9 New Venues in Austin for Summer 2022 Meetings and Events

South Congress Hotel transformed its New American restaurant, Central Standard, into steakhouse Maie Day in early May. Described as a "community chophouse," the restaurant and bar’s menu leans classic American, with offerings that include steaks, shrimp cocktails, massive chocolate cake slices, and specially curated cocktails. The main 785-square-foot dining room accommodates 100, while the 375-square-foot private dining room accommodates 25 for those looking for more privacy. The revamped business is operated by the hotel’s hospitality group, New Waterloo, and restaurant company MaieB Hospitality, with the kitchen helmed by executive chef Michael Fojtasek and executive pastry chef Jules Stoddart from Olamaie.

Downtown Austin’s hotel scene will welcome the Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue Austin later this summer. The 246-room hotel includes a total of 2,560 square feet of meeting rooms split up into four different spaces. Several spaces include floor-to-ceiling windows for scenic views, and the 31st floor consists of a 1,400-square-foot penthouse that doubles as an event space with living and dining rooms and a deck overlooking Austin. Also on-site is new restaurant Luminaire, helmed by lauded San Antonio chef Steve McHugh, and terrace bar and lounge Las Bis.

The Wyndham Hotel Group recently debuted its Origin Hotels brand in Texas, in Austin's Mueller neighborhood, with the opening of Origin Hotel Austin in June. The boutique hotel features a total of 3,228 square feet of event space, including the Flight Room for up to 49 guests and the Capitol Suite, which can accommodate 25 guests and includes a private terrace. The on-site restaurant Blue Lacy (pictured) is pet-friendly and offers both courtyard and booth seating.

In August, the Loren Hotel Group will open The Loren at Lady Bird Lake, a new luxury hotel in the Zilker neighborhood. The outdoor area takes advantage of its position along the lake with 180-degree views. Amenities include a spa, gym, a rooftop pool for swimming, and a retail shop. A rooftop, coastal European-inspired restaurant, Nido, will be led by London chef Brad McDonald and will be available for private events. There are four indoor and outdoor venue spaces for weddings, meetings, and private dining groups, which can hold up to 200 people. AV capabilities are available, as well as access to custom in-house catering.

Although the new Moody Amphitheater at the sprawling Waterloo Park in downtown Austin officially debuted last summer, its events didn’t kick into full gear until earlier this year. The alfresco space with a 5,000-person capacity includes a covered stage area, audio systems, loading docks, several dressing/green rooms, and a kitchen—though note that are no video capabilities.

After Austin music venue, special event space, and bar Parish closed at its original address on Sixth Street, it relocated and reopened in the former North Door space in East Austin in April. The space features a private bar with its own listening space, a mezzanine level, a kitchen, as well as projection and audio-visual capabilities.

Este, a new restaurant focused on Mexican seafood, is coming to the Blackland neighborhood later this summer. Courtesy of the team behind acclaimed Austin restaurant Suerte (including chef Fermín Núñez), the menu will pull inspiration from the Mexican Coast, including the Guadalajara, Ensenada, and Puerto Escondido regions, which means fish, shellfish, and the use of a charcoal grill. There is 4,000 square feet of indoor event space, plus an outdoor patio.

The Austin location of the DIY photography studio brand the Texas Selfie Museum opened in the downtown area in March. The two-level space boasts 35 photo opportunities complete with props and holders for cell phones, plus areas for changing into different outfits. Be on the look out for a champagne bar coming soon. Private catering is allowed, and group ticket packages and private event bookings are available.

International fitness studio Barry’s opened a permanent Austin location in May in downtown’s Second Street District, after operating a temporary location on North Lamar Boulevard. The Red Room (pictured) will be the setting for its signature 50-minute, cardio-intensive workouts with a capacity of 56 guests, while the Flex Lounge holds 17. The space also includes the Fuel Bar, which serves up shakes and grab-and-go foods. The venue also includes a big outdoor patio, personal lockers, showers, and a retail shop. There are packages and bookings available for private or corporate events as well as group packages.