The Eleanor – A Cocktail Bar for Everyone

Immediately walking into the Eleanor you are greeted with a vintage yet warm ambiance. With dimmed lighting and a disco ball flashing gleaming dots throughout the space, it gives a fun yet welcoming environment. Whether you are arriving as a party of one or part of a larger group, you are sure to enjoy yourself. There is plenty of seating and things to keep you entertained like the interior decor, the movies playing in the background, and a timeless photo booth, but the real attention grabber is the menu available and the handcrafted drinks. 

The Eleanor – Menu 

The creation of each drink is like a show of itself as the artistry behind these beverages involves a lot of imagination and is meticulously crafted. Taking a seat at the bar allows you the perfect opportunity to watch how the Eleanor’s skilled bartenders combine artisanal ingredients into a visually appealing presentation.With a variety of different cocktails on their menu such as classic cocktails, low-ABV, non-alcoholic mocktails, or their house blends, there is something for everyone.

Beginning with Pass the Buck, this non-alcoholic beverage features almave non-alcoholic blanco tequila, giffard bitter aperitif sirop, strawberry-thai basil syrup, ginger, lemon, and barrel-smoked black pepper. The unique combination of flavors provides a refreshingly sweet yet smoky flavor. If you are looking for an alcoholic version of this drink, The Roosevelt Room next door offers Buck to the Future which has similar notes and taste to it.

After that cocktail, I sampled Show Business and Old Man of the Mountain, both being some of the newest house creations to the menu. Show Business is literally a showstopper with a creamy, sweet floral flavor and a beautiful flower floating in the drink. This blooming drink contains beeswax hendrick’s neptunia gin, raw wildflower honey, lemon, ginger, rr lavender & chamomile bitters, yogurt powder, witch hazel, and a golden honey powder. As for Old Man of the Mountain, it provides a blend of banana, walnut, and lime flavors. It is uniquely crafted with green banana-infused flor de caña 12 dark rum, el tesoro reposado tequila, pot still rum, brûléed banana cordial, walnut liqueur, mole bitters, cassia, salt, lime oils, and grated nutmeg.

Alongside these house creations, I snacked on the sumac and pepper popcorn. This freshly prepared popcorn is seasoned with toasted black pepper, sumac, kosher salt, and garlic oil making it vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free safe. It had a spicy yet light taste to it making it the perfect complement to any drinks ordered.

To end the night, I sampled the Espress-No Martini which features lyre’s coffee originale, fresh espresso, milk whey, brown sugar, vanilla, mole & black walnut bitters. This non-alcoholic creation provides the look of a martini without the alcohol. It is an eccentric combination of the rich espresso coffee with a touch of sweetness and provides a classic taste.

Conclusion

With various unique blends on its diverse menu, The Eleanor in Austin is a wonderful place to try. The historic essence and modern elegance, captivates the attention of visitors alike. The staff is so engaging and provides a supportive environment for all, regardless of choice of beverage. This approach makes sure everyone feels included, whether having an evening of reflection or enjoying a night out with friends. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails complement the night and create memorable moments for an unforgettable experience. 

Daisy Ruiz

Born in Dallas, Texas, Daisy Ruiz is a rising senior at the University of Texas at Austin studying Economics on a premedical track. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, being outdoors, and loves going to different events and places to try new things.