Speakeasy’s Story

Speakeasy is composed of three levels; the Music Lounge, the Bowling Mezzanine (which overlooks the Music Lounge stage) and the Ballroom, the Kabaret Room and the rooftop lounge, Terrace59.

The Music Lounge is comprised of stunning hardwood finishes and a roaring 20’s vibe. Guests can listen to local Austin musicians live on a near nightly basis. Enjoy a comfortable, yet classy atmosphere at one of our candlelit tables, or dance the night away on the spacious dance floor.

The Bowling Mezzanine offers a unique lounge setting with antique couches, a personalized bar, and two vintage bowling lanes, all of which over look the main music stage.

The 2nd floor now houses The Ballroom at Speakeasy, our 700-person capacity event and concert room for private events or private parties.

Pass the first floor double doors to the Kabaret Room for an intimate prohibition era vibe complete with pool table, stage, bar, and 1920s inspired lounge furniture.

Take a walk up 59 steps to our famous outdoor spot in Austin to take in the romantic view of the downtown skyline, Terrace59. With lit palm trees, full service bar and hip music, it is a chic and elegant way to spend an evening (or host a private event). The cover lends the opportunity to spend an evening with us rain or shine.

Thanks for choosing us, and enjoy your evening at Austin’s original “swanky joint.”

A Moment in History

During Prohibition, the bootlegging business was very prominent, and illegal “speakeasies” replaced saloons that had been shut down. Secretly operating in basements of abandoned buildings and office buildings, patrons would enter through the alley. You would need to either whisper the password of the night, knock a special knock, or have a membership card to gain access. An owl behind the bar meant it was the place to be. Be sure and take a look above our bar!

A Ghostly Factoid

These are some “old bones” in these walls.  Speakeasy, located in the historic Kreisle Building, which was built in the 1870’s, has been continuously serving up great live music and great cocktails since 1997.

On July 26, 1916, the three-story building caught on fire (check out the stage backdrop. This is a picture of that fire. It’s the middle of July and they are wearing 3-piece wool suits!) and it sustained substantial damage. Tragically, James “Jimmy” Glass, an Austin Firefighter, and two women unable to escape from the elevator and lost their lives that day. That elevator still sits at the front of the building next to the front windows. The building was rebuilt as a two-story building and has been haunted ever since. Jimmy Glass’ badge number? 13

In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s the Army/Navy Surplus store operated out of the building. After that, Oscar Snowden Appliances occupied the building. Then, in 1997, the legendary drinking establishment was established.

Alongside the addition of Speakeasy to the Kreisle Building, Director Richard Linklater of Dazed and Confused fame, established a state-of-the-art viewing and editing facility called the Austin Film Center on the 2nd floor. The 2nd floor now houses The Ballroom at Speakeasy, our 700-person capacity event and concert room.

The Kreisle Building is a City of Austin Historic Landmark and contributes to the National Register-listed Congress Avenue Historic District. ATX, baby!

Speakeasy Celebrity Guests

There is never a dull night at Speakeasy. If you are out to try and catch a glimpse of celebrities that are passing through town in Austin, you have a really good chance here! See below some of the superstars who have walked through our doors!

Adam Clayton

Adam Duritz

Annie Cusack

Barbara K

Bill Paxton

Billy Gibbons

Bono

Carla Gugino

Cary Elwes

Chet Butler

Clifford Antone

Curtis Armstrong

Danny Trejo

Daryl “Moose” Johnston

Dave Alvin

Dave Wakeling – The English Beat

Deandre Hopkins

Dennis Quaid

Donald Faison

Echo Johnson

Eddie Griffin

Elizabeth Avellan

Ethan Hawke – Oscar® Nominated Actor

Farrah Fawcett

Forest Whitaker – Oscar® Winning Actor

G.W. Bailey – Police Academy Chief

Gena Rowlands

George Clooney – Oscar® Winning Actor

George Wendt – Cheers

Gwen Stefani – No Doubt

Harry Connick Jr.

Jack Black – Tenacious D

Jeff Foxworthy

Jerry Jeff Walker

Jerry Jones

Jessica Alba

Jessica Biel

Jessica Simpson’s Bachelorette Party

Jimmie Vaughn

Jodie Foster – Oscar® Winning Actress

Joe Ely

John Legend

Johnny Reno

Jon Favreau – Director of Iron Man

Judy Arnold

Julianna Margulies – ER & The Good Wife

Kenny Dale Johnson – Drummer from Chris Isaak

Kevin Smith

Kevin Spacey – Oscar® Winning Actor

Kid Rock

Kirk Herbstreet & the ESPN Gameday Crew

Kirk Whalum

Kyle Gass – Tenacious D

Larry Mullins Jr. – U2

Luke Wilson

Matthew McConaughey – Oscar® Winning Actor

Michelle Rodriguez

Mike Judge

Mira Sorvino – Oscar® Winning Actress

Mr. Fabulous

Nick Lachey

Norah Jones – GRAMMY® Winning Musician

Owen Wilson

Patti Griffin

Playboy Playmate Talent Search 2000

Quentin Tarantino – Oscar® Winning Director

R. Lee Emry – Mail Call on History Channel & Texas Chainsaw

Renee Zellwegger – Oscar® Winning Actress

Richard Bronson

Richard Linklater

Robert Rodriguez

Roger Clemens

Ron Howard – Oscar® Winning Director

Russell Crowe – Oscar® Winning Actor

Sandra Bullock – Oscar® Winning Actress

Shawn Colvin

Sheryl Crow

Skeet Ulrich

Steven Soderbergh – Oscar® Winning Director

The Bangles

The Dallas Cowboys Training Camp

The Local Natives

Thomas Haden Church – Oscar® Nominated Actor

Tommy Lee Jones

Tony Award Winner Stew

Troy Aikman

Uma Thurman – Oscar® Winning Actress

Vince Vaughan

Vincent D’Onofrio

W.C. Clark

Woody Harrellson

Zach Braff – Scrubs