Speakeasy Guide
One of those particular things to Austin's nightlife scene, speakeasies are bars or nightclubs that, rather than advertising or putting themselves in prime locations, generally try to create an air of exclusivity. They do this either through hiding their access points, requiring a password, only allowing members to enter, or some combination of all of these. Certain people tend to love them, as they promote an air of secrecy and rebellion.
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This project aims to compile all of the currently operating speakeasies in downtown Austin. As the list is always changing, we'll keep it up to date, with a note showing the last time that the page was edited. The map above the list shows where each speakeasy is located, by number.
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Last edit: 4/15/2024
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1. Floppy Disc Repair Co.
(119 E. 5th St)
This one requires a password. Go to El Cockfight next door and tell the bartender that you “need your floppy disc repaired.” Also known as Red-Headed Stepchild.
2. Firehouse Lounge
(605 Brazos St)
Go into the hostel and head towards the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf. Slide it over and enter the speakeasy.
3. Garage Bar
(503 Colorado St)
Go into the garage until you reach the bar’s entrance. This one is not very subtle.
4. Small Victory
(108 E 7th St)
Look for the “V” on the parking garage door. Hit the buzzer and someone will let you in.
5. Midnight Cowboy
(313 E 6th St)
Requires an advance reservation due to its small size. You can do this on their website.
6. Here Not There
(612 Brazos St)
Requires advance reservation through a special phone application. The entrance is through a gate with a code in the alley, which will come up on the reservation.
7. Kinfolk Lounge & Library
(303 Red River St)
The downstairs bar at Moonshine Grill.
8. The Secret Bar
(200 Lavaca St)
At the W Hotel. Go through the living room bar to the back of the lobby.
9. Milonga Room
(1201 E. 6th St)
Knock on the blue back door of Buenos Aires Cafe.
10. Goldie’s Sunken Bar
(600 W. 2nd St)
On the ground floor of the Proper Hotel. You will need a reservation.
11. Eden Cocktail Room
(214 E. 6th St)
In the north alley off 6th St between Brazos and San Jacinto. Go in through the blue door.
12. The Treasury
(1016 E. 6th St)
Go out the patio door in the back of Shangri-La and up the stairs. Ring the doorbell and go past one more flight of stairs.
13. Kung Fu Pop-Up
(716 W. 6th St)
Go to the back room at Kung Fu Saloon. This speakeasy has gone through several iterations, including a Goonies and a Barbie theme.
14. The Cloak Room
(1201 E. 6th St)
Known as Austin’s best political bar. Go down the stairs at the side of the building; there should be a doorman on the sidewalk on busier days. Not shown on the map.
15. The Powder Room
(301 W. 5th St)
A classier speakeasy opened behind Manny’s sandwich café, The Powder Room is a cocktail bar that also offers snacks and live music.
16. Trona
(1812 E. 12th St)
A Japanese-Mexican fusion cocktail bar, Trona requires a text-message reservation. Not shown on map.
17. Wanderlust Wine Cave
(1601 Barton Springs Rd)
Based on a famous wine bar in Britain, the Wanderlust cave is located directly underneath the taproom. Reservation only. Not shown on map.