10 New Venues in Austin/San Antonio for Summer 2021 Meetings and Events

Pharm Table reopened in a new location in Southtown in March. The upgraded space spans 500 square feet inside, with 2,000 square feet of additional space on the landscaped patio for a total of 75 seats. The interior decor includes eye-catching details like botanical illustrations and a wall featuring an artistic display of more than 100 jars of spices, a nod to the restaurant’s Ayurvedic-inspired, flavor-driven approach to healthful food. On the menu, diners can choose among dishes that accommodate a variety of dietary needs, including a keto-friendly cilantro-coconut guacamole, probiotic ferments and sweet potato rice.

Austin Marriott Downtown opened its doors in March across the street from the Austin Convention Center and within walking distance of 6th Street. The 613-room hotel’s design is modern and fresh, while the style highlights the essence of Austin. The property features a locally inspired restaurant, three bars and a rooftop pool with cabanas. For events, planners can reserve a wide variety of meeting space and breakout rooms, including two 14,000-square-foot ballrooms, each with space for 1,250 theater style and 930 for banquets; an 18,000-square-foot exhibition hall with space for as many as 1,600 guests; and a 2,500-square-foot rooftop with views of downtown Austin and room for 192 guests for banquets or 220 for cocktail parties. Audiovisual rentals are handled by Markey’s Rental & Staging.

Austin’s professional soccer stadium, Q2 Stadium, officially opened in June. When not being used for Austin FC home games, the state-of-the-art venue offers several distinct areas that planners can reserve for private groups, including the stadium itself, which accommodates more than 22,000 people for large-scale, open-air gatherings. The outdoor Live Oak Park adjacent to the physical stadium is available for events for as many as 2,200, the elegant Lexus Club restaurant accommodates 1,400, indoor-outdoor smokehouse Captain Morgan Club has room for 648, the Beer Hall accommodates 339, the speakeasy-style Q2 Field Club accommodates 380, and The Porch, which overlooks the stadium, fits 183 people.

A central Austin landmark for more than 70 years, Butler Pitch & Putt unveiled a slew of upgrades in April, including new turf, new greens and a renovated clubhouse. The renovation also included the addition of a 4,400-square-foot beer garden with outdoor seating for 50, multiple bars and TV screens, and a 20-foot inflatable screen. The 7.88-acre park is a verdant setting for outdoor events of as many as 500 people, and a built-in stage easily allows for live music. Golf reservations for 20-60 guests include a reserved, shaded space in the Backyard Bar.

Simi Estiatorio opened in downtown Austin in May, bringing with it an upscale Greek menu with inventive offerings like swordfish souvlaki, Greek oregano fries, and shrimp casserole with Greek sausage and herbs. The restaurant measures 3,000 square feet and can be reserved for buyouts when the restaurant is closed, but multiple areas are available for smaller private events, including a private dining space in the wine room that seats 20 or accommodates 30 for cocktail-style parties.

Lutie's Garden Restaurant, a stunning 850-square-foot venue overlooking the exquisite sunken gardens and fountains of the Commodore Perry Estate, opened in April. A modern interpretation of an old-school country club garden, the restaurant can seat 50 inside, as well as an additional 30 outside. The space features vibrant greens, gilded details, a striking latticework ceiling, bespoke upholstered furnishings and ivy-covered exterior stone walls. Focusing on ingredient-forward Texas heritage fare and new American dishes, the menu changes with the seasons and depending on what’s available locally.

The highly anticipated Soho House Austin made its debut in June, becoming the global brand’s 27th location and the first in Texas. Located on the new Music Lane mixed-use development on South Congress, the swanky members-only social club features a rooftop pool with sweeping views, a lush outdoor terrace, cushy seating and workspaces, and a screening room, among other luxury amenities. On-site food and beverage outlets include a Texas-inspired bar and a dining lounge. The upscale, creativity-driven space features the work of local artists and artisans in the form of reclaimed lighting, original wall art and other unique details, while 46 hotel bedrooms each feature terra cotta flooring, copper bathtubs and outdoor spaces.

Dreamland, a 64-acre outdoor recreation and arts park, debuted a brand new disc golf course in June that weaves through sprawling acres of verdant Hill Country real estate. The park also features a sculpture and mural garden, an 18-hole miniature golf course, pickleball courts, a beer garden and outdoor stages for live music, film screenings and other large-scale events, both public and private. The disc golf course can also be reserved for group play.

March saw the opening of a second location of Juliet Italian Kitchen, a relaxed eatery set in The Arboretum shopping mall in northeast Austin. Local art adorns the walls, fostering the sense of community that is a central focus of the restaurant. Spanning 7,406 square feet, the entire space is available for buyouts, and private indoor and outdoor event space can be used for smaller groups. The menu features Juliet favorites like 12-layer lasagna, fresh pizza, fun cocktails and an extensive wine list.

Hyatt Place Austin/Lake Travis/Four Points opened its doors in June. In addition to an outdoor pool, all-day dining options and a fitness center, the property boasts 1,798 square feet of meeting space that can accommodate as many as 150 guests theater style, 75 classroom style or 43 for conferences. Ninety-five guest rooms offer amenities like pillowtop mattresses, 49-inch Ultra-HD TVs and Chromecast technology.