Wanted: Bar Recommendation

GuavaGal

It has come to my attention that I should probably have some sort of go-to suggestion for first dates.  (As in: meeting someone in person for the first time first dates.) 

Here's what I'm looking for, can you help me?

A bar with seating in Central Austin.  Bar stools okay, tables better.  Not super crowded or loud. (So, probably no live music.)  I would really, really like a place with a non-scary parking lot.  It might be nice to avoid a crowd of hipsters, so while I am open to dive-bar suggestions, keep that in mind.    An option to order food is not necessary, but might be nice.

 

Chicklit

I really like Fino for all the things you mentioned - tables, great drinks (wine and cocktails), not loud (crowded depends on a number of factors), and an awesome parking garage. You don't need a reservation for the bar and you can get small plates there, too.

SareBear30

Apothecary on Burnet is a good wine bar and it also has good food. There is also a Latin type restaurant next door, la sombra, maybe? It's a good restaurant with a nice bar. 

 

OrangeFelt

I was going to recommend Apothecary too.:) I've heard raves about la sombra but haven't been.

agran

SareBear30:

Apothecary on Burnet is a good wine bar and it also has good food. There is also a Latin type restaurant next door, la sombra, maybe? It's a good restaurant with a nice bar. 

 

 

For sure Apotehcary-- fantastic food and rarely crowded.  Sadly La Sombra is closed I think it's now an Italian place called Gusto. 

We always like Kung Fu downtown for a little after work social fun.  Or Key Bar has a fantastic outdoor space. 

bluestreet

There's Vino Vi.no on Guad. and 40th. 

katattack

Definitely Vino Vino or Apothecary.

sweetdreams2000

I like Simplicity Wine Bar (across the street fromm Apothecary) - they serve light apps but not full meals.  Vino Vino is also a good spot.

I just went to Gusto (the place that replaced la sombra) last week with DH and it was SO crowded with a long wait.  The bar area was full too.  But, the food was great - nice to have a super cute italian restaurant in the area.

L L CG

Crown and Anchor.  Serves beer, wine, food.  Laid back crowd.  Plus, there is a very good chance my DH and his friend will be there on any given night and I've been wanting to set you up with my friend.  

SaraLouiseBride08

I am so out of the loop. I've never even heard of any of these places.

mrs.wildman

Way back when, I had a lot of first dates at LaLa's off Burnet Road. It's a total dive - Christmas year round/kitch central, but pretty awesome. I also like the Cloak Room right across the street from the capital. Both have great histories which make for conversation if the date is awkward. Cloak Room is super dark though (maybe a good thing?). Neither serve food beyond bar snacks. I also second LLCG's Crown + Anchor rec. I used to go there almost daily in college : / their burgers were out of this world.

Ruby44

I could have written this post, so thanks! I'm hoping to be going on some dates soon. What about Horseshoe Lounge on S. Lamar? Pool table, shuffleboard, jukebox, friendly staff. They have tables and bar stools. Deep Eddy is also a great place. I'm not sure if they ever have live music, but I don't think they do. Ginny's Little Longhorn Saloon on Burnet is a total dive that isn't filled with hipsters. I do think they have live music sometimes, though. Also - bonus - they have Chicken *** Bingo, which might be a fun date suggestion. Donn's Depot does have live music sometimes but it's pretty cool.

Ruby44

That's supposed to be ChickenShitBingo.

GuavaGal

Excellent suggestions!  Thank you, ladies.