Powder Room

Cocktail bar · Warehouse District

Powder Room

Cocktail bar · Warehouse District

5

301 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701

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Highlights

Hidden speakeasy cocktail bar with decadent 70s decor  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

301 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701 Get directions

loboshospitality.com
@powderroomatx

$30–50

Reserve

Information

Static Map

301 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701 Get directions

+1 512 996 3113
loboshospitality.com
@powderroomatx

$30–50

Reserve

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reservations
wifi

Last updated

Aug 11, 2025

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@eater

Best Speakeasy Bars in Austin | Eater Austin

"Leave your phone at the door as you enter the Powder Room. No, really, the team will take your phone and lock it away at the front door so you can truly relax and be present. Head to the back of the casual sandwich cafe Manny’s to enter the art deco, decadent speakeasy bar, which offers table-service cocktails ranging from light and bright, like the Earthly Posseslons (Snap pea-infused Sipsmith London Dry Gin, clarified lime juice, and fennel liqueur) to herbal or strong, like the Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less (St. Remy Brandy, St. George NOLA chicory liqueur, pecan orgeat, Bonal Gentiane, Dow’s Ruby Port, and walnut bitters). Reservations are required." - Darcie Duttweiler

https://austin.eater.com/maps/best-hidden-bars-austin-speakeasies-secret-bars
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@eater

All the Free Food and Drinks at SXSW 2025 in Austin - Eater Austin

"Enjoy a pop-up speakeasy with free drinks celebrating short film and whiskey." - Brittany Britto Garley

https://austin.eater.com/2025/3/7/24379674/austin-sxsw-south-by-southwest-free-food
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@infatuation

Austin’s New Restaurant & Bar Openings

" Hidden behind Manny’s, Powder Room is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar open seven nights a week. The space is dark and intimate, with a retro design. There’s also a menu of small bites if you didn’t fill up on sandwiches from the deli outside.  " - nicolai mccrary

https://www.theinfatuation.com/austin/guides/austin-new-restaurant-openings
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@eater

The 14 Hottest New Cocktail Destinations in Austin Right Now

"Downtown Austin is booming with new cocktail bars, and this one is a speakeasy-ish space through a sandwich shop, both run by the Lobos Hospitality group and opened in April. On deck are cocktails as well as tableside services. Reservations can be booked online; there are indoor dine-in services." - Nadia Chaudhury

https://austin.eater.com/maps/best-new-bars-austin-cocktails-drinks
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@eater

New Austin Restaurant Group Lobos Hospitality Opens a Diner, Cafe, and Bar - Eater Austin

"Powder Room is opening a hidden cocktail bar within the Manny’s space at 303 West Fifth Street in downtown Austin, also opening in mid-February. The intimate space will offer cocktails — as well as infused vodkas and infused tequilas — and snacks." - Nadia Chaudhury

https://austin.eater.com/2024/1/17/24040878/lobos-hospitality-new-austin-restaurants-toasty-badger-diner-mannys-cafe-powder-room-bar-downtown
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MeetWithMacey

Google
Ambiance: Speakeasy located through the waiter doors of a to-go spot called "Manny's" that features leopard print, upscale modern decor, and uniquely crafted cocktails. Yes, the cocktails are expensive. That said, they are super creative and worth it! I loved the "Oh So Jaded" matcha cocktail and their twist on an Old Fashioned was delicious. Friendly and knowledgeable bartenders. A bit hard to order when the bar is busy, but that's too be expected. Ideal spot for an intimate date night! We celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary and Powder Room was a perfect end spot for a night in Austin. No phones allowed! They literally lock up your phone and give you a key. We really liked that this created a more engaged atmosphere and no one was taking photos. Reservations for tables recommended! Somewhat busy on Saturday nights. Sneakers and shorts seemed to be allowed but definitely recommend dressing nice for the space.

Mayra

Google
Love the concept, it’s moody and you have to turn in your phone but some people still had theirs. I used my camera I happened to carry but I was told no pictures (politely) so I was able to snap a few pics. The bathroom is so cute and they carry Le Labo which I LOVE. The drinks are okay. Not sure that I’d return but it’s good to try once.

Sergio Roman II

Google
The powder room is a favorite of mine. The decor, ambience, vibe, service, is perfect for date night, a night out with friends, you name it. It feels like an elegant, but slightly groovy cocktail lounge in the classy part of the late 60's era. Cocktails taste and look great, prices are pretty standard for a cocktail lounge of this caliber. Food (tapas style) are deliciously crafted. For amazing service, I recommend asking for Rafael (unless I'm there, because dibs). Rafael always provides expert advice on the menu, remembers our names when we walk in, and knows that perfect balance of checking in on you and letting the group enjoy their experience. During our last visit with a group of 4—we each had 2 drinks and we ordered 1 of each food item. 8 cocktails and 5 food items came out to roughly $50 per person

Maureen Doss

Google
I visited Austin for the first time this summer, and I spent a night out at the Powder Room. Right upon entry, the receptionist was very lovely, funny, and accommodating, which really added to it being a positive time and first time for me. The ambience and design is absolutely stunning, inviting, and vibrant. The music selection really added to the elements and environment. The food was delicious as well. I will be returning here.

Corrine Harrington

Google
Last night my friends and I went to the Powder Room to celebrate a birthday. Immediately when we sat down a middle aged man sitting near us stood in front of our booth grinding and humping the air in front of us. This repeated multiple times with us telling him to stop and he even tried to tell the waitress to kick us out. We got the manager involved who notified the owner but said they couldn’t throw him out because he was here with an important investor. At one point the man got so close he was trying to grind himself on my friend. He was so in coherently drunk, he was slurring and falling over. We were very appreciative that the manager stood in front of our table for the majority of the night to block the man because he wouldn’t stop. He was trying to make us more comfortable since the owner did not care at all. The man watched us the whole night and made us feel so unsafe. It’s so so disappointing that the owner prioritized one rich/important man over the safety of a large group of girls. Especially when they take your phone when you walk in!! The owner obviously doesn’t care about making their customers feel safe even when they’re being harassed! It continued until we finally got fed up and left. We appreciate everything the manager did since his hands were tied. The owner should be ashamed and girls should beware.

Shelby Hadden

Google
Had the BEST time at The Powder Room with my friend—we were both celebrating big life milestones, and this was the perfect place for it. The vibe, the aesthetic, the drinks (get the mule!), the service—divine. I’d come back just to see our server, Adam, who curated the perfect night for us. Can’t wait to go back!

Desiree Viray

Google
Stepping into the main area, I was immediately transported to another realm, truly savoring the rare opportunity to disconnect from my phone. The atmosphere was incredibly relaxed, with nostalgic music setting the perfect backdrop for truly memorable cocktails. The entire experience was simply incredible. When we inquired about a sweet treat, Adam, despite their banana and Nutella cookies being sold out, thoughtfully created a custom mix of chocolate-covered espresso beans, milk, and white chocolate chips to satisfy our craving. It was such a kind and considerate gesture!

Lauren Ramos

Google
From the moment we arrived, the experience was nothing short of exceptional—and much of that was thanks to our server, Melody. She was the perfect combination of professional, knowledgeable, and personable. Her recommendations were spot-on and she anticipated our needs without ever being intrusive. Melody truly elevated the evening with her impeccable service and attention to detail. Highly recommend this place—and if you're lucky, you'll get Melody as your server.✨
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Sarah K.

Yelp
We had the best time at Powder Room tonight! Adam was phenomenal, so knowledgeable of the menu and really listened to our preferences and made the perfect recommendations. Food was delicious, just the perfect amount to take the edge off and complement the cocktails. Loved that we had to check our phones and just be present in the moment, the space and with each other! Can't recommend this spot enough! A must visit when in Austin!

Yuriko R.

Yelp
We came in last minute for some drinks before dinner on friday last weekend, beautiful space and the hosts were very accommodating without us having a reservation. Our server was so sweet and had great recommendations for cocktails, will definitely be back!
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Mia ..

Yelp
Must go to bar in Austin. The environment is incredible (no phones) and truly feels like a speakeasy. The decor is swanky and high end all around. The menu is crafted really well (drinks only) and fits the vibe perfectly. Recommend getting a table vs doing the bar as that area can get packed easily.
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Gina F.

Yelp
We had a blast at Powder Room this last weekend. It is easy to find inside Manny's, but you are completely transported when you enter inside. It is stunningly beautiful and the vibes are great. I loved their take on an espresso martini. It was delicious, but without caffeine. The only downfall is that it was super busy and the service was pretty slow. We were only able to get 2 drinks each in our 2 hour time slot. Our servers were very sweet, just seemed to be stretched thing.
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Lauren E.

Yelp
I've seen this place all over social media, so I was super excited to try it! My friend made a reservation for 13 in advance to celebrate her birthday to make sure we would get a table for all our friends. Unfortunately, it was all downhill immediately upon arrival. The bouncer and hosts were very friendly, but after taking our phones (there are no phones or cameras allowed inside) they informed us that we would not be seated at a table large enough for us, and instead we would be seated at a smaller table and reseated in 30 minutes to a table large enough for all of us. They promised that they would bring over chairs for the rest of our party so that no one would have to stand until being moved to the larger table. That was a total lie. We were seated at a table that was maybe large enough for 6-7 people, so half of our party was standing. The wait staff then refused to bring over chairs for anyone, so we had to take turns sitting at the table. Considering this is a nice bar, we dressed up for the occasion, and all the girls were very unhappy about having to stand in their heels. The inside is very stylish and has gorgeous lighting, but they have some acoustic issues that make it very loud. We were shouting over each other trying to have conversations. About 20 minutes into our reservation, we were informed that we would soon be kicked out due to a last minute buyout of the bar. There was no compensation offered or even an apology, just a very blunt directive that we would need to leave soon. After an hour of our uncomfortable seating situation, we were moved to a table that was large enough for all of us, but we were extremely disappointed considering we made a reservation in advance specifically because we knew we were a large party and would need to be seated at a large table. The drinks were another story. There is a very small, limited menu of 10 cocktails. The menu gave the impression that off-menu drinks are not approved of. I ordered the Icarus Agenda, the only rum cocktail on the menu, which is labeled as a "stronger" cocktail. I was extremely disappointed. The "cocktail" tasted like coconut milk with simple syrup in it. I'm not sure that there was any rum in it at all. One of my friends ordered the No One Here Gets Out Alive, which tasted like straight up bell peppers (very strange, don't recommend). Another friend ordered the Earthly Possessions, which smelled and tasted extremely smoky like mezcal. The waitress was adamant that it was not a mistake, so my friend choked it down but also highly did not recommend it. Because of the extremely inconvenient seating situation, the bar was nice enough to send us a round of shooters on the house. The shooters were tasty, but also did not taste like they had any alcohol in them. After being moved to the second table, we decided to cut our losses and leave. When we were initially being sat at the small table, the hostess and our waitress told us that our first round would be complementary due to the inconvenience, but when we spoke to the manager, they told us they had sent us a free round of shooters (which we did not ask for) and would be giving us a 25% discount instead. They claimed that this was a better deal for us in the end, but the math does not check out at all. I'm not sure how many rounds we would have had to order to make that work out in our favor, but paying for any amount of rounds of weak drinks is not worth it in my opinion. In the end, the bar ended up comping all of our drinks because they wanted us to leave in order for the private party to be able to enter. We all felt like they didn't want us there and they were annoyed to have to deal with us at all. Overall, I was extremely disappointed in this bar, especially considering we were there to celebrate my friend's birthday. I love the concept of locking your phone up to be intentional about spending time with your friends, but in order to be a successful bar, you still need to execute on the basics. That means seating people at the tables they reserve and serving good drinks. Powder Room clearly is not capable of either of those things. When people talk about problematic bars in Austin, they often speak of pretentious, overpriced bars with poor service and weak drinks. I had not experienced that until now, but I can confidently say that this is one of the worst bars in Austin. I have never felt like such an inconvenience at any establishment until this point. I can't even say that you should bear with the horrible service for the drinks, because the drinks are awful too. I think it goes without saying, but no one should feel the need to argue with a manager while celebrating their birthday. Although it is very pretty inside, I would not recommend this bar to my worst enemy. If you're looking for a nice bar for a special occasion, I recommend Roosevelt Room, Holiday on 7th, or Codependent Cocktails.
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Thomas E.

Yelp
Quite an interesting spot hidden behind a small storefront, Manny's. I stumbled upon this place by accident after seeing a crowd of people gathered around a place that clearly did not match the clientele. I could not tell who was working there and who was just hanging around so I tried to go in, at which point a woman stopped me from entering the building and asked what I was doing. I asked what this place was and she told me it was the powder room, which I had seen pictures of online, and realized it was more hidden than I thought. I asked if I could go in and she said they recommend reservations, but that I could go in tonight, though she seemed to be trying to dissuade me. I made my way in and there were a few small groups of people still hanging around but it was mostly empty. The aesthetic is very cool, and definitely a warm loungy vibe, but it oddly clashes with the DJ and really loud music. It's like it doesn't know whether it wants to be a club or a speakeasy. It seems like the kind of place to sit around and have conversation but it would be very hard to do so. I got a drink from the bartender. Asked for the cocktail menu, and was given a falling apart magazine. Props for creativity, but it seemed a bit impractical. I don't remember which of the drinks I tried, but they had some creative choices to choose from and I enjoyed the one I had. I went off to the side of the bar to take some photos and was harshly reprimanded from someone on the staff for doing so. He told me they had a no cell phone policy which I had no idea about, I had no problem with it, just didn't know it was a thing. I told him I wasn't aware and put my phone away, and he continued to scold me which was just somewhat ridiculous. After reading other reviews I see people have their phones taken away by the hostess, I was never asked by anyone to turn in my phone. I understand the idea, but in practice that seems a bit insane. Like what if there's an emergency and someone needs to get a hold of you. Informing people and requesting to put their phone away ought to be enough. I enjoyed the music and the space, the overall concept seems a bit off though, and I didn't really feel welcome being there. Would I recommend? Maybe. But come well dressed and with a reservation or prepared with a certain confidence to dare your way into here.
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Stephanie W.

Yelp
Powder room is just stunning! It is absolutely one of the prettiest speakeasies I have been to in Austin, I was floored by the decor (see Google reviews for interior pics - they have a "no cell phone policy" so I couldn't take any pics myself). The staff also fabulous - Siobhan was my waitress and she was lovely, helpful, and gave great drink recs! Overall I would absolutely rec a visit to powder room; despite the "no phone" policy (they put your phone in a locker at the entrance) it's an excellent experience, and the drinks are super fun. A must visit when you are in Austin!!
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Jennifer T.

Yelp
Love this speakeasy! Even though we have to hand our phones over before entering, the hostesses were super friendly which made that part more enjoyable. They were also able to charge my phone while we enjoyed our drinks. Lifesavers! The decor in this place is amazing and I honestly love the idea of being present, without our phones. The menu is a little bit on the pricier side, but nothing too crazy since this is a speakeasy. We walked in around 9 PM on a Tuesday night (without a reservation) & it seemed as though we brought the rush in. The nearly empty bar completely filled but the bartenders were excellent at maintaining their composure while still getting drinks in on time. Very impressed with this place. Now it's time to try Manny's!
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Kristin S.

Yelp
Recommend having reservations so you get a table vs standing around the bar. Once you arrive they take your phone and lock it up. It's a no cell phone bar, which was nice. The downside is it is SOOO loud. If they expect people to talk to each other because they don't have their phones it defeats the purpose to have such loud music. It was impossible to hear any conversations outside of 2 people. This was the worst part of this cocktail lounge, which is so unfortunate. Drinks were great and so was the service. I had the Semi-Tough which had a hint of apple but not as much as I thought it would. I also had the not a penny more, not a penny less and loved it! It tasted kind of like an espresso martini, but better!
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Katie M.

Yelp
I booked the Powder Room for pre-dinner cocktails for my friend's birthday and it felt like I was being transported onto a movie set walking into the bar. Different shades of brown and orange, wood paneling, lights, cheetah print, etc - very 70/80s inside. Of note, they do not allow phones inside the bar (which I liked) and they store your phones in lockers at the host stand. They have a drink menu but also can make any OG cocktail you'd like. Half the group ordered off the menu, and the other half (myself included) ordered cocktails not on the menu. I ordered a Bees-Knees and then a second one with Lime instead of Lemon and would HIGHLY recommend the lime version. It was SO good! Everyone enjoyed their drinks and we got a round of compentary shots for the birthday girl which was a nice surprise *essentially 1 cocktail split 6 ways - not the traditional all liquor shot* My only reasoning for the 4 star review was that they put our party of 6 in a corner booth where we didn't fit/ had to cram AND with other party of 4. (So 10 people in this corner booth) The hostess said "we like to get cozy here" but half the bar wasn't occupied so why not sit us where we didn't have to cram? It was uncomfortable but we made it work.
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Angela B.

Yelp
Great concept and glad I read reviews before hand to be aware of phones being held at the front before being sat. While they mention a dress code, didn't seem to be enforced very well. Granted it was early in the evening around 5:30pm. So maybe things change later on. The initial arrival was warm and friendly and we got sat right away in a cozy booth area. Service was lack luster with no one checking on us until after something was said. Chevon was the staff member we ordered with and she seemed to be preoccupied with other items. The interactions were rushed and not genuine. Drinks were tasty too! Don't recall what exactly we had since I couldn't take a pic. lol the lighting was a bit low so read the menu by candle light. We ordered the chips and dip which were both a tasty snack to go along with the drinks. Restrooms are shared but have nice individual. When the check came, we chuckled a bit as they have a QR code to scan and pay....however, y'all got our phones! So how does that work? I'd go back and make a reservation for later in the evening to see the vibe. And try a couple different drinks.
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Tomas R.

Yelp
A true escape from your day to day life to really be in the moment with those you came with. The Powder Room had me feeling my Studio 54 vibes with all the amazing decor and aesthetic of the 70s and I'm here for it. Powder Room is in the business for creating memories and not being distracted from everyday technology. I'm not sure about y'all but there isn't anything that irks me more than to be at a table where just about everyone is doom scrolling and can't be away from their phone. Have a group of family/friends who are guilty of this? Drag them here and be guaranteed they won't be distracted. When you're ushered to your table you are first asked to hand over your phone and they will lock them away for you. As you go down the sultry hallway, you're then welcomed by one of the most beautiful bars and lounges in town. That jaguar is just screaming opulence and tbh I hope it's adorned with a diamond necklace one day. The menus are these campy magazines that even feature articles including zodiac calendar readings, legit local ads, and so much more. The drinks and small bites were fantastic and thank you for creating such an intentional zero proof and low abv menu! I will now be keeping this spot in my rotation and tbh I don't think it's fair to describe the entire experience as you have to enjoy it for yourself. IYKYK.
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Preethi N.

Yelp
Cool experience, loved how phones had to be checked in at the front desk, the bar was very pretty. Had to go through Manny's to get to the speakeasy. Great amounts of seating and space, really good for groups. Was kind of disappointed with the cocktails, they sounded super interesting and tasted fine but I was expecting a lot more. I got the Just Above My Head (cognac, bourbon, clarified strawberry juice, bitters), and it was just kind of mediocre, the clarified juice thing is not cool enough to carry a cocktail anymore. Food was also mid. Ambiance was impeccable though
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Danielle D.

Yelp
No pictures because of their no cell phone policy and honestly, more places in Austin should follow suit. The energy in the space was absolutely electric and it was because everyone was actually engaging with each other and not their tiny little screens. The space itself is behind or inside of Manny's and honestly, the vibe is immaculate. The decor is something out of a pink/art deco daydream. A gorgeous bar, amazing lighting, and plenty of space to cozy up and really talk with the people you came with or even the people closest to you. The menu wondered a great selection of curated cocktails and small bites. Staff are super attentive - a reservation is a must and don't be late. I would 100% recommend this spot for anyone and everyone looking for a great vibe and wanting to really make the evening about great drinks and engaging conversation.
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Paayal J.

Yelp
Unique experience with the no-phones rule! Gorgeous decor inside-- gives very Great Gatsby meets safari vibes, in a good way. The cocktails on the menu are different/unique. I didn't love mine, but the friends I was with did really enjoy theirs. Knowing they also can make any OG cocktails, I would come back for the good vibes. Cozy spot for a date night or smaller group of friends.
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Destiny L.

Yelp
I have been to Powder Room twice now and they certainly have a fan in me! I love a good speakeasy and I believe they do a decent job of capturing that essence. Both times I went, I had a reservation but from what I understand they do offer walk ins as well. The decor is beautiful but some of the tables are quite close to each other. On my first visit, it was very crowded and a lot of people standing (assuming walk ins) in the middle of the aisle. I think this took away from the intimate vibe that most speakeasies are created to be. Upon entering, they do take your phones, so I think this is supposed to give the intimacy back. Our server, Marlon was so kind and gave us a full breakdown of the menu and what it entails. I don't remember the exact name of the drink I got but it was blue, had rum and was delicious. Not sure if it will become my favorite bar in Austin but it has a good vibe, good music (DJ on the weekends) and good customer service!
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justine h.

Yelp
This is a beautiful cocktail bar with great drinks and decent snack selections. Unfortunately it was also pretty pretentious and the staff felt unwelcoming. We came here for a 6pm reservation which online says you can have a 90 minute slot. Unfortunately, the space was booked for an event at 7 and we were rushed out very unceremoniously. We were not told this until we arrived and it made for an awkward moment when we were asked to leave. Disappointing overall as there are similarly beautiful speakeasies with better hospitality. I would suggest closing out reservations like that if a private party is anticipated like that.
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Tracey K.

Yelp
Such A beautifully decorated gem nestled in the heart of Austin!! Cozy yet sophisticated touches of old world charm! You feel like you just walked into a Hollywood film and get to enjoy an old fashioned right next to the Rat Pack and Marlyn Monroe. Our waitress actually looked like Marlyn Monroe! She had a beautiful smile and served us our cocktails with elegance and grace. We will be coming back to see Madison aka: Marlyn Monroe.
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Tiffany J.

Yelp
We went for Cocktails and they were awesome the atmosphere was amazing. One thing is the lock your phones up, so if you go on a date you are actually going to have to talk to one another I thought it was a great idea. My Service was amazing the drinks that were recommended were amazing 10/10 for me
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Melinda N.

Yelp
oOooO, if you want to be seen but not be photographed, head here. It was a Sunday evening and we were surprisingly admitted without reservations. Put in your map "manny's" and once inside walk to the silver doors towards the back. The host will take your phones and give you a key, which will allow you to get your phones back once you're ready to leave. The ambiance is chill and intimate. Staff are fun and accommodating. The menu is interspersed in a magazine (similar to Retail Therapy) so we went off menu. They made me "The Last Word" with blue chartreuse and it was not good so she gladly made me a French 75. Green chartreuse is still hard to get! Loved the space to catch up with my girls. Some of the seating options are too close together but if you're in the mood to get to know others, this is perfect. I would love to come back.
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Celine C.

Yelp
No pictures for this review because phones were taken at the front desk. I love speakeasies! They're so fun to look for like an adult scavenger hunt. Powder Room is hidden behind a cafe called Manny's. I love walking thru the door and feeling like I've been transported some place else. Ambiance is magical with a cheetah in the center. Service is A+ because the bouncers were so cool and the staff inside were very nice. Honestly, I feel bad about the 3/5 stars but the drinks were just not good. Flying in from LA and NY and having just been at the Peacock at the Proper, the drinks at Powder Room were just not memorable. Again, this is probably just a personal preference, but the menu is too hectic. It's a small magazine booklet thing where menu items were duplicated on different pages. I would've preferred a clean menu with everything listed on just one page for ease of ordering. There's probably one vodka-based concoction that I didn't want so I opted for a gin-based one.
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Jorja S.

Yelp
Adam was a great server! This place had a chic cool atmosphere and the menu was a very cool concept and intriguing.
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Jennifer D.

Yelp
I had yet to be to a speakeasy that felt like a club until visiting this place. The decor is a 10/10. The entry process was hectic and pretentious. Very little customer service. It makes you feel like someone's doing you a favor by letting you in. The DJ is phenomenal but the volume doesn't allow for any conversation which is unfortunate cuz who wants to yell all night. The unisex bathroom in this chaotic environment is just asking for trouble. Without making and direct statements...there's more going on there than just regular bathroom business. If you're a female do yourself the favor of going with a friend. Drinks were all round or over $20 and not impressive. Now to my least favorite part. This place could be incredible except it feels like a speakeasy that's lost its way and is a confused night club. The music is so loud that we were screaming at each other and the waitress. The waitress was so sweet and I could see how overwhelmed she was. Note to the owner...care for your staff and the environment they work in. Not only will you get more out of them but they'll work harder for you and your guests will see it. Not sure what clientele you're looking for here. The four of us are in our 30's-40 and we left as soon as we drank our drinks. The environment was intolerable and obnoxious. Would have loved to have had a better review to post about this place but unfortunately it was not a place I'd recommend or revisit.
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Joey W.

Yelp
Was here to celebrate my wife's birthday with a large group of her friends last night and made a reservation a few weeks ago. The Good: - The interior decor selection is 10/10. I will give credit where credit is due - it felt like you're in a Miami club back in the 70's. Well done to whoever had design input there. - The DJ was very good The Bad: - Customer service is horrendous. We had a reservation for 11pm and we sat in Manny's for almost 30 minutes while watching walk-in's and other folks get brought back constantly ahead of us. It was maddening to see - it felt like a pretentious LA club where they are almost doing you a favor letting you in the doors. By the way - the table reservation is only for 90 minutes and so we barely had an hour for our reservation. Totally unprofessional. - The check-in process is complete chaos. No organization and a lot of stressed out employees trying to figure out how to manage a literal zoo of people. It took forever to get from point A to point B. - This place is not a "speakeasy"....this is a nightclub/lounge hiding behind the speakeasy branding. You can't even have a conversation inside because it is SO LOUD. Yes the DJ was great...but wait, there are DJ's at speakeasy's? None that I've been to. - The menu is way too busy. The magazine idea is a cool concept but it's so hard to read and understand the options. It's too dark in there to have that much happening on little pages trying to decipher the drinks. - It is SO HOT inside. Likely because they are clearly over capacity with bodies coupled with there being no AC constantly running. - The "we take your phones" concept to me falls flat for this place. There is nothing exclusive or special enough about PR that warrants this policy. - What is your target clientele? Is it the wannabe uppity/snooty Austin socialites or is it the normal Austinite civilians? Your dress code needs to be properly enforced. There was a table next to us and everybody was wearing athletic wear or sweats. Crazy to see at a place that commands on average $20 for a drink. Definitely won't be returning...it's just not for us. There's too many great options around downtown that are actual speakeasy's and more intimate settings to continue giving this place money. Roosevelt Room is half a block down the street.
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Mike K.

Yelp
3.5 stars out of 5. I wanted to love this space, so let me provide constructive criticism of what we loved and what fell short. Pros: - Interior design is incredible - DJ playing great music - Friendly staff all around - Hustling area in DT (lively) - Creative and thoughtful menu - Light snacks Side Notes: - Inside of Manny's - They take your phones when entering - No photos allowed - Reservations allowed (walk-ins open) - Regular DT Austin parking What We Got Done: - Espresso Martini - Old Fashioned ($26 one) x 2 What We Loved: Design: It is gorgeous in there. From the bar design to the DJ booth and the overall aesthetic, it felt very Gatsby-like and luxurious. The bathroom area was also excellent for those looking at the overall experience. Music: It was SAT night, and they were playing some House, and the DJ was spinning live. It matched the tone and vibe of the place. When we first got there, one of the first few, when they opened at 5 PM, it was a bit quiet, so you could hear our neighbor's conversation. They turned it up after a few moments, which was perfect. Staff: Incredibly friendly. Loved it. Nothing else to say except that whoever did the hiring and training paid extra attention to friendliness and kindness. Nice work! Taking Phones: I love their intention to take away people's phones. It's smart in today's world. After you check in at the front, you can return with the key they give you so that you can text or call someone (if needed). We forgot how to be present without checking our phones every minute, so having an organization that cares enough to make this a part of their experience is perfect. Opportunities To Improve: Drinks + Presentation: This is where they get the most significant ding for me. At $26 for an old-fashioned, I expected something better than Here Nor There, Small Victory, or In Plain Sight, some of my top cocktail lounges in Austin. However, for that much, it fell short, IMHO. The glassware could be a double-wide OF glass, and the ice cube could be more significant (hand-carved or a 2x2 cube); stamp your ice and possibly smoke it at that price. The taste was good, but the places I listed were more memorable. The Espresso Martini was also good, but it could have used some beans on top or ground beans for a finished cocktail. It just didn't feel as elevated as we would have hoped. They also state tableside mixology, so I thought they mixed your drinks next to your table. It was my confusion, but in case someone else thinks that from reading their description, it's not that, which is completely normal/fine. Drink Selection: Again, this is no fault to the waitress and staff, as they were incredibly kind! However, I wish they had more selection. Being a scotch, whiskey/whisky, and bourbon/rye lover, they didn't have a few things I asked for, which was okay, but I was hoping to have a few more choices for an upscale cocktail lounge (especially with Japanese whisky). Summary: This place has a ton of potential. I'm sure the drink program will continue to evolve, and I hope their selection expands. The space is gorgeous, and I'll check it out again with friends in the future to see how they grow. Great music, incredible staff, and gives you all the speakeasy vibes for sure, but elevated! A welcomed addition to the DT Austin experience. **No photos allowed because they take your phones at the front, which is a great idea IMHO. So no photos, but trust, it's gorgeous in there!**

Ethan W.

Yelp
Best lounge in Austin. Great aesthetic and design. Amazing staff. The food out front was really good - I recommend The Rachel sandwich.
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Hannah W.

Yelp
amazing experience-beautifully crafted cocktails and the most beautiful sexy cozy interior. Adam led us in the right direction for drinks and honestly made the night so fun and memorable for us. Most fun I have had out in a while! Try the red pepper drink cocktail. Haven't had anything like it. 10000/10- will be returning ASAP!
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Anthony H.

Yelp
Very nice spot! The place has a lot of class, great for relaxing! It was awesome to not be on the phone or to have the glare of a phone in your peripheral vision. Music was very nice lots of variety in song stylings, but I really vibed with the atmosphere when jazzy house music or something like it played. 10 out of 10 for me!
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Katie G.

Yelp
First of all, this is a beautiful cocktail bar. I loved everything about the ambience- chic and elegant. I do not have pictures because they require you to give your phone to the front desk. I've been to other cocktail bars that request you do not use your phone, but not a big fan of actually giving it to the front desk. Regardless, the issues I have with Powder Room are 1. The drinks are just okay, but high cocktail prices, like you would expect for a high end product, like Roosevelt Room. They didn't seem to have much alcohol in them at all and most were overly sweet. 2. The service is not good. They cleared my friend and I's drink before we had finished it, and without asking, so that I was unable to ask for them to give it back. Overall stuffy/pretentious vibe from service. I would recommend you check out another cocktail bar, since austin has so many truly 5 star ones.
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Matt D.

Yelp
Very innovative cocktails (Thanks Ryan) and great service from the front desk. They had a buy out and I had a reservation, Angela called right away to find another time and even squeezed us into a busy night. Also, the build out is good and perfect for enjoying a cocktail
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Emily K.

Yelp
I have been here twice now and it's a gem. Drinks were good the first time and even better the second time. The mezcal drink was a little watery the first time but they really honed in on the flavors and balance the second time. The blue drink was a delight, not too sweet and the chartreuse shined through beautifully with all the island vibes intact. It was loud at 830 on a Friday. Definitely know you're getting into more of a party vibe than a prim and proper cocktail bar. Very fun with our group of six. Reservations recommended. No pics because they lock up your phone upon entering.

Emma C.

Yelp
What a cool place, my friends and I had the best time here. The ambiance from the moment you walk in the speakeasy is amazing. The decor is awesome as is the music and glassware. I will say that it is a bit overpriced and the prices are not all listed on the menu, but when the bill came after my boyfriend and I had each gotten a cocktail, then he got another and we pitched for a round of shots the bill was over $100.
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Quin T.

Yelp
I am loving the speakeasy's that are coming to Austin. The club scene in ATX is too young for my liking, so having the option of something grown and sexy is much appreciated. I did not realize that Manny's is an actual restaurant and that the cookies on the counter were available for purchase. I bought chocolate chip and banana nutella cookies for our group and they were delicious! I also did not read the reviews before going so I was not aware that they take your cell phones and I like that! However, when it came time to order drinks, it was so dark and with the one small candle on your table, it was a difficult task. We ordered a drink that had bell peppers in it and that's pretty much all you tasted. It was awful, so we sent it back and replaced it with a rose champagne, that was warm! I have never tasted warm champagne before and I was pretty shocked that they actually served it. Naturally, it was awful. Just FYI, you have to ask which champagne/wine is chilled which is something I have never experienced before. Thank goodness, they had a bottle of Schramsburg blanc de blanc chilled. We visited around 10:30 and it was indeed a little clubby, but we were ok with it. I would not mind going pre dinner for drinks and a different atmosphere. Every staff member we encountered were awesome, they just need to do a better job on their drinks.
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Bo B.

Yelp
Love this new, super cute cocktail lounge that's hidden behind Manny's. You have to go through what looks like the kitchen doors. They take your phone at the entrance so be prepared to enjoy a night without distractions. You won't know what time it is inside either. The decor is super swanky - love the tiger on top of the bar.
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Andria H.

Yelp
Seems like the reviews are quite mixed. I think the people not loving the Powder Room are expecting it to be something it's not. If you go in knowing it's a lounge vibe cocktail bar in the earlier hours and then transitions into more of a club- you'll plan accordingly. Go early if your goal is to sit and have conversations with your friends. Go later if you want to hear music (DJ, performances, etc). I liked the phones locked up. No one was walking around talking video, no one was posing their drinks. People were enjoying each other and what they ordered. Of course you can step out and check your phone (they give you a key), of course you could give your babysitter the direct phone number to the host stand, of course you could choose another establishment if you need eyes on your cell phone at every minute. Drinks are $15-22 range so plan accordingly. It's an upscale casual to fancy vibe. We found the drinks from their crafted menu to be quite impressive. Layered flavors, bold ideas. I think this was worth a few bucks more. Now, if you are looking for your more standard craft cocktails with a lower price tag- there are plenty of places close by to check out. Wine, beer, and sparkling options were all fair priced. Our service was great and I'm sad I didn't catch the young man's name. He had a lot of positive energy and he and his team made it clear they wanted us to have a good time - they even said if we didn't like a drink we could swap it. I think you have to give them some leeway in the service department for the first few weeks after opening- a new concept, with new staff in training is probably going to have some hiccups at first. Just go and try it and if you don't like it- don't go back. But it's a beautiful space with exciting decor. If all else fails you can say you drank a cocktail under the dramatic gaze of a stunning leopard.
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Dylana D.

Yelp
Positives: The menu is cute and I like that they take your phones before you walk in. We were here for the soft opening awhile back and sat at a table and that was a good experience. The ambiance is great and I love the vibe. I got a good cocktail recommendation tonight. Negatives: We walked in and sat at the bar and from the start the bartenders were complaining about their work schedule and cocktails, which is not really the energy I was looking for. I get it but just talk about that stuff in the back where patrons can't hear every word you're saying. They also messed up like 3 separate drinks from other tables while we were there. My partner ordered a Bat Out Of Hell which has "ice optional" and comes with seasoned chickpeas. He received the drink and when he asked for ice the woman that was bartending snapped and said "just so you know that doesn't come with ice". Which 1) it doesn't really matter? I just want ice? And 2) when he said "oh well it says it on your menu" she said "ha I promise it doesn't". I just think the interaction was completely weird and unnecessary. Then they never brought out the chickpeas and when we asked for them they ran out and brought us chips which is fine but it was like 8:00pm??? The woman who was bartending just ruined the experience for me because it felt awkward after that and no one said bye when we left. TLDR: cute bar and menu, would never sit at the bar top again.

Nick R.

Yelp
Amazing ambience and super comfortable. The drinks were amazing and our server, Madison, had the amazing skill to recommend the perfect drinks for our party. She was pleasant, and we never felt like we were being rushed. She checked on us often but her timing was perfect as we never felt interrupted. Great place, great service, great evening.
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James Eric T.

Yelp
Beautiful atmosphere and lots of pretty faces to look at. Drinks were the best and the staff always super friendly. Kai really kept us laughing made sure our area was pristine. Will be back next week!

Emily W.

Yelp
This was one of the best and most fun nights of my life, thanks to Adam. He gave fantastic drink recommendations, his banter was incredible, he answered all of our (many!) questions, he gave thoughtful recommendations, and he was SO attentive throughout the night. Very polite, friendly, and conversational. Probably the best service I've ever received and he made the already incredible experience a million times better. Thank you Adam!!!!
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Everett G.

Yelp
What a cool hang out! I took my friend here to celebrate getting a new job, and we had an amazing time. Our server Adam was incredibly friendly, took the time to get to know us, and made the night super special. I always appreciate a menu with no and low alcohol options. If I have a critique, it's that I wish there was a menu available online just so I could remember what I had. I'll definitely be returning.
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Alarika V.

Yelp
Very cool speakeasy with good tasting drinks. The vibe was immaculate and the decor transported you. The only con is that their drinks are quite pricey and the quantity is small
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Joaquin R.

Yelp
Walked into Manny's and had two nice guys who seemed straight out of NYC or Miami ask us our destination. We were then whisked to a spectacular sight after dropping off our phones. The ambiance and decor of this place is really something else. I've been in Austin for a very long time, and I was impressed to see we have a place where you could look around and never get tired of all the small impressions around the room. That said, it did seem like I was in 40+ Douchebro Land, and there was a lot of plastic in the room, and I don't mean from the bar itself, but welcome to New Austin, I suppose. Our server was excellent, attentive, and friendly. I did have to explain what a "finger" of something is, which I suppose might be an outdated reference in the modern bar industry. All that said, the drinks were a bit lackluster. We weren't wowed by anything we had, and I found the menu to be far too busy for my liking. It took a bit of time for us to realize it was a magazine with the drinks listed multiple times, and what they had to offer was just ... OK. With just 5 drinks between us, we walked out with a $210 tab, before tip. I'll go back, I liked the space and lack of phones, and it's a nice atmosphere, but next time I'm taking a closer look at my bill.

Kam K.

Yelp
Rachel is one of the best servers I have ever had. The quality and care she brings sets a standard everyone should expect from an establishment of this caliber. 100% recommend this bar, it's killer and management is obviously doing something right.

Robin S.

Yelp
I had a great experience at this establishment. Madison was great, and made me and my husband's time great. Will definitely come again.

Daniel O.

Yelp
While the vibe in this place was insane, decorations were nice and the lighting was amazing, the music was horrible. I went here for my birthday, as our first bar on 6th st. On top of the bartenders not knowing what a sidecar is, we ended up getting charged almost $40 for a singular drink. Our waitress was rude, and for our party of only 5 they forced gratuity on all of us, so they could act however they wanted. The entire staff kept side eyeing and mean mugging us while we were just trying to enjoy ourselves. And to add insult to injury, I paid cash for my singular $32 sidecar, and our server had the gall to ask if I wanted change! Absolute nightmare, don't come here if you want to drink and enjoy your night.

Aubrey D.

Yelp
Adam made this bar's experience for what it is. Impeccable service thank you :) It's also beautiful here and the drinks are so tasteful, but y'all already knew that.
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Kaitlyn H.

Yelp
The ambience and bar itself is cool - nice decor. Service was a miss, our server changed numerous times and disappeared to the back only to reappear 30 minutes later like they never left. Didn't have food. 2 seemingly "regulars" came in and so every girl waitress had to take their turn going to say hi which likely caused a backlog. Odd for an upscale bar to refill their Aesop bottles with regular pink hand soap though...just get normal dispensers instead of trying to come off like you're using luxe soap? It was a weird experience in that aspect...definitely lowered the vibe.

Chelsea S.

Yelp
I have tried going to this place on two occasions and honestly... it's not it. Don't get me wrong, the atmosphere is GORGEOUS & the music was great-- mainly house music. They do take your phones upon entry which is fine, but the staff seemed a bit pretentious and dry. Not necessarily friendly. The drinks are expensive & not great whatsoever. Extremely lackluster for the price ($20+) & their menu is so tiny yet confusing at the same time-- it's basically printed on a wet napkin magazine type of thing. The whole aesthetic seems a bit gimmicky but I see what they're trying to go for. Though if you're trying to replicate an elegant speakeasy vibe, I don't get why the menus look like that. My main issue with this place is the service. The front staff and the bartenders were not welcoming at all. The second time around, I brought my girlfriends (3 people total) to show them the ambience & see if we would have a better time as a group. They ID'd before going into Manny's, then ID'd at the door to Powder Room, then ID'd where they locked our phones, THEN ID'd HALFWAY when we're in the place! Literally chased us down like they forgot meanwhile a whole group of 6+ people walk right ahead of us and don't have to lock their phones or get ID'd. I asked the woman checking again why we have to get ID'd 4x and she said "it was just standard practice" meanwhile no one else had to do that. I still don't understand why that happened but it really turned us off being seemingly treated different. We left right after that bc that's kind of ridiculous as we are obviously over 21 as they confirmed 4x. I would suggest this place for larger groups but more for the dancing & ambience. If you're not expecting to order a bunch of drinks & just want to hang with friends this is probably the spot. Not sure why they take phones bc this is not the right place for mingling or meeting people.

Lexi S.

Yelp
Loved Madison here! She was so attentive & nice would definitely go back and bring all my friends next time!