If you know Austin, you know there is definitely no shortage of cute restaurants, breweries, and bars. So many great spots to host friends and family for a rehearsal dinner & welcome party to kick off your wedding weekend! Here are a handful of my personal faves…
1. Hotel Saint Cecilia
Hidden down a side street of the bustling South Congress, Hotel Saint Cecilia is a lovely spot for a rehearsal dinner + welcome party. It’s a beautiful Bunkhouse property with an extremely vibey bar, beautiful patio, and towering oak tree. Their in house food & beverage service is amazing, the design is impeccable wherever you look, and I have literally no notes. Music Recommendation: Acoustic Trio
2. County Line on the Hill
BBQ can be a touchy subject around here, but County Line honestly has some of my favorite bbq in the area. Their location on the hill has a stunning Hill Country view and they’ve got a great space for private parties. If you’re looking for a laid-back Authentic Austin experience for your guests, with some great eats, and a cute Texas atmosphere I’d highly recommend! Music Recommendation: Country Duo or Trio
3. Malverde at La Condesa
I’ve absolutely loved every event I’ve played at Malverde. If you’re an authentic Mexican food lover, this is a great spot to look into. Smack dab in the middle of downtown Austin, their private event space is located above the restaurant at La Condesa. The main space has a great bar area, built in lounge seating, and room for a long table right down the middle. You can even open the sliding door to the balcony if the weather is nice. And if you’ve got a smaller guest count, the Flour House cave downstairs is also a great option! Music Recommendation: Signature Duo
4. Vista Brewing
If you’re looking for a casual Hill Country vibe for your rehearsal dinner, Vista Brewing is a great option. Surrounded by oak trees and string lights, it’s got great indoor and outdoor options, and the capacity to hold a larger guest count for your welcome party. It even has a cute outdoor stage for live music (we love)! Music Recommendation: Acoustic Quartet
5. El Meson (we had our rehearsal dinner here!)
I’m honestly hesitant to include this spot because it feels like a little secret I don’t want the internet to know about. But it’s just too good to keep to myself! El Meson has some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had outside of Mexico. It’s got a very fun atmosphere, a great location right on South Lamar, and a large parking lot (iykyk). Oh – and killer margaritas. This is actually where we had our rehearsal dinner and they were so accommodating and lovely to work with. Definitely recommend! Music Recommendation: Acoustic Duo
6. Eberly
Also located on South Lamar, Eberly is a beautiful spot for a rehearsal dinner + welcome party. The food and design is beautiful, with an atrium-esque dining space in the center of the restaurant that’s perfect for private dining. I recommend having a more intimate rehearsal dinner inside, then moving to their hidden speakeasy for your welcome party! It’s a larger space off the side of the restaurant with a very vibey bar, low lighting, and swanky atmosphere. Music Recommendation: Jazz Trio or Quartet
7. Hotel Magdalena
I couldn’t be a bigger fan of the Bunkhouse properties and team. Hotel Magdalena is nestled in the Music Lane area of South Congress. They have great indoor and outdoor spaces that work great for a rehearsal dinner + welcome party combo. Start with an intimate dinner in the Summer House restaurant (get the backyard chicken), then head out onto the string-lit patio for your welcome party. Music Recommendation: Instrumental Guitar for dinner & Acoustic Trio for party
8. Mattie’s
Mattie’s is probably most known for its delicious Southern food and the dozens of peacocks that roam the grounds. It’s super conveniently located just off South 1st street and is the perfect spot to welcome guests to your wedding weekend. They’ve got intimate dining spaces indoors as well as a beautiful checkered back patio area that’s just begging for some live music and cocktails. Music Recommendation: Solo Piano & Vocals for dinner & Acoustic Trio for party
9. The Peacock (Austin Proper)
Hot take: The Austin Proper is the most beautifully designed hotel…ever? The stunning interiors by Kelly Wearstler are literally unmatched and it’s got some gorgeous event spaces! Start the evening off with your rehearsal dinner at their onsite Mediterranean restaurant, The Peacock. Then head over to Goldies or The Quill Room for an epic after-party (I’m thoroughly obsessed with their see-through piano). Music Recommendation: Duo with Violin for dinner & Signature Duo for party
10. Hotel Lulu
Ok this one is a little outside Austin, but if you haven’t been to Round Top, you absolutely must. Located right between Austin and Houston by about an hour and a half, it’s a quirky little town with so much Texas charm. Round Top is famous for its literally mind-blowing antique show, but it’s also got so much to offer during off-season! Hotel Lulu has the most gorgeous spaces and is perfect for a rehearsal dinner. You could even have welcome cocktails and your ceremony run through at the adjacent (and iconic) Ellis Motel, then walk over to Lulu for dinner. So many unique rooms to utilize depending on your guest count. Click for inspo! I love Round Top for couples looking to show off the cutest nooks and crannies of Texas. Music Recommendation: Acoustic Duo or Signature Duo
✨ Ready to get started planning your wedding weekend?
I love crafting the perfect musical experience from start to finish. We can provide microphones for speeches at your rehearsal dinner, and make announcements to help to make sure everything runs smoothly. And of course, if you’d like music for your wedding day too, we’ve got you! Send me a message to start brainstorming!
