In the last year this has become one of my favorite bars in Austin. The service is great. The drinks are perfect. And on top of all of that, it's a great place to throw a party. I'm actually throwing one there on Friday. First of all, if you haven't been to Firehouse before, make sure you enter through the hostel lobby. There is a bookcase. That is all I'm going to say. When you walk in, it is like you just entered a basement speakeasy bar. Seconds earlier you had no idea there was a bar there, and then you walk in and everyone has amazing drinks in their hands and is having a blast. Then you walk up to the bar. Get ready to have a great drink. Sure, you can order off the menu, but the bartenders here know their stuff. If you tell them what you like, they will make something just for you, or at least recommend something you might like. One time I told one of the bartenders that I love two things: mezcal and Old Fashioned's. He then told me that he actually had been working on a mezcal Old Fashioned, and that he wanted to make it for me. He made it, put it in front of me, I drank it, and now I order mezcal Old Fashioned's all over town. They are amazing. The atmosphere is great too. Several times we've gotten a group together and played Cards Against Humanity there when it wasn't too busy. It's a place that is great when it's chill and great when it's busy. read more

The entrance is exactly what I would hope for and expect from a speakeasy. In fact, this might be the most interesting doorway to any establishment that I've visited. My friends encouraged me to try to find it on my own, but that was spoiled by someone else entering the bar. I won't kiss and tell. I like the vibe inside. It doesn't try too hard like other bars capitalizing on the speakeasy trend. We found a cozy corner and enjoyed a few of the original drinks. My only regret is there was not an easily accessed menu I could steal. (That's right, other speakeasies beware.) read more

Quincy makes the best drinks! Raspberry lemonade and aperol spritz. Great place to spend with your friends! read more

Firehouse Lounge - Raspberry lemonade and aperol spritz by Quincy! - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

Been here a few times and I think it's one of the coolest new spots in town. A few highlights....great live jazz music that i haven't seen much in Austin...VERY knowledgeable bartenders that make some tasty cocktails....environment was classy yet comfortable. If you haven't been here i would recommend checking it out at least once. Quality drinks, cool music and great people. Try the brooklyn #2 or el diablo! read more

I have been here before when I have conferences here. I love this place, the secret door to get in, the dim lights, love the atmosphere. It's always a stop when I am in town. The happy hour is good and love the atmosphere. Its chill here. read more

Firehouse Lounge - Great atmosphere Bar. Love the secret bookshelf door. - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Hands down, the coolest entrance to a lounge. I walked in the front door to a small hostel reception area and was confused where the lounge was. Then all the sudden someone walks up to A BOOK SHELF and slides it to the right, opening a secret passage that leads into the lounge. Can't get cooler than that. Really chill atmosphere. Cocktails take a long time so be patient. It's a little too dark... It was hard for my eyes to adjust. But I guess that was a good thing so I didn't have to look at the couple making out in the corner. Delicious daiquiri and pretty tasty pineapple cider. The cider wasn't too sweet which was a plus. read more

Firehouse Lounge - The secret passage into the lounge. - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

Loved the ambiance of this place. Dim lighting, red velvet wallpaper, live music playing with a movie playing on silent in the background, fancy cocktails... I had a Pimm's Cup. Most of us had cocktails, a couple of friends got some very generous pours of Malbec, and others got beer (bottles of Dogfish Head 60 minute IPA, I think). I thought it was a little too loud to socialize, but it's a great place to grab a drink and listen to the band playing. I would definitely go back! read more

Firehouse is a hidden bar in a hostel behind a sliding bookcase door. This was my favorite part of this bar. We came late Saturday night with a group of other Yelpers. All of us agreed it was far too crowded. There was very limited seating and the line for a drink at the bar (the only way to get a drink) was three people deep. I prefer more intimate seating arrangements, and to be served by a waitress at a table. read more

Bradley is the best bartender ever...He made our nite awesome. Great personality and can really read what you need to drink...will definately be back next time I'm in Austin. read more

Love it. Take a cab home because their cocktails are treacherous. They've got the best produce and some very skilled bartenders. If you go on a quiet night, they'll be more than happy to advice you and pick something awesome. Have fun! read more

Simply magical. When showing my ID to a bouncer outside a hostel, I was a bit confused. We then walked into the hostel where it just looks like the lobby of a motel. My friends goes over to a bookshelf and pulls it open! My mouth dropped! Literally reminded me of CLUE or Harry Potter and it is something you need to experience! When you walk into this "secret bar" (through the bookshelf!) you find yourself in a dimly lit, well decorated, intimate bar. With little nooks around the bar for your group to tuck into and enjoy some hand crafted delicious cocktails, you will surely enjoy drinking at Firehouse. The bartenders were laid back and awesome and the drinks they were mixing up were top notch. Order off the menu or describe what you like and they will concoct something special for you. We are seriously going to bring everyone that comes to town here and have them open the bookcase. Such a unique thing that we want everyone we know to experience ! read more

This place is fantastic! A friend of mine suggested this place without giving me any details. So, we head down there and all we see is an entrance to a hostel. (Um.. okay) We were hesitant, but walked in anyway. My friend stood there for a minute then pushes the bookcase to the side. WHAT!!! Best reveal ever. The decor is perfect and the atmosphere is just wonderful. Also, they have an extensive fancy cocktail list and the bartender has a pretty sweet mustache. We are going back next weekend. Can't wait! read more

This bar is great. I didn't know what to expect but I love the prohibition style theme of this place. Move the bookcase to enter this venue. It had such a retro feel that is so fun. I love the drinks menu and and the interior aesthetic! There is also a small stage for live music too! Such a fun spot!! read more

This is one of the coolest places we visited while wandering around downtown Austin! The entrance behind a bookshelf is a nice touch, and the ambiance of the speak easy is chill. Paul took great care in making our drinks... they were very well balanced, a quality that is not always well perfected. If I lived in Austin, I'd be a regular here! read more

Firehouse Lounge - Love it! Hillside Collins. - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

I lived in Austin for 4 years and this is hands-down my favorite bar. A unique speakeasy with delicious drinks. Everyone is so friendly- my group almost always met new people. Occasionally there is live music, which is great, but prepare for it to be loud! During peak times tables can be hard to come by too. read more

This was a nice place to have a good drink and kick our heels back after a long day of walking. Pretty standard bar.

If I could give 0, I would. Service less than par, and the attitude from bartenders is unacceptable. I won't return or recommend to anyone that I entertain or visiting! read more

This is a great little speakeasy in Austin. We got there around 10pm on Saturday night in May. It was completely packed. Not sure if it was an anomaly but there were quite a few bachelorette parties and lots of large groups in general. So we headed for the bar to grab a drink.....it took forever! There were basically two mixologist making drinks for at least 20 people waiting. Given that their specialty are craft cocktails, it takes a while. Not like pouring beer or wine into a glass. It took over a half hour to get 3 drinks made of which 2 drinks were just vodka sodas. Anyway, we nursed our drinks and enjoyed the people watching. Lots of eclectic people including hipsters, bachelorette party gals with cowboy boots, a few tourists like ourselves, and some local college kids. We chatted with one of the bachelorette parties who brought her mother. Wow! Cool mom, daughter, and friends. Friendly crowd. The music was awesome. Other than the long wait for drinks, I would come here again. read more

Firehouse Lounge is a great example of the privilege that as they say "location, location, location" provides. We ordered a set of four drinks, two of which were an old fashioned (at the standard yet excessive cocktail price), a drink I know very well. Drinks at Firehouse are substandard at best. Indeed, Firehouse demonstrates that you don't have to be outstanding in the Austin cocktail industry to do well-as so many people pass by. In Austin you can be a C student in the drink industry, yet still succeed. With that said, while the Firehouse drinks may lack, the venue is unique with a great location and a good ambiance. read more

Had a cocktail each and I thought both were pretty good. Prices were decent and ambiance was really cool. Gotta love the secret bookcase entry. Bartenders were friendly and although we were in and out pretty quickly, it was a spot I'd return to. read more

Neat little place that used to be the first fire station. Nice bartenders, neat entrance through the bookcase in the lobby, and karaoke the night we were there. read more

Went in tonight to hear the live music. I didn't have a chance to partake in the food or drinks, but those around me did. The atmosphere was great, a nice small place with lots of charm and friendly staff. The music was great and the choice of drinks looked extensive. The two people I was with had 5 beers between them and liked the selection and service. Next time we go in I'll make sure we have another designated driver with us and I'll try some of the cocktails that looked so great. read more

So you enter through a secret door that looks like a bookcase. That's pretty rad. They have quality cocktails (but don't mistake this for Whisler's), and a small but decent selection of draft beers. It's a neat little bar with a neat theme, and a nice change of pace. No smoking area that you can bring your drinks, though, which lost it a star. read more

Sweet speak easy bar in Austin. Never quite been to a pub like this one before, it's across the street from the Driskill Hotel. We drove by it 4 times super upset because it has no proper signage or labeling of where it's at just a old dark building that says "Fire Lounge" but it doesn't look like a bar from the outside. Until you walk in and go "is this the bar" and she goes yes and points you to a sliding-bookingshelf door and you open it up and BAM there is a full bar/dance floor staring you in the face. The bar drinks are really sweet and they have awesome cocktails, even ones with eggs swirled up inside the cold glass. I got an old-fashioned which was properly made and even had the original cherries in it. I would def come back here and bring friends since it has that "wow" factor and uniqueness. Reminds you of a prohibition era speak-easy if you have ever seen TV shows or old movies. Super cool, fits well with Austin. read more

This little speakeasy was a lot of fun. We sat at the bar. There wasn't any music going on, which would be nice to see. The bartenders were friendly throughout the night. They make a pretty good old fashioned here, but the Manhattan was the real star of the show. They made the Manhattan with brandied cherries, which, in my opinion, is the hallmark of an excellent Manhattan. The entrance is pretty awesome. I would definitely recommend checking this place out. read more

Just had the best experience here last night. I have a friend visiting from out of town. After a slightly disappointing dining experience, I wanted to take him someplace to improve the mood. Enter Firehouse Lounge. Who doesn't get excited when they take their friend into an actual hostel and slide the bookcase open to reveal this great lounge? Unfortunately, an extremely drunk 21 yr old had been trying to enter the lounge through the elevator and followed us inside. We saddled up to the bar and he saddled up right next to me, leaning far too much into my personal space and putting his head down on the table. The bartender quickly assessed the situation, gave him a glass of water and a minute later removed him from the bar after he spit on the floor. To be fair, this is 6th street. And the staff handled the situation very well. From that moment on, we just had a great time. Our bartender Brandon was really fantastic. Super friendly, great conversation. They are in the process of updating their menu, but they are happy to help craft a cocktail just for you based on your order or simply your choice of spirit and a description of what you like and don't like. My drinks were spot on. First a manhattan, then a few variations of a French 76 that were just perfect. I mentioned my love of the fancy cherries, and there was alway one at the bottom of my glass (whether it belonged there or not). We met a lot of very different people and suddenly it was almost 1am when I thought we would probably leave around 11. Always so happy when I come here, can't recommend it enough. read more

This place is a nice little hole in the wall... literally... hahaaha the entrance is a sliding bookshelf! If you are visiting definitely check it out. The live bands are awesome and the drinks were pretty good too! Different than the other bars on the street. read more

My friend and I have found a new hobby of exploring new speakeasies around the Austin area - this one is definitely one worth mentioning! The entrance behind the bookcase of a hostel is amazing and really sets the vibe right away. I came with a group of 3 girls and the bouncer went out of his way to ask if we felt comfortable with the group of men behind us in line sitting at the table next to us. The drinks were strong but good tasting and I would definitely come back for another laid back night! read more

Very cool spot so close to dirty 6th but you would never know it. The bartender/co-owner was super! Looking forward to the new hostel. read more

Firehouse Lounge - Liquid Bliss - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

Love this place! Went here on my bday after the rain started to flood Austin Saturday night (last night of ACL :( ). The server was great, I think his name was Paul. Will def go back next time I'm in ATX! read more

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I love this place! I love entering through the "secret" door from the hostel, the dark interior that calls smoky barrooms from the 40's to mind, the Frank Sinatra tunes on the stereo (you could/should turn this down, please) and the cool drinks at reasonable prices. And, the food menu has expanded a bit, since my first visit. I enjoyed the chicken salad, but I would ask that you serve some items NOT on bread. Hummus on a sweet hamburger type bun just doesn't do it for me! Best mixologist in town (wish I'd caught his name, so I could plan my visits around his work shift) read more

This is a dope spot. Stopped here and the bartenders were very friendly. Definitely one of hippest spots in Austin that I visited.

You wouldn't suspect that it's a bar on the outside! There's a hidden "secret" door that leads you to the bar. First time at this bar, I came here during SXSW. Totally loved the vibe of the bar and it's uniqueness! I'd suggest to check out the location and grab yourself a drink. read more

This is one of my favorite bars in Austin. Lots of good drinks and usually good music. It right in the middle of downtown so its pretty easy to get to. read more

Best drinks! Best bar tenders! Bee's Knees is my fave but the make a great old fashion too read more

Firehouse Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

Discovered this place by accident and it was awesome. The vibe, the bartender, everything about this place was pretty cool. Will def come here again. read more

This is my favorite bar in downtown Austin. Great for cocktails, especially when you want to drink something off the beaten path. Ambiance is alternative/classy, the staff is friendly and the scene is refreshingly non-dirty-6ish, despite being just around corner from that circus. There's really nothing else like it downtown. They have a hostel upstairs, so you're bound to meet some interesting travelers from around the world as well. read more

Totally dug this place. Was taken her on a 1st date. I loved walking thru the bookcase to get it. This night, the bartender had made a champagne punch that was really quite yummy. two glasses of that and I was toasty for sure. It's nice and small and cozy back there...lovin' the red velvety feel of the place. Check it out...I never knew this place existed...it was nice and I'd like to go again. read more

This place is awesome! Considered a "secret bar," it is located in an awesome part of Austin right across from the Driskill (THIS PLACE IS BETTER). All you have to do is enter the hostel + go through a "bookcase" esque entrance. It is a sliding door (reminded me of Harry Potter or something, mysterious AF). The place itself is super fun. Great loungey vibe, with tons of young people who are down to meet + talk to new people. It is dimly lit but feels cozy nonetheless, with tons of seating both right near the bar and around the space. Food and drinks here are really tasty as well - remember trying the tacos and some sort of lemonade-based drink. It's not cheap, per se, but the experience is definitely still worth it. And how cool to hit up a secret bar behind a hostel's bookshelf. read more

The sliding door sets the mood as you walk into the "secret" lounge. People there are friendly Drinks are good Cool Happy Hour I'd take a date here. read more