Garrison

The open-concept kitchen helmed by renowned chef Jakub Czyszczon is Austin’s sexiest date spot—dress up and get prepared to be wined and dined. Entrees off the grill include Green Circle Chicken with maitake mushrooms and Whole Grilled Branzino, but it’s the steaks that take center stage (the Eye of Rib, Tomahawk, and Porterhouse are all incredible). Pair anything with a side of Tater Tots, especially if you love cheese and black truffle. The beverage list spans select cocktails, wine, and beer curated to complement the upmarket digs. Book a table, expect to be wowed, and you’ll join Austin’s army of food fanatics who love this place in the process.

Garrison transports you out of Austin and into a swanky Manhattan date spot, minus the commute. You’ll dine fine within dark wood interiors, either facing mastery in the open kitchen or the shutter-framed windows overlooking the Fairmont Austin’s pretty indoor courtyard. Menu highlights include Smoked Duck Breast and Whole Grilled Branzino, which raises the bar for seafood in Austin. In the fields section, you’ll find a collection of sides spanning a rich Leek Tart and the now-famous Black Truffle Tater Tots. In a nutshell, anything Chef Jakub Czyszczon touches is ATX bucket list gold. For added romance sneak upstairs to Room 725 for champagne and caviar.

We’ve been raving about Garrison for years, but that’s because it’s never failed to wow on all accounts. Its boudoir is a winner for romance, its wine cabinet is stellar, and chef de cuisine Jakub Czysczon is the resident master behind Texas post oak flame-grilled steak. Splurge on a seven ounce Akaushi Wagyu Eye of Rib with grilled baby gem, roasted garlic, and black pepper bearnaise; or if you fancy swapping the cow then try their delicious Pork Tomahawk, with fermented turnips, wilted farm greens and smoked peaches. Steak aside, Garrison is of the best and most popular restaurants in all of downtown, so every kind of eater should certainly leave happy.