Speakeasy’s Story

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!

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!