Let me in!

Today, I'll be telling you about the Midnight Cowboy on 6th Street in Downtown Austin.  This place is stuck in the middle of the bars that cater to the students at University of Texas, but this place doesn't cater to them.  Along with Parkside and the Easy Tiger, it's one of the establishments that appeals to a more adult crowd.

The Midnight Cowboy used to be a place called The Midnight Cowboy Modeling and Oriental Massage, which specialized in, let's say personal services, before the space was purchased and renovated by the current owner, who also brings the Alamo Drafthouse to those of us lucky enough to live in the Austin area. 

It's claim to fame is gimmicky, but I love me a gimmick.  There's a reason I own a bunch of infomercial products.  The gimmick here is that they make you feel like you're part of a secret, special group who are allowed to visit this establishment.  I don't know about you, but I like feeling like I'm one of the popular kids. 

The idea is that they offer a speakeasy experience without worry of the police raiding at any time.  But it also means you don't get to drink with mobsters.  You do however, get to drink with your friends and once in a while you'll have the opportunity to listen in on a game of "Never have I ever...."

Anyway, The Midnight Cowboy requires reservations, which can be made online or by phone, although getting them on the phone is challenging.  You must plan in advance. Making a reservation for a Friday or Saturday night will need to be done at least 10 days out.  The venue is small and seating for parties of 2 is very limited.

Once your reservations are in place, you have to know where the joint is since they don't have a sign on the door.   There is a red light over the entrance, which I like to use as a landmark because I'm a dork and I'm always forgetting where it is.  I walk right past it a few times, look it up on my phone and then discover we're standing in front of the place.  Inevitably,  the host has been standing outside having a cigarette while watching me walk back and forth in front of the place. This makes me feel foolish, which means I'm more than ready for a cocktail.

After knowing your destination and arriving at said unmarked door, you push a button on the panel and wait for a staff member to answer the door. They'll take your name, shut the door in your face (no, they really shut the door in your face.  You don't get to stand inside while they look you up.) and check to make sure you actually have a reservation.

Confirmation of your reservation will get you invited in to a room that decorated in a simple, deliberately shabby, art deco style.  The room is narrow, the ceiling is high and the bar is tucked into the back of the room. 

The heat and noise of Dirty 6th melt away, the cool of the air conditioning begins to get into your skin and you start to feel like the grown up you are. 

The front section is comprised of booths that will seat 2-4.  Private rooms in the back will seat up to 12.  The private rooms have a curtain that closes for privacy and a light you turn on  to let the staff know you need a refill.  

The noise level is very low, so if you're looking to converse this is a good place for conversation.  It's  much better than shouting at the Blind Pig. 

The menu changes regularly, but they can make just about anything you can think of, including basics like a rum and coke.  If there is a favorite that has been retired from the current menu, you can still order it.  For example, there is a very delicious libation called a "Painkiller" that is served in a tiki tumbler. Among their current offerings is Oaxcan Papers (pronunced walkin' papers, get it? Get it?), a drink made with mezcal, grapefruit, lime, genepy des aples, cocchi rosa and celery bitters that tastes like Mexico.  I know that sounds weird, but it does. 

The cocktails are either made behind the bar or tableside.  The show while the drinks are made tableside is impressive.  Orange peels are flamed, huge ice cubes are put into operation and the bartenders are experts at chit-chat. For the most part, the drink architects are young, hard core hispsters in jeans and flannel, but they know their stuff.  Their knowledge of the menu, obscure beverages of times past and how to make them is matched in quality by their beards and moustaches.

I must stress that these are not beginner drinks.  They can pack a punch, so if you're not used to a strong drink, err on the side of caution and order a glass of wine or a Coca-Cola.
 

There is no food here.  You can get some peanuts, but this is a liquid establishment.   If you're hungry, get a burger at Casino El Camino down the street.

If you're looking for a unique experience in a beautiful, laid back setting I recommend The Midnight Cowboy highly.