The Long Goodbye Makes Its Mark on East Austin’s Growing Nightlife Scene
Mid-century modern design, classic Hollywood influences and a welcoming vibe have made The Long Goodbye a standout venue since its debut
The cocktail lounge and patio bar, The Long Goodbye, which opened in April at 2808 Manor, has quickly become a notable addition to the growing nightlife scene in East Austin. With a blend of mid-century modern design, West Coast art deco influences, and a welcoming atmosphere, this new venue reflects the deep roots and creative vision of its co-owners, Charles and Katrina Ferraro.
Charles Ferraro, a long-time Austin resident and experienced venue owner, drew inspiration from his personal history and love for classic Hollywood in creating The Long Goodbye. “I grew up here, and I’ve been part of the Austin live music scene for 25 years,” Charles said. “When we had the opportunity to take over this space in our neighborhood, we knew we couldn’t pass it up. I’ve always loved the name ‘The Long Goodbye’ for a bar, and I’ve wanted to use that name for a long time.”
The name and aesthetic of The Long Goodbye are directly influenced by the 1970s Robert Altman film of the same name, which itself was adapted from a Raymond Chandler novel. The design of the venue pays homage to iconic mid-century modern and art deco elements, creating a nostalgic yet contemporary space. “There are key locations in the film set in Hollywood that are iconic mid-century modern and art deco spaces. We made direct references to those elements, incorporating them into the design,” he explained.
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Blending mid-century modern design and vintage charm
The lounge’s interior features rich walnut woodwork, mid-century modern furniture, and muted blues and greens that evoke a cozy, lived-in feel. “We wanted it to feel a little more lived-in, with references to what it used to be, rather than just a brand-new space,” Charles noted. The 1,100-square-foot indoor area is complemented by an expansive outdoor patio, where guests can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere under the Texas sky.
The outdoor space, which was a crucial part of the venue’s design, extends the mid-century modern theme with additional seating areas and a patio bar. “The house was small, just a residential space before we took it over. We knew it could be a cool little intimate space, but we needed to add on to it to make the whole project work,” Charles said. The result is a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces that cater to both daytime and nighttime patrons.
The furnishings and decor of The Long Goodbye are a carefully curated mix of custom-made pieces and vintage finds. “There’s a custom furniture manufacturer that made the captain’s chairs and barstools, and then there’s vintage stuff that we sourced randomly, keeping an eye out for cool pieces,” Charles shared. This eclectic approach ensures that the space feels both unique and authentic, with personal touches that reflect the owners’ taste and experience.
An all-day destination with a California-Mexican-inspired cocktail menu
In addition to its distinctive design, The Long Goodbye offers a diverse cocktail program led by bar manager Zach, who brings a California-Mexican influence to the menu. “We wanted riffs on classics with plenty of agave representation and fresh juices,” Katrina said. Standout drinks include the Oaxacan Martini, a twist on the classic Mexican Martini, and the Trouble in Tijuana, a spicy tequila-based cocktail.
Beyond its role as a cocktail lounge, The Long Goodbye serves as an all-day destination for the community. The venue opens early with Fleet Coffee and La Santa Barbacha offering breakfast and lunch, before transitioning into a lively bar in the evening. The Ferraros have also integrated community events into their programming, hosting monthly markets and planning future collaborations.
“We’re definitely going to keep adding new elements, like bar snacks and more events,” Katrina said. “We’re looking forward to hosting Austin Studio Tour events and continuing to build on our vibrant market scene.”
With its unique design, cozy atmosphere and engaging events, The Long Goodbye is poised to become a beloved fixture in the neighborhood.
For more information, visit The Long Goodbye’s website or follow them on Instagram at @TheLongGoodbyeATX.