1. The Townsend
718 Congress Ave Ste 100 (8th St), Austin, TX
Lounge · Downtown Austin · 10 tips and reviews
Katie NomNomz: Great atmsophere, awesome decor. Cute lil' spot, definitely will be back!
The Townsend: Opening Spring 2015, follow updates on Facebook! Read more.
Destiny Smith: Creative and tasty cocktails. Great ambiance. But most importantly really amazing staff. Jeff was a lifesaver with the fun drinks as well as making sure the environment was safe for everyone.
3. Sway Thai
1417 S 1st St, Austin, TX
Thai Restaurant · Bouldin Creek · 155 tips and reviews
Mike A.: Love, love, love the community style seating!! Very boisterous environment so maybe not the best place for an intimate date....
Erika Loya: I love the contemporary Thai Fusion. I had the Tigers Eye(?) it was amazing! The set up is Communal dinning which is trendy so its great if your single but I personally love traditional seating
Stephanie Hughes: Love the red chili peanut sauce on the Satay appetizer. Very beautiful restaurant and atmosphere.
Aaron Jones: If they've already sold out of the boeuf, then the butter salmon is fantastic! Also, the cocktails are great!
Alex Inman: This is a must go if you're in TX! The constantly rotating prix fixe menu is incredible! Found this gem on Supper: http://supper.mx/places/qui-austin/
Jeff Smith: The homemade crackers & homemade cheez-wiz are the shit!
5. La V
1501 E 7th St, Austin, TX
French Restaurant · Central East Austin · 17 tips and reviews
Lana McGilvray: Stunning... Have a romantic drink at the bar. Gorgeous art. Amazing manager, chef. Longest wine list since Emilia's closed.
Austin Chronicle: The French fine dining atmosphere is fit for a romantic tryst, and the food’s easy to fall in love with, too. The salt cod & chickpea fritters are juicy and light, and the surf & turf is perfection. Read more.
Chris Rose: Sunday brunch: Croissants made in house, fresh macaroons, and sometimes $15 bottles of rosé. Some of the brunch mains are on the small side--ask your waiter!
6. Bartlett's
9.0
2408 W Anderson Ln (at Burnet Rd.), Austin, TX
Steakhouse · North Shoal Creek · 61 tips and reviews
Irina: Very atmospheric, with Godfather flare, a bit dark, but good for a cocktail and an intimate conversation.
Kitjer: Hamburger, French dip, fish sandwich, salmon appetizer - all great options still. Ribs are good - always a good backpocket option, Bartlett's is.
Adrian Carter: The ribeye is just plain amazing.
Skyler Thomas: Come early or late Fri and Sat. Beautiful venue and intimate atmosphere. Insanely good service and a foodies Bistro
Emily Charlton: A perfect spot for an intimate dinner. Some of the best French food in Austin, hands down.
Bryant Luk: The Steak and Fries is great if you aren't too adventurous. Mussels are also popular. Daily specials are on the chalkboard. Fairly small and cozy with an indoor and covered outdoor area.
8. Contigo Austin
2027 Anchor Ln (btwn Manor Rd and Manorwood Rd), Austin, TX
American Restaurant · MLK · 103 tips and reviews
Joel Goodman: Love the burger. Love everything else. Great cocktails. Mostly outdoor patio.
Alex Inman: quality southern fare with great local beers + ace cocktails! Found this beauty on Supper: http://supper.mx/places/contigo-austin/
Eater: Contigo's beer garden, craft cocktails and locally sourced, inventive food from Chef Andrew Wiseheart embody everything that's key to a great Austin restaurant right this second. [Eater 38 Member]
10. Bess Bistro
500 W 6th St (San Antonio St.), Austin, TX
French Restaurant · Downtown Austin · 59 tips and reviews
Kat Russell: Shrimp and Grits special is great! Fried green tomatoes are a great appetizer, but ask for extra aoli. Don't order Mac & Cheese as a side - not good! Cozy atmosphere and reasonable prices!
RexAnn Shotwell: This is such a cute place for date night. Its like an underground secret.
Darrell Miller: Seems cute and cozy must come back without a bachelorette group and a loud mouth next booth over.
Alison Clem: Shrimp and Grits, Stuffed Steak with Veal Gravy, Fish Fritters, Amazing Cocktails!! This place is AWESOME!!
Eric Love: This place is ranch to table and really delicious! I would totally recommend the cheeseburger. Found this gem on Supper: http://supper.mx/places/jacobys-austin/
Brian Nunnery: Lovely atmosphere! Amazing service. $2-4 overpriced across the board; overall experience felt contrived, but should improve as things mature. Will be back.
12. Cafe Malta
8.3
3421 W William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX
Mediterranean Restaurant · 34 tips and reviews
S Erwin: The special tonight was delicious. Braised pork shoulder with coriander, red wine and honey. Good call, chef, good call
Eater: South Austin's "Tex-Med" destination is all strip mall on the outside, and all charming bistro on the inside. Go for brunch, and don't skip their signature Bloody Mary. [Eater 38 Member]
Theda Sandiford: Try the Gnocci Gorgonzola - Buttery soft, melt in your mouth gnocci with gooey gorgonzola makes this the Italian equivalent of mac-n-cheese
13. Swift's Attic
8.0
315 Congress Ave, Austin, TX
American Restaurant · Downtown Austin · 97 tips and reviews
Lisa: Tater tots swiftine is a must! Also try the purple curry, duck wing, and squig fries (calamari basically).
Minh Tran: Try the blistered shishito peppers to get things started.
Thrillist: Heartier fare includes foie gras & Niman pork belly mini-banh mis, braised baby octopi, and crispy twice-cooked duck wings. Mmm mm mm! Read more.
14. Midnight Cowboy
8.5
313 E 6th St, Austin, TX
Speakeasy · Downtown Austin · 76 tips and reviews
Natalie Lin: Former brothel, beautifully remodeled with deliciously potent craft cocktails (esp the Smoke + Mirrors, a 12-yr scotch drink with flamed orange that's made table-side). Online RSVP required.
Kyle Bunch: How can you go wrong with a former massage parlor/brothel converted to a speakeasy from the people behind the Drafthouse? NOTE: Have to visit midnightcowboymodeling.com for reservations.
Tom Inglesias: Some of the best cocktails in Austin. Worth the find! I spotted this place on my Supper app: http://supper.mx/places/midnight-cowboy-austin/
15. Olive & June
8.3
3411 Glenview Ave (38th Street), Austin, TX
Italian Restaurant · Rosedale · 37 tips and reviews
Thrillist: We love OJ's rigatoni, complete with meat ragu, dried cherries, mint, and hard ricotta. They've also got great cocktails w/ Italian liqueurs like the Ciclista (Stash IPA, Limonata). Read more.
Samantha Young: Take advantage of the outdoor seating, especially now that it's summer. It's great sitting out there with good Italian food, wine, and friends. Read more.
Austin Chronicle: Housed in a gorgeous mid-century-modern structure, this is Italian grandmother-inspired cooking with a sophisticated spin. Classic dishes meet seasonal, local ingredients in unexpected ways. Read more.