We can't all be fancy all the time.
But sometimes, when that check hits your bank account, you can be bougie for a night. There's something fun about balling out every once in a while, and we're the queens and kings of balling on a budget. So when you want to feel a little rich, here are the Fanciest Things in Austin.
_______________________________________
photo via instagram
1017 E 6th St
Pasta Bar, an addition to the Scratch|Restaurant family, transforms the art of pasta-making into a luxurious dining adventure. Embracing the mission of 'from scratch' cooking, this spot combines vibrant flavors of Texas with Italian culinary techniques. Each dish is stunning in this multi-course meal, offering a taste of fresh, handcrafted pasta in an upscale, chic setting. At $235 a person, this is the perfect restaurant for special occasions. You asked for fancy, and this is just about as fancy as it gets in Austin.
_______________________________________
photo via instagram
607 W 3rd St
At Hestia, every dish is inspired by a custom 20-ft hearth that sets the stage for a fiery culinary adventure. Dive into a menu that showcases the magic of fire with a la carte delights or go all out with a multi-course tasting. As far as wine goes, they have over 400 selections, which means you can experience a perfect pairing for every bite.
_______________________________________
photo via instagram @mattiesaustin
811 W Live Oak St
You wouldn't believe a town with so many hippies and live music could also produce such an elegant gem as Mattie's at Green Pastures. That's the magic of Austin, folks. Whisk your date out to this 19th-century home nestled among fields of green, ancient oak trees, and (seriously) peacocks. The menu has something for every palate too, from cheese plates to fried chicken to redfish.
_______________________________________
photo via instagram @jeffreysofaustin
1204 W Lynn St.
Jeffrey’s is the big guns as far as impressing somebody goes. The attentive service, the old-school American menu, and the white tablecloths practically guarantee your date, parents, or other guests will be smitten with this Austin institution. Work up an appetite by taking a little stroll around the surrounding historic Clarksville neighborhood before making your way to what will undoubtedly be a successful dinner.
_______________________________________
photo via instagram @perlassouthcongress
1400 S Congress Ave.
Perla’s: Just because you’re in central Texas doesn’t mean you can’t get fresh, delicious seafood when you want it. Come here for lunch on a sunny day and enjoy their gorgeous patio as you choose from a variety of oysters. If oysters aren’t your thing, Perla’s has a large selection of other seafood-centric dishes: fresh lobster rolls, New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp, and traditional fish and chips are just a few of the worthy alternatives.
_______________________________________
Photo Credit: Odd Duck
1201 S Lamar Blvd
If you have an adventurous taste, James Beard Award Winner Bryce Gilmore’s stylish Odd Duck is the perfect choice for a tapas-style dinner full of innovative flavor combinations. Order unusual dishes like the fried whole quail for the perfect talking point for you and your guests.
_______________________________________
801 S. Lamar
Uchi is the fine dining experience your guests will tell their friends about back home. With fresh fish flown in daily from the Fukuoka and Tsukiji markets in Japan, Uchi puts a modern spin on centuries-old Japanese tradition. Get outside of your comfort zone and ask your server what they recommend, as the menu constantly changes.
_______________________________________
Photo Credit: Peche / Facebook
208 West 4th Street
This French-inspired cocktail bar has everything from braised short ribs to steak tartare. Best of all is the remarkable array of cocktails, in particular, the yummy “Royal Bees Knees” drink. Pull a classic Hemingway and order the absinthe while you're there, for a night to remember (or forget).
_______________________________________
1011 S Congress Ave
One of Chicago's favorite Mediterranean restaurants from the historic Fulton Market District, Aba is a must-try spot on South Congress. With influences from Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece, the cuisine is unlike anything else you'll find in the area. While there can be a pretty long wait, we highly recommend trying to get a table on their patio.
_______________________________________
Photo credit: Heidi Okla
2330 W. North Loop
Fonda San Miguel pioneered “interior Mexican” cuisine in the U.S. being one of the first in the nation to introduce the full-flavored and more complex specialties from Mexico’s interior regions. Fonda San Miguel is a celebration of this distinctive cuisine, its colorful history, and the transforming influence it has had on Mexican restaurants across the country, where culinary connoisseurs, art lovers, visiting celebrities, and guests of the local Mexican consulate all come to partake and enjoy.
_______________________________________
111 Lavaca Street
III Forks' club-like environment hosts an elegant bar and lounge, with an uncluttered and luxurious finish that speaks to a special occasion. The ideal setting for a celebratory meal, diners can expect to find themselves surrounded with Italian-esque marble as they choose from a wine list of over 500 selections. Though a bit overwhelming, the staff will gladly help you find the perfect pairing with one of their prime cuts.
_______________________________________
EVEN MORE BOUGIE PLACES IN AUSTIN:
4400 N Lamar Blvd
4710 E 5th St
1014 N Lamar Blvd
1601 Waterston Ave
604 Brazos St
306 E 53rd St
4100 Red River St
1200 W 6th St
1603 S Congress Ave
2400 E Cesar Chavez St UNIT 304
1900 Rio Grande
835 West 6th St.
600 West 2nd St.
807 W 6th St
2612 E Cesar Chavez St Suite 105
_______________________________________
Did we miss your favorite fancy spot?
Hit us up, big spender.
