Within steps of the Texas State Capitol sits a covert, underground speakeasy that’s home to wild secrets. The Cloak Room isn’t easy to find; a large tree obscures the sign, but this dark little dive bar has a charm that’s all its own. Keep on the lookout for The Cloak Room located at the Goodman Building at 1300 Colorado St. The history behind this hidden speakeasy is truly fascinating.

On the west side of the capitol sits a sneaky little speakeasy that's known for colorful conversation.
Amy The Nurse/Flickr
Established in the 1970s, The Cloak Room is a cozy dive bar where everybody knows your name.
You wouldn't think there'd be a bar in the basement of a historical building.
Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, TEX,227-AUST,15-1
The Goodman Building began its life in the mid-1800s as a downtown grocery store.
The exterior looks like it belongs in New Orleans, but the interior bar is Texas through and through.
rhaaga/Flickr
The Goodman Building now serves as an office building for adjunct government employees. It was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1973.
You have to keep an eye out for the Cloak Room's entrance -- it's not easy to spot!
Business Owner/Yelp
A blue sign, obstructed by an overgrown tree, hangs on the east side of the building. You'll see a white fence and a stairwell leading to the basement. Through those doors lies a homey bar that you'll never want to leave.

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If these walls could talk, they'd share some juicy stories!
Meredith D./Flickr
In the '80s, this local watering hole was a popular spot for politicians of all kinds. The stairwell is covered in photos from years gone by.
As the closest bar to the capitol, it's only natural that politicians would hang out here.
J.R.F/Yelp
Politicians flocked to this bar to unwind and throw back a few drinks. Occasionally, unsavory stories and scandals took place within these walls. In 2006, a Texas Senator got loads of bad press for causing a scene after being refused a drink. It's rumored to be the home of all of Texas' political wheelings-and-dealings.
Some of the Cloak Room rumors will never die.
Business Owner/Yelp
Though primarily debunked as urban legend, some Austinites still swear that there's an underground tunnel that connects from The Texas Governor's Mansion to The Cloak Room. Who knows? I suppose if someone knew about such a thing, they'd want to keep that a secret.
Today, The Cloak Room is filled with friendly bartenders serving the regular patrons.
The Cloak Room/Facebook
The political scandals have since blown over, and this underground bar remains one of Austin's favorite watering holes. When you go, say hey to Bev the bartender. The staff at The Cloak Room make sure to keep the atmosphere friendly, genuine, and welcoming.
Escape into this little slice of Texas history at The Cloak Room.
The Cloak Room/Facebook
Put a coin in the jukebox and drink a glass of bourbon. You never know what kind of juicy stories you'll overhear at this little Austin speakeasy.

Have you ever visited the Cloak Room?

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