📍 119 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78701

When it comes to unique speakeasies in Austin, Floppy Disk Repair Co., also known as Red Headed Stepchild, takes the cake. This cozy and quirky bar is tucked away on East 5th Street. It combines a dedicated horror theme with inventive cocktails. An air of mystery makes the experience truly special. From the intriguing sign outside to the vibrant red lighting that drenches the bar, every detail here feels intentional—and unforgettable.

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The Speakeasy Experience

Getting into Floppy Disk Repair Co. is part of the fun. To enter, you’ll need an access code, and here’s the deal: I do not and will not share codes. The owner has made it clear that posting or sharing the code spoils the experience for others. I completely agree. That said, there are ways to find it. Visit the bar next door for hints, or check Reddit if you’re up for the challenge—it’s a little scavenger hunt that’s well worth it.

Before I even knew this was a bar (and way before I could legally drink), I used to see the Floppy Disk Repair sign and wonder what was behind it. Fast forward to 2021, I finally decided to put in the effort to crack the code—and let me tell you, I was like a giddy kid when I figured it out.

The Atmosphere

Once inside, you’re greeted with saturated red lighting that instantly sets the mood. I can’t quite explain it, but this bold design choice is one of my favorite things about the space. The horror-themed decor is carried out meticulously, even extending to the bathrooms. It’s intimate and cozy, with booths perfect for casual conversation and TVs often playing movies that fit the eerie vibe.

I’ve celebrated birthdays here and visited on quieter nights, and every time has been a great experience. The staff here are fantastic—every bartender I’ve encountered takes pride in their craft, especially when making specialty cocktails that require a bit of flair (think torches and dramatic presentations). It’s always a treat to see people who genuinely enjoy what they do.

The Cocktails

Floppy Disk Repair Co. is known for its strong and unique cocktails, and I’ve made it my mission to try as many as possible. So far, I’ve had:

• Freshman Experimentation
  (Tito’s vodka, hibiscus tea, grapefruit, Salers Gentiane, and lemon, served on the rocks) – My absolute favorite! The perfect balance of refreshing and complex flavors.
• Dr. Donald Cline
  (Community Vodka, Licor 43, Aquafaba, strawberry crème, and lemon) – Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-smooth.
• I’m Not That Kinda Girl
  (Community Vodka, St. George Nola, Demerara simple syrup, and cold brew) – A great pick-me-up with bold coffee flavors.

The drinks here are on the pricier side, but they’re worth every penny. If you catch happy hour from 4–7 pm, you can snag their $10 cocktails, which is an absolute steal considering the quality.

Things to Know

• Noise Level: While some have mentioned that it can get loud, I personally haven’t experienced this. However, it’s not a spot for deep conversations—it’s more about soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the vibe.
• Tab Policy: On my last visit, they were doing $50 card authorizations for tabs. I’m not sure if that’s still the case, so it’s worth asking when you go.
• Crowds: It’s never been overly busy when I’ve visited, but I recommend using Google Maps’ “Popular Times” feature to plan your trip, especially if you’re heading downtown on a weekend.

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Final Thoughts

Floppy Disk Repair Co. feels like one of those places you either love or just don’t vibe with—and I absolutely love it. From the intricate cocktails to the attention to detail in the decor, everything about this bar feels thoughtful and immersive. Whether you’re here for a casual drink, a birthday celebration, or just to satisfy your curiosity, Floppy Disk is a hidden gem that’s worth the effort to uncover.

Good luck finding the code, and most importantly—have fun!