El Rey Executive Club

Sorry to see you go El Rey… hope someone brings you back soon!!!

I very much enjoyed El Rey. Who knew? I’ve walked right by here before and never knew the guy’s valhalla that lurked within. Some things worth noting if you’re keeping score at home: framed cigars adorn the walls, but the place isn’t guys only… we were in here with a group that included several of the fairer sex, and it was cool set-​up, definitely a male twist on the day spa concept.
Word is that you can get the requisite shave and massage and whatnot, but there wasn’t time for that yesterday, so I’m reserving a star based on what sounds like part of the good life that I didn’t get to experience. Nonetheless, the spa restrooms (I know, weird, but worth mentioning) were epic. All the trimmings to get you groomed up right before you head back out into the world, or at least back to the lounge, which tended to be my destination. It’s quiet, soothing, and there are lots of heavy doors between what presumably could be the next part of your adventure. I’ll definitely be back, if only to explore a little more.

El Rey is a man spa. That’s right, it’s one of the few spas in the entire world devoted to pampering men. The services include manicures, hot rock massages, haircuts, shoe shining, and more. So, if you just don’t know what to get that special executive in your life, you know, the one who already has everything, maybe you could consider giving him a $ 550 grooming package (facial, manicure, pedicure, and deep tissue massage) or maybe you could get him a little certificate for a scalp therapy treatment and an old-​fashioned razor shave? That’s certainly much more classy than a package of Rogaine foam.
I spoke to the owner, Clint Campbell, and found out that the 4,500 square-​foot El Rey establishment opened over five years ago and that, until recently, there used to be an annual membership fee. I think all men can now enjoy the services without needing a membership, but I could be a little fuzzy on the details there, as I wasn’t in the market for a membership.
I was also told that the lounge was just opened to women in December 2008, less than a month ago. This means that it’s perfectly fine to gather up a gaggle of ladies, or a group of co-​eds, line up outside the establishment, ring the hidden doorbell, and get escorted to the lounge area. Please note: women are only allowed between the hours of 5:00 and 10:00 Tuesday through Saturday.
As you might expect, the place is filled with dark wooden tables, enormous leather chairs, and numerous flat-​panel TV screens. Martinis are the speciality drink, and there’s a wonderful selection of them that include the Spatini (prevalent taste of cucumbers), the Cupiditini (Chambord on the bottom), and the Flirtini (champagne). Most of the regulars, though, seemed to be huddled in the back around the 20-​person table playing a game of poker, and drinking beer and liquids that came in snifters.
I asked what might be considered a competitor. Sexy Scissors? Sports Clips? Birds? Expose? I was told that there really isn’t any competitor to El Rey, at least not in Austin.
So, don’t take my word for it. Go check out this little lounge in the big man spa for yourself. It’s a fun alternative to the old standbys, The Driskell and Stephen F. Austin.