What is Trona and what is its concept?

Trona is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar located in Austin's Eastside neighborhood. It features a unique Oaxacan and Japanese-inspired design.

Where is the bar located and how do I find it?

Trona is located at 1812 East 12th Street, Austin, Texas 78702, near 12th and Chicon. It is tucked away in an alley, and you can find it by looking for a door marked with a lightning bolt and a "TRONA" sign.

Do I need a reservation to visit?

No reservations are needed on Mondays and Tuesdays, which are reserved for walk-ins. However, reservations are highly encouraged or required for other days, and bookings can be initiated via text message or email.

What are the hours of operation?

Trona is open Monday through Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM, and Thursday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM. The bar is closed on Sundays.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Trona in Austin

Trona

Tucked away in an East Austin alley, Trona is an exclusive, speakeasy-style cocktail bar blending Oaxacan and Japanese design. Opened in 2023, it offers an enigmatic, reservation-friendly social experience.

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What to know

Opened in 2023 at 1812 East 12th Street, Trona is a sophisticated addition to Austin's vibrant Eastside neighborhood. The establishment defines itself as an Oaxacan and Japanese-inspired design cocktail bar, seamlessly blending these two distinct cultural aesthetics to foster a beautiful, enigmatic social experience. This striking design concept has garnered significant attention, earning official recognition from the CSS Design Awards as well as a feature from Awwwards. Operating as a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge near the intersection of 12th and Chicon, Trona offers a secluded, intimate atmosphere. To access the bar, visitors must navigate to a tucked-away location in an alley. There, they must locate a specific door marked by a lightning bolt and a "TRONA" sign, which serves as the gateway to the venue's moody, stylish interior. Because of its exclusive nature, securing entry to Trona often requires a bit of foresight. To begin the booking process, guests can initiate contact directly via text message or email. While some patrons plan their visits one to two months in advance to secure coveted spots, the bar also accommodates spontaneous outings. No reservations are needed on Mondays and Tuesdays, which are reserved specifically for walk-ins, while reservations are encouraged on Wednesdays. Trona operates with distinct evening hours throughout the week, opening at 5:00 PM from Monday through Saturday. It closes at midnight on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and extends its hours until 2:00 AM from Thursday through Saturday to accommodate late-night crowds, while remaining closed on Sundays.

Visitor tips

Look for the hidden door marked with a lightning bolt and a TRONA sign in the alley.
Visit on Monday or Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM if you want to walk in without a reservation.
Initiate booking contact via text message or email to secure a reservation up to two months in advance.
Note that the bar is closed on Sundays and open until 2:00 AM Thursday through Saturday.

Nearby context

Located in East Austin near the intersection of 12th and Chicon, Trona sits in a rapidly growing neighborhood known for its eclectic nightlife and dining scene. After trying to spot Trona's hidden entrance, visitors can explore other nearby nightlife options in the area, such as ReyRey and Tiki Tatsu-Ya, making this pocket of the Eastside an excellent destination for a curated evening crawl.