6 Best {Dinner & Shows}
Art, entertainment, & good eats
Words By Sam Lauron Photos Courtesy of Vortex and City Theatre
There are few things more classic than going to dinner and a show. The combination of an enjoyable performance followed by a tasty meal is one that never fails to disappoint. Whether it’s a date night or group of friends, enjoy a night on the town with these food and entertainment pairings.
Vortex & Patrizi’s
Vortex has long been the spot to catch a dynamic performance. After enjoying a show at the theater, keep the energy going by heading next door to family-owned food truck, Patrizi’s. Patrizi’s serves up fresh, authentic Italian food in the lively shared courtyard and provides guests with a hearty meal. Grab a bottle of wine from nearby Butterfly Bar to complete the outing.
2307 Manor Rd.| vortexrep.org | patrizis.com
ColdTowne Theater & Tyson’s Tacos
ColdTowne Theater hosts live comedy and improv shows every night of the week. The cozy space sets the tone for an intimate night—where audience engagement is encouraged—making it a truly up close and personal experience. If you’ve worked up an appetite from laughing too hard, then grab some grub down the street at Tyson’s Tacos. Their menu features original tacos with unique ingredients like duck and pork belly.
4803 Airport Blvd | coldtownetheater.com | 4905 Airport Blvd. | tysontacos.com
Bass Concert Hall & Unit D Pizzeria
With shows ranging from theater and Broadway to dance and musical concerts, Bass Concert Hall is a hub for all things performance-based. The performing arts center is located on the university campus and is the largest theater in Austin. To prevent going into one of their various shows hungry, visit Unit-D Pizzeria for a preshow fix. The Manor Road establishment serves small plates and salads as well as wood-fired pizzas like the Mushroom Pizza with cauliflower and truffle or the Bacon & Apple pizza with goat cheese and chilies.
2350 Robert Dedman Dr. | texasperformingarts.org | 2406 Manor Rd. | unitdpizzeria.com
Ground Floor Theatre & Kinda Tropical
Ground Floor Theatre is on a mission to showcase the work of underrepresented communities. After experiencing a show, make a stop at nearby Kinda Tropical for dinner and drinks. Don’t let the understated exterior fool you. With a menu that includes rice bowls, a jerk chicken plate, and small bites like shishito peppers, Kinda Tropical serves up fresh and flavorful dishes. Cap off the festivities with a drink from their extensive sake menu.
979 Springdale Rd., Ste 122 | groundfloortheatre.org | 3501 E. 7th St. | kindatropical.com
Blue Starlite Drive-In
Reimagine date night by taking a step back in time at Blue Starlite Drive-In. The only theater of its kind in Austin and the first mini urban drive-in in the world, Blue Starlite has been a staple in Austin’s cinema scene since 2010. Pull up to Blue Starlite, order a hotdog, candy, and popcorn from the concessions trailer, BYOB, and enjoy a classic movie on the big screen underneath the stars. With space for only 35 cars each night, the drive-in is sure to be an intimate experience.
2103 E M. Franklin Ave. | bluestarlitedrivein.com
City Theatre & Oddwood Ales
City Theatre has been serving up plays and musicals in Austin since 2006, and the theatre continues to bring art and entertainment. Guests can snag a ticket to a show for as little as $10, depending on the night, so anyone can enjoy an evening of remarkable art. Head to Oddwood Ales afterward for a refreshing beer and a thin crust pizza, and maybe even a round of classic video games, to complete the night.
3823 Airport Blvd., Ste D | citytheatreaustin.org | 3108 Manor Rd. | oddwoodales.com
