Super cool venue and great music, friendly staff, but LIGHT on the liquor pours, I had 3 glasses of whiskey, still not buzzed...I had 2 at Drink Well last night and I was feeling it. I guess they gotta make a profit with that big downtown rent. read more

I was out for St. Patrick's day with some of my Yelper friends and my husband for a night of fun and bar hopping. I was introduced to the Firehouse Lounge and it should be noted that it was my first experience at a speakeasy bar in Austin. I would have never found it on my own so score for me. You will enter Firehouse through a bookcase which immediately impressed my semidrunk self at the time. I mean really, how cool is that? We made our way to the bar where I had a yummy Moscow mule with the perfect amount of ginger. We later snag a sitting area in the busy bar which was nice for people watching and talking. I later learned that this place has a hostel attached. If I was traveling to Austin I would definitely consider staying here because it is off dirty 6th and in a central location to all the fun. read more

This place is so freaking cool! It's a speakeasy located inside a hostel. You can enter the bar through a bookcase in the lobby. Drinks were pretty good. I enjoyed my blackberry daiquiri. The old fashioned was strong but delicious as well. You can find a wide range of age groups here. Music is loud and old school. There are plenty of seat available. It has an intimate atmosphere, so it's perfect to bring your significant other here! All in all, it was a pretty cool bar to check out, but I didn't really enjoy the music here. read more

Firehouse Lounge - Blackberry Daiquiri - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Cool little speakeasy with dim lighting and fun vibe. Other than the vodka drink, the cocktails were good. Self serve water and limited seating. The book shelf door is super neat. read more

The bartender was the best part of this place. He was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful as we were new to the area. Very friendly conversation. Pass on the bar food, there are far better options nearby. Drinks are solid read more

Y'all know I love a good speakeasy! So of course when I was in Austin I had to check this place out. I really loved that this one was hidden in a hostel, behind a book shelf. That was all new for me. I can't recall the name of the first drink I had but I remember the prices being very reasonable! A lot of the time you go to these "exclusive, hiding, or speakeasy" type bars and they want to put crazy prices on their drinks because of it. There were to young men behind they are, they were super friendly, really speedy, knowledgeable, and fun to talk to. We ended up squeezing 2 high top tables together and our group of 9 girls really had a great time here! We took a group picture on the stage and no one made a fuss about it. So glad this is the bar we decided to end our trip on. It really made our experience fun and different! read more

Firehouse Lounge - Empty drink, bunch of girls & great ambiance for the win in Downtown Austin! - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

One of the bartenders is the worst, not going to say which. Also they play arguably too much Usher, coming from an Usher fan. Drinks are pretty neato tho read more

Such a cute and classy bar! I went here for an event with live music. The space is small and intimate but still had plenty of room to dance. The drinks were good with plenty of craft cocktails to choose from. Just walking into this bar makes you feel cool because of the way it's hidden. I highly recommend you visit if you want a loungey, classy vibe while you enjoy your drinks. read more

Great bar to just chill out and chat if you want to escape the wildness of Dirty 6. It's near a hostel as other people stated, so you never know who you'll meet. This place is kind of in the cut so you have to watch for it. The door to the bar is the bookshelf. Along the left side, there should be a handle where you slide the door. As you enter, the place is pretty small. Around 6-7 booths, about 2-3 long tables, then the bar itself. The decor is very red. Drinks are good but a bit on the pricier side for what I'd expect in Austin. Definitely used to this price in LA. They played 90s and early 2000s hip-hip, exactly what I like. I would take friends who are visiting here. read more

Such a cool speakeasy in an inconspicuous place. The bar is located in a hostel and through the secret door you enter a cool feeling lounge. Drinks are average priced and worth hanging out here for a bit. read more

Firehouse. I used to love you. Why a hidden cocktail bar has a DJ blasting rap is confounding & utterly unpleasant. NO ONE seems to be enjoying this music beyond the DJ. Wrong venue & crowd for this music. Totally kills the cocktail lounge vibe. Won't be back. Can no longer recommend you to out-of-town guests. What a disappointment. read more

Super fun spot. Very creative and unique. Can be hit or miss. Some nights super busy and club like, other nights chill and low key. Always a fun time though. Drinks are fun and tasty. Wish they had some mocktail options. read more

The bar is located behind a bookshelf and I mean, how much cooler can it get? The space is quite big and plenty of seating for small and large groups. The menu has something for everyone. Another great Austin "secret bar". read more

Really nice vibe. I got the Fitzgerald which was delicious. Firehouse has very reasonable prices and great drinks overall. read more

Firehouse Lounge - Fitzgerald cocktail. Very tasty. - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Highly recommend this place! I was visiting Austin and saw this speakeasy mentioned in an itinerary, I am so glad I went there! It's located behind a bookshelf. We went there on a Friday evening and they had amazing live music playing. Loved their drinks menu - old fashioned was my favorite. We did multiple rounds of it. :) The place is loud and full of energy. Once you have a few drinks there, you can always grab a slice of pizza on the East 6th St. read more

Not sure what the hype is about. Service is slow and bartenders are not attentive. It has a funky smell. Wouldn't stop by again.

Yes! I think this place might have been my favorite bar in Austin! Our bartender was so nice and friendly and gave us some great recommendations around town to try! The drinks were great too! I loved the "speakeasy" styled entrance, definitely makes the space even cooler! read more

Hipsterish, yes. Secret bookshelf entrance, yes. Fantastic cocktails, yes. So We went here for a friends wedding reception, and it was mid afternoon on a Saturday. It was hot and muggy out, and we arrived a few minutes late. The guy at the hotel desk had a funny grin as I tried to figure out how to get in here, but that just made it seem even better. it has that dark basement feel, but is surprisingly well lit. The bar counter top is very high, so watch out when you get off the stool, depending on how much you have enjoyed your drinks. I appreciated the velvet pictures on the wall, it felt very "Austin" that one of them was of Willy. Now this is a strange one, but I have to say, some of the funniest bathroom graffiti in the mens room. I would think its gone by now, but if its not, someone has a flair for the artistic side and turned the knots in the wood into pooping wildlife. read more

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I love Firehouse. For a bar that is hidden "speakeasy" style hidden inside of a hostel, it was already busy enough to have to jump at the opportunity for a seat at the bar or at a booth at just 8pm on a Saturday. It's definitely a bit on the smaller side so once it gets just slightly crowded you are really feeling it. The bartenders are freaking fantastic. BRADLEY. You. Are. Awesome. Excellent, quick service and every single drink that was ordered was perfect. The cocktail menu is written up high and on the wall so it's completely visible and you don't have to go up to the bar and stare and ask awkward questions. And if you don't want anything on the menu they will happily make something up for you right on the spot with absolutely no problem. read more

It takes a lot for me to write a negative review. In fact it took me 3 days of contemplating. On Saturday night my boy friend and I brought my cousin, her boy friend and uncle (from out of town) to the firehouse lounge. My cousin specially picked this lounge as she found it was the 2nd best bar in the sixth street area online. We stood and waiting in front of two empty bar stools for Service. There were about 2-3 bar tenders working Saturday night when we were there. These bar tenders completely ignored us as we were waiting 10 mins for service - as they stood around avoiding eye contact at times. We ultimately decided to leave, not spending a dime here. As a local Austin native, I was horribly embarrassed by the lack of service we received - especially with out of town guests. This experience left an awful taste in my mouth - one that keeps reoccurring each time I think about this experience. This isn't the Austin I knew and grew up in. I have been to the fire house lounge before to enjoy a few live bands. I don't think I will be back. read more

This is definitely one of the coolest most unknown spots on dirty 6th! I actually didn't know about this spot until my friend started explaining it to me and after a girl's night at the Alamo around the corner we decided to pop in for a couple of drinks. How cool is it that it is a real hostel?! You can actually get a room/bed here too! When you arrive be sure to go in the main entrance and take the secret door to get to the bar. I loved the multiple levels going on and they squeezed in a small stage as well. They have a beautiful bar complete with just about anything you could possibly want. Their cocktail list is amazing! I tried the daiquiri cocktail and OMG it was soooo good! I actually ended up having two of them! They also have a small menu of bites to eat. The bartender was so nice to my friend and I and she made some great recommendations. She absolutely knew her stuff. I mean you really can't ask for more! If you are looking for a unique place in the midst of all the chaos that can be dirty sixth then this is absolutely the spot to hit up! This is a cocktail bar and lounge with a working hostel and secret door! I think it is the perfect spot to show off to your friends and family that come to town. I can't wait to come back and explore the cocktail list even more! read more

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Really cool, hidden gem of a bar just off 6th street. You enter the building and you're standing at the check in desk for the hostel. The hostel staff smiles at you as you try to figure out where the bar is located. Then you see a bookcase with a small handle in it. You pull the bookcase to the side and voila, you're in! The bar is dimly lit, but not too dark. The wallpaper reminds me of an old brothel, in a good nostalgic way. It's red textured surface blends perfectly with the room. There's not a lot of seating so it's best to get there before the crowd. Fortunately we did, and since there six of us, that was a good thing. The bartenders weren't overly friendly but they knew their stuff and I enjoyed watching them making the cocktails for others while waiting in line for mine. All the drinks I sampled from friends were very well made and delicious. DJ Nikki was playing that night and she kept the place hopping. Had a great time here. read more

SATURDAY HAPPY HOUR REVIEW: This looks like any old storefront in downtown but, when you walk in you will see a receptionist who will tell you to slide the bookcase to enter and watch your step! Of course we had to take pictures of us sliding the bookcase! We ordered at the bar and it was happy hour pricing on selected drinks! The drinks were expertly crafted, inventive, original and well balanced! When we walked in the gal at the desk commented to us when we said we were there to eat that they had a small menu. In my opinion, yes it is small but, it's good that way because the items that they do have are pretty perfect. Pulled Pork Sandwich: This is served with bleu cheese coleslaw, pickled onions and pickles! I was very impressed with the flavor of the pulled pork since this is not a BBQ restaurant. I love everything pickled so the pickled onions hit the spot! I also love pickles with a sandwich so, they win my vote there too! The bleu cheese coleslaw is where this whole dish set itself off! I love bleu cheese and was overwhelmed by how amazing this side dish was. I think I liked it more than the sandwich! Shrimp Cocktail: It comes served with cocktail sauce topped with slices of avocado. I have to say the avocado added to the cocktail sauce was a very nice twist on a classic! The shrimp however were a little too warm of a temperature for my liking. They weren't bad but, I like my shrimp ice cold when it's in a shrimp cocktail. Meat & Cheese Board: It's served with a side of bread and the large size that we ordered was huge! The meats and cheeses were fresh and wherever they source them from, they are the bomb! The almonds on the plate were a nice touch! The bread was also a winning pairing to the plate! Overall the service and food was excellent and I was happy that I brought my out of town family members here! read more

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Definitely on my top ten craft cocktail bars list! Firehouse Lounge has an absolutely *smoldering* environment. Think: red, red, red! Tiny lamps, candles, little tables and cozy corners. If it were any sexier it might, uh... combust. Yep. I went there. Then there's the gorgeous little menu. I'm a sucker for anything well-executed, so excuse me while I have a moment with it. So, we have several categories: Crushed, cracked and rocked ice (so evokative!), shaken and light, refreshing fizzes and long drinks (yes, please), bold, boozy and stirred (well, hellllo, sailor!), plus champagne drinks, wines, beers and elegant bar food. I had an affair with two Berry 75s that evening. And I loved them long time. Guess what's behind that bookcase? The entry to what's going to be their hostel. I am already making plans to revisit Austin and stay here because if it looks anything like the lounge, it's the perfect Joi B flophouse. I'll spend all my waking hours in the lounge. Hey, there's a drink called Death in the Afternoon for a reason. read more

This is a Speakeasy near Sixth Street and is at the bottom of a hostel. There was no cover when we arrived. The bar area is small and dark. We had a large group and had trouble finding seating. This isn't the best place for groups. The bar is small also. The bathrooms are located in a dark area and I had to use my flashlight app to see where I was going. We This would be a cool place if you're with one other person and looking for a low-key place. read more

Came here on our first night in town as my friend found out about this place online. It is behind a bookcase which is really cool. Surprisingly, the place wasn't overly crowded and during most of the time we were there there was places to sit. The cocktail/drink list was good. The bartender was also very nice and gave my friend an extra little shot of her beer with this flavoring it in. The DJ came on around 10pm and was pretty good. The place is a bit on the small side. Definitely wouldn't mind returning. read more

We were heading back to our car post Yelp event that was held a couple blocks away and we decided to stop in for one round at Firehouse Lounge and wait out the rain. Firehouse is located across the street (Brazos) from the Driskill. The lounge takes up the first floor while the hostel is located upstairs. The building itself was built in 1885 and once served as a firehouse. When you walk in the first thing you see is the front desk for the hostel, follow the signs past the book shelf to find the bar. We walked in to find a dim lit room with a red red haze and a live jazz band. The music was perfect, it added to the atmosphere without being too loud to have a conversation. We found seats at the bar and were kindly greeted by the bartender and nearby guests. Everyone was super friendly and eager to chat. First thing that stood out on the drink menu was the happy hour which is 5pm-8pm and includes $6 premium craft cocktails, $4 drafts and and a couple simple food items ranging from $3-$5. Jesse ordered an old fashion and I enjoyed a glass of Cruz Alta malbec. Jesse's old fashion was served proper in an old fashioned glass with a large piece of ice and garnished with both an orange slice and cherry. I had a sip and can report it was strong. One of their specialties is their house made fireball shots. The bartender gave us a small taste and OMG I loved it and I don't favor bourbon! It was was like Thanksgiving in my mouth! I look forward to staying at the hostel next time we plan a stay downtown and once again enjoy a drink at Firehouse. read more

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Located in the Austin's oldest standing fire station, built in 1885, coming to Firehouse Lounge is an experience not to be missed. It is everything you don't expect. You would walk right by this place, if you weren't intentionally looking for it. You walk into the hostel, pass the check in counter and slide the bookcase on the wall to the right in order to enter into this special place. This is one of the most understated and unassuming places that I have been too in awhile. It's refreshing to find a place that you can just "be", have a drink, or bite to eat without all the hipster or modern trendy upscale fluff. This is a place were locals of all ages and types rub elbows with international guests. The bartenders also join in the fun, and are quite social and friendly. Typically you will find some great live music in the evening; loved the open mic night that I came across last Wednesday night. Also, they have a light appetizer food menu, that also highlights some sandwiches. In this dimly lit, no frills bar, I wasn't expecting the food to actually be good. The meat and cheese plate was tasty, and the almonds were delicious. You just go to the bar to order your food and drink option. They bring the food to your table. The drinks were scrumptiously sinful, they are actually quality craft cocktails, served up at slightly cheaper prices. They even have the fancy shaped ice cubes to match the style of drink you are having. They don't have much to offer in the wine category, just one or two options, and not sure about the beer as mostly everyone was just drinking Lone Star, if they didn't have a cocktail in hand. Be sure to check in as there was a 10% discount for first time Yelp visitors off your order. So glad I found a new Austin downtown nighttime retreat. read more

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I've been wanting to check out Firehouse Lounge ever since it came up on the Yelp radar. Last night for Fat Tuesday, I finally got a group of friends together to try out their $4 hurricane punch on special and listen to live music. I walked past the place twice before I realized where it was! Once inside, I was pleasantly surprised by the divey, cool, red atmosphere! Yep, the walls are red, there is even red velvet wallpaper on the back wall and with the dim lights, it gives you the feeling that you're at a speakeasy of some sort. While sitting in a comfy booth, mingling with my friends and listening to the soft jazz band playing on stage, I decided to look over their cocktail menu. Oh man, these craft cocktails looks delicious! Not that my punch didn't satisfy me but their combinations of alcohol with herbs, fruit, sweet &/or sour mixes were creative & fun. Of course you are paying for the bartenders to make your drink special so it isn't cheap but their Happy Hour features $5 cocktails and low priced appetizers. Although I forgot to use my 10% off your check with a Yelp check-in, I didn't mind! If I had one suggestion, it would be to get one more bartender or a cocktail waitress or two. Having to wait 15+ minutes for a bev sort of kills the buzz. The hostel has recently opened and if I was a traveler on a budget, I would definitely want to stay here. Cool bar downstairs, 1/2 a block from 6th Street and in the heart of Downtown Austin! Hoping that this place doesn't become too popular or packed because last night, I felt like a cool kid hanging in the basement bar that nobody knew about, and I loved it. read more

Firehouse Lounge - Meat/cheese plate - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

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My new best place in austin. Good luck finding it. Dingy bar,, great drinks, occasional live music....this place is on the verge of 5 stars. Get your funk on at this place. read more

Firehouse Lounge - Defines what is cool. Hidden behind a book case. Now a favorite in austin. - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

Creative cocktails and super cool speak-easy atmosphere? Count me in! While exploring downtown Austin, Yelp directed me here. There's also a hostel associated with the lounge as well. The interior here has a high bar, table seating, and black vinyl couches in the back and a stage in the corner for live music (of course). We were there on a Friday afternoon so were the only 2 in the place. Our bartender was really friendly and talked to us about where we were from, why he chose Austin, and life in general. I wish we had more time to stay because these drinks were amazing and used all kinds of interesting ingredients. I can only imagine how fun this place is when it's a Friday or Saturday night! Definitely check it out if you can. read more

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Firehouse is really a gem in the West downtown scene. My boyfriend and I were having an anniversary happy hour celebration downtown for dinner (appetizers & drinks at all the happy hours DT - do it. It's fun!) and it was getting to be later. Like, it's Saturday and Dirty 6th is starting to look like...well, you know what happens. I usually like to stick to East Austin for drinks on a Saturday - just more my style. We turn the corner and see this place. I honestly had no idea what to expect, but we walked in and saw they still had a few specials so stopped in. They had a live jazz band that was really nice, low sexy lights, tons of classic cocktails that were reasonably priced, and a really friendly staff. Get a slapdash! Amazing! And, only $5 cocktails during Happy Hour. GREAT DATE PLACE. GREAT DATE PLACE. GREAT DATE PLACE. Sorry, I didn't think once was enough. read more

Firehouse Lounge - Great lighting & atmosphere. - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

This is a fancy yet cozy spot! I bought a round of lemon drop shots which were affordable. When you are outside, it feels like you are at a house party around a fire! read more

Agree with previous reviews about checking your bill. Got charged $13 for a drink? . My bad for letting bartender sucker me into letting him make drink for me. Total scam. Drink he made was all ice and a shot of whiskey? When I asked for itemized bill, he had given me $1 off..... Gee thanks. Not sure why so many high reviews for this place with all the great bars on 6th? Secret door to entrance disguised as bookshelf..... No big deal. Like previous reviews stated... Keep you signed receipts as theses bartenders can't be trusted. If I ever go again I am going to make guys buy me drinks by being flirtatious and then letting them get taken by the bartenders. ;) read more

Firehouse Lounge - Bar. - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

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There's an eclectic crowd at this cool secret bar. Good music, attentive staff & good drinks that are priced right (around $10 a piece). You may have walked by before without even noticing it so next time walk slower & look for a good book ;-) read more

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My boyfriend and I were completely lost looking for this place. We kept looking through the door, but didn't see a bar and when we asked the people inside, they pointed and told us it's through the bookcase. We laughed and thought they were joking, but then we realized it was the entrance to the bar. I was completely surprised and very pleased with the entrance. The bartenders are very chill and relaxed. I like the dark ambiance. It's definitely a nice relaxing and subdued bar to go and grab a drink. We enjoyed our evening there very much. read more

Firehouse Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

Capsule: Firehouse Lounge is a quasi-hidden gem, featuring strong, well-prepared specialty cocktails in a very likeable and improbably unassuming and welcoming setting. Full review below. I'm not a huge specialty cocktail fan, unless by "specialty cocktail" you mean adding ice and maybe a splash of Topo Chico to my bourbon. But I still recognize good work when I see it, and the dudes behind the bar at Firehouse knew what they were doing. They're fast, attentive, and recognize the performance aspect of mixing a drink without resorting to the cheesy Tom Cruise theatrics. The cocktail menu seems to turn over fairly often, and the one available on our Saturday (10PM-ish) visit seemed tailored to a wide variety of palates, from dessert-sweet (the missus) to bone dry (mine). I opted for something featuring tequila, campari, and grapefruit, things that I would never have thought to put together, but that worked in conjunction remarkably well. I guess that's why I never got past pouring schooners of Bud Lite in a collegiate sports bar, and they're professional cocktail slingers. Prices for the specialty menu were mostly in the $8-$10 range. This would seem steep until you realize that they're all pretty stout: I felt very good after two and couldn't imagine having more than four of them. The interior, which you get to by traveling through a secret bookcase (really), is small, dark, and full of comfy barstools, tables, and stuffed furniture. Given the small space, I was surprised that it never got uncomfortably crowded, and doubly surprised given Firehouse Lounge's proximity to the squalid douchiness of Dirty Sixth. Crowd ranges from twenty-somethings on the prowl to the elderly. It's weirdly and delightfully eclectic, and doesn't have a "scene" vibe that would alienate anybody. You can easily get an extra star out of me by having David Bowie's greatest hits playing and showing cheesy Dolf Lundgren movies on silent, two things that, incidentally, they were doing. Ideally, I'd give Firehouse something like 4.5, but I really can't see what they might be doing better, so benefit of the doubt will be given. I'll probably stop back earlier sometime to see if there's a happy hour and to see what the beer prices (they have several taps plus cans and bottles) are like. I also understand that they have live music, although none that evening. In any case, it's an easy keeper: great drinks, great service, great atmosphere, cool space. Will return. read more

Having the last night in Austin I decide to try this bar and to my suppose was amazing and the happy hour runs until 8 pm . read more

Firehouse Lounge - Move the library door and you are there !! - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Really like this place. Had a great time with friends. Very fun and cute. I will def be back And I recommend ppl to check this place out read more

We stopped by Firehouse Lounge to celebrate NYE 2016! There was a $10 cover per person, however I think there was only a cover because it was NYE. It's as cute in person as it is in the photos! The cute speakeasy is nooked behind a bookshelf wall and the venue itself is attached to the Firehouse hostel. They have a variety of craft cocktails that are delicious and strong (about $8-12 dollars a pop)! Their beer selection is minimal, but their list of cocktails was too tempting to even bother with beer. There are two levels - the lower level has some standing tabletop areas and a small stage for a band. The upper level has some booth seating and coffee tables to set your drinks down. The vibe here was VERY cozy considering it was a chilly night. The bartenders were on point - but note that your wait time in line might be a bit long because the cocktails take a while to make. Also, another random note, I'm short and it was almost impossible to order at the bar without having to jump on the foot railing! If you're in the area, I'd say stop by for a tasty cocktail - a perfect spot to celebrate, have a date or just to relax from the hustle and bustle of Sixth Street. Enjoy! read more