Rated as one of the top restaurants in Texas, Uchi is a very romantic restaurant with dimly lit lanterns. If you want some privacy, then the sushi bar is for you. For an appetizer, try the Yokai Berry, Sakana Carpaccio and Machi Cure. Make sure you leave some room for desserts, the creme caramel, gelato and panna cotta are delectable. As for the selection of sakes, it is wise to come in for the daily Sake Social to sample small bites and sakes that pair perfectly.
This venue, south of the river, is a throwback to the 1950s. Roots rock and country reign supreme in this bar, where one can often find men in leather jackets and classic Cadillacs out front. With live music nightly, tributes to Elvis, and celebrations of Hank William's birthday, this place is great for dancing, drinking and kicking back on the high stools. Happy hours feature some of Austin's favorite songwriters. The venue has broadened its range of live music to include occasional indie rock.
Mohawk is a unique nightclub in Austin. Its aim is to bring independent and upcoming acts — local and otherwise — through its doors. Fostering an inclusive community of artists, Mohawk welcomes musicians from a wide variety of genres and styles. It's hard to stand out in a town so inundated with music clubs as Austin, but with its fresh acts, tasty drinks and friendly crowd vibe, Mohawk shows how it's done.
With its menu of Italian bistro cuisine and charming interior, Enoteca Vespaio offers a less expensive but still fresh and high-quality alternative to Vespaio, its sister restaurant next door. Enoteca boasts offerings like the panini stuffed with housemade mozzarella cheese and roasted tomatoes, flat-crust pizzas, and rich portions of pasta. Fresh ingredients are in abundance. The dessert case at the entrance offers a glimpse at their tarts, cookies, and cannoli. Sunday brunch offers a selection of egg dishes and sweet breakfasts like pancakes and freshly made bread. The interior is small but welcoming, and the outdoor patio at Enoteca Vespaio allows diners to gaze at passers-by strolling down South Congress.
A bit off the beaten path, Draught House Pub & Brewery provides welcome relief from downtown's Sixth Street. The European pub atmosphere and exhaustive selection of imported drafts make this bar a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The seating is excellent, with high-backed wooden seats and very thick wooden tables. Come visit on Wednesday for pitcher night with free pizza or on Saturday with free bratwurst.
Hidden behind a bookshelf in the Firehouse Hostel, The Firehouse Lounge features classically prepared cocktails, meat and cheese boards, a relaxing and inviting atmosphere, and a variety of tasteful live music. Their high quality libations are hand-crafted, consisting only of the freshest ingredients, prepared by professionally trained and thoroughly knowledgeable staff here to provide you with an all-around superior beverage service. Elevate your experience and come enjoy what the Firehouse has to offer.
With chef Benjamin Nathan at the helm, the Belmont seeks to transport you back in time to the Las Vegas and Palm Springs of the 1960's. Looking around, you might expect to see the Rat Pack as you sense the nostalgia of the elegant leather and soft lighting while being entertained with music of the era. The menu offers a wide range of American culinary options including cedar planked salmon and grilled asparagus as well as shrimp and grits. For the lighter appetite, try one of their unique salads like the arugula, pear and goat cheese salad or iceberg wedge salad. All in all, this place has achieved what it set out to become, an upscale classic American restaurant and bar.
The Iron Bear is a lively bar and club in downtown Austin that is geared towards the gay community. Here is a great example of a fun-loving establishment that is genuinely friendly and open to all. At least, so long as you're 21 years of age or older. The drinks are inexpensive and the bartenders are friendly. There's a DJ that plays the latest music and there is room enough to dance on the dance floor.
At Gloria's Latin Cuisine, delicious Latin-American cuisine is served in a warm, cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Here you get to taste a little of everything from tamales, plantains, papas to fajitas, enchiladas and more, everything is served with salsa and warm black bean dip, which is heavenly. The menu is dominated by Latin-American specials with few Mexican dishes. They are also known to serve some of the best margaritas in town and they also house a full bar. Their waiters and staff are really friendly, warm and welcoming, known to make you feel as ease as soon as you enter. On Saturday nights, the place turns into a dancing hub as they push aside the tables to make room for you to welcome you weekends.
Set in a functional parking garage is this speakeasy vibe, cocktail bar called Garage. Look out for a large sign that screams cocktails and is nestled in a dimly-lit parking lot and you will have found the bar. This is a great place to enjoy inventive and perfectly crafted cocktails in an intimate and cozy setting. Make sure to eat a hearty meal before you visit this bar as they so not serve any food!
Perry's Steakhouse and Grille takes steakhouse to a whole new level. Perry's is a fine dining experience in downtown Austin that will serve up a memorable night starting with it's pristine interior. With its white-linen drapes, rustic browns and modern decor, it sets a perfect backdrop for the night's festivities. The steaks are Perry's specialties and are grilled to perfection. Service is quick and prompt, and the servers provide diners with useful suggestions with their pick of delightful cocktails such as raspberry crusta and Mexican Martini.
Summit is a hip and happening nightclub located in downtown Austin. This rooftop bar is a trendy spot that provides revelers with enviable views of the Austin skyline. Those who love to dance won't be disappointed, as the club is known to host a number of DJ nights from time to time and acts such as Konflict, Savi, Markus Schulz and Felix Cartal have graced this club. The drinks list consists of some fun cocktails that will have you grooving in no time. Check website for the latest list of performers.