Austin is a town known for casual living. Flip flops, shorts and just a few subtle — or weird — notes of fashion tends to be the unspoken style.
But, every now and then, it’s time to dress to the nines and go somewhere where such snazziness and sophistication are appreciated, if not required.
So, for everyone who craves an upscale night, we’ve assembled a list of 10 of Austin’s finest dining establishments where you can flaunt your formal attire and have an elegant evening away from those bohemian taco trucks.
Congress
What: Fine dining featuring an ever-changing three-course menu and seven-course chef’s tasting menu created by renowned chef David Bull.
Where: Downtown at 200 Congress Ave.
Hours: Opens at 6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Reservations: 512-827-2760
The Driskill Grill
What: An elegant fine dining experience in a historic building. Opened in 1929, President Lyndon B. Johnson took the future First Lady, Claudia (Lady Bird) Taylor to this restaurant, then called The Driskill Dining Parlor, for their first date in 1934.
Where: Downtown at 604 Brazos Street.
Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Reservations: 512-391-7162
Fonda San Miguel
What: Classic interior Mexican food in a beautiful restaurant decorated with fantastic Mexican art. They’re known to have some of the best mole in town. Great for an intimate date or parties of up to 20.
Where: Allandale at 2330 West North Loop.
Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday (Brunch).
Reservations: 512-459-4121
Olive & June
What: A sophisticated twist on homestyle Italian in an elegant, modern setting with a beautiful shaded patio.
Where: Rosedale at 3411 Glenview Avenue.
Hours: Open at 5 p.m. Monday-Sunday
Reservations: 512-467-9898
Fabi and Rosi
What: Beautifully-prepared European dishes with German flair in an intimate, home-style setting.
Where: Edge of Tarrytown at 509 Hearn Street.
Hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Reservations: 512-236-0642
Uchi
What: This contemporary Japanese and sushi restaurant quickly became one of the most popular in Austin, and it has gathered heaps of praise from national publications. It’s simple, yet stylish setting makes a great place for any type of dinner.
Where: At the border of Zilker and Bouldin neighborhoods at 801 S. Lamar
Hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Reservations: 512-916-4808
III Forks
What: A steakhouse with savory food in an elegant, club-like setting downtown.
Where: Downtown at 111 Lavaca Street.
Hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Reservations: 512-474-1776
Barley Swine
What: Modern, farm-style dishes served up in a dimly-lit, romantic atmosphere.
Where: Bouldin Creek neighborhood at 2024 South Lamar.
Hours: Open at 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 5 p.m. Saturday
Reservations: 512-394-8150
The Carillon
What: American grill food with a lot of modern and unique twists in a fine dining setting. Multiple-course entrees, such as the prix fixe (two first courses and an entree).
Where: On the University of Texas campus at 1900 University Avenue.
Hours: Dinner hours are 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Reservations: 512-404-3655
Steiner Steakhouse
What: The name says it all. It’s a classic steakhouse with modern amenities and gorgeous views of the Hill Country.
Where: 5424 Steiner Ranch Boulevard in Steiner Ranch
Hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 4 p.m to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Reservations: 512-381-0800
Hudson’s on the Bend
What: Farm food and wild game dishes, such as venison and quail, in a cozy, home-style setting in the Hill Country
Where: Near Steiner Ranch at 3509 Ranch Road 620 North.
Hours: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday-Monday
Reservations: 512-266-1369
Chez Nous
What: Tasty French cuisine in a comfortable and classic French setting just a block away from the nightlife on Sixth Street.
Where: Downtown at 510 Neches Street
Hours: Dinner from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
Reservations: 512-473-2413