You got the sitter. Now what? Whether you’re overdue for a fancy dinner, want to see some live music, laugh until your face hurts, or just do something that doesn’t involve a playground or kids’ menu, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite ways to spend a grown-up night out in Austin.
Go Somewhere You Wouldn’t Take the Kids
Our editor leans a little bougie and was recently called out for writing about three places that “had sushi” in one week, even though one was literally a convenience store. In her defense, that hardly counts. Anyway, we digress.
Some spots we’ve enjoyed recently:
Equipment Room. Definitely make a reservation for this intimate Japanese jazz-kissa inspired listening bar. We had the dirty martini, a cheese board, and the “chicken fried” tofu. It’s very chic, vibey, and absolutely kid-free.
Restaurant François. We’ve written about this one before. Their Moulin à Passion is insanely good, as are the popovers. Hands down favorite things right now.
Here Nor There. At this underground speakeasy in downtown, we especially love the giant bear that greets you with a little glass of sparkling before you’ve even entered the lounge. Once inside, it’s dark, intimate, and very much a grown-up night out. Reservations are a must.
Barley Swine. It’s a splurge, but it’s so damn good. Tasting menu only, perfect for a romantic anniversary or birthday dinner. We can’t get enough of the shiitake dumplings.
Check out more ideas from our “very grown up” friends at Do512, like a speakeasy, or one of the city’s best new restaurants.
Go Dancing
Ooh, how freeing does a night out dancing sound? Austin has options for almost any taste in music, and if you can follow it up with an overnight stay at the brand-new 1 Hotel Austin (hint, hint, 1 Hotel), that sounds like a pretty perfect night off to us. Check out this big list of where to go dancing, hit rewind on your club days at Barb’s, two-step at the Broken Spoke, or try a swing dance lesson with the Austin Swing Syndicate.
See Live Music
Not sure where to go see live music anymore because it’s mostly just the Blippi theme song cycling through your head? Same, honestly. Luckily, we have our friends at Do512 to lean on here. Catch some classic Austin vibes at The Continental Club or Antone’s, or head underground for some jazz at The Elephant Room. Or, just see what sounds good and check out Do512’s full Live Music Calendar.
Laugh Your Ass Off
Is there anything better than a full-on belly laugh that makes your eyes water because it’s just. so. funny? Check out the lineup at Comedy Mothership, Cap City Comedy, Creek and the Cave, or Velveeta Room, or grab tickets to see a comedian on tour. Don’t forget to check out these awesome spots for comedy in Austin.
Have a Wellness Moment
Bathhouses are having a major moment in Austin right now, and we’re here for it…minus the cold plunge, personally. If freezing yourself for fun is your thing, there are plenty of new spots around town combining saunas, cold plunges, soaking pools and other ways to relax together. Check out Sauna House in North Loop, the new Bathe in East Austin, or book a private sauna and plunge suite at Cøntrast. For more of a full-on spa day, we’re big fans of Lake Austin Spa Resort.
Also check out our roundup of Austin Spas and Salons: Where to Go Last Minute and Where to Book Ahead. If you’re looking specifically for massages, check out this article by our friends at Do512.
Take a Class or Make Something Together
Sometimes this sounds fun to us, and sometimes it sounds suspiciously like an assignment we have to pay money to do, but hear us out. Pick something you actually want to learn or make, add a glass of wine where applicable, and it can be a really fun date night. We like Upstairs Circus, still into Painting with a Twist, and want to try the cooking classes at Central Market, but tbh we’d feel a little guilty doing that one without our kids because they’re into cooking, and that would be really expensive to take the family to. But fun date idea if your consicnece allows!
More spots with classes:
- Craft. Make stuff at this DIY and workshop studio. No kids allowed!
- Workshops and Classes on Do512
- Ghost Pepper Glass. Glass blowing and flameworking classes
Catch a Movie, But Make It Interesting
We had a super fun movie night without the kids a few weeks back and love Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas for their Spicy Strawberry Margarita, Crispy Cauliflower Bites, and Truffle Fry ugrade.
For something a little different, check out Eastside Cinema, a retro single-screen theater from the founder of Blue Starlite Drive-In that shows classics, cult favorites, indie films, and special screenings.
Or go full-on-cozy date night at IPIC at The Domain, where you can curl up together in one of their paired pod-style seats and order dinner and drinks right from your spot. It also happens to be a setup that doesn’t work particularly well with kids unless everyone sitting separately is exactly what you’re looking for. In which case, bye kids.
Book a Damn Hotel and Have an Overnight Date
We haven’t watched The Bachelor in a minute, but if you have a sitter who can really hold down the fort at home, why not take full advantage and book an overnight date! Check into a hotel, have a great dinner, order breakfast in bed, sleep in, and really indulge in the fact that no one needs you until checkout.
We recently stayed at Miraval and, while there are tons of activities to choose from, we did a wine tasting and otherwise basically just vegged out. The food was healthy and surprisingly good for an all-inclusive wellness resort, and doing very little was kind of the whole point.
A few local spots we’ve stayed at recently and can recommend:
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