This Floppy Disk Repair Shop Is Not What It Looks Like
As any visitor to Texas's capital city knows, Austin is a city of in-your-face fun: Swirling through Lady Bird Lake's winding paths on a bike or on the glassy waters themselves via paddle board. Gorging on tacos and grilled cheese at bright, colorful clusters of food trucks. Patio hanging and pimento cheese-dipping adventures on festive Rainey Street. But lurking behind all these conspicuous adventures is a hidden slice of down-home paradise: The Floppy Disk Repair Co.
Don't let the website's prose fool you: "We are a full service floppy disk repair company located in Austin, Texas! We fix all brands and makes and formats..." Maybe you'd have us fooled in 1995, but in 2017, it's hard not to do a second take at a store allegedly devoted to salvaging floppies. So what's with the oddball facade? Turns out, behind the door is a true prize for travelers and locals alike, known as the Red Headed Stepchild.
Like that quirky family member you love love love but maybe don't get quite get, this bar is quite the fiery-haired diva. First, you'll need the password to gain admission. (Hint: On slow nights, staff and bouncers at nearby spots like the Azul Rooftop Pool bar or Handlebar next door are often willing to help with entry code assistance). And trust us, this alternate universe is every country western gal's dream. Upon entering the funky speakeasy, soak up the neon lights and take a seat at the swings that stand in for bar chairs.
After snagging a table or swing (the bar only holds around 25 guests at a time) geek out over the decor: the old-school lamps, the exposed brick, the tartan-covered menus, Ouija boards...the list of ephemera goes on and on. Oh, and we haven't even gotten to the cocktails yet! With cleverly-named hits like "Silence of the Lambs" and "I'm in Love with a Cocoa," it's hard to settle on one beverage. But, if we can offer one piece of counsel, let it be this: Order the "My Trix Are Not For Your Kids." It's a delectable medley of light rum and Trix-infused milk presented alongside a shot glass of Trix. Hangovers taste way better when chased with childhood memories! (And if you don't agree, well, you can always reschedule that paddle boarding class for another day and stick to poolside lazing to recover from one of the most fun secrets in Texas.)
Looking for more fun recs in the Lone Star State? Read our guide to fun things to do in Austin.
The Floppy Disk Repair Co. aka the Red Headed Stepchild is located at 119 E. 5th Street in Austin, Texas.
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