“The new menu, produced after a year and a half of extensive research and development, features signature cocktails and a full revamp of the flagship chalkboard menu of classic cocktails. Considering the venue’s large size, which recently earned it a nomination for Best American High-Volume Cocktail Bar at Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards 2018, it is one of the most ambitious menus in the country.”
“Award-winning Austin cocktail bar The Roosevelt Room is embarking in a 17-city pop up tour across North America, partnering with some of the top cocktail stops across the US and Canada… The goal for the tour is to promote the bar’s 80-drink cocktail menu, which launched late last year, and will showcase a few of their greatest hits including the Cigar Box, Silver Meadows, Mai Tai, Milk Punch, and Lavenue’s MIB winning drink The Poet’s Muse.”
“Many cocktail hot spots are recognizing the benefits of crafting mixed drinks that don’t treat alcohol-avoiders as second-class customers. The Roosevelt Room offers 80 craft cocktails at this Austin, Texas hot spot, and takes particular pride in their zero-proof options.”
“The drinks at this sleek yet relaxed lounge are impressive, with a touch of whimsy.”
“Check out the expanding bar scene in downtown’s Warehouse District, surrounding Republic Square, with a sampling of craft cocktails at the new Roosevelt Room, which lists its mixed drinks by era of origin.”
“The staff here is educated and tends to guests with studied nonchalance. Serious cocktail connoisseurs will want to embark on the seated cocktail experience guided by bar staff…”
“Nerd out over the downtown cocktail bar's sprawling cocktail menu, which spans drinking history from the early years to modern classics. There is indoor space with reservations available, and takeout cocktails can be ordered online.”
“Satisfy the search for west downtown cocktails with this other stellar downtown bar, with a robust drink list and a surprisingly filling food menu. To-go and delivery orders can be placed online; the bar is open for indoor services.”
Poet's Muse at The Roosevelt Room
“Poet’s Muse is made with gin, poet’s cordial (pistachio milk sweetened with wildflower honey, cinnamon, star anise, vanilla bean, and matcha), a fresh citrus blend, and an umami tincture. It’s served in a chilled coupe and garnished with lime peel.”
“The respected downtown cocktail bar combed through its sprawling menu to highlight several of its house and classic cocktails for its takeout service. Options include the mezcal-based Cigar Box to the tequila-based Lonesome Dove to the Negroni to the Painkiller, in varying sizes. Pickup and delivery cocktails can be ordered online.”
“Lit with candles and dressed in jewel tones, The Roosevelt Room never disappoints. Striking a balance between finesse and playfulness, the cocktails are bold and exciting…”
“The Roosevelt Room is the crème de la crème of cocktail bars. You'll order your drink from the list of 53 tried-and-true classic cocktails, guided if necessary by highly trained bartenders who have an encyclopedic knowledge of booze… Whether you're looking to celebrate, seal the deal, or just generally make a lasting impression, you can't go wrong here.”
“The Roosevelt Room is long and narrow and has the retro-industrial vibe of a neo-Dickensian lair. Carefully curated spirits are the base of each drink – like the robust, Navy-strength Leopold Brothers gin featured in the house Martini.”
“If you go to a certain length or number — it doesn’t matter if it’s 36 or 96, it’s a long menu — you’re very much saying the same thing: that you take cocktails incredibly seriously and you are very interested in actively pursuing finding the right cocktail for your guest.”
“Introducing RoadHaus Mobile Cocktails, the newest project from The Roosevelt Room. A concept six years in the making, the much buzzed-about cocktail truck is hardly a traveling margarita bar cart. Indeed, it was meticulously customized to function as a “classically modern” cocktail bar on wheels, complete with everything needed to create only the most bespoke craft cocktails for events of any size.”
“The listening-heavy class mostly washed over us, a surprisingly comforting experience for a Sunday afternoon, like a cool college elective you’ll never be tested on. Our only active concern, aside from shouting out the flavors we were picking up, was pacing ourselves.”
“If you’re choosing between the two most common options—gin and Cognac—the key is to think about the flavors you prefer in the glass. “The gin version is going to be a lot lighter, and with the Champagne, it’s very refreshing and more sessionable. The Cognac version is more sultry, velvety, and naturally a touch sweeter unless you adjust your sugar levels,” says Lavenue.”
“The menu almost doubles as a history lesson, told through booze; it's a loving, careful homage to the cocktail culture that has led up to our current craft cocktail renaissance.”
“Beverage directors in Texas’s major markets have seen a noticeable shift in drinking choices among their guests, particularly within the past couple of years. Just don’t refer to the drinks as mocktails.”
“This is Austin’s cocktail mecca. But despite what you might think based on the fancy drinks and private waiting area, there’s a surprisingly low-key Cheers-ish vibe once you’re inside.”
“After dinner, take in some tunes and a perfectly crafted cocktail in one of the Roosevelt Room’s booths.”
“In the end, their lease proved pivotal; it allowed them to have a seat at the table in discussions with Hanover and ultimately gave them the final say on their place in the block's redevelopment.”
“The owners of Roosevelt Room (and its adjoining sister event space, the Eleanor) didn't rush the development of business practices and structural renovations that would provide utmost safety for guests and staff… Above all, owners Justin Lavenue and Dennis Gobis didn't want any changes to detract from the lively community-focused atmosphere patrons have come to expect since the establishments opened nearly six years ago.”
“The Roosevelt Room's sensuous and dark ambiance will be sure to please, as it features a wide selection of drinks on a menu arranged by era. Their take on a Zombie shouldn't be missed.”
“Korzelius wears many hats at The Roosevelt Room. In addition to bartending, he manages the inventory of all liquor, beer, wine and dry goods. Korzelius also spearheads much of the bar’s educational program, which includes training for new bartending staff as well as running blind tastings and educational seminars for fellow staff.”
VIDEO: “Shake things up and learn a new skill, because The Roosevelt Room is offering bartending master classes. Co-owner, Justin Lavenue is here to tell us more, and teach us how to make a craft cocktail.”
“Austin is an incredible place and one of America’s true cultural capitals. It’s the place to go for anyone who loves indie music, independent films, comedy, quirky theater, puppet shows, jazz, and dance. Actually, if you love almost any form of culture, Austin is the ideal destination.”
