+1 512-494-4094
Nestled in the heart of downtown Austin, The Roosevelt Room stands out as an exceptional cocktail bar, event venue, and restaurant that expertly blends historic charm with modern sophistication. Its dimly lit, Prohibition-era inspired ambiance envelops guests in a moody, intimate atmosphere, ideal for cocktail enthusiasts and those seeking a refined night out.
The Roosevelt Room's cocktail menu is nothing short of impressive. With expertly crafted drinks that span eras, from the caipirinha and Clover Club to the bold Manhattan and silky Milk Punch, the bar celebrates the artistry of mixology with flair. Patrons particularly rave about the espresso martinis, which have garnered a reputation as some of the best in Austin. The chalkboard above the bar neatly outlines cocktails from different time periods, adding both an educational and immersive layer to the experience. Though some guests note the use of walnut liquor in several drinks, the creativity and quality remain unmistakable.
While the main focus is undoubtedly on cocktails, The Roosevelt Room also offers delicious fare that complements the drink menu perfectly. From the savory, freshly prepared Rosemary-Parmesan Popcorn, with its fragrant blend of garlic and grated parmesan, to the Sweet & Spiced Nuts—a tantalizing mix of caramelized pecans, almonds and cashews dusted with cayenne, thyme, and cumin—small bites provide the perfect companions to your drink. For something more substantial, the Charcuterie Board featuring Antonelli's carefully curated meats and cheeses stands out, served alongside crostini and thoughtful accompaniments, rewarding guests with layers of flavor and texture. And for those with a sweet tooth, the Strawberry-Mezcal Cheesecake, a lime cheesecake drizzled with a vibrant compote on a crunchy graham cracker crust, offers a luscious finish to the evening.
Customers repeatedly praise the attentive and knowledgeable staff, who not only ensure smooth service but enrich the experience by sharing intriguing stories behind The Roosevelt Room’s unique cocktails and atmosphere. One reviewer describes the space as “classy yet comfortable,” capturing the balance of elegance and approachability that defines the venue. The bar’s music and meticulous upkeep create a sophisticated yet welcoming vibe that resonates deeply with locals and visitors alike.
Although the lighting leans towards the darker side—perfect for evoking the speakeasy feel—it has been noted that this can make photography a bit challenging without flash. Nonetheless, this aesthetic choice only adds to the immersive ambiance, encouraging guests to savor the moment rather than focus on capturing it.
Overall, The Roosevelt Room is a must-visit for cocktail lovers and anyone seeking an upscale yet unpretentious night out in Austin’s downtown scene. Whether you’re enjoying a happy hour snack or settling in for a sip through history with their era-spanning cocktail list, this spot promises an experience steeped in craftsmanship, flavor, and atmosphere.
Contact: 307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701 | +1 512-494-4094
A top-tier cocktail experience! The Roosevelt Room offers a classy yet comfortable atmosphere with expertly crafted drinks. One of the best espresso martinis in town! Great happy hour snacks—I haven’t made it for dinner yet, but I definitely will. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. A must-visit for cocktail lovers!
Went for drinks and enjoyed our time. Expansive menu but the server was really helpful. So many great cocktails. Loved the chalkboard above the bar details time periods and drinks!
Dark and moody cocktail bar with an incredibly extensive menu. They have a section of their menu detailing cocktails throughout the ages— essentially a list of cocktails that were either created or popularized in different decades which was super cool. I enjoyed a unique take on an espresso martini. However I will note that it was disappointing that so many of their cocktails contain walnut liquor. I tried to order a different cocktail without this in it, but since it was pre-batched I was unable have it withheld. Docking a star for this because it should be easier to remove such a common allergen.
Rating: 4/5 [dine in] We were excited to try The Roosevelt Room since they've won so many awards, but honestly, it fell short of our expectations. The place is dimly lit and gives off Prohibition-era vibes, but makes it hard to see -- especially if you're trying to take photos or videos without using flash. Service was great. Our server shared some interesting background about the bar, which added a nice touch to the experience. There is a $1 per person charge for staff benefits though. Their menu is probably the biggest drink menu I've ever seen, and the presentation is impressive. However, when it comes down to taste, the cocktails just didn't live up to the hype and at these prices, it's hard to justify. Zombie ($32): Served in a skull with flaming cinnamon powder -- very theatrical -- which was cool for a second, but then our friends noticed the powder got all over their side of the table and even on their phones. The cocktail tasted good, but nothing special. It's lighter than the Blue Blazer and not very spirit-forward. The ice also melts quickly, so drink it fast or it'll just taste watered down. Blue Blazer ($32): Your choice of spirit with ginger snap syrup, hot water, bitters, lemon peel, and nutmeg. Honestly, it tasted like straight alcohol and medicine. Wouldn't recommend unless you're just trying to get hammered. Overall, The Roosevelt Room is worth visiting for the showmanship and service, but the cocktails didn't quite justify the price tag for us.
Absolutely a must go spot in downtown for their cocktail list and other drinks. Not an extensive list of food and main dishes but the right spot if you're looking for the ambiance, nice music and upkeep atmosphere. In the heart of downtown ATX.
After being out shopping on a very hot day, we walked past this place and decided to call in for a refreshing drink. It is a very cool bar with a very large selection of cocktails, all of which are responsibly priced for Austin. Our bartender Tomàs made the visit definitely worth it. He is very knowledgeable and recommended some really good cocktails but also made the time to have a chat with us and explain a bit about the bar. We are only in Austin for 4 nights but will definitely call back to this place before we go.
This is my type of bar, and the craft of bartending is what sets this one apart from others and making drinks from all eras is awesome. Had the black pearl cocktail where they smoke it in a box and at the end I just sat in peace with some smoky peated scotch drunk neat enjoying the atmosphere.
Upscale cocktails with a cool ambiance! If you like mixed drinks this is the place to go. They have a great mix of traditional cocktails and their own creations. It’s also very educational as the drinks are arranged by era from prohibition to today and ranked by boozy-ness! Lawerence was very friendly and patiently answered all of questions. Try the drink he created it - was sooooo good (it’s not listed on the website and I can’t remember the name)