Downtown Austin’s tucked away treasures can be found at 315 Congress Ave. This address is famous for the beloved basement level Elephant Room, but upstairs sits another den to be discovered. Swift’s Attic is a whiskey wonderland with a creative kitchen. You will find fascinating drinks, flavorful food, and a fun atmosphere. Nestled in and named after the original company in the historic space and now churning out farm-to-table food of a fantastical sort. Wander up to this whimsical warehouse for a memorable meal.

Swift’s Attic has combined a raw historic space with a romantic modern loft. Exposed brick is adorned with a mix of industrial metal features and imaginative magical facets. Combining old and new seems to be a specialty here, seen in the pops of paint punctuating natural wood and antique furnishings. Glowing Edison bulbs, bird cage chandeliers, and shades of emerald accentuate a peaceful prominence. Swift’s will keep you on your toes while still feeling gloriously glued to your seat. They’ve created a lounge that is luxurious and timeless but somehow still incredibly current and casual. You’ll find yourself singing along to millennial hip hop and pop punk jams while savoring some of the highest quality pours and plates Austin has to offer.

Take your appetite for an adventure and scour the menu for a meal you’ll never forget. You’ll feel like a modern Goldilocks, finding filling food and flavors that are just-right (and a ton of gluten free and vegan options). The chefs here have dug into their culinary tool belts to transform classic dishes and tantalize your taste buds. These folks are masters of juxtaposition, bringing fancy and funny to each plate. Executive Chef Edgar Cuspinera and his team have elevated everything down to the basket of fries. They call them Stoopid Fries and they come out with the appearance of a bird's nest, the sticks of fries guarding an onsen egg yolk aioli. This fun title is fitting for a simple yet stupidly good appetizer and many of the names made us chuckle. Try the Tiger Apricots for a bacon wrapped bite, bursting with flavor and rested on a dollop of fluffy chipotle mascarpone. Swift’s sirloin sushi, the How We Roll, is the star of the starters and a perfect sample of the fusion style you’ll find here.

Cuspinera has pulled inspirations from Asian, Middle Eastern, and American cooking. One plate that will prove this kitchen’s power is the Pad Thai. Devour this dish and you might not even notice that the noodles are made of squash and carrot and the chorizo is truly tempeh (making this vegan and gf!). Continue an Asian theme with the Miso Salmon and the Ol’ Dirty Galbi braised wagyu short ribs or switch it Southern and try the Gulf Boys & Country Gals shrimp and grits. If you can’t choose yourself, hand that job off and take the locally sourced Chef’s Cut that Chef Edgar chooses each week. Dessert doesn’t disappoint either and no matter which plate you pick, the Swift’s Attic crew will have you raising the roof.

What truly will have you flying back is their bar. Marvel at a mountain of whiskey and a clever cocktail list. Venturing through their selection is reminiscent of searching through family heirlooms and treasures in your grandparent’s attic storage. You’ll find familiar favorites as well as long lost legends. They’ve spent many years curating bottles, creating some renowned recipes, and developing techniques that have since spread throughout the whiskey world and beyond. To get the full experience here, order an Ice ball cocktail. This comes with your favorite bourbon, tequila, or gin poured over a slowly melting mixer that will start “on the rocks” and then melt over time into a new drink. Get a second pour at a huge discount and add it to extend the ice even further. The old fashioned ice ball started out highlighting the true flavors and notes of the whiskey and then later became a velvety, spicy, and warm classic cocktail. For something more refreshing, try the tart and sweet Bless Your Heart. They have seasonal cocktails as well, some even referencing viral internet trends like their mouthwatering Tawk Tuah Me (if you know you know).

These folks have combined decades of industry experience in bars and kitchens to craft a unique menu and unforgettable experience. Talk with the servers and you’ll quickly see the playful passion that fuels this staff. Even Curtis the General Manager is found climbing up the shelves to find fresh sips and his bar is filled with friends, family, and regulars. Spend some time in the Attic and discover why so many people have become Swifties. 

See y’all there.