Over the lake and through downtown, to Austin speakeasies we go.
Some of Austin’s most secluded speakeasies are hidden in plain sight, if you only know how to find them. We’re not going to give away all the secrets, but some speakeasies are harder to get into than others, so you might need to get creative.
Here are 13 places for you to try on your next night out.
DuMont’s Down Low | 214 W. 4th St., Ste. B
This smoky downtown speakeasy, on the site of a former brothel, hosts 70+ types of whiskey and might be haunted by the ghost of its former owner, Blanche DuMont.
Eden Cocktail Room | 214 E. 6th St.
Themed for the Biblical Garden of Eden, this speakeasy is hidden behind a purple door and serves cocktails with cheeky names like “Fruit of the Forbidden” and “In the Beginning.” Reservations are recommended.
Firehouse Lounge | 605 Brazos St.
This secret bar in a former fire station is a well-known local favorite, and is hidden behind a sliding bookshelf in the lobby of the Firehouse Hostel. Spaces are first-come, first-served.
Floppy Disk Repair Co. | 119 E. 5th St.
Also known as “Red Headed Stepchild,” this speakeasy earnestly ensures that it’s a full-service floppy disk repair company + suggests making an appointment by telephone — only to inform people there is no number to call. Note: the code to get in changes frequently, so big fans might want to get a spot on the bar’s text distribution list.
Garage | 503 Colorado St.
That’s one way to get real estate downtown. Aptly named, this cozy speakeasy is tucked away deep inside a parking garage on Colorado Street. When in doubt, follow the sign marked “cocktails.”
Here Nor There will need to approve your reservation, so plan ahead.
Photo courtesy @hntaustin and @ninesupplyco
Here Nor There | 612 Brazos St.
This invitation-only bar inside the Driskill can be found down a private lamp-lit hallway. Reservations can be made through the Here Nor There app, where you’ll be given the code to enter if you’re approved.
IYKYK | 1221 E. 6th St.
This brand new hangout — inside events compound Inn Cahoots — gives visitors a panoramic view of the Austin skyline from a hard-to-find rooftop. To get in, you’ll need to find the secret door.
Kinfolk Lounge + Library | 303 Red River St.
Located in the historic cellar at Moonshine Grill, visitors need to find the secret stairs to get inside Kinfolk. There, you’ll find both Prohibition-era and modern cocktails.
Midnight Cowboy is one of City Editor London’s favorite places to take out-of-town visitors.
Photo by @sippinprettysa
Midnight Cowboy | 313 E. 6th St.
This prohibition-themed cocktail bar was a working brothel until 2011, masquerading as Midnight Cowboy Modeling Oriental Massage, and keeps its old sign out front. Make a reservation online + ring the buzzer marked “Harry Craddock” to enter. No reservation? You might be able to sneak a spot on the back patio, if the red light out front is turned on.
Milonga Room | 1201 E 6th St
You’ll need a reservation to get into “Austin’s original South American speakeasy,” located in the basement at Buenos Aires Café, and even serves empanadas from upstairs.
Small Victory | 108 E. 7th St.
Head upstairs through the parking garage to find this plush, semi-secret cocktail room with an extensive menu. Reservations are encouraged.
The Treasury | 1016 E. 6th St.
This bank-themed bar, located behind Shangri-La, offers a daily happy hour 6-8 p.m. and takes no reservations.
Trona | 1812 E. 12th St.
A secret world awaits in an east Austin alleyway — if you can find it. Ring the doorbell underneath the lightning bolt sign to enter.
Wanderlust Wine Co. | 1601 Barton Springs Rd.
This new, speakeasy-inspired tapas and wine pairing experience takes place inside a Barton Springs cave. Reservations are required and come with a complimentary valet.
Know something we don’t? Let us know if there’s an Austin speakeasy you think should be on this list.
