Downtown Austin: 1 Hotel + 3 Restaurants Not to Miss

by Marika Flatt on May 22, 2024 in Living Texas, Austin,
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Who doesn’t want to spend a weekend in downtown Austin, perfectly situated smack dab in the middle of the action?

The Line Hotel, which was renovated from an old Radisson, sits on the epic corner of real estate at Cesar Chavez and Congress. Perched on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, the bustling location really doesn’t get a better view. Our Uber driver told us The Line Hotel is a popular destination for celebrities.

With views of the city from the floor-to-ceiling windows, enjoy the sunsets and night sky all from the comfort of your room at The LINE Hotel Austin. Photo Chase Daniel.

The hotel features pops of music themed interior throughout, comfortable rooms, and stellar views of Lady Bird Lake. 

Dining Options at The Line Hotel

An elegant bar for smaller groups or cute tables for larger gatherings, the sleek, modern Arlo Grey restaurant makes you feel like you are dining with celebs. Photo courtesy The LINE Austin.

The Line has a few wonderful dining options, like Arlo Grey and P6.

Arlo Grey, Top Chef winner and host Chef Kristen Kish’s lakeside restaurant, is situated directly behind the hotel lobby, and is a hotspot for a delicious dinner with dimmed lighting. 

Top Chef winner Kristen Kish ensures a personal and unique dining experience, creating a memorable time at Arlo Grey. Photo Jackie Gilles.

Every Wednesday, dine during the Top Chef Watch Party, and celebrate with Chef Kish with exclusive viewings of the first season. Experience the artistry of Executive Chef Alejandro Munoz and team, with creative direction from Chef Kish, for $99 per person, enjoy a three-course meal, a takeaway dessert and autographed menu. 

Whether you’re in the mood to try the Love Bug cocktail (hibiscus purée, lime cordial, and tequila), or the Arlo Americano (Mezcal, chili-arbor campari, sweet vermouth, citrus, and cherry bitters), or one of their delicious wines or craft beers, you really can’t go wrong in this fantastic setting. 

Enjoy a three-course delicacy that is both beautiful and delicious at Arlo Grey. Photo courtesy The LINE Austin.

We recommend trying their AG grilled sourdough, topped with crushed green olive, surrounded by Texas olive oil, and feta. Also, the ever-trendy burrata, which features oyster mushroom gremolata, hazelnut, honey crisp apple, all to pile onto a grilled sourdough. The bucatini, mafaldini, confit duck and dumplings, and the 17-ounce Peeler Ranch wagyu ribeye are stand-out menu items.

Another dining option at The Line Hotel is P6.

The former parking garage turned P6 provides some of the best sunset views while dining. Photo courtesy The LINE Austin.

P6, which sits on the sixth floor of the hotel, got its name because it was once a parking garage. It features one of the best outdoor patios you’ll find in downtown Austin with radiant views of Lady Bird Lake. 

The Charred Local Vegetables at P6 are a great refreshing starter. Photo Heather Cave.

Get an outdoor table and enjoy the cheese and charcuterie plate, garlic hummus, winter squash, and housemade fettuccine as you sip on a Pearl Snap pilsner or Texas Hill Country wine. 

Try the P6 Sundown Cobbler which features Vodka, Prosecco and some fresh berries. Photo courtesy Heather Cave.

Go during happy hour, which runs Mondays through Fridays from 4-6 p.m. and features beer and wine specials and even deals on special snacks. For those that can’t make it during the week, their SIP WELL SUNDAYS includes $20 off bottles of wine every Sunday evening from 4-11 p.m. 

Dining in Downtown Austin

Every meal is an event when you dine at The Statesman on West 6th Street. Photo Jasmin Porter.

While downtown, take in a lunch or brunch down on “the newer” part of Sixth Street. Nestled among heaps of restaurants and bars, The Statesman stands guard. 

One of The Statesman’s starter dishes is classic deviled eggs. Photo Heather Cave.

Situated on the cool part of Sixth Street, The Statesman is aptly created for “citizens of good taste.” They are proudly the first restaurant and bar in Texas to serve Matthew & Camila McConaughey’s Pantalones Organic Tequila. Their weekend brunch features cold items such as deviled eggs and avocado toast and hot items, such as shrimp & polenta or a brunch burger, together with cocktails such as a Bloody Mary or even a mimosa flight, and a burgeoning wine list and Texas’ best craft beers.

For a heartier option, The Statesman Brunch Burger is a perfect blend between lunch and breakfast. Photo Heather Cave.

Cover Photo Courtesy The LINE Austin

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as KVUE, Daytime (FOX), San Antonio Living, Good Morning Texas, and KXAN!  Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. She is a happy girl blending the beach with business!