Austin's Best Food and Drink Events This Week
Dinner parties, farmer's markets, beer, wine, and more for the week of December 22, 2021
Wednesday 22
BAKERY LORRAINE CHRISTMAS SPECIALS This fine bakery in the Domain NORTHSIDE has added new items – a hazelnut tart and a rum cake(!) – to their popular holiday offerings of classic gingerbread men, buche de noel, sacher torte cake, red velvet cake, Dutch apple pie, and – oh, there's so much delicious festivity to choose among here. Note: Specialty desserts require at least a 72-hour advance notice, so get those orders in while you can. Bakery Lorraine, 11600 Rock Rose #110. bakerylorraine.com
CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH AT THE HOTEL GRANDUCA Gather with your loved ones to experience delectable cuisine and a unique Christmas experience this year with the Hotel Granduca’s Christmas day brunch. Nestled among trees on the edge of the hill country, warm in the Salon Ducale Ballroom and courtyard, you'll enjoy a buffet-style array of delicacies like slow-roasted turkey breast, candied yam hash, green beans almondine, a vast cheese station, a Bloody Mary bar, wine pairings, the most scrumptious pastries this side of the Tiber river, and more. Sat., Dec. 25, 11am-3pm Hotel Viata, 320 Capital of TX Hwy. S., West Lake Hills. granducaaustin.com
CRU FOOD & WINE BAR: CHRISTMAS EVE CRU's festive Christmas Eve menu lets you enjoy a night out with loved ones (Downtown or in the Domain) for a brief respite of stress-free wining and dining before the big day. Choose from a set menu for a fabulous three-course meal (or, sure, go a la carte instead). Appetizers include lobster bisque and tortelloni fonduta with black truffle butter; the entrée brings choices among jumbo shrimp scampi, NY strip steak, Alaskan halibut, braised short ribs; and you can opt for any of three different desserts (but we're totes focused on that chocolate mousse cake, omg). Note: Kids 12 and younger eat for half off. Downtown at 238 W. Second #13; in the Domain at 11410 Century Oaks Terrace #104. $55 dine-in, $125 for two to-go. cruwinebar.com
DRINKWELL NEW YEAR'S EVE The beloved neighborhood bar welcomes guests back in person for New Year's Eve, with an intimate, lively celebration without the wild crowds or overly fussy logistics. The soirée kicks off at 3pm with delicious food and champagne and celebratory libations until after the clock strikes midnight in the new year. And then, DrinkWell will be open on New Year's Day, too, for the first time ever – with a special event supporting The Barman's Fund. Fri., Dec. 31, 3pm-closing DrinkWell, 207 E. 53rd, 512/614-6683. drinkwellaustin.com
EBERLY NEW YEAR'S EVE Eberly is hosting a Galactic Rodeo themed party, where you’ll explore the cosmos-themed dance floor with interstellar clouds, live performances, and a mechanical bull. (Reckon that's a sort of space cowboy, then? And will some people call you Maurice?) Chef Jo Chan will be making brisket, borracho beans, and Mexican corn; chef Sarah Seghi will serve space-themed desserts. The cosmic evening also includes sets by DJ Gatsby, retro arcade games and photo booth, midnight champagne toast, and a costume contest at 1am. Fri., Dec. 31, 8pm-closing Eberly, 615 S. Lamar, 512/916-9000. $125. eberlyaustin.com
EL ALMA: HOLI-DATE NIGHT KITS El Alma's holiday dinner kit includes a handmade tamale dinner for two and plenty of goodies to keep your spirits warm and bright: Six chicken mole tamales, wrapped in banana leaves and served with queso fresco and an extra side of mole; white rice; refritos; peppermint-chocolate flan (mmmmm, yes!); a handmade Mexican blanket; a holiday El Alma candle; chef Alma's tamale recipe; and a $10 gift card for any El Chile Group restaurant. Through Dec. 23, while supplies last El Alma Cafe y Cantina, 1025 Barton Springs Rd., 512/609-8923. $55. elalmacafe.com
EMMER & RYE NEW YEAR'S EVE To speak of what chef Kevin Fink and his team are preparing for their acclaimed eatery's year-end feast is to speak the language of angels with a culinary fetish. Oysters, fennel mignonette, blue crab, salsa matcha, red snapper, dry-aged wagyu beef tartare, burnt-edge lasagna, paddlefish caviar, smoked mushroom custard, wagyu ribeye, egg amino tart, and more – comprising a ten-course lesson in what delicious means. Fri., Dec. 31 Emmer & Rye, 51 Rainey #110, 512/366-5530. $125 ($200, with wine pairings). emmerandrye.com
FAREGROUND: THE GINGER FESTIVAL The thing about Fareground is that it's like the fanciest food court in the city, featuring outposts of some of our finest restaurants, all gathered in a stylish Downtown setting: Little Wu (from Wu Chow), Henbit (from Emmer & Rye), Austin Rotisserie, TLV, Taco Pegaso, and more, and they're celebrating with a venue-wide showcase of ginger- and turmeric-focused specials. YMMV, foodie, but your reporter's main reco: TLV's Chicken Hawaiej Hummus, with chicken thighs marinated in Yemenite spice blend served over hummus. Follow that with a Ginger Island negroni at Ellis, and it's already the happiest of holidays, even mid-week. Through Jan. 3. Daily, 11am-9pm Fareground, 111 Congress. faregroundaustin.com
FRESA'S: HOLIDAY TAMALES From those excellent culinaristas at Fresa's comes an array of tamale meals (served with charro beans, Mexican rice, salsas, queso and guacamole), tamales-by-the-dozen, and special desserts to supercharge your holidays in a delicious Tex-Mex fashion. (E.g., Chicken tinga tamales, $26 per dozen; and black bean and cheese tamales, $24 per dozen.) Fresa's is taking pre-orders until Dec. 23, with a 5pm cutoff for following-day orders. Pickups will be available Dec. 22-24. Fresa's Chicken al Carbon, 1703 S. First, 512/992-2946. fresaschicken.com
HESTIA NEW YEAR'S EVE Hestia, the goddess of fire, must weep tears of joy to know that her name's invoked by this epicenter of live-fire cooking. Hell, we've seen enough mortal citizens weeping such tears when dining in the place, and now the year's terminus brings a ten-course wonderment featuring tomato tart, mille feuille, Norwegian crab, wagyu ribeye, roasted beets, grilled halibut, chocolate truffles, and more. After all that and excellent wine pairings, probably not a dry eye in the place. Fri., Dec. 31 Hestia, 607 W. Third, 512/333-0737. $195 ($295, with wine pairings). hestiaaustin.com
HOTEL VAN ZANDT'S SOUTH POLE WINTERSCAPE That style-forward boutique hotel Downtown brings back its fourth-floor South Pole, a reimagined rooftop deck featuring outdoor igloos for private dining, with holiday-themed cocktails and dishes courtesy of Geraldine’s restaurant. Note: That last part means delicious noms from chef Chris Schaefer and pastry chef Yolanda Diaz, which might even surpass the awesomeness of the new seasonal drinks (and those continuing Friends-inspired tipples, too). Geraldine's, 605 Davis, 512/476-4755. $50. geraldinesaustin.com
IL BRUTTO NEW YEAR'S EVE This Eastside neighborhood Italian spot will treat you right as 2021 gives way to 2022, with house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and an extensive wine list. Bonus: Fire pits on the patio and live jazz by Django Foxtrot (7-10pm). And, after dinner, there's a city's worth of dive bars to get lost among until the new year dawns. Fri., Dec. 31, 4-10pm Il Brutto, 1601 E. Sixth, 512/580-8779. ilbruttoaustin.com
LA CONDESA NEW YEAR'S EVE Get a healthy leg up on your resolution to eat more greens, with La Condesa's all-vegetarian NYE specials menu – featuring charred broccoli tamales with garlic confit, grilled sweet potato "steak" and café con leche with Oaxacan double cream. And, look, carnivores: Their regular menu will also be available the whole night. Fri., Dec. 31 La Condesa, 400-A W. Second, 512/499-0300. lacondesa.com/austin
MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM: PINKMAS This eminently Instagrammable bastion of ice cream celebration in the Domain plunges elf-first into the holiday spirit, with drink specials (a gingerbread milkshake, a Pinktini, a Sprinkle Pool sundae) and a "winter-fied" game of I Spy, singalongs to holiday favorites, candy cane hunts, educational information about holiday celebrations from around the world, and more. Bonus: Bring a toy for Toys for Tots and you'll get a complimentary ice cream scoop at the cafe. 11506 Century Oaks Terrace #128. $44. museumoficecream.com
OLD THOUSAND NEW YEAR'S EVE Old Thousand, that popular bastion of "Dope Chinese" noms, is offering a bucket of golden fried chicken with ginger scallion salt, a bottle of bubbles, and sides for dine-in or takeout at both locations on New Year’s Eve. And, listen: That's just the NYE special; their amazing regular menu will also be available. (Yes, that does mean, omg, that brisket fried rice.) Fri., Dec. 31 Old Thousand, 1000 E. 11th #150, 737/222-6637. $80-125. oldthousandatx.com
SWAY NEW YEAR'S EVE Oh, we're missing that Sway on South First; luckily, Westlake's Bee Caves Road still, y'might say, holds Sway. And this location is bright with splendor as a setting for caviar-topped oysters, waterfall beef tartare, aged ribeye, a whole Thai fish, and more. Say good riddance to a problematic year in this place where even the charcuterie board – foie gras torchon, rabbit rillet, northern Thai sausages, fruit jam + yuzu curd, miso aged tofu, coconut cheese, pickles + crackers – is like something out of your fanciest dreams. Fri., Dec. 31 Sway, 3437 Bee Caves Rd., West Lake Hills, 512/326-1999. https://swaythai.com/
TACODELI: HOLIDAY COMFORT FOOD
As if all the Tacodelis weren't already about the easy comfort and the droolworthy food, now they've released the holiday goodness of spiked horchata (that's housemade horchata and Bacardi, dusted with nutmeg and cinnamon) and pozole made with organic pork shoulder (simmered in a red chile broth with giant white hominy and tomatoes).
You can dine in, sure – but you can also get these seasonal treats to go. (Mmmmm, spiked horchata and Netflix and ... chill.)
Bonus: Check out their sweet giftcard deals right here.
tacodeli.comThursday 23
DRINKWELL NEW YEAR'S EVE The beloved neighborhood bar welcomes guests back in person for New Year's Eve, with an intimate, lively celebration without the wild crowds or overly fussy logistics. The soirée kicks off at 3pm with delicious food and champagne and celebratory libations until after the clock strikes midnight in the new year. And then, DrinkWell will be open on New Year's Day, too, for the first time ever – with a special event supporting The Barman's Fund. Fri., Dec. 31, 3pm-closing DrinkWell, 207 E. 53rd, 512/614-6683. drinkwellaustin.com
EBERLY NEW YEAR'S EVE Eberly is hosting a Galactic Rodeo themed party, where you’ll explore the cosmos-themed dance floor with interstellar clouds, live performances, and a mechanical bull. (Reckon that's a sort of space cowboy, then? And will some people call you Maurice?) Chef Jo Chan will be making brisket, borracho beans, and Mexican corn; chef Sarah Seghi will serve space-themed desserts. The cosmic evening also includes sets by DJ Gatsby, retro arcade games and photo booth, midnight champagne toast, and a costume contest at 1am. Fri., Dec. 31, 8pm-closing Eberly, 615 S. Lamar, 512/916-9000. $125. eberlyaustin.com
EL ALMA: HOLI-DATE NIGHT KITS El Alma's holiday dinner kit includes a handmade tamale dinner for two and plenty of goodies to keep your spirits warm and bright: Six chicken mole tamales, wrapped in banana leaves and served with queso fresco and an extra side of mole; white rice; refritos; peppermint-chocolate flan (mmmmm, yes!); a handmade Mexican blanket; a holiday El Alma candle; chef Alma's tamale recipe; and a $10 gift card for any El Chile Group restaurant. Through Dec. 23, while supplies last El Alma Cafe y Cantina, 1025 Barton Springs Rd., 512/609-8923. $55. elalmacafe.com
EMMER & RYE NEW YEAR'S EVE To speak of what chef Kevin Fink and his team are preparing for their acclaimed eatery's year-end feast is to speak the language of angels with a culinary fetish. Oysters, fennel mignonette, blue crab, salsa matcha, red snapper, dry-aged wagyu beef tartare, burnt-edge lasagna, paddlefish caviar, smoked mushroom custard, wagyu ribeye, egg amino tart, and more – comprising a ten-course lesson in what delicious means. Fri., Dec. 31 Emmer & Rye, 51 Rainey #110, 512/366-5530. $125 ($200, with wine pairings). emmerandrye.com
FAREGROUND: THE GINGER FESTIVAL The thing about Fareground is that it's like the fanciest food court in the city, featuring outposts of some of our finest restaurants, all gathered in a stylish Downtown setting: Little Wu (from Wu Chow), Henbit (from Emmer & Rye), Austin Rotisserie, TLV, Taco Pegaso, and more, and they're celebrating with a venue-wide showcase of ginger- and turmeric-focused specials. YMMV, foodie, but your reporter's main reco: TLV's Chicken Hawaiej Hummus, with chicken thighs marinated in Yemenite spice blend served over hummus. Follow that with a Ginger Island negroni at Ellis, and it's already the happiest of holidays, even mid-week. Through Jan. 3. Daily, 11am-9pm Fareground, 111 Congress. faregroundaustin.com
HESTIA NEW YEAR'S EVE Hestia, the goddess of fire, must weep tears of joy to know that her name's invoked by this epicenter of live-fire cooking. Hell, we've seen enough mortal citizens weeping such tears when dining in the place, and now the year's terminus brings a ten-course wonderment featuring tomato tart, mille feuille, Norwegian crab, wagyu ribeye, roasted beets, grilled halibut, chocolate truffles, and more. After all that and excellent wine pairings, probably not a dry eye in the place. Fri., Dec. 31 Hestia, 607 W. Third, 512/333-0737. $195 ($295, with wine pairings). hestiaaustin.com
HOTEL VAN ZANDT'S SOUTH POLE WINTERSCAPE That style-forward boutique hotel Downtown brings back its fourth-floor South Pole, a reimagined rooftop deck featuring outdoor igloos for private dining, with holiday-themed cocktails and dishes courtesy of Geraldine’s restaurant. Note: That last part means delicious noms from chef Chris Schaefer and pastry chef Yolanda Diaz, which might even surpass the awesomeness of the new seasonal drinks (and those continuing Friends-inspired tipples, too). Geraldine's, 605 Davis, 512/476-4755. $50. geraldinesaustin.com
IL BRUTTO NEW YEAR'S EVE This Eastside neighborhood Italian spot will treat you right as 2021 gives way to 2022, with house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and an extensive wine list. Bonus: Fire pits on the patio and live jazz by Django Foxtrot (7-10pm). And, after dinner, there's a city's worth of dive bars to get lost among until the new year dawns. Fri., Dec. 31, 4-10pm Il Brutto, 1601 E. Sixth, 512/580-8779. ilbruttoaustin.com
LA CONDESA NEW YEAR'S EVE Get a healthy leg up on your resolution to eat more greens, with La Condesa's all-vegetarian NYE specials menu – featuring charred broccoli tamales with garlic confit, grilled sweet potato "steak" and café con leche with Oaxacan double cream. And, look, carnivores: Their regular menu will also be available the whole night. Fri., Dec. 31 La Condesa, 400-A W. Second, 512/499-0300. lacondesa.com/austin
MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM: PINKMAS This eminently Instagrammable bastion of ice cream celebration in the Domain plunges elf-first into the holiday spirit, with drink specials (a gingerbread milkshake, a Pinktini, a Sprinkle Pool sundae) and a "winter-fied" game of I Spy, singalongs to holiday favorites, candy cane hunts, educational information about holiday celebrations from around the world, and more. Bonus: Bring a toy for Toys for Tots and you'll get a complimentary ice cream scoop at the cafe. 11506 Century Oaks Terrace #128. $44. museumoficecream.com
OLD THOUSAND NEW YEAR'S EVE Old Thousand, that popular bastion of "Dope Chinese" noms, is offering a bucket of golden fried chicken with ginger scallion salt, a bottle of bubbles, and sides for dine-in or takeout at both locations on New Year’s Eve. And, listen: That's just the NYE special; their amazing regular menu will also be available. (Yes, that does mean, omg, that brisket fried rice.) Fri., Dec. 31 Old Thousand, 1000 E. 11th #150, 737/222-6637. $80-125. oldthousandatx.com
SWAY NEW YEAR'S EVE Oh, we're missing that Sway on South First; luckily, Westlake's Bee Caves Road still, y'might say, holds Sway. And this location is bright with splendor as a setting for caviar-topped oysters, waterfall beef tartare, aged ribeye, a whole Thai fish, and more. Say good riddance to a problematic year in this place where even the charcuterie board – foie gras torchon, rabbit rillet, northern Thai sausages, fruit jam + yuzu curd, miso aged tofu, coconut cheese, pickles + crackers – is like something out of your fanciest dreams. Fri., Dec. 31 Sway, 3437 Bee Caves Rd., West Lake Hills, 512/326-1999. https://swaythai.com/
WATERLOO ICEHOUSE: 1976 THROWBACK MENU This popular place, on the other hand, is celebrating its 45th anniversary(!) And so each of Waterloo Ice House’s four Austin locations will pay homage to the history of local food culture by offering an exclusive Throwback Thursday menu featuring items from the original 1976 lineup – with special pricing. Starting … now, actually, and running until the end of the year; so get 'em while you can. Thursdays, 11am-10pm 6203 N. Cap. of Texas Hwy; 8600 Burnet Rd.; 9600 S. IH-35; 9600 Escarpment. waterlooicehouse.com
Friday 24
CRU FOOD & WINE BAR: CHRISTMAS EVE CRU's festive Christmas Eve menu lets you enjoy a night out with loved ones (Downtown or in the Domain) for a brief respite of stress-free wining and dining before the big day. Choose from a set menu for a fabulous three-course meal (or, sure, go a la carte instead). Appetizers include lobster bisque and tortelloni fonduta with black truffle butter; the entrée brings choices among jumbo shrimp scampi, NY strip steak, Alaskan halibut, braised short ribs; and you can opt for any of three different desserts (but we're totes focused on that chocolate mousse cake, omg). Note: Kids 12 and younger eat for half off. Downtown at 238 W. Second #13; in the Domain at 11410 Century Oaks Terrace #104. $55 dine-in, $125 for two to-go. cruwinebar.com
DRINKWELL NEW YEAR'S EVE The beloved neighborhood bar welcomes guests back in person for New Year's Eve, with an intimate, lively celebration without the wild crowds or overly fussy logistics. The soirée kicks off at 3pm with delicious food and champagne and celebratory libations until after the clock strikes midnight in the new year. And then, DrinkWell will be open on New Year's Day, too, for the first time ever – with a special event supporting The Barman's Fund. Fri., Dec. 31, 3pm-closing DrinkWell, 207 E. 53rd, 512/614-6683. drinkwellaustin.com
EBERLY NEW YEAR'S EVE Eberly is hosting a Galactic Rodeo themed party, where you’ll explore the cosmos-themed dance floor with interstellar clouds, live performances, and a mechanical bull. (Reckon that's a sort of space cowboy, then? And will some people call you Maurice?) Chef Jo Chan will be making brisket, borracho beans, and Mexican corn; chef Sarah Seghi will serve space-themed desserts. The cosmic evening also includes sets by DJ Gatsby, retro arcade games and photo booth, midnight champagne toast, and a costume contest at 1am. Fri., Dec. 31, 8pm-closing Eberly, 615 S. Lamar, 512/916-9000. $125. eberlyaustin.com
EMMER & RYE NEW YEAR'S EVE To speak of what chef Kevin Fink and his team are preparing for their acclaimed eatery's year-end feast is to speak the language of angels with a culinary fetish. Oysters, fennel mignonette, blue crab, salsa matcha, red snapper, dry-aged wagyu beef tartare, burnt-edge lasagna, paddlefish caviar, smoked mushroom custard, wagyu ribeye, egg amino tart, and more – comprising a ten-course lesson in what delicious means. Fri., Dec. 31 Emmer & Rye, 51 Rainey #110, 512/366-5530. $125 ($200, with wine pairings). emmerandrye.com
FAREGROUND: THE GINGER FESTIVAL The thing about Fareground is that it's like the fanciest food court in the city, featuring outposts of some of our finest restaurants, all gathered in a stylish Downtown setting: Little Wu (from Wu Chow), Henbit (from Emmer & Rye), Austin Rotisserie, TLV, Taco Pegaso, and more, and they're celebrating with a venue-wide showcase of ginger- and turmeric-focused specials. YMMV, foodie, but your reporter's main reco: TLV's Chicken Hawaiej Hummus, with chicken thighs marinated in Yemenite spice blend served over hummus. Follow that with a Ginger Island negroni at Ellis, and it's already the happiest of holidays, even mid-week. Through Jan. 3. Daily, 11am-9pm Fareground, 111 Congress. faregroundaustin.com
HESTIA NEW YEAR'S EVE Hestia, the goddess of fire, must weep tears of joy to know that her name's invoked by this epicenter of live-fire cooking. Hell, we've seen enough mortal citizens weeping such tears when dining in the place, and now the year's terminus brings a ten-course wonderment featuring tomato tart, mille feuille, Norwegian crab, wagyu ribeye, roasted beets, grilled halibut, chocolate truffles, and more. After all that and excellent wine pairings, probably not a dry eye in the place. Fri., Dec. 31 Hestia, 607 W. Third, 512/333-0737. $195 ($295, with wine pairings). hestiaaustin.com
HOTEL VAN ZANDT'S SOUTH POLE WINTERSCAPE That style-forward boutique hotel Downtown brings back its fourth-floor South Pole, a reimagined rooftop deck featuring outdoor igloos for private dining, with holiday-themed cocktails and dishes courtesy of Geraldine’s restaurant. Note: That last part means delicious noms from chef Chris Schaefer and pastry chef Yolanda Diaz, which might even surpass the awesomeness of the new seasonal drinks (and those continuing Friends-inspired tipples, too). Geraldine's, 605 Davis, 512/476-4755. $50. geraldinesaustin.com
IL BRUTTO NEW YEAR'S EVE This Eastside neighborhood Italian spot will treat you right as 2021 gives way to 2022, with house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and an extensive wine list. Bonus: Fire pits on the patio and live jazz by Django Foxtrot (7-10pm). And, after dinner, there's a city's worth of dive bars to get lost among until the new year dawns. Fri., Dec. 31, 4-10pm Il Brutto, 1601 E. Sixth, 512/580-8779. ilbruttoaustin.com
LA CONDESA NEW YEAR'S EVE Get a healthy leg up on your resolution to eat more greens, with La Condesa's all-vegetarian NYE specials menu – featuring charred broccoli tamales with garlic confit, grilled sweet potato "steak" and café con leche with Oaxacan double cream. And, look, carnivores: Their regular menu will also be available the whole night. Fri., Dec. 31 La Condesa, 400-A W. Second, 512/499-0300. lacondesa.com/austin
OLD THOUSAND NEW YEAR'S EVE Old Thousand, that popular bastion of "Dope Chinese" noms, is offering a bucket of golden fried chicken with ginger scallion salt, a bottle of bubbles, and sides for dine-in or takeout at both locations on New Year’s Eve. And, listen: That's just the NYE special; their amazing regular menu will also be available. (Yes, that does mean, omg, that brisket fried rice.) Fri., Dec. 31 Old Thousand, 1000 E. 11th #150, 737/222-6637. $80-125. oldthousandatx.com
SWAY NEW YEAR'S EVE Oh, we're missing that Sway on South First; luckily, Westlake's Bee Caves Road still, y'might say, holds Sway. And this location is bright with splendor as a setting for caviar-topped oysters, waterfall beef tartare, aged ribeye, a whole Thai fish, and more. Say good riddance to a problematic year in this place where even the charcuterie board – foie gras torchon, rabbit rillet, northern Thai sausages, fruit jam + yuzu curd, miso aged tofu, coconut cheese, pickles + crackers – is like something out of your fanciest dreams. Fri., Dec. 31 Sway, 3437 Bee Caves Rd., West Lake Hills, 512/326-1999. https://swaythai.com/
Saturday 25
DRINKWELL NEW YEAR'S EVE The beloved neighborhood bar welcomes guests back in person for New Year's Eve, with an intimate, lively celebration without the wild crowds or overly fussy logistics. The soirée kicks off at 3pm with delicious food and champagne and celebratory libations until after the clock strikes midnight in the new year. And then, DrinkWell will be open on New Year's Day, too, for the first time ever – with a special event supporting The Barman's Fund. Fri., Dec. 31, 3pm-closing DrinkWell, 207 E. 53rd, 512/614-6683. drinkwellaustin.com
EBERLY NEW YEAR'S EVE Eberly is hosting a Galactic Rodeo themed party, where you’ll explore the cosmos-themed dance floor with interstellar clouds, live performances, and a mechanical bull. (Reckon that's a sort of space cowboy, then? And will some people call you Maurice?) Chef Jo Chan will be making brisket, borracho beans, and Mexican corn; chef Sarah Seghi will serve space-themed desserts. The cosmic evening also includes sets by DJ Gatsby, retro arcade games and photo booth, midnight champagne toast, and a costume contest at 1am. Fri., Dec. 31, 8pm-closing Eberly, 615 S. Lamar, 512/916-9000. $125. eberlyaustin.com
EMMER & RYE NEW YEAR'S EVE To speak of what chef Kevin Fink and his team are preparing for their acclaimed eatery's year-end feast is to speak the language of angels with a culinary fetish. Oysters, fennel mignonette, blue crab, salsa matcha, red snapper, dry-aged wagyu beef tartare, burnt-edge lasagna, paddlefish caviar, smoked mushroom custard, wagyu ribeye, egg amino tart, and more – comprising a ten-course lesson in what delicious means. Fri., Dec. 31 Emmer & Rye, 51 Rainey #110, 512/366-5530. $125 ($200, with wine pairings). emmerandrye.com
FAREGROUND: THE GINGER FESTIVAL The thing about Fareground is that it's like the fanciest food court in the city, featuring outposts of some of our finest restaurants, all gathered in a stylish Downtown setting: Little Wu (from Wu Chow), Henbit (from Emmer & Rye), Austin Rotisserie, TLV, Taco Pegaso, and more, and they're celebrating with a venue-wide showcase of ginger- and turmeric-focused specials. YMMV, foodie, but your reporter's main reco: TLV's Chicken Hawaiej Hummus, with chicken thighs marinated in Yemenite spice blend served over hummus. Follow that with a Ginger Island negroni at Ellis, and it's already the happiest of holidays, even mid-week. Through Jan. 3. Daily, 11am-9pm Fareground, 111 Congress. faregroundaustin.com
HESTIA NEW YEAR'S EVE Hestia, the goddess of fire, must weep tears of joy to know that her name's invoked by this epicenter of live-fire cooking. Hell, we've seen enough mortal citizens weeping such tears when dining in the place, and now the year's terminus brings a ten-course wonderment featuring tomato tart, mille feuille, Norwegian crab, wagyu ribeye, roasted beets, grilled halibut, chocolate truffles, and more. After all that and excellent wine pairings, probably not a dry eye in the place. Fri., Dec. 31 Hestia, 607 W. Third, 512/333-0737. $195 ($295, with wine pairings). hestiaaustin.com
IL BRUTTO NEW YEAR'S EVE This Eastside neighborhood Italian spot will treat you right as 2021 gives way to 2022, with house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and an extensive wine list. Bonus: Fire pits on the patio and live jazz by Django Foxtrot (7-10pm). And, after dinner, there's a city's worth of dive bars to get lost among until the new year dawns. Fri., Dec. 31, 4-10pm Il Brutto, 1601 E. Sixth, 512/580-8779. ilbruttoaustin.com
LA CONDESA NEW YEAR'S EVE Get a healthy leg up on your resolution to eat more greens, with La Condesa's all-vegetarian NYE specials menu – featuring charred broccoli tamales with garlic confit, grilled sweet potato "steak" and café con leche with Oaxacan double cream. And, look, carnivores: Their regular menu will also be available the whole night. Fri., Dec. 31 La Condesa, 400-A W. Second, 512/499-0300. lacondesa.com/austin
OLD THOUSAND NEW YEAR'S EVE Old Thousand, that popular bastion of "Dope Chinese" noms, is offering a bucket of golden fried chicken with ginger scallion salt, a bottle of bubbles, and sides for dine-in or takeout at both locations on New Year’s Eve. And, listen: That's just the NYE special; their amazing regular menu will also be available. (Yes, that does mean, omg, that brisket fried rice.) Fri., Dec. 31 Old Thousand, 1000 E. 11th #150, 737/222-6637. $80-125. oldthousandatx.com
SWAY NEW YEAR'S EVE Oh, we're missing that Sway on South First; luckily, Westlake's Bee Caves Road still, y'might say, holds Sway. And this location is bright with splendor as a setting for caviar-topped oysters, waterfall beef tartare, aged ribeye, a whole Thai fish, and more. Say good riddance to a problematic year in this place where even the charcuterie board – foie gras torchon, rabbit rillet, northern Thai sausages, fruit jam + yuzu curd, miso aged tofu, coconut cheese, pickles + crackers – is like something out of your fanciest dreams. Fri., Dec. 31 Sway, 3437 Bee Caves Rd., West Lake Hills, 512/326-1999. https://swaythai.com/
Sunday 26
DRINKWELL NEW YEAR'S EVE The beloved neighborhood bar welcomes guests back in person for New Year's Eve, with an intimate, lively celebration without the wild crowds or overly fussy logistics. The soirée kicks off at 3pm with delicious food and champagne and celebratory libations until after the clock strikes midnight in the new year. And then, DrinkWell will be open on New Year's Day, too, for the first time ever – with a special event supporting The Barman's Fund. Fri., Dec. 31, 3pm-closing DrinkWell, 207 E. 53rd, 512/614-6683. drinkwellaustin.com
EBERLY NEW YEAR'S EVE Eberly is hosting a Galactic Rodeo themed party, where you’ll explore the cosmos-themed dance floor with interstellar clouds, live performances, and a mechanical bull. (Reckon that's a sort of space cowboy, then? And will some people call you Maurice?) Chef Jo Chan will be making brisket, borracho beans, and Mexican corn; chef Sarah Seghi will serve space-themed desserts. The cosmic evening also includes sets by DJ Gatsby, retro arcade games and photo booth, midnight champagne toast, and a costume contest at 1am. Fri., Dec. 31, 8pm-closing Eberly, 615 S. Lamar, 512/916-9000. $125. eberlyaustin.com
EMMER & RYE NEW YEAR'S EVE To speak of what chef Kevin Fink and his team are preparing for their acclaimed eatery's year-end feast is to speak the language of angels with a culinary fetish. Oysters, fennel mignonette, blue crab, salsa matcha, red snapper, dry-aged wagyu beef tartare, burnt-edge lasagna, paddlefish caviar, smoked mushroom custard, wagyu ribeye, egg amino tart, and more – comprising a ten-course lesson in what delicious means. Fri., Dec. 31 Emmer & Rye, 51 Rainey #110, 512/366-5530. $125 ($200, with wine pairings). emmerandrye.com
FAREGROUND: THE GINGER FESTIVAL The thing about Fareground is that it's like the fanciest food court in the city, featuring outposts of some of our finest restaurants, all gathered in a stylish Downtown setting: Little Wu (from Wu Chow), Henbit (from Emmer & Rye), Austin Rotisserie, TLV, Taco Pegaso, and more, and they're celebrating with a venue-wide showcase of ginger- and turmeric-focused specials. YMMV, foodie, but your reporter's main reco: TLV's Chicken Hawaiej Hummus, with chicken thighs marinated in Yemenite spice blend served over hummus. Follow that with a Ginger Island negroni at Ellis, and it's already the happiest of holidays, even mid-week. Through Jan. 3. Daily, 11am-9pm Fareground, 111 Congress. faregroundaustin.com
HESTIA NEW YEAR'S EVE Hestia, the goddess of fire, must weep tears of joy to know that her name's invoked by this epicenter of live-fire cooking. Hell, we've seen enough mortal citizens weeping such tears when dining in the place, and now the year's terminus brings a ten-course wonderment featuring tomato tart, mille feuille, Norwegian crab, wagyu ribeye, roasted beets, grilled halibut, chocolate truffles, and more. After all that and excellent wine pairings, probably not a dry eye in the place. Fri., Dec. 31 Hestia, 607 W. Third, 512/333-0737. $195 ($295, with wine pairings). hestiaaustin.com
IL BRUTTO NEW YEAR'S EVE This Eastside neighborhood Italian spot will treat you right as 2021 gives way to 2022, with house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and an extensive wine list. Bonus: Fire pits on the patio and live jazz by Django Foxtrot (7-10pm). And, after dinner, there's a city's worth of dive bars to get lost among until the new year dawns. Fri., Dec. 31, 4-10pm Il Brutto, 1601 E. Sixth, 512/580-8779. ilbruttoaustin.com
LA CONDESA NEW YEAR'S EVE Get a healthy leg up on your resolution to eat more greens, with La Condesa's all-vegetarian NYE specials menu – featuring charred broccoli tamales with garlic confit, grilled sweet potato "steak" and café con leche with Oaxacan double cream. And, look, carnivores: Their regular menu will also be available the whole night. Fri., Dec. 31 La Condesa, 400-A W. Second, 512/499-0300. lacondesa.com/austin
OLD THOUSAND NEW YEAR'S EVE Old Thousand, that popular bastion of "Dope Chinese" noms, is offering a bucket of golden fried chicken with ginger scallion salt, a bottle of bubbles, and sides for dine-in or takeout at both locations on New Year’s Eve. And, listen: That's just the NYE special; their amazing regular menu will also be available. (Yes, that does mean, omg, that brisket fried rice.) Fri., Dec. 31 Old Thousand, 1000 E. 11th #150, 737/222-6637. $80-125. oldthousandatx.com
SWAY NEW YEAR'S EVE Oh, we're missing that Sway on South First; luckily, Westlake's Bee Caves Road still, y'might say, holds Sway. And this location is bright with splendor as a setting for caviar-topped oysters, waterfall beef tartare, aged ribeye, a whole Thai fish, and more. Say good riddance to a problematic year in this place where even the charcuterie board – foie gras torchon, rabbit rillet, northern Thai sausages, fruit jam + yuzu curd, miso aged tofu, coconut cheese, pickles + crackers – is like something out of your fanciest dreams. Fri., Dec. 31 Sway, 3437 Bee Caves Rd., West Lake Hills, 512/326-1999. https://swaythai.com/
Monday 27
DRINKWELL NEW YEAR'S EVE The beloved neighborhood bar welcomes guests back in person for New Year's Eve, with an intimate, lively celebration without the wild crowds or overly fussy logistics. The soirée kicks off at 3pm with delicious food and champagne and celebratory libations until after the clock strikes midnight in the new year. And then, DrinkWell will be open on New Year's Day, too, for the first time ever – with a special event supporting The Barman's Fund. Fri., Dec. 31, 3pm-closing DrinkWell, 207 E. 53rd, 512/614-6683. drinkwellaustin.com
EBERLY NEW YEAR'S EVE Eberly is hosting a Galactic Rodeo themed party, where you’ll explore the cosmos-themed dance floor with interstellar clouds, live performances, and a mechanical bull. (Reckon that's a sort of space cowboy, then? And will some people call you Maurice?) Chef Jo Chan will be making brisket, borracho beans, and Mexican corn; chef Sarah Seghi will serve space-themed desserts. The cosmic evening also includes sets by DJ Gatsby, retro arcade games and photo booth, midnight champagne toast, and a costume contest at 1am. Fri., Dec. 31, 8pm-closing Eberly, 615 S. Lamar, 512/916-9000. $125. eberlyaustin.com
EMMER & RYE NEW YEAR'S EVE To speak of what chef Kevin Fink and his team are preparing for their acclaimed eatery's year-end feast is to speak the language of angels with a culinary fetish. Oysters, fennel mignonette, blue crab, salsa matcha, red snapper, dry-aged wagyu beef tartare, burnt-edge lasagna, paddlefish caviar, smoked mushroom custard, wagyu ribeye, egg amino tart, and more – comprising a ten-course lesson in what delicious means. Fri., Dec. 31 Emmer & Rye, 51 Rainey #110, 512/366-5530. $125 ($200, with wine pairings). emmerandrye.com
FAREGROUND: THE GINGER FESTIVAL The thing about Fareground is that it's like the fanciest food court in the city, featuring outposts of some of our finest restaurants, all gathered in a stylish Downtown setting: Little Wu (from Wu Chow), Henbit (from Emmer & Rye), Austin Rotisserie, TLV, Taco Pegaso, and more, and they're celebrating with a venue-wide showcase of ginger- and turmeric-focused specials. YMMV, foodie, but your reporter's main reco: TLV's Chicken Hawaiej Hummus, with chicken thighs marinated in Yemenite spice blend served over hummus. Follow that with a Ginger Island negroni at Ellis, and it's already the happiest of holidays, even mid-week. Through Jan. 3. Daily, 11am-9pm Fareground, 111 Congress. faregroundaustin.com
HESTIA NEW YEAR'S EVE Hestia, the goddess of fire, must weep tears of joy to know that her name's invoked by this epicenter of live-fire cooking. Hell, we've seen enough mortal citizens weeping such tears when dining in the place, and now the year's terminus brings a ten-course wonderment featuring tomato tart, mille feuille, Norwegian crab, wagyu ribeye, roasted beets, grilled halibut, chocolate truffles, and more. After all that and excellent wine pairings, probably not a dry eye in the place. Fri., Dec. 31 Hestia, 607 W. Third, 512/333-0737. $195 ($295, with wine pairings). hestiaaustin.com
HOPFIELDS NEW YEAR'S EVE: DINNER & PARTY OK, we love this place – for its beers and its noms and its convivial ambience. Which is why we're glad they're offering a five-course prix fixe dinner – salmon tartare on a wasabi sesame spoon, bacon and eggs with bacon foam & chives, lobster raviolo, smoked beets with Humboldt Fog cheese, Texas wagyu beef, and more – at two seatings (5:30pm & 7:30pm) and then throwing a "It's Vegas, Baby!" dance party at 10pm, with latenight snacks and Polaroid party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Fri., Dec. 31 Hopfields, 3110 Guadalupe, 512/537-0467. $110-130. www.hopfieldsaustin.com
IL BRUTTO NEW YEAR'S EVE This Eastside neighborhood Italian spot will treat you right as 2021 gives way to 2022, with house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and an extensive wine list. Bonus: Fire pits on the patio and live jazz by Django Foxtrot (7-10pm). And, after dinner, there's a city's worth of dive bars to get lost among until the new year dawns. Fri., Dec. 31, 4-10pm Il Brutto, 1601 E. Sixth, 512/580-8779. ilbruttoaustin.com
LA CONDESA NEW YEAR'S EVE Get a healthy leg up on your resolution to eat more greens, with La Condesa's all-vegetarian NYE specials menu – featuring charred broccoli tamales with garlic confit, grilled sweet potato "steak" and café con leche with Oaxacan double cream. And, look, carnivores: Their regular menu will also be available the whole night. Fri., Dec. 31 La Condesa, 400-A W. Second, 512/499-0300. lacondesa.com/austin
OLD THOUSAND NEW YEAR'S EVE Old Thousand, that popular bastion of "Dope Chinese" noms, is offering a bucket of golden fried chicken with ginger scallion salt, a bottle of bubbles, and sides for dine-in or takeout at both locations on New Year’s Eve. And, listen: That's just the NYE special; their amazing regular menu will also be available. (Yes, that does mean, omg, that brisket fried rice.) Fri., Dec. 31 Old Thousand, 1000 E. 11th #150, 737/222-6637. $80-125. oldthousandatx.com
SIMI ESTIATORIO NEW YEAR'S EVE Greek food? Yum, basically. Simi Estiatorio Greek food? What they call elevated. Even beyond, you might say, mere yum. And this night, as the calendar does its big annual shift, there's a four-course prix fixe dinner. Shrimp cocktail. Crab cakes. Lamb kebabs. Greek salad. Swordfish souvlaki. Orzo with lobster, shrimp, and calamari. Grilled prime rib with grilled lobster tail. Baklava. And – OMG, we'll stop listing now, but there's even more to choose among. And live DJ performances from Jen Lasher, Lefty, Rodolfo Ciid, and Mike Lozano. Two seatings: 6pm & 9pm. Reserve ASAP, efharisto poli! Fri., Dec. 31 Simi Estiatorio. $145. https://simiatx.com
SWAY NEW YEAR'S EVE Oh, we're missing that Sway on South First; luckily, Westlake's Bee Caves Road still, y'might say, holds Sway. And this location is bright with splendor as a setting for caviar-topped oysters, waterfall beef tartare, aged ribeye, a whole Thai fish, and more. Say good riddance to a problematic year in this place where even the charcuterie board – foie gras torchon, rabbit rillet, northern Thai sausages, fruit jam + yuzu curd, miso aged tofu, coconut cheese, pickles + crackers – is like something out of your fanciest dreams. Fri., Dec. 31 Sway, 3437 Bee Caves Rd., West Lake Hills, 512/326-1999. https://swaythai.com/
Ongoing
BARTON CREEK FARMERS MARKET Saturdays, 9am-1pm. Barton Creek Square, 2901 Capital of TX Hwy. S., 512/327-7040. bartoncreekfarmersmarket.org
BEE CAVE FARMERS MARKET Sundays, 10am-2pm. 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave. beecavefarmersmarket.com
HOPE FARMERS MARKET Sundays, 11am-3pm. Plaza Saltillo, 412 Comal, 512/727-8363. hopefarmersmarket.org
SFC SUNSET VALLEY FARMERS’ MARKET Saturdays, 9am-1pm. Toney Burger Activity Center, 3200 Jones, 512/414-2096. sfcfarmersmarket.org
TEXAS FARMERS’ MARKET AT LAKELINE Saturdays, 9am-1pm. Lakeline Mall, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr., Cedar Park, 512/363-5700. texasfarmersmarket.org/lakeline
TEXAS FARMERS’ MARKET AT MUELLER Sundays, 10am-2pm Branch Park Pavilion, 2006 Philomena. texasfarmersmarket.org/mueller
BOGGY CREEK FARM STAND Wed.-Sat., 8am-1pm. Boggy Creek Farm, 3414 Lyons, 512/926-4650. boggycreekfarm.com
SPRINGDALE FARM STAND Wednesdays & Saturdays, 9am-1pm. Springdale Farm, 755 Springdale, 512/386-8899. springdalefarmaustin.com
