How to have a low-key New Year’s Eve in Austin

Austin is a pretty laid-back town, but New Year’s Eve can be a bit more wild than usual. If you prefer to keep it chill on New Year’s Eve, look no further than this list featuring 8 easy-going, low-key destinations for ringing in 2018.

Smack dab in the heart of the Sixth Street nuttiness that helps define Austin, you’ll find Midnight Cowboy, an intimate, relaxing spot featuring a funky elegance that’s difficult to do right. But do it right they do, so consider spending a thoroughly enjoyable evening here with your besties in a cozy booth, counting down the minutes to 2018.

When: Dec 31, 6pm – 1am
Where: 313 E 6th St

You probably never imagined you’d spend New Year’s Eve at a convenience store, but this is a convenience store like no other. Featuring 70 beers on tap, an extensive wine list, and a kitchen whipping up delightful dishes from scratch, Whip In is far more than a place to pick up an energy drink. A low-key celebration at midnight includes a festive balloon drop and champagne toast.

When: Dec 31, 11am – 1am
Where: 1950 South I-H 35

Dining at Jeffrey’s feels like having dinner at the home of a good friend. Chic, elegant decor includes velveteen couches and a fireplace, producing a relaxed, refined atmosphere that’s perfect for holing up with good friends over cocktails and dinner. The menu is wall-to-wall French American classics and features dry-aged prime beef and locally sourced ingredients.

When: Dec 31, 5:30pm – 11pm
Where: 1204 West Lynn

A luxuriously opulent restaurant featuring arched wooden ceilings, moody lighting, and comfy seating, Geraldine’s is an elegant space for a festive New Year’s Eve. Start the evening with dinner from the eclectic menu featuring contemporary Austin fare, with entertainment to follow. Sit back and relax with your pals or get your groove on to the sounds of Akina Adderley & the Vintage Playboys, and toast 2018 with delicious bubbly and good friends.

When: Dec 31, 9pm – 12:30am
Where: 605 Davis St

The best path to a low-key New Year’s Eve leads out of the city and into Eden East at Springdale Farm, where farm to table is a given and a delicious menu is in store for the occasion. You’ll dine al fresco under the magnificent elm tree and get to know your neighbors at the community tables. Bring your own wine, or order up some special cocktails from the onsite bar. Looking to head to the farm for NYE? You’ll need a reservation (which start at 6:30pm), so make sure to give the farm a call.

When: Dec 31
Where: 755 Springdale Rd

Don’t wanna go out on New Year’s Eve but don’t wanna stay home? Book a room at the South Congress Hotel and get the best of both worlds. Share a late-night, large format cocktail with friends at Central Standard, or step into The Red City, a Moroccan Night Market at SCH. In the morning, stumble downstairs for brunch at Café No Sé or a pastry at Mañana.

When: Dec 31
Where: 1603 South Congress

Colorful and funky, Emmer & Rye has wood floors and ceilings and painted brick walls that create a cozy, homey vibe that makes those intimate conversations with friends even better. Small plates are the specialty here, and they come around on carts. Alternatively, you can order small plates, pastas, and larger entrees off the menu, which changes daily based on what’s farm-fresh.

When: Dec 31, 11am – 9pm
Where: SkyHouse, 51 Rainey, Ste 110

If low-key to you means staying at home in your PJs binge-watching Netflix, more power to you. Why not order in some of Austin’s best Chinese through Uber Eats? Have Wu Chow’s authentic, modern Chinese food delivered right to your door, piping hot and ready to eat. If mushu pork and egg rolls aren’t your thing, no problem. Uber Eats partners deliver from more than 100 of Austin’s favorite restaurants.

When: anytime
Where: home

Don’t feel like you have to go nuts out there just because it’s New Year’s Eve. Bring 2018 in softly, and you can start the new year feeling your best. Count your heads and make your plans early, though, because lots of other folks are going to be looking for a chill New Year’s Eve, too.