Trona
Bar · Central East Austin ·
Japanese- & Oaxacan-inspired cocktails in a dimly lit speakeasy
Japanese- & Oaxacan-inspired cocktails in a dimly lit speakeasy
"Stepping through Trona’s metal gate in an alleyway off 12th and Chicon might as well be a portal to somewhere that looks an awful lot like a speakeasy in Marfa, Texas (there’s even a mocktail called Don’t Judd Me). The smallish bar seats 49 people, inside and out, and it’s full of desert plants, adobe tiles, and the smell of palo santo giving the whole place a warm, cozy feeling. The cocktails clearly watched a lot of Westerns growing up, from the Rattlesnake Sour (bourbon, blackberry and sage reduction) to the Mezcal Blossom (a margarita riff made with agave spirits, dehydrated peppers, and lime juice). Grab a reservation online or through Trona’s semi-secret text-only line, or show up on Monday and Tuesday when the bar is reserved for walk-ins. If the light is green, ring the doorbell. Otherwise, try again later." - nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs
"Stepping through Trona’s metal gate in an alleyway off 12th and Chicon might as well be a portal to somewhere that looks an awful lot like a speakeasy in Marfa, Texas (there’s even a mocktail called Don’t Judd Me). The tiny bar seats 49 people, inside and out, and it’s full of desert plants, adobe tiles, and the smell of palo santo giving the whole place a warm, cozy feeling. The cocktails feel like they watched a lot of Westerns growing up, like the Mezcal Blossom, a margarita riff made with a blend of agave spirits, dehydrated peppers, and lime juice. Grab a reservation online or through Trona’s text-only line, or show up on Monday and Tuesday when the bar is reserved for walk-ins." - nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs
"This Central East Austin cocktail bar takes its cues from both Mexico and Japan, which means tequilas, mezcals, and Japanese whiskys are on offer, alongside inventive cocktails. Try the Kindred Spirits (barley-infused Suntory Toki, Akashi Ume plum whisky, Kalani coconut rum liqueur, soy, soda, and watermelon pate de fruit), served within its chic multi-area narrow space, which also has a small patio. The entrance can be found within an alley with a gated doorbell system for entry. Reservations are recommended." - Darcie Duttweiler
"The new Central East Austin speakeasy bar is hosting its first New Year’s Eve party with ticketed timed seatings (6 p.m. and 9.m.). The $150 tickets come with three oysters, caviar bumps, and Champagne glasses. Book tickets online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Nadia Chaudhury
"Listed among the cool new East Austin spots, contributing to the area’s reputation for inventive and interesting openings." - Erin Russell