Shhhhh

11 secret Austin venues to turn your next party into an unforgettable affair

Higher Ground.

Photo courtesy of Restaurent

It's the setting that makes the soiree, and a party becomes even more memorable when it's held at a truly unique venue.

This list includes cool cocktail dens, homey taverns, and even a bike shop, and all are guaranteed to instantly set the vibe.

1. Commodore Perry Estate
The intel: Commodore Perry Estate is an expansive venue where Old World elegance meets modern Texan flair. Experience the glamour of a bygone era in a setting reimagined by acclaimed designer Ken Fulk.

With its luxurious interiors and formal gardens, the Estate offers a unique venue for intimate gatherings or grand celebrations, complemented by a menu that blends beloved classics with local Texan ingredients. Make your event unforgettable in a space where history and modern sophistication beautifully intertwine.
Address: 4100 Red River St.
Click here to rent Commodore Perry Estate for your next event.

Commodore Perry Estate.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

2. Atelier 1205
The intel: Built in 1915 and nestled in the heart of the East Austin art district, Atelier 1205's private event space seamlessly combines modern sophistication with Southern hospitality. The event space is a converted bungalow with a unique form and design that’s true to Austin’s heritage.

The dedicated events team will collaborate with you to curate a one-of-kind experience, ensuring that every detail is tailored to perfection. The gallery space has a chic and contemporary ambience, providing an elegant backdrop for events ranging from intimate gatherings to corporate functions. The event space is completely customizable, allowing Atelier 1205 to accommodate small groups and all the way up to 150 people.
Address: 1205 E. Cesar Chavez St.
Click here to rent Atelier 1205 for your next event.

Atelier 1205.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

3. Eden Cocktail Room
The intel: Discover the allure of hosting your event at Eden Cocktail Room, the ultimate speakeasy haven designed for unforgettable gatherings and private affairs. Tucked away from the vibrant pulse of 6th Street, Eden Cocktail Room promises a serene retreat enveloped in refined elegance.

Their passionate team is devoted to delivering nothing short of excellence, ensuring every detail is meticulously crafted to perfection. Step into this hidden gem, inspired by the timeless charm of Eve's story, and embark on a journey of unparalleled sophistication and indulgence.
Address: 214 E. 6th Street (entrance through the purple doors in the alley between E. 6th and E. 7th streets)
Click here to rent Eden Cocktail Room for your next event.

Eden Cocktail Room.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

4. Yup Lounge
The intel: Yup Lounge is a charming spot in downtown Austin known for its bluesy atmosphere and welcoming staff. Perfect for those seeking a venue with a unique vibe, Yup Lounge offers great conversations, exquisite cocktails, and a vintage setting that will make your event memorable.

With its blend of Texas hospitality and a cozy, musical environment, it’s the ideal choice for gatherings that require a personal touch and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Address: 607 San Jacinto Blvd.
Click here to rent Yup Lounge for your next event.

Yup Lounge.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

5. The Statesman
The intel: Located in the heart of downtown Austin, The Statesman offers unparalleled sophistication and charm for gatherings of all kinds. Their versatile event spaces can accommodate a range of occasions, from corporate meetings and conferences to weddings and cocktail receptions. With panoramic views of the city skyline as your backdrop, your guests will be treated to a unique experience.

The dedicated event planning team will work closely with you to customize every detail, from catering menus featuring locally sourced ingredients to audiovisual setups tailored to your needs. Elevate your event with the timeless elegance and exceptional service of The Statesman, where every moment is crafted to perfection.
Address: 710 W. 6th St., suite B
Click here to rent The Statesman for your next event.

The Statesman.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

6. Regal Rooms
The intel: Regal Rooms distinguishes itself as a premier production and listening house and an engaging location for private events. With multiple spaces within the venue, they cater to full buy-outs as well as specific area rentals, ensuring flexibility for any event size or type.

Their offerings make them an ideal choice for those seeking a professional setting for production needs or a lively, fun atmosphere for private gatherings.
Address: 1204 Regal Row
Click here to rent Regal Rooms for your next event.

Regal Rooms.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

7. Q-Branch Global Collaboration Center
The intel: Q-Branch is a global accelerator that embodies the spirit of innovation, agility, and strategic foresight applied to the realm of global entrepreneurship and economic advancement. Located in the heart of 6th Street, at the corner of Brazos and 6th, this space includes two large private outdoor patios overlooking 6th Street, an 8-by-16-foot stage, AV, kitchenettes, and meeting + conference rooms.

With more than 10,000 square feet of indoor space, this venue is an ideal mix of historical charm and industrial chic. Outside catering is available.
Address: 200 E. 6th St., #310
Click here to rent Q-Branch Global Collaboration Center for your next event.

Q-Branch Global Collaboration Center.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

8. The Meteor
The intel: The Meteor is an unexpected mash-up of an all-day cafe, natural wine shop, and boutique bike shop located in the heart of South Austin. The restaurant, bar, and coffee shop offer indoor and outdoor spaces for semi-private and private events for 20-100 guests.

Offering specialty coffee drinks, an expansive selection of craft beer and natural wine, house-made baked goods, an ingredient-driven food menu, and pizza made with their famous sourdough crust, they intentionally choose every product they carry and are dedicated to serving experienced cyclists, newcomers, commuters, cruisers, or anyone else who rides or aspires to ride a bike.
Address: 2110 S. Congress Ave.
Click here to rent The Meteor for your next event.

The Meteor.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

9. Cape Bottle Room
The intel: Cape Bottle Room is a wine bar and tasting room located in Central-East Austin featuring wines from South Africa.

This bright and modern space is great for sommelier-led wine tastings or cocktail receptions for 15-75 guests. Catering and live music coordination is available.
Address: 500 San Marcos St., suite 102
Click here to rent Cape Bottle Room for your next event.

Cape Bottle Room.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

10. Murray’s Tavern
The intel: Created to serve as a comfortable, welcoming environment where people can gather and connect, Murray’s Tavern is a fabulous choice for hosting a variety of events, including corporate happy hours, wedding parties, and other parties.

Inspired by owner Travis Tober’s grandmother, Grandma Murray, the tavern pays homage by providing impeccable service and hospitality in a reimagined cocktail tavern.
Address: 2316 Webberville Rd.
Click here to rent Murray’s Tavern for your next event.

$Murray\u2019s Tavern$ Murray’s Tavern.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

11. Higher Ground
The intel: Higher Ground is a multi-level destination nestled in the heart of downtown Austin, offering a variety of event spaces along with exceptional signature cocktails and a customizable menu.

This all provides the perfect canvas for a wide range of events, from social and corporate gatherings to happy hours, private birthday parties, engaging presentations, festive holiday parties, or lively dance nights. The gothic-inspired environment has a capacity of 215 and features church pews, stained glass, and wooden archways sourced from the United States, France, and Italy.
Address: 720 Congress Ave.
Click here to rent Higher Ground for your next event.

Higher Ground.Photo courtesy of Restaurent

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

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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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High Score

Austin named the nation's pickleball capital in industry report