Christmas in July

11 fun retro spaces for an unforgettable holiday party in Austin

Hillside Farmacy.

Photo courtesy of RestauRent

For many, the holidays are all about nostalgia. If you want to tap into those evocative feelings for a holiday party without the embarrassing memories or cringey encounters with distant relatives, this list is for you.

Here are 11 Austin venues where retro cool and laidback ambience are on the menu year-round. You'll want to lock down the ideal space for your holiday get-together now — rarely seen relatives optional.

Mean Eyed Cat.Photo courtesy of RestauRent

1. Mean Eyed Cat
Why the nostalgia hits: This retro gem began as a chainsaw repair shop and has retained its rustic charm as the neighborhood grew around it. This bar pays homage to Johnny Cash, with its nostalgic interior adorned with memorabilia, portraits, posters, and song lyrics — and chainsaws. Guests can enjoy a creative cocktail list and an excellent selection of local and craft beers. The interior celebrates the Man in Black while the spacious wood patio sits under a magnificent, 300-year-old Texas live oak.
Address: 1621 W. 5th St.
Click here to rent Mean Eyed Cat for your next event.

Star Hill Ranch.Photo courtesy of RestauRent

2. Star Hill Ranch
Why the nostalgia hits: Step back in time to the early 1900s with this unique collection of historic buildings nestled in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. Originally a set for various movies and TV shows, Star Hill Ranch now serves as a one-of-a-kind event space perfect for weddings, corporate retreats, and social gatherings. With its vintage wooden structures, charming chapel, and rustic barns, the ranch exudes a nostalgic ambience that transports you to a bygone era. Guests can stroll along the gravel pathways, enjoy the scenic views, and take part in activities like lawn games or a bonfire under the stars, making any event here truly unforgettable.
Address: 15000 Hamilton Pool Rd., Bee Cave
Click here to rent Star Hill Ranch for your next event.

Toasty Badger.Photo courtesy of RestauRent

3. Toasty Badger
Why the nostalgia hits: Toasty Badger is an eclectic venue that combines the cozy ambience of a coffee shop with the charm of vintage decor. Its warm, inviting atmosphere is adorned with retro furnishings, quirky knick-knacks, and a collection of old books and records. Guests can relax in plush armchairs, sip on expertly brewed coffee or craft cocktails, and indulge in delicious pastries and snacks.
Address: 2206 Congress Ave.
Click here to rent Toasty Badger for your next event.

The Meteor.Photo courtesy of RestauRent

4. The Meteor
Why the nostalgia hits: The Meteor is an unexpected mash-up of an all-day café, natural wine shop, and boutique bike shop, located in the heart of South Austin. This unique venue offers a quirky, retro feel perfect for casual parties and laid-back events. The space features a cozy café with specialty coffee drinks, an expansive selection of craft beer and natural wine, and house-made baked goods. The outdoor area is ideal for hosting semi-private and private events, with ample seating and a relaxed atmosphere.
Address: 2110 S. Congress Ave.
Click here to rent The Meteor for your next event.

$Skinny\u2019s Off-Track Bar$ Skinny’s Off-Track Bar.Photo courtesy of RestauRent

5. Skinny’s Off-Track Bar
Why the nostalgia hits: Welcome to Skinny’s Off-Track Bar, a retro neighborhood joint and sports bar infused with the spirited charm of the 1970s. The venue boasts wood-paneled walls, pleather barstools, booths, and vintage TV sets, all of which set the retro vibe and offer a warm welcome at every event. Indulge in comfort-food classics from their on-site food trailer, Off Track Bites, and enjoy a selection of nostalgic cocktails. The versatile indoor and patio space adds an extra layer of charm and flexibility, making it a great choice for various gatherings.
Address: 1806 E. 12th St.
Click here to rent Skinny’s Off-Track Bar for your next event.

Superstition.Photo courtesy of RestauRent

6. Superstition
Why the nostalgia hits: Channeling the vibrant 1970s, this expansive, two-story venue features a main stage dance floor (600 capacity) and balcony, plus two additional unique event spaces: The Gold Room and The Studio. The Gold Room is a refined cocktail lounge with a spacious patio, while The Studio lounge on the second floor pays homage to South Congress’ musical history. With its eclectic decor, lively atmosphere, and top-notch amenities, Superstition is the ideal venue for concerts, themed parties, and large celebrations.
Address: 110 E. Riverside Dr.
Click here to rent Superstition for your next event.

Friends Bar.Photo courtesy of RestauRent

7. Friends Bar
Why the nostalgia hits: Friends Bar is a beloved local haunt that offers an authentic Austin experience with its laid-back atmosphere and live music from local bands. Conveniently located within walking distance of downtown hotels, Friends Bar is perfect for casual get-togethers, social events, and private parties. The venue features a relaxed setting with rustic decor, a spacious bar area, and a stage for live performances. Guests can enjoy a variety of drinks, including craft beers and signature cocktails, while soaking in the vibrant sounds of Austin's finest blues and rock bands.
Address: 208 E. 6th St.
Click here to rent Friends Bar for your next event.

The Stay Put.Photo courtesy of RestauRent

8. The Stay Put
Why the nostalgia hits: As the first and only brewpub on historic Rainey Street, The Stay Put offers a cozy, relaxed setting perfect for intimate gatherings. The space features brewed beers, draft cocktails, and wine, with indoor-outdoor space and a wrap-around patio. Whether you're hosting a small party, a family gathering, or a casual meetup, The Stay Put offers a unique and welcoming environment that will make your event memorable.
Address: 73 Rainey St.
Click here to rent The Stay Put for your next event.

See more: Discover breweries available to rent

Nickel City.Photo courtesy of RestauRent

9. Nickel City
Why the nostalgia hits: Nickel City is an award-winning neighborhood bar that combines a divey atmosphere with retro decor, making it a great choice for those looking to capture the essence of Austin nightlife. The space includes banquette seating, an antique bar, and TVs, along with a drop-down projection screen. For food, the bar serves a Detroit-style menu from an in-house food truck, Delray Café. Guests can enjoy inventive drinks and mouthwatering bar food in a setting that feels like a hidden gem.
Address: 1133 E. 11th St.
Click here to rent Nickel City for your next event.

Hillside Farmacy.Photo courtesy of RestauRent

10. Hillside Farmacy
Why the nostalgia hits: Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, Hillside Farmacy offers vintage charm and antique-chic decor. This unique restaurant provides an ideal setting for events with a farm-to-table culinary experience. The space features indoor and outdoor dining options, including a private wine room, and serves eclectic fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner by chef Sonya Cote.
Address: 1209 E. 11th St.
Click here to rent Hillside Farmacy for your next event.

$Irene\u2019s$ Irene’s.Photo courtesy of RestauRent

11. Irene’s
Why the nostalgia hits: Irene’s has the soul of an unpretentious dive bar but manages to keep a firm hand on service, a keen eye to hospitality, and a pulse on style. With something for every palate, Irene’s offers a menu filled with comfort-food classics and a full bar serving up beautiful signature cocktails, frozen drinks, wine, and beer. The decor features a mix of retro and contemporary elements, creating a fun and stylish atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Address: 506 West Ave.
Click here to rent Irene’s for your next event.

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RestauRent can help you find and book the perfect restaurant or venue for your next corporate or private event. Browse all Austin-area venues here or reach out to RestauRent’s concierge team at tera@restaurent.com.

holidays bars drinks cocktails promoted

High Score

Austin named the nation's pickleball capital in industry report

Photo by Henry Selis Photo

Other Racquet Social Club is back after city woes.

It's no secret that Austinites love pickleball. A new study proves just how much by ranking Austin the No. 1 city for pickleball in the whole country. Dallas and Houston also made the top 10 at Nos. 3 and 8, respectively.

The report was published by TeachMe.To, an online marketplace for learning sports (and sometimes music) from private instructors. It used data from its own platform, USA Pickleball, Places2Play, local pickleball associations, and more. It also referred to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), which named pickleball the fastest-growing sport in America, with a growth rate of 223.5 percent over three years.

Similarly, TeachMe.To ranked Austin as the fastest-growing city for pickleball, and citing this as the main reason for the overall title of "the nation's pickleball capital."

It name-checked the Austin Metro Pickleball Association (AMPA) — with approximately 3,000-3,500 members — and the Austin Pickleball League (APL), estimating that overall, "15,000-20,000 people play pickleball at least occasionally in the greater Austin area." About half of those players — about 8,000-10,000 people — play at least twice a month.

The report did not include gender data on Austin, specifically, but it did note that not only are two-thirds of pickleball players female; women's involvement in the sport is also growing 50 percent faster than men's.

New courts everywhere
This probably isn't a surprise to people who have noticed the number of courts opened around Austin in recent years. By 2024, TeachMe.To's data shows 32 dedicated courts in Austin, and thanks to with a utility rate of 92 percent it doesn't look like that'll be slowing down.

In the summer of 2023, the online booking platform Swimply noticed how many pickleball courts there were in Austin compared to such great demand, and added courts to its service. In fall 2023 and summer 2024, at least two important developments expanded that availability: Other Racquet Social Club opened as a friendly, country club-like neighborhood option, and national chain The Picklr announced it's bringing five locations to Austin and Round Rock.

Perhaps because Austin is such a food-obsessed city, there seems to be some growing opportunity for food and beverage hospitality around pickleball, too. Other Racquet recently started hosting the Bill's Dips food truck, a spinoff of the popular downtown restaurant Bill's Oyster; and a pair of bars with pickleball courts, Drifters Social Coffee & Cocktails and The Pickle Pub, also opened in South Austin this year, with strong online ratings already.

The trend has even reached into real estate (see this cute house with its own pickleball court) and inspired athletes to introduce similar sports to the local market, as in the case of the padel club Paddle39. TeachMe.To's report also mentioned tech companies adding pickleball to their campuses.

Aside from growth, the study also considered lesson activity (including information about teacher availability and diversity of clinic offerings), infrastructure, community vitality, the tournament scene.

Austin had the highest concentration of all the cities of players under 40 (65 percent), as well as the highest share of national lesson bookings. At 16.90 percent, that means about one in six of the pickleball lessons contracted through this platform were in Austin. Lesson demand, the report says, is growing 125 percent year-over-year.

Elsewhere in Texas
Dallas was No. 3 thanks in part to its "central location" according to the report.

"The city's 45 dedicated courts and 85 [percent] public accessibility rate have fostered one of the most active competitive scenes in the country, with 8,500 registered league players," it says. "The combination of strong tournament presence, extensive infrastructure, and a 112% growth in lesson bookings solidifies Dallas as a powerhouse in the national pickleball landscape."

Houston made No. 8 with an emphasis on integrating pickleball with other sports.

"The city's 22 dedicated courts have seen a 92% increase in lesson bookings, driven by innovative programming that includes the nation's first corporate league system," it says. "Houston's success in integrating pickleball into existing sports infrastructure while maintaining 72% year-round utilization demonstrates a sustainable model for rapid growth."

Overall predictions
After laying out data about the top cities in pickleball, the report made some predictions. As the Austin newcomer mentioned above believes, the report also thinks padel is the next big thing. It also guesses more cities will act like Houston by focusing on hybrid facilities.

It also expects to see an expanded professional circuit and mainstream coverage, more technology used on the court, a rise in the prevalence of young players, and more opportunities in corporate wellness and real estate. "Dedicated pickleball facilities will become as common as swimming pools in luxury developments," it says. Texans will be the judge of that one.

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Christmas in July

11 fun retro spaces for an unforgettable holiday party in Austin

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Austin named the nation's pickleball capital in industry report

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