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Share and share alike
Ever wonder where you should go for that group birthday dinner? Luckily, from tried-and-true Clay Pit to favorite places for dim sum, Austin has you covered for the best restaurants for family-style meals. Sharing is caring; if your go-to spot is missing from the list, let us know on the tipline or in the comments below.
—Elizabeth Leader Smith
Read MoreTaste your way through the menu—lamb stews, lentils and collard greens—and get familiar with Ethiopian cuisine. There are plenty of choices for vegetarians, too. Grab some injera, and dig in.
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Delight with a mix of the expected—tortillas, papas bravas and jamón ibérico—and the unexpected—pigs feet terrine— at Barlata, where nearly all the plates at the vibrant restaurant are made for sharing. Have a party of ten or more? Ask about the three-course set menu served family-style, which is $45 per person.
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With traditional dishes such as curries, tandoori and naans plus instant classics such as the mango cheesecake, this downtown favorite also boasts a celebrated lunch buffet. If the energetic atmosphere is too much for the group, inquire about the private wine room.
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With Lazy Susans centered at large tables, there’s no arguing this north Austin spot is a match for family-style dining. It also offers set menu options for groups ranging from three to ten guests featuring either barbecue combinations or Beijing duck.
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If you’re going big with four to six people, Geraldine’s epic feasts may fit the bill. Choose from braised beef osso bucco, whole roasted porchetta, 96-oz dry-aged bone-in prime rib roast, or fried chicken. A salad, vegetables, sides and dessert complete the meal. Feasts start at $220. 48 hour notices are required.
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Meet fondue’s trendy cousin: hot pot. A recent addition to West Campus, this international chain offers a communal choose-your-own-adventure hot pot experience. Mix and match broths with meats, veggies, seafood, and noodles. When you dip, I dip…
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Order a bucket of chicken, half dozen wood-fired grilled oysters, and a bottle of wine, and you’ve got yourself a party. It’s your call if you want to share that slice of pie though.
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Grab your friends, fill up a long table on the shaded porch, and order a handful of sharable dishes inspired by local farmers and purveyors. You will not regret it.
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Chef Shawn Cirkiel’s Sunday night family-style dinner features a seasonal-inspired rotating menu including antipasti, pasta and entrée courses. It’s $36 per person and children under 12 are free. Grab a patio table if you can.
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Whether it’s the large portions, rustic setting or live music—or a combination of all three—this ever-popular establishment is perfect for group meals. The all-you-can-eat family-style option is your best bet at $24.95 per person.
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The communal tables at this modern Thai restaurant in South Austin beckon a gathering, and if you have ten or more in your party, reserve ahead for a Moo Sway. This family-style feast features off-the-menu Thai-style pork shoulder, fresh oysters and other treats from the regular menu. Reservations require 24-hours notice.
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Pizza may be an obvious shared dish, but there’s nothing boring about these Neapolitan-style pies. Add a few small plates or charcuterie, salads and desserts, and dinner is served. Bonus: Reservations for parties of 5 or more are accepted.
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Taste your way through the menu—lamb stews, lentils and collard greens—and get familiar with Ethiopian cuisine. There are plenty of choices for vegetarians, too. Grab some injera, and dig in.
Delight with a mix of the expected—tortillas, papas bravas and jamón ibérico—and the unexpected—pigs feet terrine— at Barlata, where nearly all the plates at the vibrant restaurant are made for sharing. Have a party of ten or more? Ask about the three-course set menu served family-style, which is $45 per person.
With traditional dishes such as curries, tandoori and naans plus instant classics such as the mango cheesecake, this downtown favorite also boasts a celebrated lunch buffet. If the energetic atmosphere is too much for the group, inquire about the private wine room.
With Lazy Susans centered at large tables, there’s no arguing this north Austin spot is a match for family-style dining. It also offers set menu options for groups ranging from three to ten guests featuring either barbecue combinations or Beijing duck.
If you’re going big with four to six people, Geraldine’s epic feasts may fit the bill. Choose from braised beef osso bucco, whole roasted porchetta, 96-oz dry-aged bone-in prime rib roast, or fried chicken. A salad, vegetables, sides and dessert complete the meal. Feasts start at $220. 48 hour notices are required.
Meet fondue’s trendy cousin: hot pot. A recent addition to West Campus, this international chain offers a communal choose-your-own-adventure hot pot experience. Mix and match broths with meats, veggies, seafood, and noodles. When you dip, I dip…
Order a bucket of chicken, half dozen wood-fired grilled oysters, and a bottle of wine, and you’ve got yourself a party. It’s your call if you want to share that slice of pie though.
Grab your friends, fill up a long table on the shaded porch, and order a handful of sharable dishes inspired by local farmers and purveyors. You will not regret it.
Chef Shawn Cirkiel’s Sunday night family-style dinner features a seasonal-inspired rotating menu including antipasti, pasta and entrée courses. It’s $36 per person and children under 12 are free. Grab a patio table if you can.
Whether it’s the large portions, rustic setting or live music—or a combination of all three—this ever-popular establishment is perfect for group meals. The all-you-can-eat family-style option is your best bet at $24.95 per person.
The communal tables at this modern Thai restaurant in South Austin beckon a gathering, and if you have ten or more in your party, reserve ahead for a Moo Sway. This family-style feast features off-the-menu Thai-style pork shoulder, fresh oysters and other treats from the regular menu. Reservations require 24-hours notice.
Pizza may be an obvious shared dish, but there’s nothing boring about these Neapolitan-style pies. Add a few small plates or charcuterie, salads and desserts, and dinner is served. Bonus: Reservations for parties of 5 or more are accepted.
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