The Drafting Room

What an adorable spot! This place has been on my bookmarks for oh, about 100 years. Or at least the whole year they’ve been open. I love wine on draft. Given that I’m not a sommelier, I can’t tell you whether that’s better or worse or if it makes not difference at all. What I do know is that it’s novel and fun to belly up and see wine poured out of a draft.
We sat in here on a chilly night and had a couple of glasses. I know sometimes they have mimosa specials and they make it with blood orange soda (not OJ) which is a special treat. Sadly, the night we were there L’Estelle was closed and so we had to go elsewhere for snacks. We’ll be back here to try and catch their opening hours.

I freaking love this place. The ambience is so chill. The service is incredible. It’s an awesome place to come by yourself to work and order wine/​beer/​kombucha on tap or an espresso. Love. Love. Love.

Great service. Amazing fries and cookies. Very friendly towards our big group of friends. Beautiful interior. Very clean and stylish décor.
Prosecco on draft for a great price. Great location on Rainey street. No complaints at all.

Love the drafting room. Such a good ambiance and the bartender Manu gives exceptional service every time. It is definitely the hidden gem on Rainey and a place that should never be overlooked. I could go there everyday.

I wanna start this review off with the fact I’ve been here before. A friend of mine had multiple positive experiences and I’ve been with her multiple times. Every time we went this very nice gentlemen name Manu would be there and he was amazing. That same friend moved to Seattle and can’t wait to come visit him again and bring her friends from there because he’s so awesome. I’ve witnessed it.
I wish I could’ve just reviewed on the times I’ve been with her, but unfortunately I decided that after all my good experiences I would bring a group of my 15 girlfriends for her bachelorette party because «prosecco on tap» sounded awesome. Right? Wrong.
First we enter the bar and there was one gentleman working the bar and greeted us. We ordered a round of prosecco. He would pour it until it foamed to the top, let it sizzle down, and repeat until the glass was almost full. For those unfamiliar this is basically making it flat. I let this slide, paid for 3 of them (me, my sister and the bride) and tipped the 20%. Well he was short a drink, and asked my friend if she would like a water since she was «expecting» My friend is probably a size 10, if that. I sincerely wish I was joking. She was so offended she said she would like nothing. When he came for payment he offered her a drink on the house but she again said she was so offended she did not want one. He apologized again offered her a drink again, but she said she didn’t want anything served by hi. Because she was so offended. She said if he docked 2 drinks we could call it even, but he said «I’ll do one because I respect the miracle of life». I later asked if he apologized and his words to me were «are you a mother? I have a child and I respect the miracle of life. One day you will understand what I mean» I say, yes sir I have a 2 year old, and she doesn’t look pregnant and she’s with a bachelorette party and that he should apologize. He then says «I understand you’re the ring leader. (Facing my friend) Ma’am I apologize I just have a child and respect life. It’s a beautiful and magical thing.» Again, my friend is a size 10, if that. Even if she was 300 pounds how dare him?
I then ask for his name. He says «Manu» I really wish if you are going to give me a false name you’d give me a legit fake name dude and not a coworker. That’s rude strike number 2…3… Maybe 4? I’ve lost count at this point. I don’t care cause I won’t be back and all 10 of my girlfriends will be sure to tell everyone what happened since this place was the reason we ended up on Rainey to begin with.
Now I see why the place doesn’t stay busy…
I would like to also add we paid $ 13 for each glass of very flat prosecco thanks to a sloppy pour. We went down the block to Bar 96 and toasted my friends marriage with a $ 3.25 glass of cheap champagne and it tasted better. So basically save your money and go somewhere else. Anywhere else. I’ve recommended this place time a stone again, but will NEVER be back.

Prosecco on tap. Happy hour glasses for $ 5. Nothing more really needs to be said, but I’ll add that The Drafting Room is in a converted house with a great courtyard. I had a little solo Sunday Funday on Rainey Street my last night in Austin and the Drafting Room was definitely the highlight.

The Drafting Room is THE most romantic place on Rainey Street and nobody really knows (yet) because they’re still working on completely opening up the space with a bistro at the front (called Lestelle House).
We came to get beer/​wine with a bachelorette group and the staff were incredible. They have $ 4 beers and a variety of wines.
Most seating is outdoors (and, trust me, if the weather is nice… that’s where you’ll want to be) but they also have 2 – 3 small tables inside in the bar room if you need to be indoors.
The place was originally the owner’s architect studio.
The bathrooms are super cute too.
Can’t wait to return when their bistro opens!

This place is a gem and definitely a haven from the college type crowds that flood Rainey. The story and history of this place is very cool as told by one of the bartenders and I really can appreciate this open floor layout that incorporates most of the outdoors and seamless architecture. They do need allot more social media drive to this place as it was prime hour on Rainy when we entered and there were all but 6 people on the property. I would peg it as someplace adults can come who aren’t into the major party scene but want a cool place to observe the scene that it Rainey on a weekend night.
Good wines and very knowledgable staff.

Love this new bar on Rainey. It’s very cute and tiny (good in afternoon, I’d probably hate it at night cause I hate crowds) with one small bar and then outside seating out front.
I only got beer, but I saw that the wine comes in shallow plastic cups which I kind of appreciate. Atmosphere was great and casual, but not too casual. Some cute pups were hanging out too.

Was walking with a group of friends through the throng that Rainey St. has become and we were looking for a haven from the masses, as no one was yet drunk enough to deal with them all. Suddenly, Drafting Room appeared and we ran in.
Cool place, but mostly outdoor. I like that they have a water jug for free for anyone, it really eliminates the time spent by bartenders passing out water, and makes it soooo much easier to hydrate. I can’t tell y’all how much I appreciate that!
Decent beer and wine selection. Nothing fancy. A good chill place to chat and grab some drinks before hitting up one of the larger establishments in the area.

A low key Dive-​y place to unwind on Rainey. There is plenty of outdoor seating, great for small groups. The indoor seating area is a bit small, but very nicely decorated. They serve a variety of beer, wine, and sparkling wine on tap, with $ 2 off on tap beer and prossecco during happy hour! A refreshing change from the many beer gardens around!

This place was pretty chill with little chairs and tables outdoors and some indoor seating. I really liked it.

Happened upon this place while around Rainey around 11pm (not the usual 130am stumble). Imagine me drunk walking and turning my neck to the left to see a Japanese style grey slate rock floor garden with perimeter tall bamboo shoots — this was the true reason how I convinced the people with me to just sit in for a few minute break amongst the ear-​ringing live music played at all the next door establishments.
The feeling coming from the colours of the environment and atmosphere seems like the perk that keeps it separate from the neighbours. Extremely zen and low key while potentially being able to host drunk going away parties. The chairs are metallic thin ones. Not the most comfortable, but maybe the best for humid summer time.
On this slot of property is two buildings: one to the right upon entering that appears to be a close-​to-​opening bistro and one in the back that is two stories. The bottom story being the bar and the top being what I assume is the owner’s residence.
I’d make it a point to drop by for a glass of wine, which they have on draft as well, next time I’m in Austin.

The outdoor seating was really nice, and the indoor space was small but comfortable. Good beer on tap, as well as wine and bubbles for a change in pace. Bartender was knowledgeable and welcoming. Good place to sit down and take a date or close group before or after eating.

My boyfriend and I loved the chill vibe of this place and would definitely recommend it if the manager wasn’t shady. We ordered two beers and my boyfriend was going to pay with his debit card at first until we chose to pay with cash, he left his debit card by accident on the bar. We called and the manager had it. We went up there the next day to get it! We ended up with a $ 39 charge on there? The card was never used by us, the manager said he would refund it if we came back. We live in Arkansas. Very unprofessional and shady.

Sincerely impressed by the owner, Craig, and his establishment. I happened to be there the other night and was accidentally charged for a drink I did not order. Craig was quick to remedy the situation and provided me with a refund. Honestly, the place is very charming itself and the drinks are great; I would have come back to this place even without the refund. Now I absolutely will and would encourage others to give it a look! It is a great place to grab a drink and chat. Would definitely come back!

This place is adorable and the bartenders are great. My friends and I stopped by here for a quick drink. I had a glass of wine (can’t remember what it was) but it was a Spanish white that the bartender recommended. It was very good! Bartenders are well dressed, place has a good vibe and cool people lots of beers available and wine. No liquor. Standard pricing. I’d go back!

Stumbled across this place while bar hopping on Rainey street. It’s so cute, romantic– we were pulled in by the ambience. The owner was working and she was so sweet and helpful. Service at it’s finest.
They don’t have food right now, but a French bistro is in the works. Too bad I am just visiting– otherwise I would be a regular.
Great spot to stop and enjoy a glass of Prosecco. You won’t regret it.

Apparently this place has been open for three weeks, who knew?
While frolicking around Rainey Street on a beautiful Sunday Funday, my friends and I noticed the sleek looking building with an «open» sign and decided to check it out.
The Drafting Room is a classy looking place, and is rather small but cute and quiet. The patio is quaint, and while they don’t serve food yet, a French bistro is expected to open in the front house some time this summer.
We were in the back house, which is a tiny bar. An architect owns the lot, and still operates his business right above the bar.
What I’ve gathered is that this guy realized how many bars/​restaurants were popping up on Rainey, and was like «when life gives you lemons, take advantage of your spot and open a bar!»
I think this attitude might come off as slightly insulting to people in the existing restaurant industry, there is a very distinct attitude of the place that just anyone can open a successful restaurant/​bar… but to each his own.
It’s only beer and wine, and not a huge selection. BUT THEY HAVE PROSECCO ON TAP. So I mean, that’s awesome.
The glasses that the Prosecco is served in are from IKEA though, like when I finished my glass I saw IKEA in big block letters, so that wasn’t as awesome. Oh well.
Anywho, it’s a cute little place. A nice break from all the bros at the other bars on Rainey.