02/01/09

Nice Martini Spot! A 'Secret Spot' Downtown!!

by duchessuga

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 crowd
• Cons: location is a little hidden

01/01/09

Yummy Mojito's

by Austinivy

Only went there to have a place to wait while waiting for a table at Gumbo's... But it was a pleasent surprise, Friendly staff, Strong yet tasty drinks... & a fun crowd... Will go again very soon!

• Pros: Drink, Staff, & Crowd
• Cons: Don't think I have any...

01/03/08

Nice atmosphere, delicious drinks

by txredheart

I like The Brown Bar. I like the laid-back lounge feel. Some of my girlfriends and I went there for Happy Hour after work just before the holidays and it was great. Cool low key vibe, good music but we could still hear each other. The "bar" food was fabulous--best bar food I've had in a long time. The place is very upscale but not snooty. The martini's are YUM! worth every penny. The staff is attentive and professional. Great place, cool vibe!

• Pros: Great vibe, good service, great food & Drinks
• Cons: I wanted to plan a Happy Hour on Monday but they are closed on Mondays.

11/29/07

Best Martini's!

by ll1191

I loved the Brown Bar! The atmosphere is awesome and the DJ, Bill, was incredible! He played chill music that was very catchy and nice to listen to...Everyone is friendly and the staff is very attentive... the Wedding Cake Martini was my favorite

11/02/07

Best Martinis in Austin

by longhorngirl82

This is a great bar with the BEST martinis in Austin. My favorite are the wedding cake martinis. They are like dessert! The bar is filled with late 20s to early 30s crowd. A lot of the Brown Building residents hang out there. It's upscale and the martinis can get pricey but they are definitely worth it. Although it's not a dance bar, they do have a dj from time to time and we've definitely created our own little dance party before. A good place to start your night on the town or to take your girl to because the atmosphere is kind of romantic and dimly lit.

09/30/07

A real disappointment.

by realist07

This is my first post. Hadn't been to the Brown Bar in a while so I stopped by with some friends, we were all amazed at how much it had gone down in service and quality. It seems they've forgotten the basics...the waitstaff was slow (20 minutes to get a drink and they got it wrong!), the prices were high ($100 for 3 drinks!), and the food cold (the oysters I used to love tasted like they were a week old!), the music was too loud (don't expect to be able to carry on a conversation).

• Cons: Lack of service, over priced, and noisy.

07/07/07

best dj and dancers in town

by tc_alexander

I have frequented the Brown bar for many months now. I have noticed that there are a couple of fine female dancers on the floor regularly. They really jazz the palce up and make it worth checking out. The DJ, Steven, is the bomb! Keep up the rockin' move and sweet drinks!

• Pros: Dj and dance floor
• Cons: none

A modern downtown lounge known for its 30-something crowd and its inventive martinis.

by Contributor

In Short
This street-level lounge in the refurbished downtown Brown Building condo complex draws politicos, lobbyists and successful, single, 30-something professionals. The Turkish marble bar top, lit from underneath, is the fixture of the darkly lit room. The bar also serves as a waiting room adjunct for the adjoining Gumbo's restaurant. The creative, yet pricey, full bar offers everything from single malt scotch to specialty martinis like a Key Lime Pie with Absolut Vanilia, lime and pineapple juice.

11/20/06

Awesome staff!!

by mcmm04

Brown Bar is consistently wonderful. Their drinks are by far the greatest. (Cable Car, Wedding Cake Martini, etc) The staff is always nice and very attentive. The bar is almost never too crowded, and the crowd is always fun. Definitely a great place to hang out!!

07/17/06

Great Martinis, Great Appetizers, Great Service with a Patio!

by classycat

I have been to the Brown Bar quite a few times recently. Being a downtown resident I cant express what a plus it is to have the Brown Bar as part of our neighborhood! The management and wait staff Ive had the pleasure of meeting are outstanding as the consistently GREAT dirty martinis and food proves. They recently opened a patio which is the best kept secret downtown and easiest way to wind up a long day at the office. I highly recommend checking out the Brown Bar for its happy hours and even trying something from their appetizer menu. My favorite appetizer (as of today) has to be the Cajun Calamari.

• Pros: Patio, Friendly Service, Drinks
• Cons: None