This was our last stop for a Friday night on sixth street and it was much needed. At 12:45AM the live spanish music was still going and the drinks were still comin’. As someone that isn’t into the rowdiness of the usual 6th Street scene this bar served as the perfect getaway. Drinks were extremely reasonably priced, which was surprisingly nice. Would definitely return if ever in Austin again.
Dylan P.
Tu valoración: 2 San Francisco, CA
Service was good, drinks were good. But 2 stars for the total mess that was the sound system for the NYE show. The first artist walked off stage because the power kept going out. The second one had some sort of mixing problem that made the sound really muddy. If you’re not ready to host bigger name bands, that’s cool — just don’t pretend to be. Stick to what you’re good at.
Charles B.
Tu valoración: 2 Austin, TX
Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. Please don’t review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you’re connected in any way to the ownWe wandered up 6th street to check this place out, due to it being billed as a 20’s style club. Sadly, there was nothing 20’s about the bar, at all. It was just a basic bar(with no other customers). The bartender was very polite and knew some cool drinks. I asked for a few different 20’s style drinks, but she either could not make them, or they did not have all the ingredients. I would definitely suggest adding an air of the 20’s to this bar. At the very least, play some 20’s style music, and dress the part. About 10 minutes after we showed up, they started playing rap??? How does that fit into a place called the Gatsby? The place definitely has promise. They just need to work on the image, stock better, and improve the bartender’s knowledge of drinks. I think if they dressed the part, and played music from the era, that would be a vast improvement. I would go back, if they or employees.
Donna M.
Tu valoración: 2 Ewa Beach, HI
This was the first bar that we stopped at during my weekend in Austin and I was sorely disappointed. So disappointed in fact, that I made it a point to text myself to remind me how much The Gatsby sucked. It was pretty empty when we arrived, but heck, I needed to pee and we wanted to get a drink to start off the night. When we approached the bar, the two bartenders working seemed to be more preoccupied talking to each other than to serve us. When we finally did get their attention, their vibe was more annoyed than friendly. I’m nitpicking here, but when I ordered a vodka soda, the dude didn’t even give me a lime. Come on buddy, it’s not that hard. I’d skip this place. There are a lot of cooler bars to check out on 6th street.
Audrea Rachelle G.
Tu valoración: 3 Houston, TX
Honestly, this place is probably just too big! The size makes it feel empty. There was a good band playing outside but the place seemed sooo empty for a Friday night. It’s also a bit«grungy» vibe — which isn’t always ideal. I’m sure this place can be awesome when there are more people and it doesn’t feel so mellow.
Anna G.
Tu valoración: 1 Austin, TX
Service was painfully slow that after waiting nearly 10 minutes at the bar, I still didn’t get any service. Also, it was very hot inside. Was the AC even on?
John Z.
Tu valoración: 3 Austin, TX
My experience has varied greatly over my four visits. The service seems to be as inconsistent as the pricing. I don’t think that I’ve ever paid the same amount for a mojito. That is, when they’re not“out of mint.” It’s unclear to me if there’s really a supply problem or if the bartenders are too lazy to muddle a drink. If the staff doesn’t want to make mojitoes management should remove them from the menu. I do like that it’s a quiet oasis compared to the madness on Dirty two blocks West and I do like the overall vibe. I’ll give them another chance but it may be their last.
Karol M.
Tu valoración: 4 Austin, TX
If you’re out and about on 6th near I-35, this is a cool club to drop into for drinks and music. It’s fairly small inside next to the bar, but it has a huge enclosed patio out back with a stage for live acts and an upper porch overlooking the patio. Plenty of large tables and chairs are available on both, with room to stand and/or dance in front of the stage downstairs. Waller Creek runs by just next door. Whisky and mixed drinks are the feature here, and they mix them generously. They have an incredible Scotch collection, both single malts and blends. I didn’t notice any beers on tap, but there were a few bottled varieties in a small fridge behind the bar. Prices are average, and there’s usually not a cover, even with a live band. On the night we were there, two rock bands were playing, and there was a happy rotating crowd inhabiting the back patio, porch, and the interior bar. The staff was friendly and competent. The bathrooms could be(a lot) cleaner, and parking is expensive($ 10 – 15 in the adjacent lots) unless you happen to snag a short-term spot, or be traveling on foot or by cab. It’s not exactly a safe area outside late at night, so watch yourself whilst walking. We didn’t see any police out, which was a little surprising, given the massive number of drunk drivers and sketchy characters afoot, yelling, screeching around dangerously, and throwing punches, just within a block of this peaceful, high-walled refuge. But that’s downtown Austin these days, hence the name Dirty Sixth. Life in our lovely big city.
John M.
Tu valoración: 4 Sun City, AZ
We’ve been to this place a couple times and were pretty impressed with the quality of the bar the good music(live and canned) and skill of the barkeeps. The bar is amply stocked with virtually every element needed to create a fantastic drink. We were lucky enough to get to spend some quality time in the late afternoon with the manager Scott taking a stint behind the bar downstairs. Scott made some fantastic drinks and gave a few great tips on what to do & see in and around Austin. The next time we went to Gatsby’s(late Saturday night) we sat outside on the upstairs patio and watched pretty decent band play a set of rockin’ blues. The bar is a couple blocks east of the madness of 6th Street if you’re looking for a place with all the music & drink without the need for huge bouncers.
Malicia T.
Tu valoración: 5 Northwest Austin, Austin, TX
Was an awesome place with great décor! Had the nick nasty and a few other specialty drinks and yum yum! Staff was amazing friendly and took great care of us! Will definitely visit again!
Melanie Y.
Tu valoración: 2 Austin, TX
A friend of mine recommend I try this place. And I really wanted to like this place. I just wasn’t that wild about the service and overall experience. I had an old fashioned and it was pretty good. Huge patio, which is a big plus! I’d like to try this place again sometime to see if it was just a one-time mediocre experience.
Matt C.
Tu valoración: 3 Austin, TX
The Gatsby commands an grant space. The location on 6th street right across from the always fun Easy Tiger is great. The have an expansive outdoor area that can be used for music stages plus a deck off the second floor that is huge. Something just always seems to be a little off when I have visited. Most of the times the crowd is pretty small which is nice if you’re looking for a quiet drink away from the 6th street craziness. The drinks are strong but the quality hasn’t always been there. The weekly specials are good and ½ priced cocktails on Tuesday is hard to beat. Overall, the décor and location are the reason to go. It is a nice place to drop in for a drink(especially on Tuesdays) just not a place I would plan on spending the whole night.
Leila R.
Tu valoración: 2 Austin, TX
One of my biggest peeves is receiving bitchy complaints about a review I posted disguised as a «compliment»…I especially don’t appreciate when said faux«compliment» attacks me and me «life perceptions». First things first… a review is my opinion of experience; you don’t have to like what I say, but if you don’t…well tough cookies, that’s the nature of the Unilocal beast. Now, when you attack me because I called your«soft opening» a «grand opening» «in error» talk to ur publicist or whoever posted it as such in Do512. Also, when I gripe because you advertise hand-rolled cigars and no such thing is there because that vendor pulled put last minute… how is that my misunderstanding? And to say that anytime I RSVP and expect to get something means I «don’t understand how life works» is an ‘ignorant of how publicity actually works pot’ calling the kettle black! «If I had stayed more than 15mins» at whatever the«event» I naively RSVP’d to attend 3mos ago, I would have wasted even more of my precious time«not understanding how life works» because, again, like I said in my review, when u pretend to make something seem exclusive, there are usually perks to that implied exclusivity. I even said what I did like about the venue, I just did not appreciate the«event». And just for future reference, I have attended enough grand, soft, and«friends & family» openings to know that whatever that event was, it was not as advertised. So do yourself and this establishment a favor and keep the«attack compliments» to yourself going forward, thanks; u know who u are.
Brian W.
Tu valoración: 5 Katy, TX
Super cute place — great décor and strong drinks. What more could you want in a Roaring-themed speakeasy? Have a sazerac, pull up a comfy chair, and struggle to see while you enjoy a buzz and jazz. Live music, multiple patios, and food truck permits on the way.
Stephanie P.
Tu valoración: 5 Austin, TX
This place is absolutely amazing. Went here for my birthday last night. Chuck was magnificent he gave me a birthday drink on the house! The first time that has ever happened! Then again I got another one on the lovely bartender up stairs! This place is now my favorite bar. I work across the street which means every paid day Friday I will be stopping by after work. The cocktails were so delicious and reasonably priced. I also love the fact that we were able to drink and smoke our cigars outside. The only thing I would suggest which I completely understand why would be to keep the music to the 20s! I love the music but I understand why they change it after 7pm. This place is really great and I hope they stay open for a long time. They definitely have my service. I will be back!
Monique S.
Tu valoración: 5 Palo Alto, CA
After indulging in kimchi fries, I passed by the Gatsby which looked like a welcomed oasis in the hot mess known as Sixth St. It was cute with dim lighting. The drinks were«craft cocktails» as expected. The bartenders were nice. The crowd was too, very personable and friendly. Of course, I had the Bootlegger, drambuie, fernet, and rhubarb bitters. It was delicious and potent.
Alyssa D.
Tu valoración: 5 Austin, TX
Went to the official grand opening today(at the suggestion of do512 while looking for something to do) and we we impressed. I’ll save on the details of the opening night so I don’t give a false idea; I’m sure they were pulling out all the stops… Even without them, it is a phenomenal bar. Very classy. May I say, ALL the staff, bartenders, managers and bar backs are super attractive and courteous, dressed to the nines. And some great craft cocktails and although no drafts, they have a good selection of craft beers. As for the atmosphere? Its EVERYTHING. Very fun, yet sophisticated… Even being on the dirty side if sixth, its anything but. A wonderful stopping point on the way to east sixth. Black and white movies playing on the TVs(however, there are sports as well…) and the swing music playing overhead, this is a bar that is a stand out down town… And coming from someone who has lived here for nine years… That’s saying something.
Phil D.
Tu valoración: 4 Las Vegas, NV
Great drinks and nice atmosphere! Very clean! Highly recommend a Black Manhattan! The Old Sport is real good too!
Colin S.
Tu valoración: 5 Austin, TX
I came to The Gatsby after forgetting to make a reservation for Midnight Cowboy and finding that the vacancy light was not illuminated. The 1920’s/speakeasy décor of this bar is a welcome break from the rest of Dirty Sixth and could easily be located amongst more ‘prestigious’ venues further downtown. Their backyard is huge and will be great for holding events and enjoying days with nice weather. We opted to sit at the bar since there were openings and had a great time chatting with all of the bartenders throughout the night. While they offer the usual selection of beers, wines, and liquors, their cocktail menu is their claim to fame. If you don’t see anything on the menu that piques your interest, don’t hesitate to talk with the bartender to have a custom drink made to fulfill your desires. Although the prices are a little more expensive than the surrounding Sixth Street, it’s definitely worth the cost for the quality drinks and more chill atmosphere. They also use TabbedOut, which makes managing your tab extremely easy.
Beth D.
Tu valoración: 4 Dallas, TX
Regardless of how I felt about the 20’s movies playing silently on the TV’s, or the hidden front door or the sparse interior or the overplayed theme… what they’ve done with their drink menu is stupendous. They are truly mixologists. And for that, I’ll return. Their back patio is spacious, strung with dainty, twinkling lights. Their bar is small and classy, but somewhere you can come in a fine cocktail dress without a pretentious vibe. I had a grape martini. I know what you’re thinking — purple, syrupy… like a shot you’d get on dirty sixth. Not so. This has real fruit in it, real fruit juice. It’s clear. It’s crisp. It’s gorgeous. And they can make a real Old Fashion.