Trying to strike the perfect balance between ambience, local flavor, culinary delight, and price for your Bridal Shower, Wedding Rehearsal, or even Bachelor(ette) party? Austin has an overwhelming variety of options to choose from, but these 5 restaurants top the list for large group dining and private rooms, without sacrificing any of the quality or service.
Uchiko – The ultimate choice for the foodie couple willing to splurge on one of the best and most consistently praised culinary Meccas of Austin. This “baby of” its predecessor, Uchi, serves inventive and modern takes on traditional sushi, sashimi, and more in a warm and modern Japanese farmhouse setting. Be prepared for a $75-$150 per head dinner that is legitimately worth the price. Their expert wait staff are equipped to describe each shareable plate and its origins in detail as well as recommend wine and sake pairings. The private room, with an option to view the kitchen at work through sliding doors, and a TV for a wedding slideshow, seats 34, or can be divided to seat just 14.
Estancia Churrascaria – The perfect setting for a big Texas family, show them there’s more to eating steak than defaulting to Outback Steakhouse and for basically the same price of $30-$50 a head! This Brazilian Steakhouse is a meat lover’s paradise, perfect for a big rowdy group, while keeping it super classy. And it ain’t bad for vegetarians either, with a surprisingly exciting and fresh salad bar. But with 15 different cuts and a large variety of meats to choose from, sliced from the skewer directly onto your plate, this experience is all about gorging yourself on delicious juicy meats and needing to be rolled back to your car. Their private room can accommodate an enormous party of 200, but can be divided into smaller rooms, with huge discounts and gift cards for 15 or more people. Tucked away in the Arboretum area, your party may appreciate being away from the congestion of downtown.
Fonda San Miguel – Spice up your party and let everyone know it’s a true celebration at this colorful, lively hacienda-style Mexican destination. Refreshingly not Tex-Mex, this authentic menu is the real deal, with mouth-watering classics like ceviche, rellenos, and enchiladas, and of course, pitchers of Margarita to be passed around the table. Multiple seating areas and private dining rooms accommodate most party sizes, with a private back room for 30. Expect roughly $40 a head at this North Loop hotspot, with a small parking lot and plenty of street parking in a charming little Austin neighborhood.
Fixe – A perfect option for a more refined and moody atmosphere, this Southern and Cajun inspired fine dining experience is great if you have Northern guests wanting to see what Southern hospitality is all about. Rich, flavorful, decadent tapas-style plates, and impressive low-lit decor combine country roots and sophisticated style. The downtown location is most ideal for guests staying at nearby downtown hotels, but valet parking is also available for $6. Multiple private dining rooms with various capacities can be viewed via virtual tour on their website. With pre-set menus and whole restaurant buyouts also available, dinners run about $80 a head.
Olive and June – Rated best local rehearsal dinner venue by Borrowed & Blue this is the pinnacle of pinteresty (and I mean that in the best way possible). Cute, charming, with a touch of class, the food here is good, but what people rave about is the aesthetic. That said, the simple tasty Italian fare is a safe crowd pleaser. At $40 – $80 a head, this is a great way to treat your guests to something nice without breaking the bank or feeling pressured to act too refined. Tucked right next to Hyde Park, with free valet parking, this restaurant not only has multiple private rooms, seating between 8 and 18 guests, but also boasts its own event space that is often used, itself, as a wedding venue. A great option if you really want to simplify things.