49 stories up gives you quite an impressive view of Dallas. (Maple Hospitality Group)
From soaring heights that showcase elaborate city views to gorgeous experiences among trees and water, these restaurants in Texas offer terrific visuals.
There’s no shortage of restaurants in Texas with quality food. Yet sometimes, you’re craving a bit more. No, it’s not a second appetizer or an additional margarita, though those are also both splendid ideas. Rather, it’s an impressive view—there’s something magical about marveling at the scene before you.
Luckily, the Lone Star State gives us plenty in the lovely visual category. These 16 restaurants in Texas have stunning views. Let’s start our field trip!
1. The Gristmill, Gruene
The Gristmill is nestled in the ruins of an 1878 cotton gin below Gruene’s majestic water tower. With the Guadalupe River as the backdrop, your views are as picturesque as the food is delicious. Every seat in the house provides something enamoring to look at, though the River Grove is at the top of the list. It’s a brick patio within a grove of trees overlooking the water. Pair it with a chicken fried steak or fried catfish and a piece of Jack Daniel’s pecan pie for a chef’s kiss experience.
A legendary Texas spot offers equally legendary views. (The Gristmill)
2. Villa Montez, Tyler
Serving Latin cuisine in a converted mansion, Villa Montez displays a panorama of East Texas. Aim for the terrace for the best views, and be sure to admire the large rock that looks like the Lone Star State and has been on the property since before the mansion was built in 1935. I happened to visit Villa Montez at the end of April and saw prom celebrations entering the restaurant in fancy rides and glitzy. That immediately transported me back to my own prom experience, where my biggest worry was accidentally ruining my date’s corsage before presenting it to her. You might not have similar youthful flashbacks during your meal, but you will emit an audible “mmm” as you bite into your main course.
Dinner at a mansion overlooking the city is a great way to experience Tyler. (Joey Held)
3. La Piscina, Austin
Austin has approximately 478 downtown restaurants and bars, many offering a glimpse of the city. Yet La Piscina on the fifth floor of the Proper Hotel delivers one of the best views in Austin. For starters, there’s the titular la piscina, a pool that shimmers underneath the night sky and provides a respite from the heat during the daytime. I also like the proximity of La Piscina to two of my favorite Austin landmarks: the gorgeous Central Public Library and Kempelen’s Owls, a pair of geometric owls whose heads you can turn. They’re a real hoot! Finally, the food at La Piscina is incredible, which doesn’t really impact the views at all. Still, it’s a bonus to soak in the atmosphere while indulging in sizzling fajitas with house-made churros and chocolate dulce de leche.
Take in the sights before you take a dip at La Piscina. (Joey Held)
4. Group Therapy/Cabana Bar at Hotel ZaZa, Austin
If, for some reason, the idea of being near libraries and owls upsets you, Hotel ZaZa is another marvelous spot for a downtown delight. Both the indoor seating at Group Therapy and the outdoor magic of the Cabana Bar will give you a nice look at the capital city. The establishments hold regular special celebrations, like an SXSW Texas Grazing Board and Cocktail of the Month. There are also Hotel ZaZa locations in Dallas (Uptown) and Houston (Memorial City and Museum District), so you could do a little hotel tour for a variety of extraordinary scenes.
The view from the Cabana Bar at Hotel ZaZa—all that’s missing is a fanning frond. (Hotel ZaZa)
5. Elizabeth’s, Corpus Christi
Located inside the Art Museum of South Texas, Elizabeth’s looks like a sight straight out of a postcard. The Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails taste even better with the breathtaking harbor views directly outside, particularly when the sun bounces off the water just right. And with palm trees inside the restaurant, you’ll get island vibes in a much cooler environment than being in the sun—a true blessing on those blistering hot Texas days.
Island views never looked (or tasted) this good. (Jason David Page)
6. Brenner’s on the Bayou, Houston
There’s a dress code to enter Brenner’s on the Bayou, but it’s well worth it for what your eyes will encounter. This spot is one of the best views among restaurants in Texas, with the outdoor seating area ensconced by lush trees, shrubs, and the eponymous bayou. It’s all a spectacular sight, and when you visit for dinner, you’ll get to watch the sun setting, painting the sky a vivid array of colors. Before you head out, be sure to walk around the grounds for a lovely evening stroll.
(Brenner’s on the Bayou): The grounds of Brenner’s on the Bayou are an excellent spot to explore. (Joey Held)
7. The Sentinel, Marfa
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The Sentinel is a restaurant, bar, and coffee shop that doubles as the printing press for The Big Bend Sentinel and Presidio International newspapers. While the inside is charming, the outside gives you a humbling perspective of the expansive West Texas desert. Swing by for either breakfast or lunch—made to order at your request—and brush up on the news or your crossword puzzle skills with a copy of The Big Bend Sentinel.
Grab a bite and the paper at The Sentinel. (Joey Held)
8. Monarch, Dallas
Monarch sits on the 49th floor of The National skyscraper in downtown Dallas. You’ll get plenty of skyline as you enjoy Italian cuisine courtesy of Two-Michelin Star Chef Danny Grant and his team. The interior of Monarch feels elegant, and it’s hard not to smile as you gaze out at the greater Dallas landscape while savoring a bite of Herb Ricotta Anolini or Veal Chop Parmesan.
9. The Dining Room at Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin
Downtown Austin is one thing, but the oasis by the various lakes—in this case, technically the Colorado River—is another level of stunning visuals. The Dining Room at Lake Austin Spa Resort provides a gorgeous view of the water, with the pastel color scheme of the restaurant bringing a calming experience. While you aren’t required to get a massage or a facial before dining, if you’re going to treat yourself, you may as well go all out.
Pampering yourself is never a bad idea. (Lake Austin Spa Resort)
10. Flora, Houston
Visiting Flora is basically like walking into a giant glass treehouse. You’re right by the scenic Buffalo Bayou Park, with the massive tree at the rear of the dining area serving as a welcoming wooden guardian. Flora’s interior is beautiful, too, with over 40 chandeliers providing an elegant, cozy ambiance at the tables and the brass and marble bar. You can certainly enjoy a romantic dinner here, and Flora’s happy hour is an extensive four hours every Monday to Friday. Grab the Sopectios and the Big Vibe Frozen Margarita, gaze outside, and reflect on how wonderful nature can be.
From gorgeous chandeliers to bountiful trees, Flora is beautiful inside and out. (Kirsten Gilliam)
11. Grumbles Seafood Co., Port Aransas
Rising from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, Grumbles Seafood Co. has a simple mantra: If it doesn’t come from the Gulf of Mexico, they don’t serve it on their menu. The result is a pretty darn tasty Texas twang on surf-n-turf fare, like the Shrimp Burger with Fried Green Tomato and Crab and Corn Chowder. Grumbles captures the old nostalgic feel of Port Aransas, and watching boats pleasantly cruise by on the water is a lovely accompaniment to your meal.
You won’t do any grumbling about the port views at Grumbles. (Grumbles)
12. Creekhouse Kitchen & Bar, Wimberley
If you’re the type of person who likes to savor a meal experience, laughing and swapping stories with friends, then Creekhouse is a dream. The selection of Texas beers, wines, and cocktails provides a steady bout of hydration, while the upscale Texan menu is full of carefully crafted plates that will cause your eyes to light up with glee. Of course, that’s if you can peel them away from the beautiful bounty of trees alongside Cypress Creek. Meals with good company are only enhanced by picturesque views.
Trees are the name of the game at Creekhouse. (Creekhouse)
13. The Starlight Theatre, Terlingua
The ghost town of Terlingua is an excellent way to get off the grid for a while, and there’s no better entertainment than The Starlight Theatre. This restaurant and saloon has good grub and regular live music performances, and you’ll likely catch some good people watching, too. The real treat comes after dinner—head to the Porch or wander around the area and see if you can spot a fossil amidst the former Chisos Mining Company ruins.
You may not see a ghost in the ghost town of Terlingua, but you’ll enjoy plenty of good times at The Starlight Theatre. (Joey Held)
14. Branch & Bird, Fort Worth
Fort Worth’s skyline gets the postcard treatment at Branch & Bird at the Sky Lobby Level of Frost Tower. The patio terrace is the top spot for taking in the views, while the menu serves regionally sourced, seasonal ingredients that support small artisan farmers and ranchers. The view is good any day of the week, though two days in particular are enhanced by regular specials: Wine on the Skyline Wednesdays and Saturday Live Music.
One of the best views of downtown Fort Worth lies at the top of Frost Tower. (Branch & Bird | Visit Fort Worth)
15. Katie’s Seafood House, Galveston
With seafood that comes “right off our boats to your plate,” Katie’s Seafood House is a staple waterfront dining experience for any Galveston visit. And what a view it is, with the glistening water alongside Pier 19 serving as a stage for the ships passing through the wharf as you dine on hearty helpings. Should you decide to ride on one of those ships before or after your meal and tend to get seasick, please learn from my previous mistake and take a Dramamine.
Offering a boat-to-table experience, Katie’s is a wonderful waterfront restaurant. (Katie’s Seafood House)
16. Eberly, Austin
Most of the restaurants in Texas on this list are about the views you can see from outside the restaurant, perhaps on a terrace or balcony. However, Eberly provides a remarkable experience inside with its study. You’ll find a greenhouse vibe with abundant plants and books, complete with a skylight ceiling. Other areas within the restaurant include a rooftop event space that showcases the downtown scene and the Cedar Tavern bar, originally from NYC’s Greenwich Village. As you nurture a cocktail, you just might see stars in your eyes, kid. That’s the magic of the big city!
Snagging a seat in the Eberly study is the best spot in the house. (Zac Brigham)
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
