From Tere & Carlos

Places We Would Send Our Favorite People

These are places we genuinely enjoy and would recommend while you are in Austin.

Aba Austin official photography

Mediterranean with a California influence

Dinner & cocktails · South Congress

  • ~5 min from downtown
  • ~50 min from Messina Inn

A South Congress dinner for when you want somewhere warm, social, and celebratory.

Why we love it

It is the kind of place we would choose for a long dinner, a good drink, and an easy start to the evening.

Book early. Aba fills up weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings.

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille official photography

Date night · Downtown Austin

  • In the heart of downtown
  • ~50 min from Messina Inn

For a classic downtown dinner, this is the more dressed-up table: steaks, old-building character, and a very Austin night-out pace.

Why we love it

If you want one evening to feel a little more formal while you are in town, this is an easy choice.

Day Maker Half Day Café official photography

Day Maker Half Day Café

Brunch · Rollingwood, near Zilker

  • ~10 min from downtown
  • ~40 min from Messina Inn

A bright daytime stop when the move is coffee, breakfast, and something easy before heading back into the weekend.

Why we love it

This is the kind of brunch spot we would send people to when they want the day to start relaxed and cheerful.

Another Broken Egg Café official photography

Southern-style breakfast and brunch

Breakfast · Southpark Meadows, far south Austin

  • ~20 min from downtown
  • ~35 min from Messina Inn

A relaxed breakfast option on the south side if you want a full plate before the drive back out to Wimberley.

Why we love it

Handy for guests staying south of the city who want something easy and familiar to start the day.

No reservations here. Join the waitlist online the same day you plan to visit.

El Raval official photography

El Raval

Rustic Catalonian food

Tapas & wine · South Lamar

  • ~10 min from downtown
  • ~45 min from Messina Inn

A slower dinner option when you want small plates, a glass of wine, and a mood that stays intimate.

Why we love it

It feels especially right for a night when you want to talk, order a few things to share, and linger.

Reserve ahead. El Raval is small and books up weeks in advance.

In-N-Out Burger official photography

Burgers, fries, and shakes

Quick bite · South Lamar

  • ~12 min from downtown
  • ~40 min from Messina Inn

Sometimes the right move is the easiest one: a quick burger stop before getting back to plans.

Why we love it

This is our casual, no-fuss pick when you want something familiar and fast without overthinking it.

More to Discover

Local Favorites

A few trusted guides if you want to wander beyond our own shortlist.

Wimberley and Hill Country

Close to the wedding, for when you would rather not drive into the city.

Texas barbecue

Salt Lick BBQ

Driftwood

You will already know it from Friday night, and it is still the easiest Hill Country meal if you head back that way.

Town guide

Visit Wimberley dining guide

Wimberley

The town’s own guide, handy for picking something once you see how the day is going.

Austin dining guides

City guides worth a browse if you want to explore past our own list.

Official dining guide

Austin Food & Drink

Austin

Austin’s own dining guide, good for browsing by mood once you are already out.

Neighborhood guide

South Congress dining

South Congress

Restaurants, coffee, and shopping along one walkable stretch.