Acre 41 Review: Upscale Birthday Dinner in Austin
My birthday called for something special, and for a change, we went to Austin! Looking for a delicious way to celebrate a birthday in Austin? Acre 41 in Austin’s West Campus District delivered an upscale dining experience that made the night unforgettable!
Ambiance: Stylish and Inviting
Acre 41’s modern art-deco vibe set the stage for a memorable birthday. The restaurant is located inside The Otis Hotel. It was fancier than I expected to be honest. The dining room, with polished marble, tall golden accents, and plush leather seating, felt posh and cozy.
Drinks: Craft Cocktails That Shine
Acre 41’s beverage program is a standout, with an extensive whiskey and bourbon selection and creative cocktails. We ordered the Acre 41 Signature Old Fashioned ($16), a smoky bourbon blend with a hint of cherry. Non-alcoholic options like the Campus Sundown mocktail ($6) were crisp and flavorful.
Glorious, glorious FOOD
Blue Crab and Artichoke Dip ($21)
The Blue Crab and Artichoke Dip was a warm, creamy opener that set the stage for our meal. The flavor was indulgent, with a perfect balance of sweet crab and earthy artichoke, cut by a hint of lemon zest. Served with thin, crispy house-made tortilla chips, the dip was smooth and scoopable, though I wished for a few the dip to be bigger because we can’t get enough of it. It was a shareable starter that paired well with the steaks to follow.
Steaks (Medium-Rare, USDA Prime)
We ordered two Bone-In Ribeye ($89, 24 oz). The Bone-In Ribeye was bold and beefy, with a caramelized char and marbled fat that gave each bite a buttery texture. One order is enough for 4 people and we ended up taking home leftovers.. The steaks were served with broccolinis which gave us room to order yummy sides.
Golden Yukon Mashed Potatoes ($14)
The Golden Yukon Mashed Potatoes were a comforting, luxurious side. Made with Yukon Gold potatoes, they were whipped to a velvety smoothness with cream and butter. The flavor was rich yet balance and the portion was hearty for sharing among three. The potatoes were warm and fluffy, a classic done right.
Twice Baked Potatoes ($14)
Potatoes overload I know but this was the clear winner of the night, The Twice Baked Potatoes brought a fun twist to the table. I love truffle and oh boy, it just hit the spot. This dish is cooked with black truffle, fontina with the taste not too strong, but perfect enough for the hint of truffle along with the creamy potatoes.
Baked Alaska ($14)
The Baked Alaska was a showstopping birthday treat. This dome-shaped dessert featured a core of vanilla bean ice cream encased in a toasted meringue, drizzled with overproof rum. The meringue was caramelized to a golden crisp, giving way to a creamy, cold interior. The flavor was a nostalgic mix of sweet but not too sweet vanilla, and a slight marshmallow-like fluff from the meringue. It actually felt like eating boujee smores!
Warm Cast Iron Brownie ($15)
The Brownie was a fudgy, decadent finale. This warm, palm-sized square was dense and chocolatey, with a glossy ganache topping and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The brownie had a deep cocoa flavor with a chewy texture. The ice cream melted into the warm brownie, creating a creamy contrast.
Service: Warm and Attentive
The staff made my birthday feel special. Our server, Jaimie was knowledgeable, recommending us dishes and comping our desserts for birthday treats. It was nice talking to her, and she even showed us her cute dog photos. She made sure we were all well taken care of!
Value: A Worthy Splurge
Our bill for four, including appetizers, mains, desserts, and drinks, totaled $360 (excluding tip), about $60 per person. For an upscale steakhouse with premium ingredients and top-notch service, it felt fair for a birthday celebration.
Tips for Dining at Acre 41
Reserve Ahead: Book online via www.acre41austin.com for busy nights, especially for birthdays. Mention celebrations when booking for surprises.
Parking: Use complimentary 2-hour valet or $10 self-parking (validated under 3 hours). Street parking is limited.
Happy Hour: Visit 4:30–6:30 p.m. (Mon–Fri) for $12 cocktails and appetizers.
Dress Code: Smart casual fits the upscale vibe (think blazers or dresses).
Rooftop Bonus: Check out Otopia Rooftop Bar for views. Ask the host to key the elevator.
Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and seafood options are plentiful; notify staff for allergies.
Budget: Expect $50–$80 per person for dinner.
Acre 41’s blend of upscale cuisine, chic ambiance, and thoughtful service makes it a top pick for memorable dining. I loved celebrating my birthday dinner here!