When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Sur La Table
Why Sur La Table is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Sur La Table is a renowned culinary retail company founded in 1972 at Seattle's historic Pike Place Market. Specializing in high-quality kitchenware and cookware, it offers an extensive range of products including cutlery, small electrics, bakeware, glassware, bar tools, tabletop linens, and more. With more than 100 physical store locations across 32 states and a robust online presence, Sur La Table stands out as an ideal meeting place for cooking enthusiasts, friends, and families alike. Many of its stores feature fully equipped kitchen spaces where customers can participate in hands-on cooking classes, fostering a communal and interactive environment that goes beyond just shopping. These classes cater to a variety of skill levels and culinary interests, making Sur La Table a vibrant hub for learning and sharing passion for food. Its commitment to quality and innovation is further reflected through its popular blog, "A Sharp Knife & Salt," which highlights food trends, chef stories, recipe inspiration, and product features. Whether shopping for premium cooking tools or seeking to sharpen culinary skills in a welcoming social setting, Sur La Table offers a unique gathering spot that combines education, community, and premium products under one roof.
Here's what people think of Sur La Table
As of recent, Sur La Table holds a 4.3-star rating based on 244 reviews.
Customers consistently praise Sur La Table for its exceptional product variety and quality, highlighting the store's well-curated selection of cookware, knives, and kitchen gadgets that cater to both amateur cooks and seasoned chefs. Many reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable and friendly staff, noting how helpful they are in guiding purchases and providing cooking advice. The in-store cooking classes receive particularly enthusiastic feedback for their engaging instructors and hands-on experience, which many find inspiring and fun. Positive reviews emphasize the store’s atmosphere as welcoming and inspiring, making it a favored destination to explore culinary interests and socialize with fellow food lovers. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention issues such as pricing perceived as premium or occasional inventory shortages. A few customers also point to inconsistencies in customer service quality across different locations and some frustration with online order fulfillment delays. Despite these caveats, the overall consensus reflects high customer satisfaction, especially valuing the blend of a specialty retail environment with interactive cooking education. In conclusion, Sur La Table is regarded as an outstanding culinary resource, cherished for its product excellence and community-focused experiences, though occasional operational shortcomings are noted by a minority of customers.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Steve Takata
This is a high-end cooking store with everything from pans, pots, and other cookware to ingredients for your dishes. They also have cooking classes in the back. The cooking classes are every day, and when I was just in there, they had scallops which smelled great.
Nique Richards
My husband and I did a date night class for Valentine’s Day and it was so fun! We made lobster risotto, steak with truffle butter, a roasted butternut squash salad with burrata and an elevated banana split. We prepared some part of all the dishes, but pretty much all of the prep work was done for us, including the sous vide steak. We made the risotto from start to finish- that was my favorite! My husband never cooks and was feeling a little anxious about the experience, but we had such a great time. No part of it was difficult but it helped him feel more confident and excited about cooking. We are definitely going to try another class!
Alexis jay
10/10 experience highly recommended , our instructor Ms.Karen was super informative the ingredients were fresh & the environment was very comfortable and intimate. Perfect for date night!
Pedro Lassalle
Chef Zach was so great at instructing us. This was our first cooking class and he, Bernadette and Basil made us feel so comfortable! We’re very interested in coming back and trying out a new dish.
Jamileh St. Clair
We love it here! Best customer service. We always have the best experience and side note, you can always grab an espresso earlier shopping. Oh and super dog friendly! Sofia is actually a service dog but they are great with everyone's dogs.
How to reach Sur La Table
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Website: None
Why Sur La Table may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Sur La Table with your friends? Sur La Table offers a unique blend of culinary inspiration, premium kitchenware, and interactive experiences that make it a prime destination for gathering with friends and family. Unlike a typical retail store, it creates an engaging environment where you can dive into the world of cooking together, sparking creativity and teamwork. Whether you are seasoned chefs or cooking enthusiasts, the hands-on cooking classes guided by professional chefs provide an entertaining and educational way to bond over delicious food. Additionally, the selection of upscale cookware, bakeware, and kitchen electrics lets groups explore and shop for high-quality items tailored to their culinary tastes. This combination of a social atmosphere, expert guidance, and top-tier products makes Sur La Table more than just a store; it transforms meetups into memorable culinary celebrations that educate, entertain, and bring people closer. For anyone seeking a gathering spot that excites all the senses and enriches friendships, Sur La Table is an excellent choice.
What activities can you enjoy at Sur La Table that make it perfect for a group meetup? One of the standout features is Sur La Table’s interactive cooking classes. These classes are led by professional chefs who guide participants through preparing a range of cuisines and dishes, giving everyone a chance to learn new techniques and experiment with flavors. These sessions foster collaboration, as friends work side-by-side chopping, mixing, and cooking, which encourages conversation and teamwork. Beyond cooking classes, the store itself offers an experiential shopping environment where groups can test and compare premium knives, cookware sets, and kitchen gadgets. The ability to try tools before purchasing adds a fun, hands-on element to shopping together. Moreover, Sur La Table hosts occasional culinary events and themed demonstrations, creating additional opportunities for groups to engage, learn, and enjoy food-centered entertainment. This array of food-focused activities ensures every meetup here is both interactive and fulfilling.
Why is Sur La Table’s ambiance ideal for a group outing? The store’s design and atmosphere emphasize warmth, inspiration, and accessibility. Sur La Table locations are crafted to evoke the heart of the home — the kitchen — where people naturally gather and connect. Spacious layouts allow groups to comfortably move around and participate in classes or demos without feeling cramped. The staff are knowledgeable, passionate about cooking, and eager to assist groups, offering personalized recommendations and answers to questions, which enhances the experience. Lighting and displays are thoughtfully presented, making it easy to explore diverse culinary products spanning from cookware and bakeware to specialty ingredients and utensils. This inviting atmosphere encourages mingling and shared discovery, fostering a genuine feeling of community and conviviality. For groups looking to enjoy a relaxed yet stimulating environment, Sur La Table provides an ideal backdrop that feels both elegant and welcoming.
What shopping benefits does Sur La Table offer to groups that make meetups smoother and more rewarding? Beyond the vast selection of premium kitchen products, Sur La Table offers services that enhance the group shopping experience. For instance, their knife sharpening service provides an added convenience for groups who may want to bring along their own knives for expert maintenance. The store’s policy of buying online and picking up in the store also allows groups to pre-select items for quick, hassle-free pickup during meetups, maximizing time spent together rather than waiting in lines. Special promotions and loyalty perks through the SLT Perks program can add savings and exclusive access to events, providing additional value for regular visitors. Sur La Table’s brand specialists are on hand to give in-depth product demonstrations and answers, enabling groups to make well-informed choices about cookware and tools, transforming shopping into an educational experience. These benefits combine to ensure group visits are efficient, enjoyable, and rewarding on multiple levels.
How does Sur La Table’s culinary expertise enhance the social experience for groups? Sur La Table is not just a retail hub but a center for culinary learning, designed to inspire confidence and creativity in cooking. The professional chefs who lead classes bring enthusiasm and expertise that elevate the experience, teaching techniques suitable for all skill levels. This shared learning journey encourages interaction among participants, promoting a friendly, supportive environment where individuals build skills and confidence together. Groups can select from a variety of cooking classes, including ethnic cuisines, baking, and entertaining, allowing customization based on group interests. Additionally, these sessions often culminate in a shared meal, giving friends the perfect opportunity to enjoy their creations together and continue the social bonding. Participation in these culinary programs creates memorable experiences that go far beyond a traditional outing, making Sur La Table a hub for dynamic and delicious social connections.
What makes Sur La Table stand out compared to other venues for hosting meetups? Unlike typical restaurants or cafés, Sur La Table combines the thrill of discovery with interactive engagement in the culinary arts. Its emphasis on experiential learning through cooking classes and product interaction transforms what might be a routine gathering into an exciting event filled with sensory stimulation and growth. The availability of upscale, hard-to-find kitchen tools allows food enthusiasts to explore and buy high-quality items that elevate their cooking at home. Sur La Table’s nationwide reputation for excellence and its passionate community of culinary lovers add credibility and appeal. Its flexible hours, welcoming staff, and well-curated event calendars also make it easy to plan and enjoy meetups. This blend of education, entertainment, and retail under one roof provides a multi-dimensional social experience that few other places can match.
How accessible is Sur La Table for groups in terms of locations and hours? Sur La Table has over 100 locations across the United States, including stores in major cities and popular shopping destinations. Each location maintains convenient operating hours, typically from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with slightly shorter hours on Sundays, ensuring ample time for groups to visit. This accessibility allows groups from varied regions to find a nearby store that suits their schedule. The long hours and weekend availability are particularly helpful for those arranging meetups outside of regular workdays. Additionally, many locations offer easy phone contact and websites for planning visits or reserving class spots, facilitating smooth coordination among group members. This extensive footprint and user-friendly scheduling options make Sur La Table a practical choice for group gatherings.
What kitchenware and culinary products can groups explore together at Sur La Table? Sur La Table stocks a broad assortment of premium kitchen and dining essentials that appeal to both professional chefs and home cooks. Groups can browse high-quality cookware such as skillets, pots, and specialty pans from well-respected brands. The store also features a wide selection of cutlery, including chef’s knives that guests can test-drive to find the best fit. Bakeware, kitchen electrics like mixers and blenders, and various utensils are displayed in an inviting setting that encourages exploration and discussion. Specialty items like artisanal serving dishes, exotic tools, and unique gadgets provide plenty of conversation starters and opportunities for discovery. By trying out new products together, groups can share opinions and learn from each other’s culinary preferences, enhancing the social experience while shopping.
Why do cooking classes at Sur La Table appeal to groups with different skill levels? Sur La Table offers classes tailored to various cooking interests and skill sets, from beginners eager to learn basics to experienced cooks looking to refine advanced techniques. This inclusivity means that everyone in a group can find a class that suits their level, preventing anyone from feeling out of place or overwhelmed. The chefs teaching the classes are adept at managing groups with mixed experience by encouraging questions, providing step-by-step instructions, and fostering a relaxed learning pace. Group members can support and motivate one another through hands-on activities, creating a positive learning environment. Additionally, classes often focus on practical recipes and entertaining tips, making the skills learned immediately useful and relevant. This thoughtful approach ensures that group meetups remain engaging, educational, and enjoyable for all participants.
How does Sur La Table encourage ongoing culinary exploration after your group visit? Sur La Table’s commitment to culinary education extends beyond in-store hours through its website, newsletters, and membership perks. After attending a class or shopping, groups can access recipes, tips, and cooking techniques online to continue practicing what they learned. The SLT Perks program rewards returning customers with exclusive offers and early invitations to special events, encouraging continued involvement. Seasonal and themed cooking events happening regularly give groups reasons to revisit and explore new cuisines or skills together. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to recommend products or classes that match evolving interests. This ongoing engagement supports groups in maintaining their bond through shared culinary adventures, turning a one-time meetup into an ongoing, delicious tradition.