When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Lonesome Dove Austin
Why Lonesome Dove Austin is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Lonesome Dove Austin is an exceptional dining destination located downtown on Colorado Street, known for its inventive take on western cuisine by famed Chef Tim Love. This upscale western bistro offers a unique culinary experience that celebrates bold flavors, wild game, and wood-fired cooking techniques, making it a fantastic spot to meet up with friends for a memorable meal. The restaurant's masculine yet comfortable atmosphere, highlighted by spacious seating including massive leather booths and striking cast-iron chandeliers, provides a perfect setting for intimate conversations or group gatherings. With a menu that showcases creative combinations of meats such as elk loin, wild boar ribs, and rattlesnake sausage alongside fresh greens and locally inspired flavors, guests can enjoy both traditional and adventurous dishes. The diverse selection of wines and a full bar complement the food offerings, making it ideal for both casual happy hour drinks or a full dinner experience. Lonesome Dove's capacity to accommodate parties up to 200 guests also makes it a popular venue for private events and celebrations, providing a lively yet refined atmosphere.
Here's what people think of Lonesome Dove Austin
As of recent, Lonesome Dove Austin holds a 4.5-star rating based on 762 reviews.
Reviews from guests consistently praise Lonesome Dove Austin for its exceptional food quality, creative menu, and attentive service. Positive feedback highlights the perfectly cooked meats such as prime rib, elk loin, and trout, along with flavorful starters like hamachi tostadas and wild game sausages. Many reviewers appreciate the restaurant’s ambiance, describing it as upscale yet welcoming, suitable for both casual dining and more formal occasions. The spacious layout and sound management allow for comfortable conversations, a feature often noted by business diners. Customers also value the knowledgeable and friendly staff who enhance the overall dining experience. On the other hand, some negative remarks focus on the limited lunch menu options and occasional waits for seating or food, which can detract from the experience during busier times. A few diners find the environment a bit masculine or intense for casual outings, and some mention the prices as leaning towards the higher end, reflecting the premium dining experience. Despite these critiques, the overwhelming majority of reviews emphasize the restaurant’s commitment to quality and innovative western cuisine, confirming Lonesome Dove as a top choice for both locals and visitors seeking a standout dining experience in Austin.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Josh Vande Krol
This might say more about me than Lonesome Dove because I wasn’t a fan and maybe that’s because I eat out too much in too many different restaurants. I don’t normally score this low, but my expectations were pretty high because I LOVE the Lonesome Dove book and series. This restaurant is not based on that story from what I could tell. The good: The server was friendly and conversational, but the delays between service were significant and the traffic was pretty light. The drinks were pretty good. The not so good: There wasn’t anything that we ordered that was better than just OK. The fettine trio was cut so think that it lacked any taste. The butter lettuce had a glob of dressing on top with three small pieces of tasty pork belly on the side. The carrots were mushy and overcooked and the crispy Brussels sprouts were not crispy. We ordered the rabbit ravioli and it was also just OK. We didn’t try the steak, so maybe that would have changed our review. Or we just need to stop eating out so much…
C M
Very good food! The Tomahawk is all you need for two people. That was my favorite thing - The other things were okay. Service is nice, really chilled out restaurant (vibes wise).
Tabitha Naas
My husband and I dined here for our anniversary recently. This was hands down one of the BEST dining experiences we’ve ever had. I would highly recommend everyone try Lonesome Dove. We can’t wait to dine at their Fort Worth location next. 😋 From start to finish, we were both thoroughly impressed. The cuisine was very unique, and pleasantly delicious. The atmosphere was very warm, welcoming, and cozy. And our waitress Rachel was phenomenal. She really went above and beyond to make our experience extra special. 🤩 The cherry on top of our wonderful dinner was the - extremely heartwarming and personal - card the staff signed to celebrate our anniversary. 🥰 oh and the champagne toast as well. 🥂 Do not walk, run to Lonesome Dove for your next date night!! 😉
Lori R.
We hosted a corporate event last night and had an unforgettable culinary experience. We ordered split appetizers and platters and the food was incredible. Our private party room was the wine cellar...it was cold 🥶. BUT Lonesome Dove thoughtfully provides shawls! Try the lightly smoked rattlesnake. Artful smoked quality meats and shareable options. Our guests were still talking about it the next day. Authentically Texan... we loved it! Thank you Chef!
Feifei Le
(3.5-4 stars) We booked this restaurant for my fiancé’s birthday and because we are adventurous eaters and love to try wild game. Overall, LD stands on its own with other wild game concepts like Dai Due, and we really enjoyed most of our meal. We would definitely get the tostadas, ribs (10/10!!), and lamb chops again. Two negatives: my fiancé’s tenderloin (ordered medium rare) was very rare in the middle and freezing cold. The second gripe is a first world problem: even though we added in notes that this dinner was for a special occasion, there wasn’t any acknowledgment from the hostess or our server. We chuckled when the two tables around us were also there celebrating birthdays and got an acknowledgment from their servers 😅 Our bill was almost $400 and we both agreed that price for value wasn’t quite there. If we were ever looking for this type of food in the downtown area I could see us returning, but we’re not in any rush.
How to reach Lonesome Dove Austin
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Website: None
Why rally at Lonesome Dove Austin with your friends? Because it offers a uniquely memorable experience that blends a vibrant social atmosphere with bold, adventurous dining in the heart of Downtown Austin. This isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a destination where the spirit of the American West comes alive through the creative vision of Chef Tim Love, famed for his signature urban Western cuisine. The space itself combines rustic charm with elegant touches—massive leather booths, towering cast-iron chandeliers, and a massive bar area perfect for gathering. Whether you’re looking to impress friends, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy a casual yet refined meal, Lonesome Dove delivers an engaging backdrop for socializing with groups large or small. Its reputation for serving wild game and wood-fired dishes crafted with Texas-inspired creativity means every meal is an exploration of bold flavors. With a solid 4.5 rating from over 700 reviews, it’s clear that Lonesome Dove resonates strongly with both locals and visitors alike, making it an ideal setting to unify your crew around an unforgettable dining experience.
What makes Lonesome Dove Austin perfect for group meetups?
Lonesome Dove Austin is perfectly suited for group gatherings because of its spacious layout, inviting ambiance, and menu designed for sharing and variety. The restaurant features large leather booths and tables that accommodate sizable parties comfortably, so you and your friends won’t feel cramped or rushed. Its downtown location makes it a central and accessible meetup spot for people coming from different parts of the city. Additionally, the vibe strikes a fine balance between upscale and casual, making it easy for a group with diverse tastes and preferences to find their happy place. The enormous bar area adds another dimension to group meetups, ideal for starting off with cocktails during happy hour or gathering after work. This versatility means you can host anything from casual drinks to celebratory dinners with ease, and the attentive staff are experienced in managing group reservations and ensuring everyone’s experience is enjoyable. The overall layout and atmosphere cultivate a warm, convivial environment perfect for conversation and connection over some of the most exciting food Austin has to offer.
What types of activities and experiences can groups enjoy at Lonesome Dove Austin?
Groups visiting Lonesome Dove can enjoy a mix of activities centered around sharing exceptional cuisine, drinks, and an immersive dining experience. First, the tastes — the menu is a wild game lover’s dream with offerings like rabbit-rattlesnake sausage, elk loin, wild boar ribs, and other carefully curated proteins grilled over mesquite wood fire to heighten flavors. This adventurous menu encourages sharing plates and trying new things together, sparking lively conversations and collective discovery. Beyond the food, the extensive wine and cocktail selection allows groups to toast and experiment with pairings, enhancing the meal experience. The lively bar area invites casual mingling or celebrating over handcrafted drinks during happy hour. For those seeking something more intimate, Lonesome Dove also offers private dining spaces that can host parties or corporate events, combining exclusivity with the restaurant’s bold western aesthetic. The ambiance—complete with rustic décor elements, warm lighting, and large, comfortable seating—adds to the sense of occasion, making any group gathering feel like a special event.
How does the food at Lonesome Dove Austin elevate group dining?
Food is at the heart of the Lonesome Dove experience, and it is crafted to elevate group dining by offering bold, memorable flavor profiles and diverse choices that cater to varied palates. Chef Tim Love’s menu focuses on wild game and Texas-inspired dishes cooked with a signature wood-fired technique that imbues a smoky depth and richness. Starters like the Brussels sprouts salad and the unique Fettine Trio featuring wild game sausages introduce guests to a refined taste adventure. The main courses allow diners to pick from “farm, desert, and pasture” origins, ensuring intrigue and excitement on every plate, whether it’s quail, elk, or wild boar. This diversity means groups can order multiple dishes to share family-style, fostering a communal vibe around the table. Sides, though secondary to the hearty meats, are thoughtfully prepared to complement the main flavors and provide balance. The menu’s creativity paired with its generous portion sizes encourages a lively, convivial sharing culture perfect for friends or family gatherings.
Why is Lonesome Dove Austin’s atmosphere ideal for socializing and celebration?
The atmosphere at Lonesome Dove Austin is deliberately designed to feel like a luxurious, masculine “rich man cave,” blending rustic western elements with elegant modern touches. This combination creates a warm, inviting environment where groups can relax and enjoy themselves in style. Massive leather booths provide comfort and privacy, while the massive chandeliers and wood accents add a dramatic visual appeal. This sense of place makes it easy to settle in for long conversations, celebrations, or casual meetups. The lively bar area sets the tone for pre-dinner socializing or late-night drinks, while the general energy of the restaurant hums with a vibrant but not overwhelming buzz that beckons guests to linger. Whether you are commemorating a special birthday, hosting a business meetup, or simply winding down with friends, the restaurant’s intimate yet spacious layout supports every occasion. The consistent high ratings and positive reviews reflect how well the atmosphere enhances the overall experience.
How does Lonesome Dove Austin accommodate large groups and private events?
Lonesome Dove Austin is experienced in accommodating groups of various sizes and offers sophisticated private dining options, making it an excellent venue for special occasions or corporate events. The spacious dining rooms feature large tables and booths that ensure everyone in your party has a comfortable seat without feeling crowded. The restaurant’s private dining areas provide an exclusive setting with personalized service, perfect for celebrations that call for a little more privacy or a tailored experience. With attention to detail from the staff and a flexible menu, event organizers can collaborate with the kitchen to customize menus that suit dietary needs and preferences. The downtown location also adds to the convenience, easily accessible for city-wide guests. Whether you want an intimate family gathering, a birthday bash, or a formal business dinner, Lonesome Dove’s team ensures the logistics and atmosphere align perfectly with your event goals.
What should groups know about booking and timing their visit to Lonesome Dove Austin?
For groups considering Lonesome Dove Austin as their meetup spot, planning ahead is important due to the restaurant’s popularity and limited seating capacity during peak times. Making a reservation in advance is highly recommended, especially for larger parties or weekend visits when the restaurant is busiest. Lunch service runs Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., while dinner is served Monday to Thursday 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. This schedule allows groups plenty of options for timing their meal around other activities or evening plans. If your group is interested in happy hour, arriving earlier in the evening lets you take full advantage of the bar’s extensive cocktail and wine selections. For those seeking a more private experience, contacting the restaurant to inquire about private dining availability and custom menu options well in advance will ensure smooth coordination. Punctuality also helps the staff provide the best possible service to your group.
How does Lonesome Dove Austin’s culinary leadership impact the guest experience?
The presence of Chef Tim Love as executive chef and owner profoundly shapes the guest experience at Lonesome Dove Austin. Known for his bold flavors, innovative use of wild game, and mastery of wood-fired cooking, Love brings a level of creativity and expertise that elevates every dish. His track record of success with multiple acclaimed Texas restaurants guarantees quality, consistency, and an adventurous yet approachable menu that delights guests. This culinary leadership infuses the dining experience with authenticity, making it more than just a meal but an exploration of Texan culture and cuisine. For groups, this translates into exciting conversations about food, a memorable occasion to connect over unique tastes, and the confidence that your gathering is happening at a top-tier establishment. Chef Love’s reputation ensures that guests receive not only great food but also a story and shared pride in the craftsmanship behind each plate.
Lonesome Dove Austin offers everything a group could want for a memorable meetup: a distinctive setting, bold and diverse cuisine, exceptional service, and an atmosphere that balances sophistication and comfort. These elements combined make it a top choice to rally your friends or family, providing not just dinner but a shared experience worth repeating.