Where is the Best First Date in Austin, Texas?
The bands are usually very good. Dance space is limited and they have tables on the dance floor. Also, when bands like Suede play people fill the dance floor and just watch.. People, this is a COVER BAND.. let the people who want to dance use the dance floor. I would like to see management control this more. All it takes is an announcement that the floor is for dancing, you can watch from anywhere. Another complaint is with the smoking in the bar area. I realize they somehow have special permission to allow smoking, but you really need to ban CIGARS from the area since you spent all the money on having a CIGAR ROOM to smoke in. There is nothing more offensive than a Ahnold Schwartzennegar wannabe pretending to smoke his cheap stogie in a crowded room. Lastly, the bartenders can be slow. It’s not uncommon for them to be chatting amongst themselves when there is a line 3 deep at the bar waiting for service. If they address these three issues, its a great place for the 30 to 55 crowd..
Took a friend there Saturday night, half expecting the place to be awesome and disappointing at the same time. Perfectly tucked away on 8th street, you could pass by it without even noticing if you’re not looking closely. Once inside though, we were thoroughly satisfied!! The atmosphere was inviting, the crowd MATURE and well-dressed, the music loud enough to hear, but not deafening. Our bartender, John, was perfect from the greeting upon reaching the bar til we closed out our tab. We tried the Manhattan, the Pomengrate Martini (perfectly yummy with a sugar-rimmed glass), and the Mango Martini. All of them were delicious!! I noticed some reviews complaining about high prices, but I have no complaints. I’ve lived in way bigger cities than Austin and have become accustomed to spending upwards of 10 or 12 bucks a drink and the Brown Bar prices are lower than that, so I don’t know, maybe it’s just me….I will definitely return!!Pros + Awesome martinis, great bartenders, mature crowdC
I went on a recent weekend for the first time. We were part of a large group, and I was happy to see that our table was waiting for us per our reservation. We started with drinks from the happy hour menu, and everyone was happy! My date and I shared the Tuna appetizer and the Spring Roll appetizer. For dinner, she had the Flounder and I had the Flank Steak; both were perfect. We also enjoyed several bottles of wine with our friends. The waiter did a good job with a large group: he was always there when I wanted something, at least.It was a little on the loud side, but what can you expect with these crowded places? It was a very good first trip: I’ll be back
I have been an Austinite for nearly 25 years and recently relocted to north Austin. A few weeks ago, in need of a margarita and a relaxing evening I was advised by a friend to revisit the Oasis(since I hadn’t in about 6 years). I was amazed at the job they did rebuilding after the fire and the size of the new building. Not only that, but the girls at the front desk were beaming and eager to tell me all about the new bulding and the owner’s future plans for a shopping center on the property. My waitress(I believe her name was Clair) was prompt and friendly and very knowledgable about the menu. Her suggestions turned out to be big crowd pleasers. The food was much better than I remembered! The queso, mango tilapia, and beef fajitas were a big hit. Overall, I was greatly impressed with the service, the food, and of course the view…from start to finish!Pros + Exellent Queso, Sweet Staff, and Amazing View!Cons – Not much spice to the “spicy” dishes
So in the heart of Austin party zone down an alley that looks unclean is the entrance to Speakeasy. You walk in this poorly designed club where you are ushered to walk by the bar in a small cramped place once the club gets going. You see guests from college hipsters, old bikers with ridiculouly long bleached hair (dudes), to the I’m still cool yuppy crowd out before their babysitter time is up.Downstairs is just not very nice and it looks like part is under construction (I hope). You then walk up 3 flights to the roof where a Miami feel starts (so out of place with downstairs). Kind of nice albeit the fans don’t help with the heat at all.Note – get misters. Now.We sat with friends for a party and were moved across the polace to a new seating that opened up….2 chairs to us. Why we listened to the manager I have no idea. They seem young.Our waitress would squeeze up to the table with our special order drink and basically stood with her behind in one person’s face. Uh, hel
