I’m an Austin, Texas, Local and This Hotel’s Sushi Speakeasy Is My Favorite Spot in the City

Austin’s South Congress is one of the city’s busiest neighborhoods. On any given day, South Congress Avenue is bustling with people shopping at vintage street sales or brand-name stores, enjoying local brews on a patio, or waiting outside the iconic Continental Club to see live music. And nestled between Milton and Monroe streets, just across from the famous Allen Boots store, you’ll find South Congress Hotel.

This 83-room boutique hotel bills itself as “the living room for the neighborhood” and focuses on showcasing local companies, artists, and events. The property radiates coolness—from its decor to its patrons. Whether it’s the art deco-style lobby bar or the industrial chic guestrooms, each space takes on a unique personality. Pool parties are held on the rooftop, while a quiet speakeasy is hidden in the back.

South Congress Hotel really doubles down on being a place for travelers and locals. As an Austin local, I have booked a staycation here, celebrated a birthday, and raved about the hotel’s restaurants to all my friends. The hotel has also demonstrated its commitment to the Austin community by partnering with local non-profit organizations to host fundraisers and food drives.

Read my review of South Congress Hotel to find out how to get a reservation at their Michelin-recommended restaurant, buy tickets to a pool party, or book a stay.

The Rooms

The hotel’s industrial chic aesthetic matches much of the historic buildings on South Congress Avenue. The guestrooms feature hardwood floors and custom decor alongside large walk-in showers with Ursa Major toiletries. The mini bars are stocked with products from local companies. Views vary from the pool and courtyard area, South Congress Avenue, or the tranquil Travis Heights neighborhood.

The suites offer a bit more flexibility. The bunkroom is perfect for group trips, with two queen-sized bunk beds that can accommodate up to eight people. Poolside and Congress suites are studio-like accommodations that include large floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. I stayed in the Monroe suite, which was also studio-style with a living room area. It had an expansive private patio overlooking the pool, as well as a large soaking tub and a rainfall shower. 

At 940 square feet, the Milton suite is the largest guestroom in the hotel, overlooking Congress Avenue. It features a private balcony with a separate living room and a work station.

Food and Drink

The effortlessly cool lobby bar, complete with an old-school photo booth and art deco design motifs, is the social hub of the hotel. The bar offers creative cocktails split into four categories: citrus, strong, spicy, and fruit. You’ll find classics mixed with some fun options, such as the half burn with mezcal, cilantro, jalapeño, lime, banana liqueur, and pineapple 19.

Tucked away in the back of the hotel is Manaña, a coffee shop with housemade pastries, breakfast tacos, and seasonal specials. I tried the maple cornbread latte and the spiced pear latte and loved both. There are also delicious year-round flavored options like almond brown sugar and lavender. Cafe No Sé is an all-day cafe with a dog-friendly patio. It has an excellent brunch menu and a great happy hour as well. I dined in for brunch, and my waiter, Hari, described the bacon as “the best in town”—it turned out he wasn’t lying. The malt fries were also a highlight.

One of my favorite places in Austin is South Congress Hotel’s omakase-speakeasy combo: Otoko and Watertrade. Otoko is a 12-seat omakase restaurant where Kyoto-born executive chef Yoshi Okai serves a 20-course tasting menu prepared with the freshest fish and seasonal ingredients. The attached speakeasy Watertrade specializes in Japanese whisky and features an extensive cocktail menu divided into seasons. The bartenders shake up unconventional cocktails that use ingredients like tofu, mushroom, and peppercorn. Watertrade also provides beverage service to Otoko, including the optional sake pairing. I decided to stick to cocktails during dinner, and my waitress, Amelia, absolutely nailed the suggestions to complement my courses.

Lastly, Maie Day, a chop house, was featured on the Michelin-recommended restaurant list for 2024. Every dish here is not only delicious but also served in sizeable portions. Start with the crab claws, and move on to your favorite cut of meat. However, don’t shy away from the fish—I loved the mahi mahi.

Maie Day keeps up with South Congress Hotel’s strong cocktail game. I loved the Rosemary Jack of Hearts as well as the pecan Old-Fashioned. The cocktails are offered alongside a list of local brews and wines from around the world.

Activities and Experiences

Hotel guests and locals use the spacious outdoor patio on the ground floor to work and enjoy the shade. There are also multiple shops on the property, including Loveweld Permanent Jewelry and the lobby shop, which features a rotating calendar of local artisans. During my stay, it was Vada Eyewear, an independent Austin-based eyewear and jewelry brand. Another Austin icon, Armadillo World Headquarters, also located on the ground floor, was once a music venue and now hosts free shows and sells limited-edition merchandise. 

South Congress Hotel also boasts a rooftop pool, serviced by Cafe No Sé, with views of Congress Avenue. It is the perfect spot to cool off in the Texas heat, with cabanas and pool passes (for non-guests) available for purchase. The hotel also has a gym with Peleton equipment and Forme fitness mirrors.

And, of course, as “the living room for the neighborhood,” the hotel hosts many parties and events. The popular First Thursdays at South Congress Hotel brings together local acts and DJs; Wednesdays on Wax is the property’s vinyl night; and the monthly zodiac birthday party is when people born under that month’s zodiac sign receive a complimentary birthday drink.

Family-friendly Offerings

South Congress Hotel offers complimentary pack-and-plays for guests with children. It also welcomes dogs at no extra charge, with dog beds, bowls, and treats available upon request.

Accessibility and Sustainability

South Congress Hotel has five ADA-compliant rooms, all equipped with roll-in showers, as well as eight rooms with a light-up doorbell for hearing-impaired guests. Elevators are available on all floors. 

The hotel exclusively uses paper and cardboard products in the rooms and restaurants. Recycling bins are available throughout the property. This year, it plans to introduce reusable water bottles in all accommodations. Guests have access to electric vehicle chargers.

South Congress Hotel partners with local non-profit organizations to sponsor fundraisers and food drives. Past events have included Caritas of Austin, whose mission is to end homelessness in the city, and the SIMS Foundation, which supports mental health initiatives. 

Location

South Congress Hotel is just nine miles from the airport. Rideshare services and taxis are available in both directions. The hotel offers valet parking for guests who are driving.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

South Congress Hotel is not a part of any loyalty program. However, the hotel has special offers and discounts when you book directly from its website.