little bit cumbersome, however, everything else about the experience of watertrade is exceptional, and I would absolutely come here anytime and give them a five star review if it was just a little bit more accessible

    Escargot karaage style
    Emily K.

    This place was a treat! We had a cozy little nook to enjoy our food and drinks. The service was the perfect speed and everyone was helpful. The waitress recommended the grilled hamachi and it was some of the best fish I have ever eaten. The bartender came over and gave us some recommendations for next time after seeing what we ordered this time. The drinks were beautiful, unique and tasted stellar. There is something for everyone on this menu.

    Marci P.

    Had a fantastic experience coming here on a Thursday night! The cocktails and small bites were delicious. The ocean trout crudo was our favorite - I could have easily had another order for myself. The escargot was not what I was expecting. It was fried and still tasted good but I preferred the nasu frites if we're going for something fried. The nine tailed fox was easy to drink and came in a cute little tea cup with a flower on top. The yokai berry was a bit more boozy but came with some fun pop rocks on the side. Overall, a fantastic experience and would love to go back to try some of the other cocktails.

    Welcome Drink
    Stephanie H.

    I was slightly underwhelmed by Watertrade which is sad because I love the entire concept. drinks: The menu is pretty big. The front has specialty cocktails separated by seasons and the back has classic cocktails. I mainly ordered from the Winter season. Also, I appreciate that they calculate the abv and display it next to the cocktail. Our first round of drinks was okay, but our second round was very good. My bf's drink came with a shortbread and it was a nice accompaniment. I think this place has potential, but you have to order the right thing. Not sure if I'll return to Watertrade, but I do want to try Otoko. logistics: We made a reservation specifically for Watertrade on a Friday. They offer complimentary valet and self-park at the South Congress Hotel. We wanted to valet but it was busy when we arrived so we had to self-park. They validated our ticket but we messed up and scanned the wrong QR code so we paid for parking. The validation sticker is on the back of the ticket and we missed it because that's not usually how parking validation works. Also, it's not located inside the hotel. It's next to the hotel, past the tunnel, up the stairs on the left. It's pretty hidden.

    Interior bar

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    7 months ago

    Highly recommend; a magical experience! From the speakeasy feel to the delicious drinks and apps, can't wait to go again!

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    Ask the Community - Watertrade

    Anyone have a pic of the menu? Don't see one on their website either

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    4.3(683 reviews)
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    A total vibe! I loved this spot and the outdoor bar area. It's lit up by twinkle lights with plenty…read moreof TVs to watch the game. They had a frozen watermelon rose I tried which I really like, if you get an additional shooter to go with it, make sure you mix it in! They have a good amount of drinks to choose from, it's a great place to chill with friends and enjoy the weather. Lots of seating and picnic table style seating. I've been twice and would definitely go back!

    I recently visited Upstairs at Caroline for a Logitech SXSW installation event, and the experience…read morewas a great mix of creative energy and Austin atmosphere. The venue itself has a lively, open feel with an urban backyard vibe and plenty of space to move around, mingle, and actually take in the installation without feeling crowded. What stood out most was how well the space complemented the event. The layout made it easy to engage with the installation while still enjoying the social vibe. They had space for working virtually as well as displays to test some of the technology. There's a nice balance between indoor comfort and that signature rooftop-style setting, which gives it a relaxed but elevated feel. The staff was friendly and kept things running smoothly, and the overall setup felt thoughtfully organized. Whether you were there to focus on the installation or just take it in casually, the environment supported both. The line was somewhat long to get into the event as it was at capacity and could only allow more people as people were leaving the event. I was given a drink ticket and got to try the Patio Pounder with ilegal mezcal, primo aperitivo, tropical citrus, coconut, grapefruit soda. The bartender was efficient even though the lines were long. The cocktail was enjoyable with the balance of smoky and citrus flavors. They also had a variety of food bites available including chips and queso. creamy street corn, and sliders. The food was gone relatively quickly due to the crowds but it would be replenished periodically. Overall, Upstairs at Caroline proved to be a solid venue for a creative SXSW event versatile, welcoming, and very on-brand for Austin's arts and tech scene.

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    The Roosevelt Room

    4.4(918 reviews)
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    I stumbled into this bar and it is the most beautiful space. The couch/ alcove seating they have is…read moremy favorite. You can sit to face the beautiful bar and watch the old movies they play. There is no sound so if they put the words on you could know what's happening but that's not the point. The vibe is curated! Their menu takes your through time and has drinks from each decade. It's such fun experience to drink through different eras.

    "No I've never been to Austin, but I kinda like the music...all the people say it's crazy but I…read moreknow they don't abuse it..." (RIP Chuck Negron) This was my "Must go to" spot on the first day we were here...and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I made a reservation per recommendation on their website and I am glad I did. As the evening went on it got very busy. The foyer where you check in reminded me of the lobby of a small theatre. There were 2 velveteen curtains separating it from the restaurant. When the curtains parted a huge room with high industrial ceilings and architecture was revealed. WOW!!!! The hostess led us upstairs to the smaller loft bar and told us to sit where ever we wanted...So, we sat with a review to the entire place! We ordered food and drinks from their huge cocktail menu. We watched the bartender make both drinks with fascination. *BTW The bartenders here need to know how to make every cocktail by heart and there are over 50 specialty cocktails! Rosie and I went with: Vodkadora - Wódka Vodka, raspberry syrup, ginger syrup, lime, soda water Cigar Box - Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, smoked black tea syrup, RR lavender bitters, tobacco essence, served on an ashtray with a flamed cinnamon stick Food: CLASSIC REUBEN w/chips - 5/5 sooo good (Rye bread with Rosemary-Garlic Butter, Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese, housemade Sauerkraut & Russian Dressing) SALADE VERTE 5/5 - light and fresh Loved the industrial space and decor. Great for large groups - don't really recommend for children ~ and that's all I have to say about that...

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    The Roosevelt Room - BUCK TO THE FUTURE
 rye whiskey, manzanilla sherry, strawberry-basil purée, nardini amaro, ginger syrup, lemon, barrel smoked black pepper

    BUCK TO THE FUTURE rye whiskey, manzanilla sherry, strawberry-basil purée, nardini amaro, ginger syrup, lemon, barrel smoked black pepper

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    Here Nor There - The code has to be entered

    Here Nor There

    4.7(399 reviews)
    1.5 miDowntown
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    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.

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    Powder Room - Craft Cocktail Bar

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    4.0(135 reviews)
    1.4 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.

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    Midnight Cowboy - Drinks LOOKED delicious

    Midnight Cowboy

    4.0(580 reviews)
    1.5 miDowntown
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    I was unable to check out the quality or ambiance of this establishment as there were a number of…read moreissues with my reservation. Basically, I had a large group reserved for a celebration, and I didn't get a confirmation email and when I noticed this I scrambled to find another reservation. The reservation link I was sent to kept erroring out when I tried to process it. Apparently the incorrect date was selected and I did not notice I was charged an exorbitant amount of money because it was a larger party, but we had every intention of going and we would have spent quite a bit of money. After being charged a $120 no show fee I tried to contact them to see if they could at least squeeze us in or take the no show fee off but they said their policy was clearly stated and they don't respond to my last email. Also, there is no phone number which is incredibly frustrating as I would have called to confirm my 5:30pm reservation issue, but instead just assumed it didn't go through While part of this was undoubtedly user error, the process of reserving and confirming reservations was not easy. Furthermore, the establishment was not overly understanding Some tips: Go to a different bar. There are so many great bars, lounges, and speakeasy's in the area, and I wouldn't risk the potential hassle. We pivoted to the Roosevelt room last minute and we had a great time Cheers!

    5-star speakeasy...if you like cool, secretive, unusual speakeasy cocktail bars - this is the place…read morefor you! Located on 6th street in downtown Austin (near the Driskill hotel), in what looks like from the street an apartment complex. You buzz the "secret" button and if you have a reservation, they let you in and escort you to your beautiful, sexy table. Their menu is creative and their every cocktail delicious! The theme we experienced was tarot cards and we loved the presentation and creativity of cocktails. Service is excellent and all drinks are around $20. Worth a visit for sure - great 5-star speakeasy and so fun for a date or with a group.

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    Fortune Teller - Bar

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    4.9(30 reviews)
    3.3 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.

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

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    4.3(675 reviews)
    1.9 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

    Sign Bar - More booths and sitting areas

    Sign Bar

    4.3(131 reviews)
    7.5 mi

    I always see this bar on social media and I finally decided to give it a try. This bar exceeded my…read moreexpectations with the drinks, the size, events, games, and shops. The actual bar is to the left of the entrance. I love that they have a variety of drink specials as well as nonalcoholic beverages. I was hoping to get a taste of the food, but the kitchen doesn't open until 4pm. I would also suggest coming later if you want to catch a show from the live band or explore their seasonal mazes. There's plenty of photo ops, jenga, corn hole, pool, foosball, connect four, pacman, and a few other arcade games. This place is completely filled with 80s, 90s, and early 2000s' nostalgia. It's the perfect spot of tourist and for native austinites. There also a lot of vintage signs from old stores and restaurants that were local to austin as well. I would say this spot is worth the hype! I also give bonus points for the shops & food trucks outside of the bar. The perfect place to hang out with friends and have some fun.

    This place has showed on my Social Media feeds several times and while we were in the area on…read moreSunday we stopped by. Really great assortment of old signs, like walking through the Neon museum in Vegas but filled with old Austin haunts. We took a bunch of pictures and really liked the layout of the place, we gotta come back at night, as I am sure its even better.

    Photos
    Sign Bar - Entrance

    Entrance

    Sign Bar - Dare to enter the maze

    Dare to enter the maze

    Sign Bar - Entrance

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    Entrance

    Edge Rooftop

    Edge Rooftop

    4.3(214 reviews)
    1.3 miDowntown
    $$

    Entering from the lobby, it felt like a maze trying to find the right elevator and then figure out…read morewhere to go once I got off. After exiting the elevator, I ended up meandering through what felt like the entire rooftop pool deck with rows and rows of seating, a beautifully laid-out space, and a huge outdoor area before finally reaching the actual bar on the other side of the building. Verdict: best pool, least impressive late-night drink options. The rooftop space itself is massive and gorgeous, with seating spread around fire features and plenty of room to roam. It's the kind of place that makes you want to book a stay just to have access to the pool and outdoor area. Drink-wise, though, the menu was very limited, and they didn't have any mocktails listed. I asked for "anything mocktail," and they brought me a virgin Lady Bird. It was mostly juice, but still tasty and refreshing for $8.

    My friends and I had a FABULOUS time here. The ambiance is beautiful and so cozy! Without a res on…read morea Friday evening (around 6:30/7) we were able to get a nice, big cabana area. The couches were so comfortable and the ambiance was so pretty. In terms of the drinks and food, it was okay! Got the job done, but nothing to rave about. I enjoyed the sliders the most. I enjoyed my drink as well (5th Floor Cooldown) once we added the extra sweetener we requested. Without it, I wasn't a huge fan (wasn't sweet, despite being told that it was). Valet parking is only $15 (for 2 hours) with validation. I appreciated that, as it made parking not a headache.

    Photos
    Edge Rooftop
    Edge Rooftop
    Edge Rooftop - Views of Lady Bird Lake from Edge Rooftop + Bar

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    Views of Lady Bird Lake from Edge Rooftop + Bar

    Watertrade - bars - Updated May 2026

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