If you’re looking for a spot to grab drinks that’s off the beaten path and may require a secret code or the moving of a bookshelf to gain entry, then you’re in the right place. Over the years, I’ve been introduced to a handful of great speakeasies in the Austin area. Some have used the term a little more loosely than others, but the following 6 are my top picks for a solid speakeasy experience.
1. Red Headed Stepchild:
This spot is right next to Handlebar and goes by the alias, “Floppy Disk Repair Co.” The first time I saw this infamous sign, my initial reaction was, “why on Earth is there a floppy disk repair company in 2019?” quickly followed by, “I wonder if this is a drug front.” *Note: It’s not.*
In order to get in you’ll need to put in a code in the keypad outside and, once you’re in, you’ll find a small space with a cool and slightly creepy vibe; think dimmed lights, swings for bar stools, taxidermy and a neon sign that says, “mmm…your hair smells pretty!” The drinks are SO good and SO strong and have cool names like The Basic Bitch and Nobody Actually Liked Miranda. Part of the magic of this place is that there is no phone number or easy way to get the code, it’s all about word of mouth and figuring out how to get your name on the list!
Website: http://www.floppydiskrepairco.com/
Address: 119 E 5th Street
Hours: Daily from 4pm-2am
2. Firehouse Lounge:
If you’ve always dreamed about moving a large bookshelf to the side and finding something awesome behind it, then Firehouse Lounge is for you. This speakeasy is part of the Firehouse Hostel on Brazos Street. You’ll walk into the lobby, make a right and you’ll be face to face with a large bookshelf. The obvious thing to do? Move it! Once you slide it to the side, you’ll walk into a casual and cozy space perfect for catching up with friends. They have beer, wine and cocktails and if you’re lucky you’ll catch some live music.
Website: https://www.firehousehostel.com/en-us/lounge
Address: 605 Brazos St. Austin
Hours: Monday-Tuesday 5pm-2am; Wednesday-Thursday 2pm-2am; Friday-Sunday noon-2am
3. Garage:
I’ve been going to Garage for years and every time I go, I fall more in love with it. The space is hidden in the back of an operating parking garage in downtown Austin. At first glance, it’ll look like every other parking garage, but pull in and take a minute to spot the black “Cocktails” sign. Once you see it, follow it until you hit a ramp that leads up to the front door. Garage is a little fancier than the other speakeasies in town; it’s more of a date night location with a romantic vibe, carefully made craft cocktails and small bites.
Website: http://www.garagetx.com/
Address: 503 Colorado St. Austin
Hours: Monday-Saturday 5pm-2am
4. Midnight Cowboy:
With a location on Dirty 6th, Midnight Cowboy is a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of 6th street. Once a brothel, Midnight Cowboy can be found under the alias Midnight Cowboy Oriental Massage. If you have a hard time finding it, just keep an eye out for their signature red light right above the door. Once you get there, push the button for Harry Craddock and you’ll be inside in no time. Just a pro tip: Make sure to make a reservation–the space is small and fills up quickly!
Website: https://midnightcowboymodeling.com/
Address: 313 E 6th St. Austin
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 6pm-midnight; Friday and Saturday 5pm-1am
5. Bar Bar:
Ben and I stumbled across Bar Bar by accident and I’m pretty sure he thought I was leading us to our death. I saw a sign outside of the Good Life Barber Shop that said “Bar” with an arrow pointing left and did the logical thing–blindly followed it. I mean, wouldn’t we all? Fast forward through multiple doors, a semi-shady hallway and a look into a functioning barbershop and we arrived at Bar Bar. It’s the coolest little hole in the wall that serves up great beer and wine {they don’t have a liquor license}. Make sure to order a Texas beer and don’t forget to kiss their back wall for good luck!
Website: http://thegoodlifebarbar.com
Address: 201 East 5th Street. Unit 100B. Austin.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 3pm-Midnight and Saturday: 2pm-Midnight
6. Here Nor There:
Located near 6th street, this bar is the most secretive and also the most expensive. Before you shell out $500 a year to become a member, you can try out the place for free {plus the cost of drinks of course}. Download the Here Nor There app in order to make a reservation and you’ll be given access to the location, door code and all the magic behind it.
Website: https://hntaustin.com/
Address: 612 Brazos Street
Hours: Daily from 12pm-2am
And those are my top picks. Have you been to any other speakeasies in town? What are your favorites?
