We finally made it to Sidecar in New Braunfels, and it completely lived up to the hype. It’s a prohibition-style speakeasy tucked underneath the Prince Solms Inn. Dim lighting, exposed brick, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile.
You’ll definitely want to book ahead! We had tried to grab a drink once, and they were pretty stern about having a reservation. So we made our reservation about a week in advance, and the only time available was 9 PM. Once you’re in, though, it’s worth every bit of planning. Keep in mind, you only have your table for two hours… and their reservation process and reminders won’t let you forget it, lol.
They make everything in-house, from their mixers to their syrups, and you can really tell. I ordered a tequila old fashioned (highly recommend) and ended the night with a carajillo. Both felt elevated and were absolutely divine. Davis tried a few of the cocktails off their menu and didn’t have a single complaint.
We kept it simple with bread and butter, and mixed nuts to snack on. It all went together so intuitively. They have proper food items too, we just weren’t too hungry, but it all sounded great!
That night, The Trad Police were performing, and they completely set the mood. They’re incredibly talented musicians and brought such a good vibe to the space; it’s classy but still relaxed. Also, I’m such a sucker for some jazz.
When doing my own research on “dress code”, I came across the phrase smart casual. What does that even mean?! Anyway, in typical Rae fashion, I wore all black with 6-inch heels. Let me tell you how others interpreted smart casual: jeans, cowboy boots, flowy long skirts. Honkytonk basically. To be fair, this speakeasy is nestled into a downtown Texas town. I’d just recommend wearing what makes you feel confident and happy.
Overall, Sidecar is one of those spots that nails the details. From the cocktails to the music to the ambiance. Perfect for date night, catching up with friends, or just treating yourself to a good drink.
With love, from Rae @ Sidecar
Browse the blog archives for more vibes — there’s a little bit of everything here.