Elephant Room Reviews

Otherwise you're jammed into the back of the skinny club, not able to see the act at all, with folks around you talking very loudly. Next time we'll go early! The music sounded great, what we could hear....

Very cool place with an amazing band. Unfortunately the young woman waiting on us really didn't have much time to even help us find a pen. It was early and there were only 4 tables, so she wasn't busy.

My husband and I stopped in here after dinner at Counter 3 Five VII, which is just upstairs. A jazz quartet was playing that night and we enjoyed the music. The drinks were very good and service was friendly and efficient. The space is in a basement, which gives the whole bar a speakeasy vibe. Overall a great place to order a cocktail and hear some good music.

I had a girl's weekend planned to Austin and it was supposed to be around food and music and relaxation. We were recommended the Elephant Room by several people and even people who have lived in Austin and live there currently. I loved the first impression when entering: swanky, underground, cultural artsy feeling, dark and cozy. Sam seemed like a nice server but when she brought our drink order back she forgot our friend's mineral water and had actually given it to another table. When asked, she grabbed it out of the hands of the person at the other table and placed it in front of my friend in a very hasty and "can't be bothered" mood. She was very rude! My other friend told her we didn't want the drink and could she bring us a new one (since it had been handled by a stranger) and Sam got super upset and started yelling and using profanity to my friend. My friend asked her who she though she was talking to and Sam got even more irate and tried to pick up all of the drinks and told us to not pay for them. When my friend said we wanted our drinks Sam started putting them down on the table, more like throwing them down, and knocked one over, the entire time yelling and being completely rude to our table and my two friends. My friend went the the manager and the manager immediately told Sam to take it down a notch, gave us free drinks and said Sam would be fired but she never was. Another server said Sam is like that all the time and always causing trouble. My friends were so upset that they will NEVER go there again and neither will I. I have owned several businesses of my own and never, ever would I allow an employee to treat a customer like that and get away with it. I don't want anyone fired but if an employee can't hold her temper when we just want what's right they she shouldn't be in the service industry and she sure as heck shouldn't be given chance after chance. I'm sure we are not the only business they have lost because of Sam.

Well, it isn't a restaurant but a fabulous jazz club. We caught an early show on the Tuesday we happened to be in town. What a fine pair of sets, going from 6 - 9 pm. The drinks were fine, but if it at all possible, we'll be back for the jazz.

Live Jazz music in a literal hole in the wall (ground) place one story below ground. Crowded and busy on the weekends. The music was fun if a bit disorganized but its live music in Austin.

Fantastic downtown venue with great music and atmosphere. Venture down the stairs to the underground jazz bar that is as authentic as it gets. Acoustics are perfect and the musicians are top headliners. You will not be disappointed!!! You can also enjoy happy hour as a first stop before dinner downtown!!

My wife and I visited on a Monday evening around 6-7 pm. The bar was mostly empty, but there was an amazing jazz trio playing originals and classic standards. The bartender was very helpful and friendly, and the drinks not too expensive. I loved the atmosphere and the jazz. I'll be coming back whenever I'm in Austin.

Great jazz , fun crowd and strong drinks, makes for a wonderful combination for an evening out. The music was such a pleasant change from the corner music we had been encountering all day long.

We went to the Elephant Room on Saturday night and enjoyed it a lot. We had to wait a bit to get in as it was packed. Eventually we squeezed our way in and after a while got seats with a view of the musicians. The jazz was smooth in the Miles Davis mode of jazz. A bit of Coltrane was also noted. The Vodka Tonics were smooth and hit the spot. Highly recommended for an enjoyable evening.

This place is a real relaxed environment for solos, couples or friends. Great live music and a cozy atmosphere.

Loved the ambiance, the music, the groups that played, the setting, and they have good liquors which were really not easy to find in other bars. We went twice and had a great time. Visited other bars and did not like any other as much as this one.

Went here one night after dinner at Swift's attic. Was not very crowded and waited a long time for drinks. The jazz band was great and we really enjoyed them. A bit pricy for what we got for drinks. The atmosphere is what you would expect for a Jazz Bar, very dark, small stage, etc. Enjoyed it but wasn't overly thrilled. Nothing really bad to say about it. maybe it just wasn't my scene.

Music is always great, drinks are there for the asking. Try the early shows and stay for later shows. Jitterbug Vipers and Liz Morphis not to be missed. Some of the best singers and musicians in Austin here on a regular basis. I'm a local, and trust me, this is a can't miss venue in Austin.

The atmosphere is nothing to write home about.....unless you consider the awesome jazz jam session that happens every other Monday here. The talent was just unbelievable and I enjoyed the contestant "changing members of the band". It was quick and pretty much without a break for the entire time of my visit! Great fun.

Once upon a time, there was a delightful and even even classy Belgian Beer bar located in downtown Austin, called Gambrinus; upstairs from the bar was a fly fishing shop owned by Hemingway's grandson and the entire building reeked of class and erudition and good taste . Then, for reasons only known to the former owners, 20 years ago the former management of Gambrinus moved across the street to run The Elephant Room Bar---a reincarnation of Gambrinus with more live music but with a far less interesting beer selection and not nearly the class. Today, the staff of Elephant is tired and uninterested, and the entire place is sorely in need of a makeover, from the bar itself to the bathrooms, to the beer selections to just about everything. Greatr famous old place in need of a young energetic new owner.

Dropped in here after dinner for a drink and to listen to some local jazz. It was incredible. Music (including the jamming session that featured high schoolers) was great. We didn't have a problem getting in, but I hear there were long lines in Saturday.

I absolutely loved this place! The service was great, the bar has some really nice beers to try for locals, and many other great drinks. The artists are supremely talented, and will leave you mesmerized. There is no food served, but you can get food from outside and eat it in there if you are too hungry. The ambience is one of a kind!

As you may have read in other reviews about this place, don't expect fast service. Two floor waitresses and two bartenders. Packed house. Very little organization. The music is great! Cozy little underground basement bar. Businessmen and hipsters all in one place. Very relaxed feel. Get there early for a seat. I had the woodford Manhattan. Tasty. Goes well with jazz :) Come for the music, maybe you'll get a drink.

Great venue for Jazz.

Went there one night for the music and another for the food, both times service was great and music even better. Ideally located in Austin with drinks reasonably priced.

One of the few classic jazz spots in central Texas. Check who is playing and get there early for a good table.

Convenient small venue for jazz. The night we were able to go, music good not great. Drinks were reasonable. Good crowd so obviously popular.

Wednesday is big band night, and it did not disappoint. Basement setting is cool, lots of brick! I wish I could be here every night.

Perfect for listening to jazz. Drinks are reasonably priced and the music is a wonderful surprise. Great place to hang out.

Well you may not notice this place since it's in the basement it's a fabulous setting to see live jazz. Everyone in the bar very polite. While I was alone it was mainly filled with couples. So I would suggest cool romantic spot

Went here late night because we wanted to see live music but didn't want anything too crazy. Even with the music playing, it still seemed like things were a reasonable volume so you could talk to people if you wanted or just listen to the music. Maybe I am getting old, but this is what we preferred :-)

Elephant Room is a wonderful spot if you're looking for a fun and out of the ordinary way to spend your evening. The music is always wonderful - even if you don't recognize the name of the musician. Also, they serve Chimay! One of the few places in town where I can find my favorite brew! Beware if you are claustrophic. The ceilings are low, the lighting is dark, and walking into the "basement" of this building can be slightly uncomfortable. However, the historic location and old building adds to the unique environment! Try to get there earlier in the evening - the seating can fill up pretty quick!

We went for a drink and to see the 9:30 show. An amazing quintet played jazz and familiar pieces. A good vibe.

I came to a conference in Austin and found myself craving some jazz music on Monday. A quick search led me to this place... If you are in the same or a similar situation, don't hesitate! There is magic on this place! Great selection of tap beer and great music!

Great music in a fun atmosphere. Filled up fast and then there was a line at the door most the evening.

Vintage type jazz bar. Check out schedule for Jazz Players. Eclectic atmosphere and fun spot in Congress. Small cover @ $5/person on weekends.

If you want a local uniqueplaceto go for a drink with a friend, you will love this place. Atmospherenis great, but it is small, so get there early enough to geta table. Live music was a nice touch.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Elephant Room. We arrived around 10:00 PM and paid a minimal $5.00 dollar cover charge and walked down the brick stairs to the basement. The place was packed and we were lucky to get one bar stool for the two of us. The service was great for such a busy venue and we noticed when the performers took a break that some people left and made room for others. Drinks were reasonable and we met a lot of folks by sharing tables. Within walking distance of most Downtown Austin hotels. Great find!

This place has anything you need for your late night cocktails if you prefer Jazz over other choices of music in Austin - good drinks, good service and good air conditioner. Bring your jacket to keep warm, even in the summer.

Whether it's date night, catch ups or a solo outing, this is such a cool spot. Located underground with a small neon sign, if you're not looking for it you won't know it's there. Amazing jazz nightly with a great selection of draft beers. My personal favorite is the Brother Thelonious.. a meal in a glass I tell ya. Sit in the back if you want to chat or sit up front if you want to focus on the talent on stage. Date night recommendation: go to Swifts Attic right upstairs first for dinner and finish downstairs at ER for a nightcap and jazz. He/she will be swooning.

Went here with friends while visiting in Austin – a nice speakeasy type atmosphere with great jazz bands.. A great change of pace if you want to switch from honky-tonk ior Blue Gras-relaxing atmosphere and great drinks. Reasonable cover charge

First Austin evperience. Enjoyed the live band. We stopped in for an hour and the music was great. Jazzy, horns,stand up bass, switched to bass guitar on other songs. Good drummer. Nice evening.

This is such a lovely bar, staff so friendly and helpful and the music was fantastic - a must visit in Austin!

What a hidden gem! Great Acoustics and excellent live music! from large bands to solo singers. Drinks were reasonably priced .

This was a whole lot of fun. I felt like I was in chicago in the sixties. Fun night.

Luckily we arrived early and got a table for the 6 of us in our party. Well before the band started it was standing room only and this is a long narrow venue that becomes hard to walk through quickly. Our waitress was nice, but was having a hard time getting back & forth from the bar to her tables. The music was great! The drinks were pretty bad.

We got a table close to the music, so it was loud but fantastic - a quartet of trumpet, piano, bass and drums, plus a guest saxophonist. They were inventive and emotional in their playing. Good service in the long and skinny basement bar.

Right in the middle of downtown there is a small doorway that leads down some stairs to the coolest bar in Austin. If you like jazz, good beer, a full bar, unpretentious and attentive bartenders, and an underground, brick wall, exposed plumbing atmosphere, this is your place.

My hubby and I went to check out the jazz after dinner. There was no cover for the 8pm band which was ok, but the main act began at 9:30. The bar staff was friendly. We only had a glass of wine but the place seemed kinda run down and dirty. This is definitely not an upscale jazz club.

Decent beer list, some interesting cocktails but not a lot of sophistication in ingredients for upscale standards. Music amazing. Didn't try the food.

I went to the Elephant room on a Wednesday night. They had a small time Jazz band singing some originals and some covers. It was low key, reasonably priced, and extremely relaxing. The drinks were good and the music was entertaining, but not obnoxious or extra loud.

If The Brew is playing, drop everything and go. Other venues they will play more Salsa, but at the Elephant Room they play amazing jazz.

Good light live music is what greets you in this long basement bar...the autographed post it currency notes are all over :-). Heard it was a pretty old place in Austin. Although i stayed with my coke, my colleagues found the beer to be good!. A must if you are at Downtown Austin!

Captain Kirk - there is no match to the caliber of his execution of vocals and drum. Wish we had known to come here before our last night. Austin is so fortunate to have this.

one of those must do experiences in Austin. Jazz, beer and a basement bar. Dollars pinned to the ceiling, and well...... just try it

great old style jazz club in the basement, off 6th street. local Jazz trio was joined by an outstanding lead guitarist. Beverage pricing was very reasonable, no cover charge

If you are looking for a jazz (music) club, look no further. This place is an hidden gem, where get a greta drink (or beer) listeninng some of the best music in town.

Loved this stop! It's a cozy basement bar, with dark simple decor, and amazing friendly staff! They have a very wide selection of beer on tap, as well as a full bar menu. Drinks were well within reason for pricing, and they had a wonderful live band - which was performing at the perfect volume for this sometimes-old-lady-like-ears of mine. The group I was with was still able to hold a table side conversation without yelling while still enjoying the great jazz songs playing, which this amazing balance of music/conversation seemed to be hard to find. Perfection! We were there on a Sunday however there was still a good amount of people, not overly crowded. Cool stop off the main path of 6th street wildness. Will totally go back here!

reminiscent of an underground, smoky jazz bar (without the smoke) of course. great music, cool vibe, what's not to like.

walked right down the stairs after having dinner at counter 3,5,7. Listened to some good jazz and drank a couple of excellent Manhattans

Cool place, but if your not sitting up by the band your really just in any bar with music playing.. band sounded amazing but without being able to see the band makes live music not so much live...

Great space for drinks and jazz. Loved it. Saw the Ephraim Owens quartet. he and the band are awesome.

Multiple shows nightly. Went to the Monday night 6 pm show. No cover Sunday-Thursday, no drink minimum, no food, but allowed to bring food in. We got Coopers BBQ (walking distance to venue), and enjoyed the show while we ate. Good service, clean bathrooms. Street parking (pay meter close by if lucky, we were). If handicap plaquard, can park for free at any metered spot apparently. 1 flight stairs down to venue. Very professional musicians. Took requests and played great on the fly for those. Could have stayed for the 9 pm show. Get their early for good seats, parking.

Intimate venue for live music. bartenders are friendly. Drinks are well made. Vibe and decor are awesome! It gets packed fast so come early if you want a seat.

If there is a line, it moves very quickly. Be sure to bring your ID. The bartenders and waitresses are very friendly. People sit with folks they hadn't met before because of the limited seating and the crowd. It's fun to meet new folks. The jazz band was outstanding. We were only going to stay an hour or so and ended up closing the Elephant room because we had so much fun!

Great atmosphere, wonderful music! The show starts at 9, there is a cover charge but it's worth it! Get there early or you won't get a seat, there was a line at the door by 9:15.

Great place to hang out with friends and listen to some quality music. Service was very good. If you go, sit up front because it's hard to hear in the back. Nice place!

Nothing is better to drink good beer with good friends and fly away with good master class jazz musik

Went to hear jazz. Seated so far in the back with loud surrounding tables we couldn’t hear the music. When we suggested to the waitress and then the manager, that we were frustrated we couldn’t hear both said “oh sorry, come another evening.” On top of that the drinks we ordered were literally so bad we couldn’t drink them. So far Austin is looking to be a total disappointment. Wow.

The elephant room is a solid little place in terms of music line-up. Visit for a high-quality but laid-back performance, have a cocktail, or browse their surprisingly good beer selection. There is sometimes a bit of a wait during popular shows and the space can be tight.