We all know how stressful planning birthday dinners can be. Trust me, I just went through the stress of trying to plan a birthday dinner for the boo. You want to go to a hot new spot, bring every single one of your friends to the restaurant and the restaurant tells you that you need to make a reservation and a preset menu is required.
SEE ALSO: Ultimate Guide To Best Happy Hours In Austin
In an effort to take the chaos out of birthday planning, we’ve put together this list of some of the best restaurants to celebrate a birthday party in Austin, Texas. Have the best birthday!
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Outdoor Seating Options for Your Birthday Dinner in Austin
One of the best things about Austin, Texas is its beautiful weather, especially in the spring and fall. So why not take advantage of it and enjoy your birthday dinner outdoors? Here are some of the best restaurants with outdoor seating options:
Justine’s Brasserie – located on East 5th Street, Justine’s Brasserie is a French restaurant with a romantic outdoor patio. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere, string lights, and delicious French cuisine.
Red Ash Italia – This Italian steakhouse on Colorado Street offers a spacious outdoor patio with plenty of seating. Enjoy their famous steak and seafood dishes while taking in the bustling downtown Austin scene.
Suerte – This Mexican restaurant on East 6th street offers both indoor and outdoor seating options. Enjoy their creative take on Mexican cuisine, from small plates to entrees, while soaking up the Austin sun.
Nido – this restaurant at the new Loren Hotel has an incredible view of Lady Bird Lake
Loro – This Asian smokehouse on South Lamar Boulevard offers delicious BBQ and other Asian-inspired dishes, as well as a spacious outdoor patio and plenty of cocktails and beer on tap.
Best Restaurants for Italian, American, Japanese, and Mexican Cuisine
When it comes to cuisine options, Austin has something for everyone. Here are some of the best restaurants for Italian, American, and Mexican cuisine:
Italian
Red Ash Italia – As mentioned above, Red Ash Italia is one of the best Italian restaurants in Austin, known for their delicious steak and seafood dishes.
Il Brutto – This Italian-inspired restaurant in East Austin offers a cozy and stylish atmosphere, perfect for enjoying an Aperol Spritz and Italian cuisine for a special birthday dinner.
Emmer & Rye – This Rainey Street restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Try their tasting menu for a true culinary adventure.
American
Red Ash Grill – The sister restaurant to Red Ash Italia, Red Ash Grill offers wood-fired steaks, seafood, and other American classics in a cozy dining room setting.
Fixe – Located on West 5th Street, Fixe offers upscale Southern cuisine with a modern twist. Enjoy their fried chicken, biscuits, and other delicious dishes in a stylish setting.
Japanese
Uchi – This Japanese restaurant on South Lamar Boulevard offers creative and delicious small plates, as well as sushi and other Japanese dishes. Perfect for a special occasion or a date night.
Mexican
Suerte – As mentioned above, Suerte is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Austin, offering both indoor and outdoor seating and creative takes on classic dishes.
ATX Cocina – Located on 2nd Street, ATX Cocina offers modern Mexican cuisine in a sleek and contemporary setting. Try their delicious tacos, ceviche, and margaritas for a true taste of Austin.
Fonda San Miguel – This north Austin restaurant has been a favorite for Mexican cuisine since 1975. Enjoy their classic dishes, such as mole and chiles rellenos, in a colorful and vibrant atmosphere.
El Alma – This South Congress restaurant offers delicious Mexican dishes with a beautiful view of downtown Austin from their outdoor patio. Try their famous margaritas and queso for a true taste of Austin.
Grizzelda’s – This Mexican restaurant on East Cesar Chavez Street offers a colorful and eclectic atmosphere, as well as delicious tacos, ceviche, and other Mexican dishes.
SEE ALSO: 17 Best Mexican Restaurants In Austin
Best Happy Hour Spots and Brunch Spots
Looking for a more casual spot for your birthday celebration? Check out these happy hour spots and brunch spots:
Happy Hour
Parkside – Located on East 6th Street, Parkside offers a great happy hour with discounted drinks and small plates. Try their oyster bar for a true seafood experience.
Jack Allen’s Kitchen – With locations in both downtown and north Austin, Jack Allen’s Kitchen offers a great happy hour with discounted drinks and appetizers. Try their famous queso and tacos.
The Roosevelt Room – This downtown Austin spot offers a sophisticated and cozy setting for happy hour, with creative cocktails and snacks.
SEE ALSO: 81 Best Happy Hours In Austin, Updated Jan 2023
Brunch
Elizabeth Street Cafe – This French-Vietnamese bakery and cafe on South 1st Street offers a unique and delicious brunch experience, from their pastries to their banh mi sandwiches.
Launderette – Located on East Cesar Chavez Street, Launderette offers a stylish and modern setting for brunch, as well as delicious dishes such as their shakshuka and baked goods.
Breweries
For beer lovers, Austin has a thriving craft beer scene with numerous breweries offering unique and delicious brews. Here are a few top breweries to check out for a birthday celebration:
Jester King Brewery – Located in the beautiful Hill Country just outside of Austin, Jester King offers a rustic and scenic setting for enjoying their farmhouse ales and sour beers.
St. Elmo Brewing Company – Located in South Austin, St. Elmo offers a variety of beers, from IPAs to lagers, in a laid-back atmosphere with outdoor seating and food trucks.
Lazarus Brewing Company – This East Austin brewery not only offers tasty brews, but also serves up delicious coffee and food options, making it a great spot for a birthday brunch or happy hour.
The ABGB – Short for Austin Beer Garden Brewing, this South Austin brewery has a wide selection of beers and also serves up delicious pizza in a spacious outdoor seating area with live music.
Meanwhile Brewing – This East Austin brewery features a variety of German-inspired beers and a beautiful outdoor seating area, making it a great spot for a casual birthday celebration with friends.
Armadillo Den – Located in the heart of South Austin, Armadillo Den offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying their wide selection of craft beers and tasty food options.
Other Austin Dining Experiences
Looking for something truly special for your birthday dinner in Austin? Check out these unique dining experiences:
The Salt Lick BBQ – Located in Driftwood, just outside of Austin, The Salt Lick is a must-visit for any BBQ lover. Enjoy their delicious smoked meats and sides in a rustic setting. Perfect for big groups and it’s BYOB! (SEE ALSO: 11 Spots For The Best BBQ In Austin)
Franklin Barbecue – Another must-visit for BBQ lovers, Franklin Barbecue on East 11th Street is known for their mouth-watering brisket and long lines. Get there early for the best chance of getting a taste.
Uchiko – The sister restaurant to Uchi, Uchiko offers a similar menu of creative small plates and sushi, but in a more intimate and cozy setting.
FAQs
What are the best outdoor seating options for a birthday dinner in Austin?
Some of the best outdoor seating options in Austin include Justine’s Brasserie, Red Ash Italia, Suerte, and South Congress Cafe.
What are some of the best restaurants for Italian cuisine in Austin?
Some of the best Italian restaurants in Austin include Red Ash Italia, Italic, and Emmer & Rye.
What are some unique dining experiences in Austin?
Some unique dining experiences in Austin include The Salt Lick BBQ, Franklin Barbecue, and Uchiko.
No matter what type of cuisine or dining experience you’re looking for, Austin has it all. From outdoor seating options to fine dining experiences, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your birthday dinner or special occasion. So gather your friends, family, or loved ones, and get ready to experience some of the best food and drinks that Austin has to offer.
