Date ideas if I feel like dressing up? (Austin, Howe: Valentine's day, live)

[Indigoblue]

What interesting place could hubby and I go for a date night downtown that is not ridiculously expensive (under 20 per plate preferable) and no one would think it odd that I was wearing a cocktail dress. Bonus points if there is something fun about the place besides just the food (it's on a boat, there's live music, etc). Thank you in advance

PS. Also...are reservations recommended/doable on a Sat night Thanks

[centralaustinite]

Honestly, I have no idea! Especially at that price point.

The only place I reliably see folks dressed up is charity galas. I love that aspect of them. Otherwise, nearly everywhere is Austin casual which I generally love -- but two or three times a year for the right cause, I get to dress up!

[Indigoblue]

Is there anywhere at a higher price point I could dress up for? I know it's a crazy question Thanks for your thoughts.

[HappyTexan]

Dress up and go anywhere. Make folks wonder if you're a movie star in Austin

[N. Olikee]

This doesn't apply to a Sat. night, but Eddie V's has half-priced appetizers during Happy Hour m - f. It's not the only place downtown that does this. I know they have live music on Fridays for sure.

Even if the appetizers are not half-priced, I would think you and your hubby could split a few at full price for under $20 each at numerous "upscale" places, and look quite lovely at the same time.

[noellestar]

Originally Posted by HappyTexan

Dress up and go anywhere. Make folks wonder if you're a movie star in Austin

This.

Austin is weird.. I bet no one will even bat an eye if you're overdressed (except to check you out!) Example: On Valentine's Day, my boyfriend and I got all dressed up and had dinner at Malaga on 2nd and then headed over to Red River to get some beers at Vahalla (a somewhat dirty, dive-y bar). It wasn't very busy but everyone that came in complimented on how nice we looked, and it wasn't awkward at all.

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by Indigoblue

What interesting place could hubby and I go for a date night downtown that is not ridiculously expensive (under 20 per plate preferable) and no one would think it odd that I was wearing a cocktail dress. Bonus points if there is something fun about the place besides just the food (it's on a boat, there's live music, etc). Thank you in advance

PS. Also...are reservations recommended/doable on a Sat night Thanks

austin is so casual that there is no place where everyone will be dressed up. However if you dress up that is no big deal either. The more expensive the restaurant the more likely most of the people will be dressed up.

You probably need to spend 30-40 per entree to get a decent meal.

However, as someone suggested eddie v's happy hour is a great deal and is definitely my favorite.

[FueledByBlueBell]

Congress? Driskell Grill?

[Trainwreck20]

We have gone to many events (not dinners) that would definitely be a dress-up occasion just about anywhere else but Austin. Orchestra, Bass musical series, etc. In any case, there is everything from jeans to tuxedos/formal dresses. Most people don't think too much about it, which applies to most dress-down joints - dress up, and no one will give it a second thought. Not true at Taco Bell, et al, but most moderate restaurants see the whole gamut of dress on a regular basis.

[Indigoblue]

Thank you for all the info We ended up going to Vivo in N Austin because we were both feeling lazy and it's close to our house. Because I showed up in a cocktail dress I was given the "nice table" in the outdoor patio It was a table for two in a private little nook. Delicious meal as always - I love Vivo.