Unique Restaurant for Rehearsal Dinner?

kimberlydye

We will be having a rehearsal dinner in August for approx. 20-30 people.  I have not lived in Austin for the past 4 years and am drawing a blank on restaurants around the downtown/campus area, possibly eastside that may have private room or semi-private space for that many people.  I would like for it to be on the funky side, Austin flavor, and all that.  Anyone have any ideas?  Any suggestions will be much appreciated!

Mrs.Purdue

we did ours at Iron Cactus on 6th street.  It has a private room w/ a private entrance and it's own bar if you want to use it.  Our guests all went out on 6th afterwards, which was really fun for the out of towners. 

mon@ATX

i always recommend moonshine, because i think they're great & the food is delish.  not sure about a private space, but you can probably do the patio or one of the rooms inside as a semi-private area.  i've heard of great rehersal dinners at lamberts bbq (new upscale bbq spot in the 2nd street district).  louie's 106 has both private and semi private rooms and corazon (formerly castle hill cafe) has a private room upstairs, but i'm not sure if it could accomodate 30 people.  ranch 616 is also great, but you would probably need to rent the whole place.  i've been to a casual rehersal dinner at iron works bbq once and a nicer one at botticeli's on south congress (the couple had the restaurant closed for their private party for about 3 hrs, then everybody moved to the back patio for live music and then we all went accross the street for some drinks at hotel san jose).  i'm drawing a blank for good group places on the east side..

reddie36

You might try Stortini on Manor, Uncorked tasting room (although I'm not sure what kind of menu they have) on E. 7th, Hot Mama's Cafe on East 6th (they have a great patio area and I think you can still have Ararat cater there - I had my grad party there and did that with belly & fire dancers - it was awesome). Bue Dhalia is also over on East 11th and is very Austin - don't know if they have room to accomodate though. Vivo or El Chile on Manor would be great but I know Vivo will not take reservations for large parties - unless you are a good sweet talker. : ) HTH! Good luck.

foxandsocks

We're having our RD at Iron Works BBQ. They're reserving the patio for us. Pretty casualy.

kimberlydye

thanks for all the suggestions!

JudieN

Don't know if you are still looking, but we are having our rehearsal dinner at Serrano's on Red River. Good Austin Tex-Mex and downtown, so everyone who wants to can go out afterward!  We have a private room for about 50 reserved, but I know they have a variety of spaces - some smaller, some larger. And they were very affordable.

Good luck!

texgal79

Also late to this post, but Z-Tejas (original 6th St. location) is great and very "Austin." Threadgills and Stubbs both have private rooms/patios you can use. You might consider Eastside Cafe, too.

[Deleted User]

We're also considering Serrano's and Z Tejas, as well as Old Pecan St. Cafe on 6th street...I'm leaning towards that one b/c it will be easy for everyone to hang out on 6th and catch some live music!

Erickag

Phara's!! It is a mediterranean, locally owned restaurant with incredible food, an austin vibe, and a great individual party room for at least 20-30 - and it's BYOB!