A Taste of Luxury: A Tour of Downtown Austin's Newest Restaurants and Bars

 

As the heart of the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, downtown exudes a unique charm that attracts locals and visitors alike. Amidst the bustling streets and iconic landmarks, downtown Austin is home to a thriving culinary scene that boasts an array of upscale restaurants and bars. Its local hospitality establishments offer a taste of luxury that's sure to impress even the most discerning food and drink enthusiasts.

Join us on a delectable tour of downtown Austin's finest establishments, where sumptuous dishes, exquisite ambiance, and top-notch service await, brought to you by Nicole James, your downtown condominium real estate agent.

From high-end steakhouses and innovative American bistros to sophisticated sushi bars and exclusive speakeasies, the city offers a diverse array of upscale dining experiences that are sure to delight. Here are a few of the area’s latest and greatest restaurants.

A downtown Austin mainstay, the upscale seafood restaurant Truluck’s recently moved to a new location on Colorado St., just outside the Warehouse District. The new space features a sleek bar, a second-story patio with panoramic views of downtown Austin, and an excellent kitchen critical to the restaurant’s goal: to serve the freshest seafood available. The Truluck’s menu features iconic dishes like the miso-glazed sea bass, prime king crab, and South African lobster tails. When finished with your meal, you can explore the restaurant’s surroundings, which include live music venues and high-end hotels.

Bill's Oyster is a neighborhood cocktail bar and seafood restaurant in downtown Austin's 2nd Street District. The restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh oysters and other seafood dishes, such as lobster rolls, fish tacos, and shrimp and grits. The bar also has a wide selection of cocktails, including classic drinks like the martini and margarita and more creative concoctions. Bill's Oyster is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and it is known for its lively atmosphere and friendly staff.

The New York City staple Red Farm is opening its latest satellite restaurant on Third St. in downtown Austin. Denizens are looking forward earnestly to the Chinese restaurant’s grand opening, as yet unannounced. You can expect its menu to feature many of the same dishes contributing to Red Farm’s popularity on the East Coast. They famously serve Peking duck, pastrami egg rolls, lobster, and more dumplings than you could shake a stick at (including the whimsical Pac-Man dumpling). Red Farm has grown from a humble food hall stall into an international operation with a location in London and a national shipping service.

Estelle's is an upscale and trendy social lounge in downtown Austin's Warehouse District. The lounge offers a variety of cocktails, shareable bites, and live music. The first floor holds an intimate, upscale bar and lounge, while the second floor features a lively club room with a DJ booth. Estelle's Social Lounge is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and it is known for its chic atmosphere and friendly staff.

Uchiba is a casual spin-off from Uchi and will open in October 2023. Its name translates loosely to “Uchi Bar” in Japanese, and its style is inspired by izakaya (an informal kind of Japanese bar). Uchiba strives to serve unique varieties of yakitori, dumplings, bao, sushi, sashimi, and more. Whiskey enthusiasts will almost certainly find a new brand to sample. Meanwhile, patrons love “Uncommon Ramen,” the restaurant’s monthly series of ramen collaborations between renowned chefs nationwide. Uchiba lead chef Tyson Cole participates in the series and offers a signature cookbook with recipes that push the boundaries of traditional Japanese cuisine.

Whether you're a local or visiting Austin for the first time, these top-tier bars will leave a lasting impression, making your time in downtown Austin unforgettable.

Open from 6 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Saturday, The Quill Room occupies prime real estate near Shoal Creek and the Colorado River. Its dimly gold interior combines classic architectural detail, living room furniture, and distinctly modern elegance. It’s the perfect place to enjoy drinks and possibly feel transported into a 1920s European salon. Having opened recently, The Quill Room gets plenty of buzz, not least for its live music. The menu is French-inspired, while the bar features garnished cocktails to go with your bite of choice.

Of all the excellent bars in the Warehouse District, Swank has a legitimate claim as the neighborhood’s best. The self-styled cocktail room promises a “night to remember” involving tailored bottle service and elevated cocktails in soft lighting and ambient music. Though the bar only opened in July 2023, it’s already become a must-try in downtown Austin. The intimate yet social lounge feels like it’s been operating for years. You can try your luck as a walk-in or make reservations online.

Underdog is a cozy and inviting wine bar located in the heart of downtown Austin. The bar offers a wide selection of wines from around the world and a menu of small plates and charcuterie. Underdog is a popular spot for locals and tourists, known for its friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere.

LOVEBIRDS is a fun spot for anyone looking for a lively watering hole in East Cesar Chavez just east of downtown Austin. The bar is known for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious cocktails, and friendly staff. It’s an excellent venue to catch intimate live music while relaxing with friends.

Downtown Austin is a true playground for foodies and cocktail enthusiasts seeking a taste of luxury. As you explore the vibrant downtown scene, remember to contact Nicole James, your trusted real estate agent, for any housing needs or property inquiries. Nicole is a consummate professional and detail obsessive for whom no two sales are alike. Clients attest to Nicole’s high capability, market insight, and results achieved for buyers and sellers. Let's make Austin your home and indulge in the luxury of the downtown lifestyle.