Interior Event Space at Dona Emilia's
One of the simplest and oldest joys in life is getting a group together for a fine meal. Whether it’s business or personal, a celebration, or just a casual night out with friends, Austin has plenty of options for group dining. Just like the “anything goes” city itself, you can make your night whatever you want.
Instructions
1. Figure out the type of group dining experience you want to have and determine a guest list. Once you know how many people you need to accommodate and whether you want the event to be more casual or dressy, you can determine the restaurant choice.
2. After you pick your location, talk to the manager or event planner (if they have one). Depending on the size of the group, you may need more time to book and plan. Some locations have private dining rooms or event spaces that are booked weeks if not months in advance. For smaller groups of 10 to 20 people, two to three weeks may be sufficient.
3. Decide how you want to handle payment. Some restaurants offer group specials, with gratuity included in the cost per person. Depending on the size of the group, a special menu may be designed to keep the dining experience stress-free.
4. Invite your friends, colleagues and guests, and when you have a confirmed number for the group, give the restaurant a couple of days notice if the headcount changes, so they can plan the meal and seating accordingly.
Some of the best group dining options in Austin include the following
5. The County Linelocated off Bull Creek Road (FM 2222) on Lake Austin in an old lodge, their legendary barbeque has been delighting diners for three decades. Dining outside along the lake is a beautiful spot, lighted with colorful, festive hanging bulbs. Inside dining is just as cozy with smoky, woody aromas that fill the space. To book, call (512) 346-3664.
6. The OasisSince rebuilding after a devastating fire, the restaurant’s new, large redwood deck located on a 450-foot cliff overlooking Lake Travis is a beautiful and relaxing place to eat. It can easily accommodate the smallest and largest of groups, with a capacity over 100 people on all tiers of the deck. They have a wider range of entrees and a Southern, Tex-Mex flair, with dishes like crawfish etoufee enchiladas. The downstairs bars are a great meeting place for groups of all sizes. Call to book large groups, and for smaller groups, arrive a good two hours prior to wanting to be seated, especially when the weather is nice. The decks get crowded early. If you’re booking a birthday or anniversary celebration, make sure to tell the staff–you’ll get a complimentary dessert!
7. Sicola'sThis is actually not a restaurant, but a fabulous private event venue that has earned a reputation for their fabulous cuisine, elegant simplicity and terrific service. It is the perfect choice for a more organized event or reception, as everything from the menu to the music to the décor is customized to your liking. Their classy, newly remodeled dining room can seat 48 people. Call (512) 323-6907 to start planning.
8. UchiQuite possibly the best, most creative, fresh and exotic sushi restaurant west of the Mississippi, Uchi would give even Nobu a run for his money! Uchi is known for combining local and seasonal ingredients with seafood flown in from all over the world, to push the boundaries of taste and texture with consistency and ease. It is busy every night and reservations are not readily available, so the wait for a table can sometimes be over two hours. Get there early and enjoy the outside Zen-inspired patio and some sake, chilled in bamboo carafes. However, a limited number of reservations are available before 7 p.m. each night, so call well in advance to book a group: (512) 916-4808.
9. Polvo’s Mexican RestaurantOne of the hip South Congress (SoCo) hidden treasures, Polvo’s is a fun, casual place to gather for a great, authentic Mexican meal with a group, however large or small. Still family-owned and operated, the “cool” crowd sits outside on what looks like a front porch of what used to be a home. The inside is smaller, and less charming than the plant-filled porch. Tables are close together but make for a more intimate gathering. The tamales and fish fajitas are heavenly. Call (512) 441-5446 to book a group.
10. Dona Emilia’s South American Bar & GrillNo matter the occasion or group size, this restaurant provides a great atmosphere and phenomenal food. They have several areas to accommodate groups of all sizes. The Wine Room accommodates eight for an intimate gathering. The Carnaval Room, which overlooks the outside tree-lined patio, is great for smaller groups of up to 30 people, and has a projection screen for presentations. The Atrium Lounge comfortably seats 50 to 120 people, has soaring ceilings and festive décor, and also includes a stage, full PA system, and plasma HDTV screens. A more informal gathering would do nicely on the patio, as well, weather permitting. Dona Emilia’s has an in-house event coordinator who can cater to your every need, from the menu and ambiance to arranging for valet parking. Call (512) 478-2520.
11. Sullivan'sOne of Austin’s best steakhouses, it is also a great place for group dinner, with a private dining room that seats 120, or at Ringside, their bar that often features live jazz entertainment. The 1940s style and phenomenal martinis make for a spirited and more formal group dining experience. Call (512) 495-6504 to book.
Tags: group dining, dining experience, Dona Emilia, smaller groups, book group