I love a good date night – not just with my boo but with girlfriends too! We have a ton of spots all over Austin that I’ve been to and would recommend based on vibe/mood/food/drinks and so I figured I’d round them up for you here.
Aviary Wine and Kitchen
Such a dreamy spot for wine and amazing chef creations. I love their burger, any of their specials and the ambiance! I’ve been a fan of Aviary’s since before they renovated so probably close to 8 years and love that they’re still going strong!
Address: 2110 S. Lamar Blvd
Birdie’s
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I adore Birdie’s, the couple who owns it, and the food and wine! Some would say that a counter service restaurant that doesn’t take reservations and is serving up wine and fine-dining quality food is doing things wrong, and I’m here to tell you, we need more restaurants like Birdie’s! Go in and see for yourself. Be patient when up at the counter ordering a glass of wine – they’ll let you taste anything available by the glass. It’s all about your experience though – and it’s a personal one. I am probably one of Chef Tracy’s biggest fans and have never found a dish she’s created that I haven’t loved. I ALWAYS order the beef tartare. It’s one of the few menu items that has been on since the beginning and rightfully so!
Address: 2944 E. 12th St.
Bobo’s Snack Bar
Remember the original Snack Bar on South Congress back in the day before SoCo got taken over by big brand, fancy stores and restaurants? Well, the owners opened up Bobo’s on the Eastside off Airport and it’s just so darn cute and cozy and the PERFECT place for a date night. Plenty of seating in or out and they feature only local bites and drinks from wineries, breweries and spirit makers within 100 miles of Austin! Try the snack board and one of their cocktail creations and thank me later.
Address: 3850 Airport Blvd.
Bosses Office
From the owners of Grizzelda’s and Jacoby’s, Bosses Office is a super chic speakeasy and such a mood for a unique cocktail and yummy bites. My favorites are the Willie Nelson, Charles Darwin and the Janis Joplin. Pair all of that with Parmesan Truffle Fries!
Address: 3223 E. 7th St.
Este
I’m a huge fan of Este and may or may not have been at least a handful of times already! If you forget to make a res, just walk in as close to opening as possible and you’ll likely get a table or sit at the bar! I love all of their seafood dishes and how fresh they are. My go-to’s are the Tropical Margarita, Tuna Tiradito, Ceviche, and the Hongas Quesadilla!
Address: 2113 Manor Rd.
Ezov
Any food from the Middle East is my top cuisine and Ezov’s Israeli-focused menu does not disappoint! Not to mention the space has such beautiful and lively decor! Snag a reservation soon and be sure to order a glass of wine or a cocktail, smashed cucumbers, Frena, hummus and the chicken shawarma!
Address: 2708 E. Cesar Chavez
Looking for a wine bar in East Austin? Well, lucky for you East Austin kinda is a wine bar Mecca and you have plenty to choose from! Find one near you!
Flo’s Wine Bar
This delightful wine bar is tucked away across from Camp Mabry and Mayfield Park and is beautifully designed. The wine selection is primo and the space is cozy. There is outdoor and indoor seating and it tends to be pretty busy most evenings. Grab a glass and a slice or two of pizza from All Day Pizza (window in the back patio). They have whole pies too! If you love NY style pizza, All Day Pizza will be your jam!
Address: 3111 W. 35th St.
Grizzelda’s
Grizzelda’s is one of my most visited restaurants since its opening! From the decor, to the delicious menu items, to some of the best and strongest drinks in town, I’ve never been disappointed. Start off with a 50/50 Marg (not on the menu but it’s 1/2 frozen and 1/2 their Grizz Mizz), definitely get the tostaditas, queso, ceviche, beef picadillo tacos and their tuna tostadas if they have them!
Address: 105 Tillery St.
Holiday
This place will have you feeling like you’re on a holiday! I’m obsessed with all the plants in and out (all curated by Tropic of Capricorn)! They have tons of indoor and outdoor seating. They even have an outdoor lounge upfront where you can enjoy a drink with friends and wait for a spot inside! My favorite drink is the Strawberry Switchblade, and I cannot pass up the cashew French onion dip – it’s incredible and wayyyy better than French Onion Dip like you know it! Oh also, the shrimp cocktail and chopped kale salad are both solid and craveable!
Address: 5020 E. 7th St.
Honeymoon Spirit Lounge
So so romantic and grand – this gem right near campus is a stunner! Be sure to walk around inside even if you decide to sit in the covered porch. It’s a sexy spot! Cocktails are divine and so is the wine selection. I was a huge fan of their burger (getting it at happy hour is a deal!) and the crab hush puppies were really well done!
Address: 624 W. 34th St.
Intero
I just can’t enough of Intero and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been and every single meal is impressive. I love that the menu changes regularly and is seasonal and appreciate their willingness to address all dietary preferences (veg, gluten free, vegan). So accommodating! My standard order includes their Burrata, a melon or seasonal salad, bucatini with whatever might be in it, and a pizza. Don’t sleep on their pizza! It’s wood fired and delightful! Oh, and do yourself a favor and try Krystal’s truffles! 🙂
Address: 2612 E. Cesar Chavez
Justine’s
Justine’s is such a mood! If you’re in the mood for delicious French cuisine, go to Justine’s. Want the perfect glass of wine or a cocktail? Justine’s it is. If ambiance is your thing, yep, Justine’s. It’s a great spot for a date night but also for a group hang. And they have music and open late into the evening for your East Austin chill party vibes! Get the mussels, steak frites, charcuterie, fromage!
Address: 4710 E. 5th St.
Lenoir
A true gem off of S. 1st that you’ll love and want to go back again and again! Their menu is seasonal and the wine selection is robust and extravagant. Definitely check out their wine garden – it’s magic. Even on a warm summer night as long as you have a chilled glass of wine in hand!
Address: 1807 S. 1st St.
Underdog
My first time at this Korean-influenced restaurant and wine bar was impressive and I can’t wait to go back. The restaurant is thoughtfully designed and classy! They have a wine shop connected to it where you can grab a bottle of a glass you drink with your meal or just one that looks like it’s your thing! I would definitely order the sweet potato donuts and pork ssam again! Oh also the miso blondie – like wow! I wanna go back for the Korean fried chicken. Have heard mixed reviews and I need to try it for myself.
Address: 1600 S. 1st St.
YAMAS
We finally have a fine-dining Greek restaurant that is absolutely stunning and will remind you of a Greek Island! My jaw dropped when I walked in. The restaurant is everything! Roxie did an amazing job with the interior design! Be sure to try a glass of Greek wine or a unique cocktail. Order the fried feta – trust me – the Greek meatballs, grilled octopus, dip trio. It’s a pricey place so definitely good for an occasion but portions are generous and the ambiance is one for the books! It’s tucked away near Chez Zee with plenty of parking and it’s open late!
Address: 5308 Balcones
I’ll keep adding to this list as I try more places or remember others that I’ve enjoyed and would be great for a date night. Remember, solo dates count too!
Bon Appetite,
Shveta
June, 2023
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