* L’Oca d’Oro pictured above*
WEARING: Eliza J One-Shoulder Ruffle Sheath Dress | BaubleBar Elsa Drop Earrings | Kenneth Cole Heels
It’s no secret that Nathan and I both love a great cocktail plus dinner spot, and lucky for us… Austin is full of some of the most delicious restaurants! This city is sprawling with amazing date night spots to indulge in with your boo where the yummy cocktails are graciously flowing, and some to-die-for dishes are being served up.❤️ I’m breaking down 16 of my favorite cocktail + dinner spots for you below, plus sharing a few amazing dishes and drinks to order at each! Scroll through to read more.
1. THE ODD DUCK – I first visited The Odd Duck during my very first night in Austin, Texas after moving here! (It was the first restaurant that I tried during my becoming a new ‘Austinite’ stage.) I flew into Austin that day from a family trip in Guatemala, and Nathan took me straight to this hip & trendy ATX spot for cocktails and small plates. (The plates are meant to be shared, so you’ll definitely want to order a few to try!🍽)
2.LAUNDERETTE – We went to Launderette for Nathan’s birthday last week, and OMG it was AMAZING. Everything from my wild honey mezcal cocktail to the fried oysters & hanger steak that we ordered, to Nathan’s b-day desert (milk chocolate semifreddo) was delicious… ughh I need to go back ASAP y’all. Add this one to your list FOR SURE!
3. SWAY – I can’t seem to stay away from yummy Thai food, and if you’re a huge fan like me, than you’ll want to make sure you make Sway your next stop! Two of my favorite things on the menu are the asparagus & garlic beef fried rice, and the tiger cry hanger steak with Thai basil & red chili. (Their happy hour is really great too!🍻)
4. MATTIE’S – If you’re in the mood for a little escape, or something that feels as though you’re stepping outside of the city, I definitely recommend Mattie’s. This restaurant is housed inside of a beautiful old farm house in the heart of Austin. It’s been around since 1916!, and serves as the perfect spot for an intimate or celebratory dinner. 🍷
5. FABI + ROSI – A friend recently recommended this spot to me whenever I was on the hunt for a good dinner destination for Nathan’s birthday. Fabi + Rosi is a delicious European spot located in the middle of the city. They also landed on USA Today’s 10 Best Restaurants List for a Romantic Dinner in Austin.
6. BUFALINA – I only have one word for Bufalina… PIZZAAAAAAA🍕. Okay y’all here me out – the wait is long, but 100% worth it! (And, Nathan was convinced we were sitting beside Kirsten Dunst the whole time we were eating dinner lol!😂) This Austin hot spot has some of the best pizza in the city. (Hence the long af wait.) Order some wine while you wait, and have a look over their amazing menu. You’ll seriously want to order it all!
7. UCHI – If you’re in search for some amazing sushi…than look no further than Uchi. (Yes, I made that rhyme on purpose!!😂) This Japanese spot is the epitome of fine dining. With locations in Dallas, Denver, and Houston this trendy restaurant is offering up a unique and memorable dining experience while making waves across the country.
8. L’OCA D’ORO – This restaurant (pictured in all of the photos on today’s post) is absolutely gorgeous! The decor inside is just stunning, and the best spot for a date night in the city. The Chef is no stranger to Italian cuisine either! Chef Fiore Tedesco developed his skills while spending time at some of my absolute favorite spots from NYC to ATX. (New York City’s Gramercy Tavern, Roberta’s in Brooklyn, Franklin BBQ, & Bufalina.) He’s also the nicest guy and greets you as soon as you walk in! Make yourself a ressie at this spot soon! 🍝
9. BETTER HALF – Both of the spots in this section of today’s blog post are very new to Austin, but already making names for themselves. CUE: Better Half – From the owners of Wright Bros. Brew & Brew comes this all-day bar + cafe. (Gone are the days of waiting until 5:00pm for a good cocktail!🙌🏻) Their drink menu is AMAZE & food + small bites are super yummm. Order the Head West Cocktail and thank me later. 😉
10. SHE’S NOT HERE – Another new spot that recently opened is located in the heart of downtown, and near the beautiful Austin Public Library (Central). She’s Not Here is a delicious Pacific Asian Cocktail bar + kitchen. The interior is gorgeous, and the cocktails are totally on point. (P.S. – The sushi 🍣 here is amazing too!)
11. JEFFREY’S – Adjacent to Josephine House in the darling little neighborhood of West Lynn, is Jeffrey’s. This is a great spot if you’re planning to splurge a little on din, and are wanting to try some new things! Their dinner menu offers everything from sweet pea tortellini to shellfish risotto, and wild Alaskan halibut. 😋
12. LENOIR – Swanky, romantic interiors and hot weather food is the best way to describe Lenoir here in Austin. They pride themselves on acidic, citrusy dishes with little butter, cream, and gluten. (Psst… they also have a beautiful wine garden!🌹 Perfect for cool evenings outside.)
13. EDEN EAST – Ever since farm-to-table made en entrance in the culinary world, there’s been no looking back for this gal💁🏻♀️. Eden East is a beautiful outdoor experience with a fresh farm-to-table pre-fixe menu. (reservation only!) Take a glance at their seasonal menu here: Eden East Menu
14. GRIZZELDA’S – Nathan and I first visited Grizzelda’s a few months back after an old co-worker recommended that we go there, and we’ve been hooked ever since! Honestly everything on the menu is divine, but I definitely suggest starting out with the guacamole, + throw in some tacos, and sip on one of their delish margaritas.🍹 (Also, the bathroom is super Instagrammable!😁)
15. OLAMAIE – Southern food at it’s FINEST. Olamaie is just as beautiful as it is delicious, and serves as the perfect spot for an evening of yummy southern food from skillet cornbread, to gulf white shrimp & gold rice hush puppies. OMG y’all… go there NOW!
16. FOREIGN & DOMESTIC – Shoutout to my cousin Andrew for recommending that we grab dinner here a few weekends ago, because it’s seriously now one of my favorite spots here in the city! We met my cousin and his wife Laura at Foreign & Domestic for a delicious spread of farm-to-table bites, including the most amazing gruyere & black pepper popovers, Parisian gnocchi, and slow roasted pork. It’s also within walking distance of some really great cocktail spots! We stopped into The Tigress down the street for the booziest of after-dinner cocktails.🍸
I hope that you enjoyed today’s list of favorite cocktail + dinner spots here in Austin!🍸 I’ve been loving putting together requested posts for you like this one on some of my favorite spots here in the city. I always love your feedback too, so if there’s anything specific you’d like to see in a post about Austin, please let me know! xo
photography by Madeline Harper.
Have another favorite spot that I missed? Let me know in the comments below! xo
WEARING: Eliza J One-Shoulder Ruffle Sheath Dress | BaubleBar Elsa Drop Earrings | Kenneth Cole Heels
