303 Red River St, Downtown · about 5 min walk from the convention center
Southern comfort food in the historic Waterloo mercantile buildings, with patio and porch spaces. The Cypress Room is a private dining room with its own entrance, and larger groups can take half the compound.
Team dinnerPrivate roomEasy walkCasualBig groups
Fits
Cypress Room seats up to 54 (65 reception); half buyout seats up to 110 (225 reception)
Cost
$40–70 per person (est.)
Walk
About 5 min from the convention centre
Tip
Dinner in the Cypress Room carries a $3,500 to $4,500 food and drink minimum plus a $350 room fee, so it works best for 30 or more.
51 Rainey St, Rainey Street · about 10 min walk from the convention center
Seasonal Texas cooking with house-milled grains and handmade pasta, holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand and Green Star. A semi-private area works for a small client table.
Client dinnerSemi-privateSharing platesEasy walk
Fits
Semi-private space for 12 to 14; full buyout up to 65 seated or 150 standing
Cost
$70–120 per person (est.)
Walk
About 10 min from the convention centre
Tip
Dinner only and closed Mondays. Parties of 7 or more get a set menu, so email ahead for anything over 6.
400A W 2nd St, 2nd Street District · about 17 min walk from the convention center
Michelin-listed Mexico City-style cooking with family-style menus for groups. Larger parties can take a basement dining room or the upstairs Malverde space.
Team dinnerBig groupsPrivate roomSharing plates
Fits
Group dining for 12 or more in the main room, up to 25. The Flour House private room seats up to 18. Malverde holds up to 50, and full buyouts take 200 or more.
Cost
$70–120 per person (est.)
Walk
About 17 min from the convention centre
Dietary
Gluten-free, Vegan
Tip
Parties of 12 or more book a group reservation through the form on its site. Smaller parties book on OpenTable.
200 Congress Ave, The Austonian · about 9 min walk from the convention center
Brazilian steakhouse where chefs carve fire-grilled meats tableside, with a market table and dry-aged cuts. Several private rooms take groups from 22 to 80.
Team dinnerBig groupsPrivate roomEasy walk
Fits
Gaucho Room seats 35 and Bombacha Room 45 (80 combined); Sun Room 22; semi-private Table 80 for 10; two patios for 30 each
Cost
$70–120 per person (est.)
Walk
About 9 min from the convention centre
Tip
Parties over 14 book through the group dining page, not the regular reservations. It also serves weekday lunch from 11 AM to 3 PM.
110 E 2nd St, JW Marriott · about 7 min walk from the convention center
Classic steakhouse with Italian touches inside the JW Marriott, serving prime beef, A5 wagyu, house-made pasta and a raw bar. A glass-walled wine room seats 16 for a private client dinner.
Client dinnerPrivate roomEasy walk
Fits
The Wine Room seats up to 16
Cost
$120+ per person (est.)
Walk
About 7 min from the convention centre
Tip
Dinner only, from 5 PM daily. The dress code is business casual.