The Roosevelt Room

In just a few short months, The Roosevelt Room has quickly become our top cocktail spot in Austin. We’ve been coming here since it was a new kid on the block (shout out to the honeycomb wall behind the bar of days gone by) and have loved watching it grow. The Roosevelt Room has gained so much popularity, it now requires a hostess to ensure the «one in, one out» policy which is greatly appreciated. Dennis, Justin, Alex and Alexis are some of the best in town and always make our nights out extra special. There’s something to be said for a place where you’re not only known, but feel like you’re part of a family. Strongly recommend trying the West Side Story for something light and refreshing and their Vieux Carre if you’re looking for a cocktail with a bit of a punch. Cheers!

The boyfriend and I stopped by around 9pm on a Saturday, and were greeted by a hostess who immediately sat us at a large booth. First, I was pleasantly surprised that they really did re-​invent the space. too many bars in Austin throw up a new sign, splash a new coat of paint on it and expect it to thrive. Not so here! You can see the bones of what it was before but they really did a beautiful job with the interior, and I love that it’s a seated bar. no huge crowd standing around. It truly is a lounge, and something we don’t have much of in Austin. There is seating at the bar, high top tables and large booths along the wall, as well as lounge area upstairs; there is table service for everything but the bar.
The menu is very extensive and separated by the time in which the drinks were created or style (prohibition, tiki etc) and also ranked by lighter to heavier (taste and alcohol content) which I love because with specialty cocktails you sometimes don’t really know what you’re getting until you try it… No guess work needed! They also have their own unique menu of cocktails that can only be found there, and will also create something to your taste. Our server was unfortunately a little non-​existent, but the rest of the staff (the men running around in the aprons) was so friendly, helpful and attentive that it really didn’t matter. There are no prices on the menu but the bill came out to about what I was expecting: $ 50 for four cocktails. We both commented on how happy we are that there is now a place like this in Austin, somewhere to relax, have a delicious drink, and actually hear yourself speak. not to mention somewhere you wouldn’t feel out of place if you wanted to dress up a bit! I hear they have a happy hour, so I will no doubt be checking that out.
Do yourself a favor and stop by, you won’t regret it!

Never before in my life have I felt the desire to write a Unilocal review about a bar. I mean bars are bars, right? Not so. The Roosevelt Room was really impressive. Great vibe upon entering — sophisticated and comfortable at the same time. The owner was serving up drinks behind the bar. His impressive knowledge of spirits and attention to detail is what sets this place apart. The prices were reasonable for what you are getting — a super custom craft cocktail with all the bells and whistles. We were planning to bar hop but just ended up staying here all evening. Every other bar I’ve been to pales in comparison!

My friend and I went to the Roosevelt Room for the first time last night and had an amazing time. We wanted to have a fancy girls night out as both of us haven’t been out in a couple of weeks and really needed some chill time. When we got to the bar, it was already packed but the bartender kindly told us that there’s some room towards the back of the bar. There wasn’t all that much room but two of the gentlemen was kind enough to let us have their seats at the bar. Our Bartender for the night was Nicky and he is just awesome. He first talked me out of ordering a Sidecar and made me something he thinks is more suited to my taste. I can’t remember the name of the drink but it was bourbon based drink that comes with a orange peel rose. It was absolutely gorgeous. Long story short, my friend and I ended up letting Nicky decide majority of our drinks throughout the night. My friend was so impressed with the place that we decided that we’re going to come back at least once a month. A big thank you to Nicky for making our girls night out a great experience.

Roosevelt.
You can’t get much more badass than a name like that.
It’s the last name of some pretty righteous presidents of our past. And I’m glad to say, this place lives up to the name.
I came here for some cocktails and all hit the spot. The bartender was helpful and friendly. The décor was very nice. And they even had The Blues Brothers playing up on the wall.
I’d say this is a much better option than Peche, which disappointed again on my second visit to Austin.

If you like craft cocktails, do not miss this place! They have giant booths which could accommodate our group of 12, and there was definitely something for everyone. Their menu is extensive and sophisticated, and the experience was enhanced by our absolutely incredible server, Heather. Heather went above and beyond and made superb recommendations, and on an especially busy night, took the time to write a list of can’t miss bars and restaurants in Austin! Simply amazing.

The Roosevelt is a swanky, fancy, strong drink a pouring bar that I had the chance to scope out for enjoying myself with in a closed private event party and intimate setting.
They pride themselves on only the finest liquor to be used and have Happy hours every day from 4−7pm, all day HH Tuesday and half price Whiskey Weds! Justin one of the co-​owners had let us all know that at the time I came, they had been open for a little over 6 months. I couldn’t even tell, they were running like a smooth running machine and had the drinks pouring and going at all times!
I had some of the ladies clearing the plates of our snacks of the private event away, as well as some bottles of water left on our tables should we need to hydrate ourselves. The lovely Kara and Gabby were so sweet and I truly appreciated their friendliness and amazing personalities and senses of humor. It became a silly joke for each of them to get myself and my friend water as quickly as possible. Clearly this is a place where the folks are close, the drinks are strong and the vibe intimate and fun!
I appreciated the beautiful chandeliers hanging, the candle lit tables and beautiful bar lit counter. The bathrooms were even beautiful, I’m not sure how one can comment on bathrooms but I am! Can’t wait til the next time I get the chance to make my way to the Roosevelt but be guaranteed you will be impressed!

The Roosevelt Room is a swanky speakeasy style lounge featuring quality handmade cocktails, wine and beer. We went unnoticed upon arrival but it looked like several tables were being cleared out which kept the staff busy. Things brightened when Heather arrived and steered us around and through the detailed drink menu.
Drinks are reminiscent of the late 1930s and post prohibition featuring creative and unique ingredients. Son and Hubs both enjoyed fabulous whiskey cocktails, «Tiger’s Tail» and «The Brooklyn» that knocked their socks off. I had one or two sip of Son’s sweet girl’s Margarita, a «Lonesome Dove», and, holy dear gosh almighty shut the front door it was powerful. As Heather, put it: «Our drinks are booze forward.»
F. Scott Fitzgerald never joined us, but the band was fantastic, a 5-​piece jazzy group played songs reminiscent of the 40’s. Acoustics and sound system need to be tweaked a bit as the music is louder than the UT band and conversation difficult. I’m sure my next visit will be nothing less than five stars.

Alex definitely made us permanent customers! Who would have thought this place would have exceeded expectations. Attention to detail and great recommendations! Definitely will be here again and again

Beautiful bar. Drinks use a few simple ingredients and are sophisticated.
My issue was a particular bartender. I visited with a friend who wasn’t drinking, and the bartender asked her to get out of a chair so that a couple of other folks who had returned to the bar could reclaim their seats. My friend couldn’t really hear the bartender, so I had to awkwardly tell her the bartender wanted her to give up her seat. Never had that happen at a bar before.

One of the best places to get a great drink in Austin. The owner, Justin, is incredibly knowledgable of drinks, the history of booze, etc. He can make you anything you ask him for. Just a wonderful place that’s very well done!

Highly recommend this place!
It’s kind of out of the way, but worth it. Small bar — fantastic selection and an excellent happy hour.
Staff was super knowledgable and very well trained. Enjoyed visiting with them. I had an apple style drink from the happy hour menu and a couple of the other signatures drinks. All I’d highly recommend.
Quite as well which his hard to find on 6^th.

I went here last night with a couple friends and I loved it. It wasn’t so packed that I couldn’t make it to the bar, so I wasn’t waiting 45 minutes for a drink. The cocktails are very well crafted, the bartenders really know what they’re doing!
To cap off of their talent, they are incredibly friendly and extremely professional. Everyone had big smiles and they were so polite.
The ambience is very trendy, but casual trendy. I also like that it wasn’t so loud that I couldn’t hear my friends across the table. I would definitely had back here!

3.5 stars.
Loved the low key vibe in here — classic old hollywood feel — say in the 40s or so.
Music was low. weird movie on the big screen projector that was in and out of function.
Drinks are on a huge chalkboard location — separated by the years they were served (think late 1800s, pre-​prohibition, post, etc) Very cool, chic, velvet curtain to push aside when you walk in. but $ 10/​drink on avg. and some had a raw egg white. uh… but you dont have to order those.
WE both had a few old-​fashioneds: mine with rye whiskey, the husband had his with bourbon — his was sweeter.
Served with a HUGE ice single ice cube… and delicious.

Brought clients into the RRoom this week after work and it is fantastic to have a classy yet trending craft cocktail bar to have a drink and discuss business. Music was conducive to having a conversation. The drink menu offers a historical offering of the 5 or 6 classics from six different time periods pre and post prohibition. I decided to start working my way through history! The RRoom is very classy contrary to one earlier review but everyone is entitled to their opinion… and to drink wine. The drinks and service are excellent. I love that they are open for happy hours now.

The short of it: the talent that owns and runs this bar puts it in the top tier of cocktail programs in the city. You want to drink the cocktails here. That’s what matters. And they do it right. Great drinks. Great service. Great experience.
The long of it:
Where do I start?
Maybe with the elite talent that owns and runs the joint.
Dennis & Justin each have their own list of cocktail & bartending awards, the most recent of which includes GQ/​Bombay Sapphire’s Most Imaginative Bartender of the Year. I’ve followed both these men around town at their previous stomping grounds (amazing spots like Drink. Well. and Half Step) and not only do they know cocktails, they know service. And the great thing about good talent? It attracts other talent. I’ve never had a bad (or watered down) cocktail here whether it was made by these two or one of the other bartenders meticulously building drinks behind the counter.
Maybe with the cocktail list.
Sorted by era. With classics listed alongside fresh, new takes. (53 classic cocktails!!) You’ll never run out of options. And if you do, the level of knowledge the bartenders are held accountable to is unbelievable. So whether you’re in the mood for a Vieux Carre (trust me, get this classic) or «something with gin, not citrusy, and won’t knock me on my ass,» this crew will do you right.
Maybe with the jazz music.
Multiple times I’ve been here there’s been live jazz music up on stage. What can make a good cocktail bar even better? Live jazz to satisfy my ears, while my tastebuds are drowned in another gin gimlet (yes, order this one, too).
Maybe because people from Dallas don’t like it.
Another random reason I love this bar is because people (and «elite» Unilocal reviewers) from Dallas don’t. It can’t be mentioned enough that when Austin does cocktails — and for that matter, restaurants, food trucks, and any other establishment — the last group of people we are trying to impress are Dallas-​ites. Sorry, but don’t Dallas my Austin. (And why are you ordering wine at a cocktail bar, anyway?) This is the kind of bar that Austin likes to drink at. Dallas friends — I still love ya. ;)
Go drink here. Go sit here. Go hang with friends here. Go listen to live jazz here. Just go. And you can thank me later.

At one point during my first visit here a Tupac song came on while Amelie was playing (silently) on their projector. It was a great moment! This is a cool place that has a lot to offer. They have a great staff, great cocktails all in a sexy and intimate atmosphere. For me, It’s easily the coolest spot in the area. It’s also an interim bar as they have bigger plans down the road with De Rigueur.
I met Dennis (one of the co-​owners) nearly a year ago. He was working the mezcal bar above Whisler’s (Mezcaleria TobalaI). He spoke about this place coming up at some point. Very cool to see it come to fruition and great to see him here the second time I came in. Both he and Justin are awesome as are Nicky and Alex.
As for their drinks, I first had their Mountain Dew cocktail which has Rye Whiskey, Dolin Blanc, Amaro Montenegro, and Lime Oil. It was delicious, as were their Die Rigueur (their signature cocktail), their Rattle Snake, and Cigar Box which I’ve had on subsequent visits. You can tell their drinks are well crafted. They have a ton of drinks to choose from both pre and post prohibition as well as their own recipes. It’s only made me thirsty to come back and try more. This place is awesome and helmed by people who genuinely give a s*$& which I’m always a really big fan and supporter of. Enjoy it while you can as some great things are coming up from these guys.

Came here on Saturday for a date night. Very nice, intimate setting to enjoy a few drinks. Ample seating throughout the bar. Attentive service throughout the time I was there.
We ended up getting 2 rounds of drinks. The first two drinks were off the menu, and the other two were made with our preferences in mind. The drinks are top-​notch. The bartenders knew what they were doing. The prices were very reasonable for a place like this. The total for 4 drinks came out to $ 45. I think the bartenders were very generous with the pricing for the custom drinks.
I would definitely come here again when I’m in the mood for cocktails.
** Side Note: the bathrooms were really really dark. I couldn’t really see inside

Maybe I’m biased because Dennis is one of my favorite bartenders in Austin, but The Roosevelt Room is perfect. It’s got that dark, inviting cocktail bar feel including lit up bar top (I love these). The cocktails blew me away. My husband and I both enjoyed a Cigar Box. It was a perfect, smokey mezcal sipper that is made even more special by a lit cinnamon stick wafting delicious smoke in the glass as you drink. My friend got the Do You Even Lift? which tasted like a root beer float but was one of the most potent beverages on the menu. I finished with the Lonesome Dove, a perfectly balanced tequila cocktail. The citrus and vanilla made for a lovely, creamy flavor.
Dennis shared their vision for breaking down the wall between this space and the club next door. It’s always exciting to see someone talking their passion and having such a solid concept for the future. Not only am I excited to see what develops, I can’t wait to come on one of the jazz nights as Austin is super limited when it comes to live jazz.

Classic Cocktails in a classic setting. My wife and I went to the Roosevelt Room last Saturday night and had some of the best cocktails I have ever had, Austin or anywhere else. The bartenders are extremely knowledgable and can make just about any drink you can dream up. We tried three different cocktails and all three were absolutely spot on. My wife had a bourbon-​based Negroni which quickly became her new favorite cocktail in Austin. I experimented with two different gin cocktails that could not have been any different while both being perfectly delicious.
This is sure to be Austin’s next hottest cocktail bar.
TMJ