Wanna know a secret? My fascination with hidden bars and Austin speakeasies, like Techo Mezcaleria, started with mezcal. Indulge in carefully crafted cocktails at the best speakeasies on Dirty Sixth or downtown Austin—try Mi Madre for classic concoctions or Kinfolk for a Mexican twist. Explore the secrets of East Austin, from Eden Cocktail Room to Agave Bar. The thrill of prohibition-era vibes, moonshine at Schoolhouse Pub, and the allure of Shangri-La on Sixth Street. Experience the magic of Red Light and The Treasury, sipping tequila or amaro. Move beyond typical bars; find your haven at Whisler and savor the essence of ATX in every sip. Cheers to the secret world of Austin’s hidden gems!
[vessel-campaign id=”190″]
SEE ALSO: Best Coffee Shops In Austin, Sorted By Neighborhood
Here are the details on the most alluring, Austin speakeasies.
neon sign inside Red-Headed Stepchild
Table of Contents
Red-Headed Stepchild (aka Floppy Disk Repair Co.)
The rebel
Rather than calling this bar a speakeasy, the folks at Red-Headed Stepchild prefer the term, “peek-a-boo lounge.” Unsurprisingly, nothing about this spot is what it seems. It’s also worth noting that among the secret bars on this list, RHSC was the most challenging to gain access to. Despite being notoriously exclusive—and linked to an amalgamation of rumored suggestions to get you in—this drink lounge has no problem drawing a crowd. The cocktails have hilarious (and provocative) names, such as, ‘Nobody Actually Liked Miranda,’ ‘Gary’s Spicy Fire Crotch Margarita,’ and ‘Life in San Antonio (Based on a True-Life Horror Story),’ to name a few.
HOW TO GET IN: Many people recommend going to HandleBar (above RHSC) and asking the bartenders for the keycode. (We’ve also heard that the guys at HandleBar will give it to you if you can tell them a really funny joke.) This is only half-true. The staff is diligent about changing the keycode on a monthly basis, and every time the update is made, they send it out to a group of their friends, who pretty much work exclusively in the service industry.
Your best bet is to go hang out at your favorite bar and make friends with the bartenders—genuinely. Chances are, they are on that list of recipients, and will be happy to provide the code in gratitude of your patronage and good company.
119 E. 5th St., floppydiskrepairco.com
Small Victory
The introvert
The location is subtle, but not totally hidden. Keep an eye out for the parking garage it’s attached to as well as the small red ‘V’ decal on the glass door. Once you’re in the lounge—a dark and very classy setting—you’ll notice that the menu is relatively short, but robust. The Singapore Sling is a crowd-pleaser, but these bartenders (a term that doesn’t even seem to do their work justice) have mastered the art of the craft cocktail, so you ultimately can’t go wrong with any drink
Small Victory isn’t so small that you can’t go with a group. In fact, there’s a round table in the back that’s perfect for you and five of your friends to share their Philadelphia Fish House Punch bowl. And in case you get the munchies (as one does while imbibing), they have an impressive charcuterie selection.
Happy hour is Monday to Saturday from 5pm – 8pm.
HOW TO GET IN: You have to know where you’re going or else you’ll miss it. Hit the buzzer and someone will open it. Walk up the winding staircase.
108 E. 7th Street, smallvictory.bar
Garage
The charmer
Consider this your gateway drug into the underground cocktail scene. Tucked away in a parking garage, this bar keeps the lights low and vibes chill. No need for secret passwords or reservations, but you may find yourself wandering around this parking structure inspecting every corner and cranny looking for the entrance.
It’s not challenging to find, but you will have to do a little bit of looking. Garage Bar is most well-known for their drink, the Indian Paintbrush. Made with simple ingredients that yield a crisp cocktail, you can tell that these drinks are elevated by the great care the bartenders take in mixing them. You can expect an ambiance that is seductive and moody; no wonder it’s Drake’s favorite of all the Austin speakeasies.
HOW TO GET IN: Walk into the parking garage and keep following the path upward until you stumble upon the entrance of the bar (which was previously used as a valet office).
503 Colorado Street, garagetx.com
Watertrade
The avant-garde
Among the many eateries in the South Congress Hotel hub, is an intimate bar tucked away at the top of a staircase. To the right, is Otoko, and to the left, is the omakase-style cocktail bar, Watertrade. Upon your approach, you might be guided by the wafting smell of palo santo, which is always being burned behind the bar. The room is nearly pitch black, with the exception of a couple of vintage desk lamps and a backlight set behind their wall of spirits.
While the cocktail menu is relatively short, the list of Japanese whiskeys and sakes is extensive. Feeling indecisive? Tell the bartender what kind of flavors you prefer and leave it in their hands to serve you something inventive.
HOW TO GET IN: Walk up the stairs in the South Congress Hotel courtyard, open the door, and go left.
1603 S. Congress Ave., southcongresshotel.com/eat-drink-details/watertrade
SECRET BARS IN AUSTIN: Midnight Cowboy
The OG
With your reservation, you are granted two hours to enjoy yourself in one of their booths. Similar to Here Nor There, the cocktail menu (which is inspired by a passport) boasts a global range of drinks and flavors. Some of their options have a “cart” sticker on them, indicative of a service Midnight Cowboy is known for. They roll a bar cart in front of your booth and make the elaborate cocktail of your choice while talking you through every pour and stir.
The history behind this place is just as interesting as the beverages. The location was previously a seedy massage parlor (the kind with happy endings, if you know what I mean), until the FBI raided it back in 2011. Even though Midnight Cowboy is now owned by the team behind Alamo Drafthouse, the staff says they still get calls inquiring about their spa offerings.
Also worth mentioning is their patio service, which is available Thursday through Sunday. Although their cocktails are pretty boozy, Midnight Cowboy isn’t exclusive to drinkers. Their mocktails list is just as impressive (and delicious) as the hard stuff.
HOW TO GET IN: Make a reservation in advance online and ring the buzzer marked Harry Craddock.
313 E. 6th St., midnightcowboymodeling.com
Here Nor There
The newbie
Meet the cocktail bar of all the Austin speakeasies that’s so suave and with the times, it has its own app. You heard right. This spot looks like the image that comes to mind when you hear the word “speakeasy”—adorned with velvet curtains and a taxidermy bear. Regardless of what time you go, the atmosphere is so transcendent, you’ll feel like you’re having a late-night drink among the rich and famous.
The drink menu is inspired by the owner’s travels around the world, so expect a varied selection. Attention to detail is their forte, hence the branded ice cubes, palate-cleansing champagne, and knowledgeable staff.
HOW TO GET IN: Download the Here Nor There app and tap “Request New Reservation.” A confirmation email will be sent to you the day of your reservation with the door code for that particular night (it changes daily). The entrance looks like a gated alleyway, at which you’ll use the code you were sent on the keypad.
612 Brazos Street, hntaustin.com
Firehouse Lounge & Hostel
The celebrity
“Don’t judge a book by its cover” is the key to finding your way into this speakeasy. Firehouse Lounge fronts as a hostel on the outside—in fact, you may very well be asked if you’re checking in when you walk in the door. Behind the bookcase lies a hidden world aglow in red and washed in the sound of an acoustic guitar player performing onstage.
This speakeasy is skilled at the classics (Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Gimlet, and so on) served at very reasonable prices. What you’ll find here, that you probably won’t get anywhere else, is out-of-town visitors. You may find yourself posted up at the bar next to someone who is staying in the hostel next door and becoming fast friends over a couple of cocktails.
HOW TO GET IN: Give the person behind the counter a nod and a “no” and make a beeline for the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf. Slide it from left to right and enter.
605 Brazos Street, firehousehostel.com/en-us
Milonga Room
I’ve explored Buenos Aires Cafe in downtown Austin multiple times, but just discovered the hidden mezcal-focused Milonga Room underneath. It’s a gem among Texas‘s best speakeasies, offering live music performances and a fantastic selection of fernet cocktails, wine, and tapas. Forget dirty sixth; this is the real deal on East 6th Street! If you’re into hidden bars, mezcal, and classic cocktails, don’t miss this prohibition-era haven. Cheers to Austin‘s vibrant bar scene, from Moonshine to The Treasury, there’s always something new to discover. Move over, conventional bars; Milonga Room is my new favorite spot in ATX!
HOW TO GET IN: Located in the back of Buenos Aires Cafe and knock on the blue door
1201 E 6th St, buenosairescafe.com/east-side/milonga-room/
This guide is part of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance’s 2021 City Guide. Check out more of the best eats in Austin, curated by Austin food bloggers, on the full list of guides.
