Speakeasies aren’t just for the roaring ’20s. Secret bars are sprinkled all throughout Austin, and some are hidden in plain sight. Shake up your typical nightlife routine. This is how you’ll find the best 10 hidden bars in all of Austin (but shhhh…. you didn’t hear it from me!).
- Midnight Cowboy
That Other Paper/Flickr
Midnight Cowboy/Facebook This swanky speakeasy is tucked away in plain sight on Austin’s most wild street. The address is 313 E 6th St, but you’ll have better luck finding it by searching for a sign that reads “Midnight Cowboy Modeling.” Midnight Cowboy’s intimate setting makes this a popular spot, so reservations are often required to get in. If there’s room inside, you’ll see the outside light illuminated. To gain access, simply ring the buzzer next to “Harry Craddock” and you’ll be whisked inside.
- Firehouse Hostel
Mr. Bean B./Yelp
Firehouse Hostel and Lounge/Facebook Located at 605 Brazos St, Firehouse Hostel has a covert cocktail lounge right in the lobby. As you walk by the front desk, you won’t see anything at first. It isn’t until you pull back the bookshelf that you’ll gain access to this upscale bar.
- Vinyl
Teller’s/Facebook
Kaitlyn S./Yelp Music fans flock to Tellers at 607 Trinity St every weekend to shake their hips and let loose, but not everyone knows about Teller’s hidden bar located just downstairs. As you pass the front door, you’ll come across a secret entrance on the left side. Through those doors sits Vinyl, a cozy hipster bar full of records and dance worthy music. You may want to spend your whole evening here instead.
- Redheaded Step Child
Sean Matthew L./Yelp
Darren B./Yelp You may have come across a fascinating shop at 119 E. 5th St, right next to Handlebar. The sign reads “Floppy Disk Repair,” but we all know that can’t be the case. No, this shop won’t be able to fix your obsolete tech instruments from the ’90s, but they can whip up a delicious cocktail. The sign is actually a front for Reheaded Stepchild, a horror themed bar full of bone-chilling decorations. This bar is not for the faint of heart. Creepy dolls, chainsaws, and eerie lighting make this bar feel more like a Stephen King novel than a casual dive bar. Getting in can be tricky. Passwords change every month, and you can only get the code by chatting with bartenders around the city. If you’re up for the challenge, go on a search for Redheaded Stepchild, one of the most unique bars in Austin.
- Garage
Michael G./Yelp
Garage Cocktail Bar/Facebook If it weren’t for the big bold letters spelling “COCKTAILS,” you would never guess that the building at 503 Colorado St was anything more than a parking garage. Look a little closer, though, and you’ll come across a fancy lounge. This is a perfect hidden gem for a Friday date night.
- The Continental Club Gallery
Billy B./Yelp
Linda Flores/Flickr Everyone knows about The Continental Club located at 1313 S Congress Ave, but not everyone has been to the the gallery. After you turn the north corner by Southside Tattoo and climb the stairs, you’ll be in an intimate listening room. Next time you’re rocking out to a show in the downstairs venue, peek upstairs and see who’s playing. Whether you’re craving a crowded dance floor or a relaxed lounge setting, The Continental Club has you covered.
- Jade Room
Ward S./Yelp
C-Boy’s Heart and Soul/Website You can’t miss C-Boy’s Heart and Soul’s red and white striped awning as you drive by 2008 S Congress Ave. The Jade Room, C-Boy’s hidden bar, is a little less easy to spot. If you climb the stairs from the outdoor patio, you’ll reach this intriguing lounge modeled after 1950s GI bars.
- Bar Illegal
Bar Illegal/Facebook
Bar Ilegal/Facebook Even Rainey Street has a few secrets. Clive Bar, perched at 609 Davis St, has a delicious mezcal bar tucked away in its backyard. At Bar Illegal, you can sip on delicate drinks in a romantic, candle lit atmosphere.
- The Red Room
Garrett W./Yelp
The W Austin, with its upscale dining and prime location next to the Moody Theater, has a few tricks up its sleeve. Their secret bar, also known as The Red Room, has a romantic energy running through it. To find it, enter through the vinyl room in the W’s living room bar.
- Mezcalería Tobalá
Mezcalería Tobalá/Facebook
Mezcalería Tobalá/Facebook Whisler’s, East Austin’s hipster cocktail lounge, can be found at 1816 East 6th Street. Their upstairs mezcalería is perfect for date nights or even private events.
What’s your favorite hidden bar in Austin?
That Other Paper/Flickr
Midnight Cowboy/Facebook
This swanky speakeasy is tucked away in plain sight on Austin’s most wild street. The address is 313 E 6th St, but you’ll have better luck finding it by searching for a sign that reads “Midnight Cowboy Modeling.” Midnight Cowboy’s intimate setting makes this a popular spot, so reservations are often required to get in. If there’s room inside, you’ll see the outside light illuminated. To gain access, simply ring the buzzer next to “Harry Craddock” and you’ll be whisked inside.
Mr. Bean B./Yelp
Firehouse Hostel and Lounge/Facebook
Located at 605 Brazos St, Firehouse Hostel has a covert cocktail lounge right in the lobby. As you walk by the front desk, you won’t see anything at first. It isn’t until you pull back the bookshelf that you’ll gain access to this upscale bar.
Teller’s/Facebook
Kaitlyn S./Yelp
Music fans flock to Tellers at 607 Trinity St every weekend to shake their hips and let loose, but not everyone knows about Teller’s hidden bar located just downstairs. As you pass the front door, you’ll come across a secret entrance on the left side. Through those doors sits Vinyl, a cozy hipster bar full of records and dance worthy music. You may want to spend your whole evening here instead.
Sean Matthew L./Yelp
Darren B./Yelp
You may have come across a fascinating shop at 119 E. 5th St, right next to Handlebar. The sign reads “Floppy Disk Repair,” but we all know that can’t be the case. No, this shop won’t be able to fix your obsolete tech instruments from the ’90s, but they can whip up a delicious cocktail. The sign is actually a front for Reheaded Stepchild, a horror themed bar full of bone-chilling decorations. This bar is not for the faint of heart. Creepy dolls, chainsaws, and eerie lighting make this bar feel more like a Stephen King novel than a casual dive bar. Getting in can be tricky. Passwords change every month, and you can only get the code by chatting with bartenders around the city. If you’re up for the challenge, go on a search for Redheaded Stepchild, one of the most unique bars in Austin.
Michael G./Yelp
Garage Cocktail Bar/Facebook
If it weren’t for the big bold letters spelling “COCKTAILS,” you would never guess that the building at 503 Colorado St was anything more than a parking garage. Look a little closer, though, and you’ll come across a fancy lounge. This is a perfect hidden gem for a Friday date night.
Billy B./Yelp
Linda Flores/Flickr
Everyone knows about The Continental Club located at 1313 S Congress Ave, but not everyone has been to the the gallery. After you turn the north corner by Southside Tattoo and climb the stairs, you’ll be in an intimate listening room. Next time you’re rocking out to a show in the downstairs venue, peek upstairs and see who’s playing. Whether you’re craving a crowded dance floor or a relaxed lounge setting, The Continental Club has you covered.
Ward S./Yelp
C-Boy’s Heart and Soul/Website
You can’t miss C-Boy’s Heart and Soul’s red and white striped awning as you drive by 2008 S Congress Ave. The Jade Room, C-Boy’s hidden bar, is a little less easy to spot. If you climb the stairs from the outdoor patio, you’ll reach this intriguing lounge modeled after 1950s GI bars.
Bar Illegal/Facebook
Bar Ilegal/Facebook
Even Rainey Street has a few secrets. Clive Bar, perched at 609 Davis St, has a delicious mezcal bar tucked away in its backyard. At Bar Illegal, you can sip on delicate drinks in a romantic, candle lit atmosphere.
Garrett W./Yelp
The W Austin, with its upscale dining and prime location next to the Moody Theater, has a few tricks up its sleeve. Their secret bar, also known as The Red Room, has a romantic energy running through it. To find it, enter through the vinyl room in the W’s living room bar.
Mezcalería Tobalá/Facebook
Whisler’s, East Austin’s hipster cocktail lounge, can be found at 1816 East 6th Street. Their upstairs mezcalería is perfect for date nights or even private events.
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