Texas is full of historic treasures, but few are as iconic—or as mysteriously haunted—as the Driskill Bar in Austin. Nestled within the opulent walls of the legendary Driskill Hotel, this bar offers more than just award-winning cocktails and vintage architecture. It’s a place where Texas high society, Southern hospitality, and ghostly legends all come together. Whether you come for the bourbon or the spooky stories, the Driskill Bar is an experience you won’t forget.
Paranormal investigators, history buffs, and curious travelers alike find themselves drawn to this historic haunt. As the warm glow of chandeliers illuminates the luxurious leather seating, you might catch more than just your reflection in the mirror. Keep your senses sharp—there’s more lingering in the air than the scent of cigar smoke and aged whiskey.
The History
A Legacy Born in the Gilded Age
The story of the Driskill Bar begins with the story of the Driskill Hotel itself. It was built in 1886 by Colonel Jesse Driskill, a wealthy cattle baron with aspirations of grandeur. Hoping to create a posh gathering spot for politicians, tycoons, and high society, Driskill spared no expense in outfitting the hotel with opulent decor, grand marble columns, stained glass domes, and custom furniture imported from around the globe.
Set in the heart of downtown Austin, the hotel quickly became a central hub for Texas’ powerful elite. Presidents, governors, and many famous figures have roamed its corridors. The Driskill’s reputation as “Austin’s living room” was born during these early years when lavish parties, elegant dances, and high-stakes political meetings were held in its grand halls.
The Bar That Became a Legend
The Driskill Bar was not part of the original hotel structure but soon established itself as one of the most atmospheric and sought-after venues in the city. Designed to match the sophisticated feel of the rest of the hotel, the bar boasts dark mahogany wood paneling, ornate chandeliers, Western-inspired artwork, and plush leather furnishings.
Not just a watering hole, the Driskill Bar has long been a place to rub elbows with powerbrokers, artists, musicians, and storytellers. It has served as a backdrop for countless deals, rendezvous, and conversations that have shaped the cultural and political fabric of Texas. Whether it’s political wrangling or songwriting over a glass of bourbon, the Driskill Bar captures the essence of 19th-century luxury with a lingering whiff of mystery.
The Haunt
The Spirits Behind the Spirits
When you sip your Manhattan or neat whiskey at the Driskill Bar, you might find yourself seated next to more than just a fellow patron. This historic venue has earned a chilling reputation among ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Some of the most compelling stories of the hotel’s spectral inhabitants have been linked directly to this bar and its immediate surroundings.
Colonel Jesse Driskill Himself
One of the most often-reported ghostly figures is that of Colonel Jesse Driskill, the hotel’s ambitious founder. After losing a fortune during a financial crash, Driskill was forced to sell the hotel just a year after its opening. Many say he never quite got over it. Guests and staff alike have reported seeing a well-dressed man smoking a cigar in the bar, only for him to vanish into a wall or disappear the moment a second glance is cast. A strong scent of unlit cigar smoke often wafts through the air with no discernible source—paranormal phenomenon or just a lingering aroma? You decide.
The Ghost of a Little Girl
There’s a tragic story of a young girl who died after falling down a grand staircase near the bar area in the early days of the hotel. Many guests claim they hear the faint sound of giggling near the bar or feel a sudden chill brush past them. Some say items like glasses or cutlery move on their own when the room is otherwise still. Paranormal investigators often report strange EMF readings and unexplainable life-sized cold spots—classic signs of an energetic presence.
The “Suicide Brides”
Two eerily similar events happened decades apart, each involving a bride who took her life in Room 525 after being left at the altar. Though Room 525 is on an upper floor, reports suggest the emotional residue from these events has seeped beyond the room itself. Several bartenders at the Driskill Bar have described sudden changes in temperature, glasses inexplicably shattering when no one is near, and a sense of heavy sorrow settling on the room—especially late at night when the crowd has thinned and the night quiets down.
EVPs and Other Sightings
Many paranormal teams have gathered evidence suggesting intelligent hauntings throughout the hotel, with the bar being a hotbed of activity. Some have captured unexplained whispering voices (EVPs) on audio devices, while others have taken photos revealing unidentified figures reflected in mirrors or glass. Surveillance footage has even reportedly shown furniture ever so slightly shifting on its own. While skeptics might brush these off as parlor tricks or drafts, those who’ve experienced them first-hand often walk away with a changed view of the world.
Why Paranormal Enthusiasts Should Visit
Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or an amateur drawn to the unexplained, the Driskill Bar offers a tantalizing blend of history, elegance, and hauntings. Enjoy a drink surrounded by Victorian decor, but keep your eye on that antique mirror—it might just blink back at you.
Bring your EMF detector, infrared camera, and a good digital recorder. The ambiance alone is fuel for stories, but if you sit quietly, especially during the early evening or right before closing time, you may just catch something from beyond. The staff is usually more than happy to share their personal experiences as well, and trust us—there are many.
So if your idea of the perfect paranormal night includes refined cocktails, ghostly whispers, and a touch of Texas elegance, the Driskill Bar should be at the top of your haunted travel list. Unlike other haunted locations that are abandoned or in ruins, this one invites you to sit back, sip slowly, and let history—and maybe a ghost or two—come to you.