Downtown Austin Hotel Opens ‘20s-Themed Whiskey Bar

The InterContinental Stephen F. Austin hotel is opening a reservations-only whiskey lounge, The Whisper Room, with a menu curated by bar expert Justin Elliot. The bar makes its debut on Friday, October 26 at 701 Congress Avenue.

The Whisper Room is a 1920s-themed ten-seat bar found within the hotel’s existing restaurant, Stephen F.’s Bar & Restaurant. The lounge will have a selection of whiskeys from around the world along with bar snacks and cocktails like Manhattans and a Sazeracs. The cocktails, many of which are made tableside, were developed in collaboration with Elliott, who opened downtown bar the Townsend.

InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel [Official]

Bar snacks include deviled eggs, garlic-charred olives, and shrimp and chorizo arancini. The lounge features decor appropriate for the era, like the vintage crystal sconce, ornate glassware, limoges serving dishes, and a private terrace overlooking Congress Avenue.

The InterContinental opened during the Prohibition era in 1924, hence the bar’s speakeasy theme. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel at (512) 721-4230. The lounge is open Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from noon to 2 a.m. and Sunday from noon to 11 p.m.

Update November 13: A call to the hotel confirmed that there are two seatings for cocktail hour: 5:30 and 8:30. There is $100 minimum spend for up to 10 people. To rent as a private event, it’s an $800 minimum spend.