Go Beyond the Obvious {Get Lost in Paradise}

Words by Abby L. Johnson | Photos by Baptiste Despois

The Devil is in the [meticulous] details at this one-of-a-kind experience

Eden Cocktail Room is, perhaps, truly the most hidden bar in Austin. Until one knows about Eden, there would be almost no reason to walk down the alley between Brazos Street and San Jacinto Boulevard. For those in the know, there’s a red light shining above a purple door at the end of this dark tunnel that transports visitors from the hectic energy of the Sixth Street crowd to a sinfully peaceful place.

Eden Cocktail Room’s aesthetic plays with the seductive themes of temptation and indulgence. The name itself is a nod to a perfect paradise, but the neon sign next to the bar glowing with the phrase “We’re Only Human” hints at an enticing fall from grace.

Owner and bartender Chris Crow set out to design a place that not only highlighted the craft he has been perfecting since age 18 but also stamped an unforgettable adventure into the minds of its visitors.
It’s all uphill once you make it through the alleyway. “You open up the purple doors, you start to smell palo santo, and you’re like, okay, maybe we’re in the right spot,” says Chris. “The first thing you see [inside] is the marble bar top with our mural, which is a homage to Eve and Lilith.” The vibrant painting features a UV light component. When it’s dark enough, “Eden” appears in neon letters at the top of the mural—another hidden delight.

“Half the battle is having a good product, and the other half is making an experience, creating memories for people,” explains Chris. His carefully-crafted menu reflects that ethos. From the overarching concepts to high quality ingredients to the actual physical presentations, the menu represents excellence in all aspects of hospitality.

The first menu Chris released leaned into the Biblical theme with drink names like “Genesis” and “Dust to Dust.” The second menu turned into a celebration of medicinal plants with drinks focused around traditional remedies like dandelion, pine, and lavender. The concept came to Chris from the idea that “booze essentially is medicinal.” That theory might be a bit outdated, but it certainly leans into the intoxicating attitude of bringing pleasure to the forefront.

Eden has limited seating, so a reservation is a good idea but certainly not required. If the red light is on, impromptu guest know they can follow it to this lost garden.

Contact:
214 E 6th St.
edencocktailroom.com
@edencocktailroom