Trona

Bar · Central East Austin

Trona

Bar · Central East Austin

5

1812 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702

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Highlights

Japanese- & Oaxacan-inspired cocktails, intimate vibe, unique flavors  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

1812 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702 Get directions

tronaeast.com
@tronaeast

$30–50

Reserve

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1812 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702 Get directions

+1 512 999 7961
tronaeast.com
@tronaeast

$30–50

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 11, 2025

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@infatuation

The Best Speakeasies & Secret Bars In Austin (And How To Get In) - Austin - The Infatuation

"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

https://www.theinfatuation.com/austin/guides/best-speakeasies-secret-bars-austin
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@eater

Best Speakeasy Bars in Austin | Eater Austin

"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

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

11 Great New Bars in Austin: Where To Drink Right Now

"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, from a Rattlesnake Sour, with bourbon, blackberry and sage reduction, to 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

https://www.theinfatuation.com/austin/guides/austin-bar-hit-list
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@eater

Where to Party on New Year’s Eve in Austin

"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

https://austin.eater.com/maps/best-new-years-eve-parties-austin-restaurants
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@infatuation

Trona - Review - Chestnut - Austin - The Infatuation

"Trona is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar near 12th and Chicon. Getting in is a little tricky and might take some planning—you’ll need to grab a reservation a month or two in advance, or try showing up on Mondays or Tuesdays when the space is reserved for walk-ins." - Nicolai McCrary

https://www.theinfatuation.com/austin/reviews/trona
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Kim Baker

Google
This is a fun, cave-like place to visit if you want smoky Japanese and/or mezcal drinks. On the day of your reservation, they text you a password. You have to ring the doorbell and tell the hostess the password. The door leads you down this beautiful wooden hallway with really nice sunlight. The next door goes to the bar area where there are a few tables on the side and then a bar. The bar area is the most cavelike - it’s very dark and my eyes had to adjust. The drinks were delicious - slightly on the pricey side but very well-balanced.

Issa Roman

Google
It’s an absolute must-go if you enjoy a cozy and lay back kind of bar. I loved the mezcal blossom it was definitely a smoky drink. Weather that night was perfect for patio seating.

Harika Penukonda

Google
From the moment I stepped inside, the atmosphere was perfect—dim lighting, sleek decor, and a cozy yet stylish vibe that makes you feel both relaxed and Each drink had its own unique twist, and you could tell that the bartenders really knew their craft. They also offer a solid selection of cocktails and non-alcoholic options, so there’s something for everyone. The service was top-notch. The staff was friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they do. I had a few questions about the drinks, and the bartender gave detailed recommendations without making me feel rushed. Prices were reasonable for the quality of drinks, and while the bar wasn't cheap, it was definitely worth it for the experience. Overall, Trona combines great drinks, excellent service, and a laid-back yet trendy ambiance.

Jacky Arora

Google
Jacky One Sip Review 🍸 8.2/10 As I'm sitting here entering from a back alley, welcomed with Japanese sitting, you'll find this a good place for intimate conversations, interesting cocktails and good aroma! Esteban is a good bartender, liked his recommendation for Cocoa Old Fashioned. We also tried Cherry From Chiapas and and Peoples Champ! Will likely visit here again!

Josh Love

Google
We were so excited to finally get a reservation here, and let me tell you, it lived up to the hype! Dark sexy ambience, complex delicious cocktails, terrific service from friendly bartenders. They even poured us a free drink from their soon-to-be Spring ‘24 menu! Parking is limited in a dirt lot down a small alley. The space is VERY dark so prepare to use your phone light to read the menu. Overall it was amazing, 5 stars all the way.

Brânwyn Tantau

Google
What an experience. Trona was truly a perfect upscale cocktail lounge that blew me and my partner away. Very sophisticated menu with drinks for all levels of cocktail lovers. What was even more amazing was to see what N/A mocktails they offered as well that kept the same level of complexity and taste. The bartenders were friendly, the atmosphere was intimate and inviting, and the service start to finish was immaculate. I would say, avoid the patio seating if possible when making a reservation and go straight for bar seating to be in the action and feel immersed in the experience. This is a must-try speakeasy.

Varun yadav

Google
It's really nice bar with good cocktails. Place is bit small and not of seating option for large group. Overall nice speakeasy bar and must try Drinks we had: mezcal blossom, wakata, van's mule and Jamaica pinnacles. I would recommend Wakata if you like old fashion

Jake Hewitt

Google
Trona Bar Austin, the newest bar to hit the scene, is one to visit. Cool spot with great drinks. If you can’t get a reservation, go on Monday or Tuesday or after 10PM where they allow walk-ins. Shoutout to Porscha for all your help. Next time, I’ll want to sit at the bar where the magic happens. Go check out Trona and enjoy the evening out on the town.
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Dhriti C.

Yelp
Trona is a very fun and eclectic speakeasy. I was in a group of 4 around 5 pm when the place had just opened up on a Saturday and were seated immediately. The bartender was so kind to make us tasting flights of the drinks we were curious about so we could taste before we place the order. We ended up getting the actual drink from the sampler because the drinks are THAT good. The art of these drinks was so cool and unique. It's nothing like I've ever tasted before. I also loved the ambiance, the music and the vibe of the place. Would 1000% recommend visiting here for the drinks and the vibes.
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Anisha G.

Yelp
What a cool speakeasy experience! The vibe is eclectic, romantic, and full of character. When we arrived, we rang the bell a few times and, unfortunately, had to wait about 10 minutes in the cold before someone answered the door. Once seated, there was another wait before our order was taken. We tried four different drinks: Mezcal Blossom, Mi Besos Ranchero, Similares Sour, and Jan 1, 2001 Tokyo. My favorite was the Jan 1, 2001 Tokyo. I'm not usually a whiskey drinker, but I was intrigued by the "milk-washed" whiskey, and it did not disappoint--it was incredibly smooth! The hint of matcha was a perfect touch. Despite the initial wait, I'd 100% come back here--it's a unique and memorable spot!
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Kristin S.

Yelp
I highly recommend making a reservation in advance, since you will need a passcode to get in. The outdoor seating is much quieter compared to the area near the bar, where the music can sometimes be too loud, making it difficult to hold a conversation. I tried the Ikebana, and it was absolutely delicious! It had the perfect balance of sweetness without being overpowering. I definitely suggest giving it a try.
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Michelle V.

Yelp
Super sexy vibes in here yall! It's dark and moody ambiance is so fun. The decor is so well done and on theme for Mexico City vibes. We sat at the bar and ordered two mezcal cocktails and loved them!! We got el kyoto and mezcal blossom - both fruity and mezcal based. The mezcal blossom had such amazing flavors and lightness and the kyoto was fruity with raspberry and lychee. Both incredible - service was great even tho bar was packed. A little small bar and seating area so definitely make reservations to avoid waiting for a spot!
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Karla D.

Yelp
What an incredibly magical speakeasy in the heart of my neighborhood. Just a hop, skip, and a jump away to a true adult wonderland. In true speakeasy style, a passcode is provided to you just before your visit. Access is secured and you must follow the entry rules. Once inside it's truly like a dream come true. Mexican & Japanese worlds fuse together starting with the interior design and vibe. From the windows, seating, bar, and decor to the drinks and service. It's above four-star service. The drinks are true works of art served in a glass. Each sip taking you into another realm with flavor, design, and a real mastering of the cocktail. Signature and classic cocktails with a twist on fragrant tastes and zests.
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Amber B.

Yelp
We had a rsvp and ordered our drinks at the same time as another friend, who received hers after about 10min. I asked if everything was ok and if our ordered was still being made after 20min (bc they were out of 2 of the drinks already and it was only 8:40) then our waitress came up after 35min and asked what we ordered to which I replied 'our drinks aren't ready yet?' And she said no, I told her to just forget it and we left around 9:40! I have never walked out on a restaurant/cocktail bar and it takes A LOT for me to leave a bad review, but the service was just so bad! It's not a big space and they had 2 bartenders so I'm just confused and frustrated esp bc the prices were reasonable for a speakeasy and our group said the drinks that they received were good! You're in Austin, you don't need to be so pretentious!
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Jenny L.

Yelp
Very cute spot. I would think as a woman kinda Scary walking alone there bc historically this wasn't the best area in austin. Fine if uber drops you right in the front! Drinks and service is top notch. Beautiful walk in and bar area.
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Trang N.

Yelp
Ambience : simple, cozy, dim light and intimate Drinks : Super interesting fusion between Japanese and Mexico Whiskey. They have some of the wildest flavor I have seen in cocktails. Like Lap Chong ( Chinese sausage ) infused rum? lol . Got 3 drinks and they were all nice. But the best part is when the bartender offered us what they called " Lightning Bolt " if Iam not mistaken. Super super AMAZING frozen whiskey with whipped cream on top. I am not a fan of frozen drinks but this one stole the show of any other cocktails on the menu. On a hot summer day, I'd take this over everything ! with the interesting menu, I'd comeback for sure. Parking : street parking. Also they located in the back, so the front is just a sign
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Kristine L.

Yelp
A cute speakeasy-esque bar by Skinny's! My husband and I made a reservation for a Friday afternoon around 6pm. We sat on the patio, which was well lit with lots of plants. There weren't that many people around to be honest. It's a great spot if you want to have a drink and a good conversation. The staff are super chill and can help you find the right drink for your palate. We had to try the two drinks that involved fire - Urupan Ezpreso and the Rattle Snake Sour. The Urupan Ezpreso was FANTASTIC. Like a carajillo but so much better. The Rattle Snake Sour was surprisingly good. You can barely taste the bourbon - more like a lightly sweetened punch. Will come back to try their other cocktails.
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Michael L.

Yelp
THE BIG: Located on the east 12th street corridor. Beautiful interior with indoor/outdoor seating. Parking is available in a parking lot close by or street. THE BLACK AND WHITE: The wife and I came here on a Friday afternoon. It wasn't busy and when we knocked in, we had to give the password (typically in the reservation email). However I believe you can come in anytime as long as they have room. The inside is super dark, while the outside seating area is nice and airy. We got the Urupan Ezpreso which was a nice take on the latin american drink the carajillo. There was a burning cinnamon stick for the vibes. We also got the Rattle Snake Sour. It was very nice and is the perfect sipping cocktail. THE FINAL BAMBOO: Overall the damage done here was around $45 for 2 drinks. Ambiance is great and we'll be back to try other cocktails.
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Stephanie W.

Yelp
Trona is a lovely bar!! I want to give a solid 4.5 stars but will round up to 5. Only would take off 0.5 because it's a little hard to find and there aren't any happy hour deals on cocktails... but that aside -- the vibes are immaculate! The concept in the alley with a bronze door is cool too, and there's a huge lot nearby with plenty of parking which makes a huge difference. Our servers were attentive and helpful, and answered all our questions. The cocktail I had (the Lychee Rose Garden) was super refreshing and fun too, really liked it! My friend's drink (the Quetzal) was stronger but still really good. Would absolutely rec a visit!
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Lorraine W.

Yelp
We only ordered the one drink, which was beautiful, but a little sweet for my taste (my friend thought it was fine). I liked that you could taste the tequila but it didn't overpower the drink and the black pepper salt was a nice touch. We sat in the semi-enclosed patio area which extends into a darker long interior where the bar is situated along with a single bathroom. I don't consider this a true speakeasy and was a little underwhelmed by the experience as a result, which I had high hopes for. The staff were nice though! It looks like they are releasing a new 2024 menu soon so I may have to come back and try it and will update if anything changes.
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Jamie P.

Yelp
I was afraid this would be another trendy spot with overpriced cocktails- but I found out I'm paying for the amazing quality they provided. The cocktails were fantastic. We tried three different cocktails during our date night. The Coco Frida was refreshing and minty, the Wakata- which was my favorite- was a twist on an Old Fashioned with chocolate bitters, and the Uruapan Expreso was delicious and arrived to the table with a fancy presentation. You definitely have to have a reservation, which can be hard to come by, if you visit W-S. Monday/Tuesday they allow walk-ins. This is a small space with limited seating. The employees were incredibly kind and different bartenders even stopped by the table to ask about our drinks and to check-in. We found everyone to be very friendly. We had a great night here! FYI- there is no food, just cocktails, so pair this spot with a restaurant for the perfect date night.
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Rob P.

Yelp
I cannot help but gush at Trona after 2 visits. I love a good cocktail bar, but there's lots of good cocktail bars in Austin. What are there not a lot of? AMAZING staff. Plenty of other bars have friendly staff that have done a great job, obviously. But something's different at Trona. Somehow the staff has made me feel like part of the family. The owner Tatanka is great and he's assembled an all-star lineup of bartenders and servers that really make it a 5* experience. This is one of the rare times "I'd give it 6* if I could." I posted a handful of photos of drinks I've had there, but for me the experience is what brings me back. Cocktails are great, clearly. Welcome to the neighborhood, Trona, hope you're here for a long time.
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Taylor M.

Yelp
Loved my evening at Trona. It's been a long wait to get a reservation, but it lived up to all the hype for sure. It's dim and candle lit inside. The interior is simply decorated, with a taxidermy bobcat chilling above the bar. The restroom is also dim and decorated cute, and the toilet paper is black? Haha. I tried the Van's Mule, Rattle Snake Sour, and Jamaica Pinnacles. All of the drinks were very tasty and well balanced. Extra praise for the Rattle Snake Sour because I typically never like bourbon, so this is a big win for me. The only thing they are lacking is food. The only option is olives and I wish there were a few more snack offerings. Definitely recommend Trona for cocktails. Be sure to make a reservation!
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Isabella C.

Yelp
One second I'm in Austin, and the next I'm transported to Mexico! Trona is such a unique and vibrant spot, and every single drink we had was absolutely incredible. The flavors were so well-balanced and creative, making it hard to pick a favorite, but the Melona and the Ikebana definitely stood out for me. The atmosphere of the bar itself is stunning, with beautiful decor and an inviting vibe that makes you want to stay for hours. I can't wait to go back and try all the other drinks on the menu!
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Clau R.

Yelp
I had the pleasure of checking out Trona this week with friends! I've seen it for weeks on Instagram and was lucky to snag a reservation. There is free parking in a dirt lot next to Trona, and you walk up to the door, ring the bell, and the host seats you. Inside, it was kind of dark, mood lighting, and honestly a really nice aesthetic vibe. The table was a little on the smaller side, but that seemed to be the case for all of the seating options for 2-4 people. Definitely more of a romantic vibe in that way! The service was great - our waitress checked in on us constantly, gave excellent recommendations, and was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. The cocktails were delicious, and the staff even split a cocktail into two glasses (my boyfriend and I wanted to share a second one). This was just a really nice touch!
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Alexandra J.

Yelp
Fabulous mezcal cocktail with a great vibe! Great spot to take visitors. The bathroom is very dark...
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Valerie T.

Yelp
Great vibes. Good drinks. Drinks were $17-$19 which seems too high for the small portions. They all were great though. You're paying more for the vibes. It's a quiet small spot, nice date night spot!
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Shradha A.

Yelp
Finally a true speakeasy experience in Austin (I know there's a couple of others) but most places are "speakeasy vibes" rather than the mystery of discovering the entrance and a password. I made a reservation for my husband's birthday because he loves a good speakeasy. We were running a few minutes late at dinner but they were really sweet about accommodating us. But they sat us at the bar - losing the charm of celebrating a birthday. The tables weren't occupied for a long time to come. My biggest disappointment here was the service. The person assigned to us seemed like she had a 'tude working here but when you asked her anything about the menu, she came up blank, giving you that look of how can you not already know. The drinks were good but the service was a turn-off and we left after two rounds of drinks. We also thought portions were really small for the price - filling up the glass with ice. We didn't have any bartenders stop by - it was hard enough to flag our server.
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Katie G.

Yelp
My husband and I had a great time at this new speakeasy. The directions on Resy make it easy to find. We never got the "secret password" sent to us, but they still let us in, lol. I love the decor & mood-it's a long walkway with seats on the sides and just very unique. I had a reservation for the bar which was fun, but just know very loud music (quieter at the tables). The drinks were delicious!!!! Do know they are the regular Austin cocktail prices, $16-20 per drink. Tried 4 drinks (2 each) and you can't go wrong. Highly recommend!!!
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Calily B.

Yelp
Cocktails are great. Vibe is a mix between Mexico City and super hipster ATX (I thought of the CDMX vibe before I ever even went to their website). We showed up randomly at 9:45 p.m. on a Saturday and the hostess said it'd be a 45 minute wait for a table - we asked if we can stand and order a drink and she said that is fine. So, we were escorted down a dark hall and into the bar, which is also dark. It's kind of hard to read the menu if you're over the age of 30. ha! A waitress took our order, and once we got our drinks, we headed to the hallway to sit down because there was a weird smoke/incense thing happening indoors which was bothering a couple of us. The drinks: 3 had the URUAPAN EXPRESÓ and I had the Mezcal Blossom. The espresso drink was delicious. Reminded me of a cafe ole. My mezcal was also delicious. Service overall is good. I'm not totally into the whole secret bar scene, so it's hard for me to recommend places like this. But if you're able to get in easily, it's worth trying.
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Karina G.

Yelp
What an amazing space. It's so lowkey, so beautiful and vibrant. The music was perfect and most importantly, the cocktails were amazing and well-balanced. The uniqueness from one to the next was exactly what I was looking for. I would love to go back
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Lyna T.

Yelp
This was a nice speakeasy bar that was a little hidden, but it was just hard to find the front entrance. It was dark with dimmed lightning, and intimate inside. Fortunately we had reservation and sat in the corner. The drinks were all handcrafted and delicious. Our waitress was friendly and always checking up on us. Overall, great vibes and good cocktails.
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Nikkita F.

Yelp
I absolutely love this place for a good cocktail (or 3). It's easy to walk in on Monday/Tuesday and then definitely make reservations for the rest of the week. There's a lot right next door and then you enter from the alley. I really loved the mezcal drink and highly recommend trying a couple on the menu.
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Subha R.

Yelp
Overall, my partner and I really enjoyed this bar! We were walkins on a Thursday night and got seated at the bar quickly. Vibes were dark and smelled of incense and I was super into it. It felt cozy but also different than other speakeasies. We each got a cocktail. Jamaica Pinnacles and a mescal drink. Bartender was friendly and refilled our water without asking. Drinks were both solid and pricing was on par with other nice bars in East Austin. If I had one piece of feedback, it would be that the bar seating was not very comfortable (aka noticeably uncomfortable), I felt I was hunching over to see the menu under candle light.
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Shishir G.

Yelp
The first speakeasy we have been to in Austin, the ambiance is very nice. Majority of the drinks had lime/citrus undertones which I'm not the biggest fan of. We got the Mother Maguey which was very mezcal forward and did not taste like horchata. Ikebana was a lot better, still very strong but enjoyed this drink more. Service was great. Our server regularly checked on us. They have one shared bathroom which is VERY dark. Overall a good bar, drinks are reasonable priced, but I wish they had more variety.
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Christopher T.

Yelp
It doesn't live up to the hype. There's a brilliant Director or Social Media Marketing on staff because this place was massively hyped on Instagram. The gimmick was that there was only one way to score a reservation: by texting a secret phone number which was to be publicized on Instagram for only one hour. After that, anyone who wanted to get their foot in the door would be required to acquire the secret phone number by word-of-mouth. (Technically, they also accept walk-ins on Mondays and Tuesdays but the secret phone number was the only formal way to secure a spot.) Sounds pretty fun, right? The classic I-want-what-I-can't-have mentality of scarcity was employed in their marketing and and they got me: hook, line, and sinker. Ironically, less than two months after opening, they abandoned the secret phone number exclusive access and now, any old Plain-Jane can make a reservation using Resy. (I guess that they weren't able to fill seats with such a restrictive gimmick. Sorry, guys.) We sat at the bar and had two different bartenders because we landed there at the changing of the guards. The bartender who made our first round of drinks was sweet enough, for sure. But she told us that her only other bartending experience had been at Péché which (in my experience, is not a particularly cocktail-centric establishment.) But she pulled through for us, providing me with an off-the-menu mezcal-ginger-chili sour up-drink. Our second bartender was great also: much more engaging and impressive with her improvisational skills. My biggest sticking point is that there was really nothing particularly innovative on the menu (which is one of the reasons that both rounds were ordered off-menu.) They do a cocktail with a blueberry-basil syrup. What year is it -- 2016? But as a brand new speakeasy promising a focus on tequilas, mezcals, natural wines, and rare Japanese whiskys, they had surprisingly few mezcal cocktails with any sort of appeal. One redeeming quality is that the second bartender was able to deliver a pretty imaginative mocktial using a syrup made from palo santo. I had never heard of such a thing and it ended up being quite tasty. However, if the most exciting thing that they've got going on here is their mocktail-game, then perhaps you should go elsewhere in search of your next innovative cocktail. The website is gorgeous; go check it out. Enjoy the website experience but save yourself the time and money and don't bother going in-person. There are many other spots downtown where you can find a much more exciting cocktail experience. The ambiance is lovely, warm, and cozy. I feel like I could sit there for hours. I hope that the bar survives for the sake of the bartenders because both of ours were very kind. I only wish that they had allotted as much for their cocktail program as they did for their marketing budget. It's a fun concept but star of the show -- the cocktails themselves -- are lacking what it takes for this place to thrive.
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Jake H.

Yelp
Trona Bar Austin, the newest bar to hit the scene, is one to visit. Cool spot with great drinks. If you can't get a reservation, go on Monday or Tuesday or after 10PM where they allow walk-ins. Shoutout to Porscha for all your help. Next time, I'll want to sit at the bar where the magic happens. Go check out Trona and enjoy the evening out on the town.
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Gurpreet L.

Yelp
I heard of Trona through social media and it looked like a cool new spot to try. I immediately booked a reservation (required for most days) and counted down the days. All in all, I really like Trona. It has a very intimate and cozy vibe that is difficult to get at most bars. The drinks themselves were really good but we warned that they are pretty spirit forward!
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cassandra a.

Yelp
Super cool spot. Swanky . The drinks are sooooo yummy. Lots of parking too! The waitstaff was very attentive and the lighting creates a sexy atmosphere. I was truly very impressed with how good the drinks were. Definitely will be back!
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Kevin B.

Yelp
This is a brand new speakeasy hidden on the east side tucked away in an alleyway. On the weekdays, you can walk-in, but I believe you need a reservation on the weekends. Whoever designed this place knew exactly what they're doing as the ambiance is immaculate - great date night spot, super intimate and the music isn't too loud where you can still have a great conversation and vibe out. None of their drinks disappointed. I ordered their version of an espresso martini which was EXCELLENT and their mezcal option; can't remember the third one, but it was also delicious! Highly recommend this establishment!
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Anthony M.

Yelp
Trona is a brand new cocktail bar hidden over on the east side and after my recent my visit, has easily become one of my new favorites. The space offers a matrix between Japanese design and Oaxacan architecture with great attention to detail from the burnt wooden walls to the aroma of insense that fills the air. They say when you walk into a big room, you become smaller yet when you walk into a small room you become bigger and I think that's the key driving force into what makes this place great because it allows them to have a intimate and focused customer-experience unlike any other. They have a wide array of different flavored drinks to choose from and I love how unique they all were, how refreshing they tasted, and just how well-balanced the flavors go together. With that said, make sure to come check them out to see the place for yourself because pictures just doesn't do them justice.

April N.

Yelp
Drinks are sooo good and were def strong. Bar tender was very personable, music was perfect. Would def make a good date spot!
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Bo B.

Yelp
Loved this spot. Great for dates and intimate chats. It's not crowded. It looks a little sketch from the outside. They have parking off the alleyway and the main entrance is in the alley. Once you get inside, the walkway is quite beautiful and reminds me of Tulum/jungle chic vibes. Loved the decor inside. The drinks were delicious. Definitely make sure you get a reservation so you can fully enjoy the experience.
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Steve W.

Yelp
We were lucky enough to cap off a visit to Austin for the elipse with a visit to Trona, which we'd researched out as a place our group from LA wanted to hit while there. Not knowing how tough it would be to get in with the local crowds being what they were that week, we got there early before opening the day after the eclipse and weren't disappointed. (The Owner brought us water while we waited--a nice touch to show you how they treat customers.) The atmosphere was very cool, simple and understated, reflecting a nice aesthetic of Oaxacan and Japanese blend. The three of us each had two Mezcal Blossoms--very tasty and nicely executed by Elijah--who supplied the cocktails with a healthy dose of dry wit and self-deprecation...in a friendly way. Definitely a great place to enjoy a crafted cocktail and chill....hoping to make it back. One super minor criticism.....the website is nicely done, but in the description for the Wakata Cocktail, where the Japanese Whiskey is mentioned, the Japanese do not spell Whiskey with an 'e'. Like I said, minor point for an overall great experience and beautiful execution of a speakeasy.
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Nikki M.

Yelp
Was on a waitlist via Resy but decided to swing by to see if there was any room for a party of 2. When we arrived, someone will open the door for you & greet you. We were able to get along the wall in their "patio" area which was fine with us! We were able to see the main bar area from where we were sat. I love the dimmed lighting and dark ambiance, would be perfect for a date night! The main bar area really reminded me of my time spent in Mexico City and it brought back great memories. We only had two cocktails and both were good, but not amazing IMO. I'd def go back to try more to find my go-to!
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Milannie C.

Yelp
The stars aligned and after being in the wait list several days on a row, I was finally able to hop on a cancellation for Trona last week. I have to say this spot is idyllic and you soon forget you're still in Austin. We got seated in the bar which was fun cause we got to see the mixologists in action. Drew was definitely skilled and I was super pleased with the cocktails I tried. I can't wait to be back and try a few other of their concoctions.
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James B.

Yelp
This space is incredible. They did a fantastic job with transforming this spot into a speakeasy style bar. It's small and intimate. Definitely geared more toward a date night or spot for 4 kind of place. I'm sure they'd accommodate larger parties but it would be a tight squeeze at your table. The service was great, there's no food (so plan accordingly) but the drinks are the true showstoppers of this space. I had the Rattle Snake Sour, Mezcal Blossom and the Coco Frida. Each drink was perfectly balanced and each flavor came through instead of being drowned out by a single prominent ingredient. The Rattle Snake Sour may be the best bourbon drink I've ever had (I say this knowing full well bourbon drinkers will come for me but when my bourbon hating wife ordered it for herself and said she loved it, I stand by my opinion). We will definitely be back soon.

Miranda N.

Yelp
Love this spot, the vibe, the staff and all their cocktails. A little east side gem I hope we keep for a long while.
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Melinda N.

Yelp
This is a small intimate space for convos. I enjoyed the ambiance. You are seated along this corridor and there is seductive lighting. The bar is at the end of the corridor and there are two seating areas for larger parties and then seating at the bar. It's a small place. We stopped by around 11PM and came back at midnight. I wish the cocktail menu had more variety - all of the drinks sounded strong and dark when I was looking for something light and sweet. I could've just had a glass of wine. I settled for an Old Fashion with Japanese whisky. The Wakata was interesting - if you like coffee flavors in your whisky. My friend liked the Rattle Snake Sour. I noticed the cocktails have either lime/orange, coffee or spicy flavoring to them - all things i usually avoid. I hope the menu is rotating as I would come back for the ambiance. We would've loved to have olives to snack on but they ran out. Also reservations are via a number that you can get through word of mouth or you can put your name down and wait. There's street parking and other bars nearby, if this is not your vibe.
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Michelle C.

Yelp
I spend very pleasurable time with friend! although I misread the reservation time, but fortunately, I was able to use it for an hour, but it was so good! Very fancy and perfect to date night to-go. There is no foods to eat, so I recommend you to go here for the round 2 or just eat foods after Trona!
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Jr R.

Yelp
Amazing and well made drinks with a great vibe. Intimate with dimmed lighting and great crowd.
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Erica S.

Yelp
Vibes were cool but drinks were just okay. Prices were decent from what I remember. We were sat at the bar and the music was so loud that it was difficult to talk.
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Kate P.

Yelp
Trona is absolutely worth the hype. The vibes are immaculate, the bartenders are cool, and the drinks are good. It has a real speakeasy vibe and has a parking lot behind it. How many speakeasies have a parking lot?! I recommend making a reservation so you can sit in the main bar area which is great. The hallway seating is nice too and would be great for a sexy date. If you don't see something you like on the menu, ask for something else. With a full bar and skilled bartenders, you will find something you like. One of my top 5 fav bars in Austin now!

Darren S.

Yelp
This place has great social media advertising and a good website but did not live up to the hype at all. it tries to act like a speakeasy, but it's really not that at all. The whole password thing is so gimmicky and the menu is not very inspired. It's a bunch of the same sugary drinks you see anywhere else. not a lot of creativity. It seems like this was put together very quickly without a lot of thought. Honestly, when we walked in, we immediately knew this place was not all that and would have left, but for the fact that we were waiting for some friends. It's fine but nothing special or different. Oh, and they only have a one-person bathroom for the whole place. We expected a much cooler experience.

Zachry C.

Yelp
Looking forward to my next visit. Met the owner and was pleased with how he handled a conversation we had. He has made a note for our next trip to accommodate for my large mobility service animal

Olivia R.

Yelp
Amazing spot! So fun great drinks and service. Will be coming back for sure ! I love bringing people here

Hunter W.

Yelp
had a great time. Really cool vibe, drinks were delicious. Had a cool table right on the inside. Went with a couple friends, service was great as well. Definitely will be back.