The Secret Bar

A VIBEEEEE. Old fashioned was really good, Dj was even better! But keep it a secret ;)

While at the Miracle on 5th St Christmas pop up bar we heard that The W was having a Grinchmas Bar. It took us a minute to find it since it is a " secret bar". After coming from the other location, this bar was okay. The other one was set up to be spectacular, whereas this was just a little decorations to get you in the holiday spirit. There was a holiday menu with Grinch themed drinks and a small food menu as well. The room is dimly lit and already red, which lends to the Christmas feel, although they were going for a Grinch theme, so it might have been nice to see more green. There were bent Christmas trees to give it the "who" look and a thrown with a Grinch mask and an ipad set up to get your perfect picture. The only issue was it wasn't a picture it was a gif and the program that sends it to your phone doesn't allow you to repost it on social media, which was the whole point for the photo in the first place. Something to note is that in December all of the gratuity is already included. The drinks were the same price as the pop up bar ($15), but with the automatic gratuity they added when the check came it was $19.75. We were all taken back because our waitress didn't inform us of this.

What's red, very dark and SMOKING HOT all over? That's right boys and girls - The Secret Bar. The Secret Bar that's hidden inside The Living Room. I just love hidden things. If walking in here does not immediately make you think about everything you wanna un-secret, then I don't know what will. Absolutely gorgeous layout of plush couches and 1/2 booths complete with pillows; great for conversation and mingling. Totally sleek and radiant glow where the music is almost as delicious as the drinks and appetizers. The air oozes yum and the unobtrusive service seemingly makes whatever you want fall from the sky. Yes, it is a bit pricey. Yes, there are hipsters. But there are creepies and there are crawlies to balance it out, people! You know what Confucius always said: "any well crafted drink in such euphoria is going to cost you more than a Mickey's 40 in a paper bag." Repeat after me.

The Secret Bar or, "The Living Room" is one of many bar/restaurants inside The W Hotel. It is dark, cozy, and makes you feel like you are in a scene from Mad Men. Thick couches that you literally sink into are where you can enjoy your libation of choice. Bartenders and servers are always friendly and helpful. This is a place that draws not only out-of-towners staying in the hotel but locals alike. Every time I have visited I see the same familiar faces. We came for the Primetime Happy Hour last night which lasts from 7-10. Many discounted drinks and food choices are on the menu. Since it is The W, drinks and food still range from $6-$9 during HH but they are totally worth it if you are in the mood for a cocktail or some street tacos. I ordered the Blind Pig which was a delicious beverage although a bit on the sweeter side. They use their own brand of bourbon which is created in a cask specifically for The W - or something like that. Street tacos are messy and delicious. Ask your bartender for more information :)

The secret bar isn't a well kept secret in Austin anymore, it's also really the same bar as the living room lounge. But if you're looking for the perfect spot to gape at all the high heeled, bell bottomed gals, you've found just the place. Definitely a cocktail bar, so ask for a drink menu so you can get a classic Austin drink served with style. As with any W Hotel, come here to be seen, and lock your target in early or the other girls will steal him from you.

This bar may have been a Secret at one time, but on a Saturday night at the conclusion of Austin Fashion week at the W - this was not the case. In any event, this lounge is airy with sleek with modern lines, comfy places to sit, and an impressive red interior. All the pretty people were represented on this night as the vibe was kicked-up by some bass-thumping jams. As you can imagine, it was ON! Can't wait to try this upscale bar again on a night when it is not SRO.

Really great drinks! Service can be slow but the martinis and mojitos are worth the wait....

Perhaps it depends when you go here, but my experience amounted to pricey weak drinks with what I felt was a pretentious and rather smug vibe. You can enjoy all of this in a decor that despite all it's flair seems, to me at least, cheaply put together. No thanks.

Not that secret. And...not that fun. Lots of tools...and when I say tools I mean that as a lady you may get approached by some strange dudes. Drinks are good, but expensive. I like the location. The staff are amazing and the valet is great.

The only one star I have ever given. So I paid 15$ for a mojito. It was good but no where to sit. Everything was reserved. Soon yes it was nice and cool but no where to hang. Everything was reserved I was baffled. Very unwelcoming

It's a W bar. It's lovely. Tucked in a side room off of the main "club" area away from the chaos is a small bar in a red room where they make lowly drinks. Drink your lovely drink beside the massive fireplace in this neuvo-Gatsby lounge where thousands of vinyl records adorn the wall.