Experience the Best Austin Restaurants During Formula 1

One of the most thrilling sporting events of the year, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix will be returning to Austin October 18-20, 2024. 

The weekend promises to be full of exhilarating races and one-of-a-kind experiences, including live music performances from Eminem and Sting. With Heywood Hotel’s proximity to the track and to downtown Austin, we’re one of the closest hotels to all of the action. 

Austin is not only a destination for Formula 1 each year but it’s also home to some of the country’s best restaurants and bars. While you’re in town for the race, it’s mandatory to partake in the best dining experiences Austin has to offer. 

Here are our top recommendations for the best restaurants and can’t-miss bars to experience while you’re in Austin for Formula 1.

Juniper

An aerial view of a table of dishes from Juniper, an Italian restaurant in Austin near the Heywood Hotel.
Photo courtesy of Juniper

Located just a few blocks away from the Heywood, Juniper is probably the most cosmopolitan restaurant in the neighborhood. The interior design with exposed kitchen is really striking and the atmosphere is lively. With a focus on Northern Italian cuisine, Juniper serves pasta dishes as well as small, shareable plates. Reservations are accepted.

Kemuri Tatsu-ya

Kemuri Tatsu-ya is a Japanese izakaya and bar down the street from the Heywood. The restaurant has an adventurous menu with a focus on Texas smoked meats. They also have an extensive sake list and inventive cocktails, making it an ideal spot for late-night, after-dinner drinks. 

Kemuri Tatsu-ya accepts reservations through their website for parties of up to seven people, which our concierge team will gladly assist with. Otherwise, it is first come, first served.

Casa Bianca

Casa Bianca is a modern American-Italian restaurant new to our neighborhood, and located just across from the Heywood. 

The restaurant serves what they call “weirdo Italian” — influenced by Japanese forms and techniques — craft cocktails, and wine. The menu includes lots of raw bar and conservas along with on-tap cocktails, including the Aperol Spritz and Old Fashioned. We love the limoncello doughnuts! Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Ezov

Recently named one of Austin’s Best Restaurants by the New York Times, Ezov is an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant that “celebrates the markets of Tel Aviv and the bounty of Texas.” 

The menu changes with the season, and the dishes are served tapas-style so they can be shared with the table. The restaurant also serves inventive cocktails and wines from Greece, Lebanon, Israel, Italy, and more.

Oseyo

Oseyo is a modern Korean restaurant serving family recipes in a fun, comfortable environment. It’s also located directly across the street from the Heywood! 

Dishes are served with homemade banchan (side dishes like kimchi) and inspired by “mom’s recipes.” Dinner reservations are encouraged and can be made online. Our concierge team is also happy to help coordinate a reservation.

Emmer & Rye

Image courtesy of @emmerandrye

Emmer & Rye is an award-winning restaurant specializing in heirloom grains, whole-animal butchery, and handmade bread and pasta. 

Led by James Beard-nominated Chef Kevin Fink, the Rainey Street restaurant serves inventive small plates and larger dishes and offers an extensive wine list. Emmer & Rye is just one mile west of Heywood.

Uchi and Uchiko

Uchi and Uchiko are two of Austin’s best restaurants. Serving outstanding sushi and Japanese fusion cuisine from owner and James Beard award-winning chef, Tyson Cole, the restaurants are an example of contemporary dining at its finest. The original Uchi is located just south of downtown. The second location, Uchiko, is located in Central Austin and has more seating and a slightly more adventurous menu.

Both locations accept walk-in seating at the bar; however, because of their popularity, reservations are highly recommended. 

As a guest of the Heywood, our concierge team will take care of reservations, so the only thing on your to-do list will be to enjoy one of the best meals in town.

Comedor

Comedor is located in a stunningly designed downtown building, a little more than a mile away from the Heywood Hotel. The new restaurant serves up modern Mexican cuisine and features inventive dishes like bone marrow tacos and octopus tostadas. Comedor also offers an impressive mezcal list, in addition to wine, tequila and specialty cocktails.

While these are just a few of our top recommendations for the best restaurants and bars in Austin, our concierge team loves to provide personal recommendations for each of our guests and assist with any plans throughout your stay.


Book your stay at the Heywood Hotel to stay near the best Austin restaurants during Formula 1 weekend!