Two options for drinking and dining in downtown's West Fifth area recently opened at the same spot: Manny's and Powder Room.

In a nutshell

The trio behind Austin's '70s-themed South Congress diner, Toasty Badger, launched the separate concepts in late April, with one offering a casual environment while the other boasts an upscale vibe, according to a news release. The opening of Manny's and Powder Room marks the second and third venues now offered by Lobos Hospitality's cofounders Grace Chow, Jason Ellefson and Eric Kemp.
Designer and owner of Petermax Design Firm Peter Bowden said he used mid-century modern elements to create the space. (Courtesy Zach Querry)
Designer and owner of Petermax Design Firm Peter Bowden said he used mid-century modern elements to create the space. (Courtesy Zach Querry)
On the menu

Manny's features elevated deli foods served in a casual environment with indoor and outdoor seating. Options include:
  • Sandwiches like an Italian; a roasted club; or the Crying Tiger, a spicy sandwich made with roast beef, toasted rice powder and crying tiger sauce
  • Tartines made with smoked salmon; or avocado and watermelon radish
  • Smoothies, with optional ingredients such as whey or hemp protein; and spirulina
  • Salads, with and without meat
Manny's offers both indoor and outdoor patio seating. (Courtesy Zach Querry)
Manny's offers both indoor and outdoor patio seating. (Courtesy Zach Querry)
What else?

A backroom door inside Manny's leads to the hidden, upscale cocktail and music lounge—Powder Room.


Specializing in vintage and craft cocktails, the speakeasy-style lounge offers tableside mixology for guests who want to create a custom cocktail, as well as bottle service and light bites.

"Bartending right at tableside where guests can watch their server build a personalized cocktail offers an elevated experience unique to Powder Room," Head Mixologist Drew Record said in the news release. "We want to help make memories for guests they would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere."

Although reservations are not required, they are recommended, according to the website.
Upscale cocktail and music lounge, Powder Room, is accessed from a backroom door inside Manny's. (Courtesy Zach Querry)


One more thing


Powder Room guests are not allowed to bring their mobile phones into the lounge; instead, they must check in their phones at the front desk to be stored in a deposit box until the guest's departure, according to the website.

Notable quote

"One of our greatest pleasures at Lobos Hospitality is bringing people together to eat quality food made from quality ingredients provided by members of the community," Ellefson said in the news release.