Retail Therapy Cocktail Lounge

New Cocktail Bar Retail Therapy Opens in Downtown Austin | Eater Austin

"A speakeasy-styled cocktail bar opened downtown last month at 120 East Seventh Street, taking over the former Slake Cafe space; entry is hidden via a mirror door between two shelves, and the interior features vintage mannequins repurposed as three-dimensional wall art, crystal-studded portraits of celebrities like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, lounge seating, and a marble-topped bar. The cocktail program is fashion- and trend-inspired with separate shaken and stirred sections; standout drinks include the Satine (vodka, passionfruit purée, crème de cacao, amaretto, allspice dram, and an absinthe-soaked sugar cube set aflame) and the Ortolan (named after the decadent bird dish referenced on Succession, featuring browned duck fat, clove-washed Armagnac, brandy, and a cordial bomb), alongside classics, beer, wine, and nonalcoholic options. A modern pan-Asian menu from chef Sam Chen offers sushi rolls, sashimi, seared tuna, shrimp dishes, New York steak, and caviar, while desserts from an unnamed pastry vendor include tiramisu, New York cheesecake, chocolate-raspberry cake, and a confetti cake for birthdays. Owned by Eric Foster, Ryan Smith, and Glenn Williams and managed by Jeramy Campbell—who brings experience from nearby whiskey bar Seven Grand and other notable local spots—the venue also offers a VIP program (a $250 annual membership with 10% off tables over $150, a monthly free drink, events and tastings) plus bookable VIP tables with bottle service. Hours are Tuesday–Saturday 5 p.m.–2 a.m. and Sunday 4 p.m.–midnight, with the space operating as a sit-down lounge after 10:30 p.m. Thursday–Saturday." - Nadia Chaudhury