About Austin
Austin is the state capital of the great state of Texas. Being located in central Texas, Austin benefits from great weather and near all-round sunshine, making it an ideal location to visit at any time of the year.
Something key to know about Austin is that it prides itself on collecting the weird, the quirky, the unusual – the motto “Keep Austin Weird” is a phrase that is taken very seriously among locals and visitors alike. As such, Austin is one of the most liberal places in the south and has become a destination for younger crowds and younger families from across the country and the world.
The food scene is up and coming with traditional favorites like steak and Tex-mex among other cuisines including Thai, Japanese and Italian. Planning a gathering that involves delicious food? Organizing a dinner venue in Austin is bound to please the foodies!
Dinner Venue Options in Austin
When choosing an Austin dinner venue, there are a number of things you’re going to want to consider.
- Catering
There is no dinner without food and drink. That’s a fundamental fact. So, when organizing your dinner venue make sure getting a knockout caterer is top of your list. Whatever vibe you’re going with, formal, semi-formal, casual, find the perfect food vendor to match.
- Entertainment
If you’re throwing a dinner party or a big sit-down dinner event, you’re going to need entertainment while people are waiting in between courses or to let loose after dinner has finished. This could be a band, DJ, magician, dancers – whatever you think will amaze and entertain your guests.
- Decor
Even though your dinner venue might be pitch perfect for your theme and the atmosphere you’re trying to create, you still need to consider extra decorative factors. Do you want a particular color scheme? Do you have an era theme for tableware?
Dinner Venue Companies in Austin
Putting together a dinner event can be a stressful undertaking, so why not let the professionals lend a hand?
- Moontower Rentals
If you’re looking to modernize your dinner event venue with some Instagram-worthy decor and furniture, consider Moontower Rentals. They’ve got everything from tableware to furniture to rugs, cushions and more. Lululemon, Keller Williams, and SXSW are clients.
- Royal Fig Catering
If you really want to impress with your dinner, then Royal Fig Catering should definitely be on your call list. Focusing on seasonal, fresh flavors and ingredients, no two menus are the same and you can taste the difference. Flexibility and custom design are strong points.
- The Grooves
At the end of the night, chances are high that your guests are going to want to dance. That’s why having an excellent cover band like The Grooves, is the ideal way to complete your dinner event, and round things off with a bang.
Pros and Cons of Dinner Venues in Austin
Like most cities, Austin has a ton of good points, but it’s important to weigh up both sides before committing.
Advantages
- SXSW
For a lot of people, Austin is synonymous with one event and that is South by Southwest or SXSW. Bringing together the newest film releases, the best bands and seminars from some great minds, it’s a huge draw and a fun time to be in the city.
- Young demographic
With a booming job market, a highly liberal attitude by Texan standards and a focus on the quirky and weird, a lot of young people have made the decision to move to Austin, despite rising costs.
- Weather
You definitely won’t be needing your big coat or your sweaters when going out for dinner in Austin. Being in Central Texas, it’s sunny pretty much all around, with temperatures to match. Perfect for getting outdoors.
- Tech
With companies like Google and Tesla moving to Austin due to the low taxation in the state, Austin is fast becoming the next Silicon Valley. Startups are also making a name for themselves here, benefitting from the youthful workforce.
- Weird is welcome
You know what? Austin is a bit different and that’s okay. No matter what your niche hobby or interest is, there’s probably a kindred spirit doing the same thing somewhere in the city. Bring your weird – it’s more than welcome here.
Disadvantages
- Housing costs
Due to the big businesses moving into Austin and many people relocating here for the low tax, entertainment or the liberal vibe, the housing prices in the city have skyrocketed. Whether you’re renting or buying, it may be expensive, so have a workable budget.
- Parking
Austin isn’t the biggest city in the world but due to the low gas prices in Texas, pretty much everyone drives everywhere. What results is a massive lack of parking. Make sure your venue comes with parking or opt for taxis.
- Traffic
Similar to the parking problem is the ridiculous traffic that chokes up the city, especially at rush hour. Even though many locals are trying to be more green, the cost-effectiveness of driving in Texas is a big driving force.
- Heat
Unfortunately with near-constant sunshine comes the heat, and being in Central Texas, the summer temperatures are no joke. If you’re not used to it, it can be fairly overwhelming so find some air con and stay cool.
- Not many sports teams
Surprisingly for Texas, the amount of sports teams in the capital is startlingly low. Apart from soccer, you’ll need to travel to Dallas or Houston to get your fill of major league teams of most sports.
Famous Locations in Austin
- Zilker Park
Want to get lost in a natural wonderland that’s in the middle of the city? Take a day to spend in the 351 acres of Zilker Park. With natural pools, hiking, cycling and running trails, exhibits and outdoor theatre spaces, there’s so much to see and do.
- Mexic-Arte Museum
If you’re wanting to feel cultured but don’t want to visit Austin’s political buildings, visit the Mexic-Arte Museum. Established in 1983, it houses art from Mexican, Latino and Latin American artists, often with a social impact angle on their work.
- McKinney Falls State Park
If you want to be in nature that’s going to make you audibly go “wow”, then take the trip to McKinney Falls State Park. You can go for the day or stay in one of the 80 campsites that are dotted around.