Cool little bar. Nice staff and a few welcoming regulars!
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
Coby Stilp
Fun speakeasy adjacent to the capital. Drink prices are decent and there are new servers who are super nice. Give this place a try for the nostalgia factor. We will be back. BTW, no food.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
Samuel C.
The Cloak Room is one of the most atmospheric bars in Austin. Atmospheric is not always a good word. It is kitty-corner from the State Capitol. The implication for tourists is that you can go there to see legislators and political movers and shakers have a drink. I strongly suspect the real politicians actually go to more private locations with more partisan sponsors. Politicians' preferred watering holes are a lot more plush than this place. The powers that be go for wainscotting, lake views, and impressive wine collections. A private dining room where they can get a steak is not unwelcome. The Cloak Room is way too downscale and grungy to compete at that level. * * * The Cloak Room is in the basement of an old nineteenth century building. For adventurous charm, you can't beat it. Going in feels like fun. I have previously used the words "downscale" and "atmospheric" to describe the Cloak Room. It is "downscale" because you go down into the basement. It is "atmospheric" because the basement is as musty as basements in old buildings tend to be. The must teeters between breathability and all out mildew. I wouldn't want a whole lot of what is in that basement going into my lungs. Nor do I want body-destroying beverages when my respiratory system and immune system are being wrecked in other ways. If I am going to drink things that destroy my liver, I would rather do so in more salubrious settings. * * * Must and mildew bother me more than they bother other people. For some people, the Cloak Room will be an exciting adventure. If you are that kind of person, give the Cloak Room five stars. I got the hell out of there as fast as I could. So for me, it was a one star. For the average Yelper, three seems about right.
Karen R.
Such a cool place hidden in downtown Austin. Service was amazing!! In fact since it was our first time, drinks were on the house as long as we come back! Super nice, friendly, all the above, a true GEM! THANK YOU!
John G
Best bar ever.
Mason Chambers
Pretty pathetic. I arrived after opening; however, it wasn’t open. An employee arrived as we were outside conversing with others waiting to get in, and he didn’t greet us or give any indication as to when they would let anyone in. He walked in and promptly locked the door behind him. I was really looking to experiencing this historic bar, yet both employees and management seem to not understand customer service.
Matthew Lawry
Nice quaint local bar that seems mystical and mysterious at first, although large bull-nosed bar tender was very rude. i would only come here if she was not present. Otherwise, speak-easy, fun, prohibition era bar.
Tyler Kirk
I see they re-started their google presence to purge the bad reviews. The bartender is bad news.
jeremiah walters
Loved this little speakeasy dive bar right next to the Capitol. Loved the vibe and the bartenders were super friendly. My fiance loved her Old Fashioned. Great night all around.
H RE
Old speakeasy, calm vibe and adequate prices.This is a must in Austin.
Great hidden gem near the Capitol. Try a Martini, they are on a different level. Friendly vibe.
Denis Scoggin
Before visiting a new restaurant or business, it's a good idea to check reviews on platforms such as Yelp to get a sense of the general consensus about the establishment. Reading through a selection of reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of the products or services offered and help you make an informed decision. It's also helpful to read reviews on multiple platforms, as different reviewers may have different perspectives and experiences. I recommend checking Yelp and other review sites to get a well-rounded understanding of a new place before visiting.
Padre C.
On my Bucket List since my time at UT in the 70s. Did not disappoint. VERY nice pours by the bartender. Cool "dive bar"
Devin O.
Definitely a best hidden dive bar of Austin. To many people don't venture out to close to the capital. Yet they may find a place where those will be there, hiding in the night, waiting for the right person to wander in. Or you won't find it. Mwahaha.. good luck
C Pecina
Stopped by mid week. Cold AC blowing, cold drinks flowing, and great service too! Steep steps going down into this little dive. Play a song or two on the jukebox. Enjoy your sip and carry on!
Cool little bar. Nice staff and a few welcoming regulars!
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
Fun speakeasy adjacent to the capital. Drink prices are decent and there are new servers who are super nice. Give this place a try for the nostalgia factor. We will be back. BTW, no food.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
The Cloak Room is one of the most atmospheric bars in Austin. Atmospheric is not always a good word. It is kitty-corner from the State Capitol. The implication for tourists is that you can go there to see legislators and political movers and shakers have a drink. I strongly suspect the real politicians actually go to more private locations with more partisan sponsors. Politicians' preferred watering holes are a lot more plush than this place. The powers that be go for wainscotting, lake views, and impressive wine collections. A private dining room where they can get a steak is not unwelcome. The Cloak Room is way too downscale and grungy to compete at that level. * * * The Cloak Room is in the basement of an old nineteenth century building. For adventurous charm, you can't beat it. Going in feels like fun. I have previously used the words "downscale" and "atmospheric" to describe the Cloak Room. It is "downscale" because you go down into the basement. It is "atmospheric" because the basement is as musty as basements in old buildings tend to be. The must teeters between breathability and all out mildew. I wouldn't want a whole lot of what is in that basement going into my lungs. Nor do I want body-destroying beverages when my respiratory system and immune system are being wrecked in other ways. If I am going to drink things that destroy my liver, I would rather do so in more salubrious settings. * * * Must and mildew bother me more than they bother other people. For some people, the Cloak Room will be an exciting adventure. If you are that kind of person, give the Cloak Room five stars. I got the hell out of there as fast as I could. So for me, it was a one star. For the average Yelper, three seems about right.
Such a cool place hidden in downtown Austin. Service was amazing!! In fact since it was our first time, drinks were on the house as long as we come back! Super nice, friendly, all the above, a true GEM! THANK YOU!
Best bar ever.
Pretty pathetic. I arrived after opening; however, it wasn’t open. An employee arrived as we were outside conversing with others waiting to get in, and he didn’t greet us or give any indication as to when they would let anyone in. He walked in and promptly locked the door behind him. I was really looking to experiencing this historic bar, yet both employees and management seem to not understand customer service.
Nice quaint local bar that seems mystical and mysterious at first, although large bull-nosed bar tender was very rude. i would only come here if she was not present. Otherwise, speak-easy, fun, prohibition era bar.
I see they re-started their google presence to purge the bad reviews. The bartender is bad news.
Loved this little speakeasy dive bar right next to the Capitol. Loved the vibe and the bartenders were super friendly. My fiance loved her Old Fashioned. Great night all around.
Old speakeasy, calm vibe and adequate prices.This is a must in Austin.
Restaurantji Recommends
Great hidden gem near the Capitol. Try a Martini, they are on a different level. Friendly vibe.
Before visiting a new restaurant or business, it's a good idea to check reviews on platforms such as Yelp to get a sense of the general consensus about the establishment. Reading through a selection of reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of the products or services offered and help you make an informed decision. It's also helpful to read reviews on multiple platforms, as different reviewers may have different perspectives and experiences. I recommend checking Yelp and other review sites to get a well-rounded understanding of a new place before visiting.
On my Bucket List since my time at UT in the 70s. Did not disappoint. VERY nice pours by the bartender. Cool "dive bar"
Definitely a best hidden dive bar of Austin. To many people don't venture out to close to the capital. Yet they may find a place where those will be there, hiding in the night, waiting for the right person to wander in. Or you won't find it. Mwahaha.. good luck
Stopped by mid week. Cold AC blowing, cold drinks flowing, and great service too! Steep steps going down into this little dive. Play a song or two on the jukebox. Enjoy your sip and carry on!