The Wheel — Restaurant in Austin

I really want to like this bar. It's cute, has a nice variety of seating... inside and outside and kinda-dense-in-a-good-way. The bartenders are cool folks with lots of great knowledge. The music isn't too loud - a good volume for talking but still bumping :-)

Unfortunately though... its quite expensive, and the staff isn't super transparent about the pricing. For instance, the whiskey of the day is supposed to be $5. I got it with ice, and was charged an extra dollar. This might be trivial, but it sucks getting charged without warning, especially for something that shouldn't get an upcharge (even if the on-the-rocks pour is slightly more liquid)... kinda like getting charged for napkins. And in general, everything's pretty pricey for a neighborhood bar.

I guess I'm a little too old school for all the new hotness in Austin. But I don't see any reason to visit The Wheel when you have so many other places that are both...

This place was a complete surprise. I was staying across the street for a business trip, and thought I'd go to this mysterious, even kinda scary-looking bar. I waked in and felt like I was at Cheers. The bartenders were funny, talkative, and friendly, and their banter with customers was entertaining and smart. They were so much fun! Aaron (so?) was a real kick as he was about as friendly and funny as they come, and simply a great guy.

And their customers reacted by being funny as well. We had a long conversation about movies that had people debating what was Tom Cruise's best movie, but ranging far beyond Cruise.

They had a nice selection of beer (including one if my favorites, Lagunitas Lil' Sumpin') on tap, and one if the best Manhattans I've ever had. I stopped in for a quick drink @7:00 and didn't leave until 11:30. 'Course, having terrific Tex-Mex food from The Loop News next to the bar helped. Can't wait to...

Fantastic bar. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Wide range of interesting liquors and beers. We went here on a recommendation of some people we met at the Doubletree around the corner and we were not disappointed. If you're expecting something fancy... this is not it. The Wheel is a funky, interesting bar and it was clear to us from the moment we came in that Dario and his team are serious about great drinks and excellent customer service. My partner is a bourbon nerd and Dario went out of his way to find something he would enjoy. I would highly recommend spending a few hours in here, prop yourself up at the bar and be prepared for real conversation. Alternatively you can grab a table in the corner and put the world to rights, or impress a date with some really great cocktails or...