Overview: Monks Jazz Club has introduced a new in-house cocktail bar at its South Austin location, situated within The Yard in the St. Elmo Arts District. Opening on August 1, the venue maintains its established listening room and whisper policy while expanding beverage offerings beyond previous BYOB restrictions.
The Full Story
Owner Collin Shook noted that the decision to open a dedicated cocktail bar followed sufficient growth and reputation within the community. The venue previously operated in East Austin for eight years before relocating to this new space at 310 E. St. Elmo Road. Bar service is managed by Nick Chambers, while creative programming and operations are overseen by Leila Sunier.
The bar features a full menu of beer, wine and cocktails, marking a shift from an event space where alcohol was prohibited in or out. Shook stated that some patrons previously attempted to bring wine to pay a corkage fee, but the new policy requires guests to take it back to their car. The venue also livestreams shows using high-production cinema cameras for its Patreon audience, with monthly subscriptions starting at $10.
Production & Profile
The $15 specialty drink menu features four signature cocktails curated by Sunier. These include the “Oaxacanite,” a mix of mezcal, tequila, lime juice, agave and bitters; “The Last Saint,” combining gin, génépi, St-Germain and lime juice; “Don’t Forget the Struggle…,” which pairs mezcal, amaro and amontillado sherry; and the “Whisper Not,” a bourbon cocktail with Cointreau, lemon juice, maple syrup and a lemon wheel. Classic options include Negroni, old fashioned, margarita, martini and Manhattan.
The beverage program encompasses Mezcal, Tequila, Gin, Bourbon, Amaro, Sherry, Wine, Beer, natural wines and bottled beers alongside these spirits.
Brand & Industry History
Monks Jazz Club has long been associated with downtown jazz venues such as the Elephant Room, Parker Jazz Club and Nica. Shook expressed a desire to be part of a thriving new district rather than being limited to downtown associations. The venue also livestreams shows using high-production cinema cameras for its Patreon audience, with monthly subscriptions starting at $10.
What This Means
The transition marks a shift from an event space where alcohol was prohibited in or out to a full-service venue with a complete menu of beer, wine and cocktails. Shook stated that some patrons previously attempted to bring wine to pay a corkage fee, but the new policy requires guests to take it back to their car.
Consumer Takeaway
Drinkers visiting 310 E. St. Elmo Road can expect a full menu of beer, wine and cocktails under a strict whisper policy. The location offers access to signature drinks and classic liquors without the BYOB restrictions previously associated with the club.
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