Red Headed Stepchild

We visited Red Headed Stepchild in Austin and absolutely loved this speakeasy. The place is brilliantly hidden, and just finding the entrance already feels like part of the experience. Once inside, you’re welcomed into an intimate, slightly edgy setting with a lot of character. The cocktail menu is original and playful, with some delightfully kinky creations that really stand out. When I walked in, the bartender had just finished experimenting with a new cocktail and offered me a complimentary taste, which instantly led to a fun and relaxed conversation. We arrived fairly early, so the bar was almost entirely ours, which made the experience even more special. It felt personal, unpretentious and genuinely fun. A true hidden gem in Austin and an absolute recommendation if you enjoy creative cocktails and speakeasy vibes.

I’m reviewing as a speakeasy and it misses on so many levels. If I was reviewing as a dive bar, my rating would be much better. The floppy disk company/redheaded stepchild speakeasy, (which is the same bar) in Austin was a huge disappointment. I’d even say it’s not even a speakeasy themed bar, if it wasn’t for the secret code to enter. That is actually the best part of this speakeasy. It is a well kept secret and you either have to know someone who will give you a code or sign up to receive a code via text. When I went, I requested the code the day of and when I showed up the code didn’t work. There was someone else there who said that code was from last month, although I went on the 16th. Once inside, it’s just a regular dive bar with loud music and expensive but poorly and cheaply made drinks. This was a sore spot because you usually pay more for a craft cocktail from a mixologist. This place charged easy prices for a regular well drink you would get at a shot bar. Talk about the $ markup. Truly a disappointment. The place was old and dirty although it did have a cool red light appearance. I don’t know if there was something about the day we went whether it was a DJ party, but I felt like this bar was more for someone in there early 20s going to any bar on dirty 6th. It doesn’t have the sophistication of other speakeasies in Austin or really anywhere. I cannot recommend this place. Outside of the secret entrance, this place doesn’t resemble a speakeasy at all and was a huge letdown. If you’re looking for a dive bar, just like the others on 6th Street, this might be your place. As a dive bar, you would really enjoy this place, except for the expensive drinks.

Went there for my birthday, my female friend was treated way better. Bartender had the worst attitude, door man was nice. Bartender ignored me, treated me like an idiot when I asked for a suggestion on a vodka based drink verses whiskey. We both were clearly sober and it was our first stop of the night, he poured flat sprite into my cocktail and up charged us as well. We had half of our drinks and left. Only place where I’ve never tipped a bartender. 0/10 experience.

Val was fabulous! I ordered off the menu. But did drink roulette too, and everything was top notch. Best drinks we’ve had in Austin. Val is dynamic, knowledgeable and artistic!

The drinks and atmosphere were great and I would've rated at 5 stars if it wasn't for my experience. But, after 20 min of sitting in our booth me and my partner were kicked out of our booth so the DJ could set up his equipment. We were offered a "table" which was a small strip of wood by the bar in the middle of the walk way used by servers to exit. The booth should have been reserved, so we could have sit somewhere else while we were able to, but by that time every seat was filled, and so we had no choice but to leave.

A really fun bar with a unique atmosphere. The drink names are pretty funny and taste good. They have a happy hours, but come early if you want that. Staff was very friendly and helpful as well!

This was definitely one of the best bar experiences I’ve had. Visited more places than I thought I’d need to in an attempt to get the code, but the thrill is in the hunt right? Went around 8:00 on a Friday and there were plenty of spots open. Didn’t recognize anyone there from the other places I had been searching for the code. Love to imagine that this is a city wide conspiracy. I did not know that this place was horror themed and this discovery DELIGHTED ME. The menu - nasty (in the best way). The Shining references - epic. Our server was soooo lovely. Can’t wait to go back next time I’m in Austin.

Val was amazing! After 2 minutes she was bringing us drinks we didn’t know we would love, but they were my favorite! Highly recommend!