The Driskill Hotel

Once the home of President Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird, The Driskill Hotel has welcomed guests to its grand lobby for nearly 140 years. Over that time, the hotel has hosted its fair share of celebrities, dignitaries, and Texas travelers, and is now just steps from one of Austin’s liveliest night spots, where college co-eds and midnight revelers fill the streets,

​After more than a century, The Driskill, the state’s first luxury hotel and Austin’s oldest continuously operating hotel, has accumulated many stories of its own. Legend has it that the ghost of Sam Houston’s five-year-old granddaughter, who sadly met her demise at the base of the grand staircase, still haunts the hotel. Spend enough time in the lobby, and you are likely to see people studying the large portrait of hotel founder Mr. Driskill. They aren’t just admiring the painting; they are probably looking for two bullet holes that pierced the portrait during a duel in the lobby in 1908.

​With so much history under its iconic stained-glass domed roof, the hotel recently underwent a massive, multi-phase renovation that balanced modern upgrades with preserving its past. ​Ahead of its 140th anniversary in December, portions of the lobby and common areas now feature custom carpeting and paint; a new 2,800-square-foot ballroom has been added; all 189 rooms and suites have been updated, and the hotel has debuted a complete refresh of its dining options.

However, much of what makes The Driskill so special remains intact. Original flooring, columns, artwork, and furnishings are still a part of the historic property. Taking the time to explore the lobby and mezzanine, enjoy the outdoor balconies with a beverage, or settle into one of the cozy seating areas is worthwhile, because soaking in the atmosphere at The Driskill is part of the experience.

​Where to Eat & Drink at The Driskill

When visiting The Driskill, start at 1886 Cafe & Bakery. Serving breakfast and lunch, the cafe offers indoor and outdoor seating with views of always busy downtown Austin. Menu favorites include Huevos Rancheros, Eggs Benedict, and the cafe’s massive cinnamon roll. Enjoy brunch staples like the Texas-shaped waffle, 1886 burger, and a variety of specialty coffee, tea, cocktails, and wine. The cafe is also the only place to buy Lady Bird Johnson’s famous lemon tarts. Available by request as a welcome amenity for hotel guests, they are so good that purchasing a batch to-go is nearly inevitable.

​After exploring Austin, an afternoon visit to The Victorian is a great way to relax. The former bank-turned two-story bar has an Old West vibe with live music, taxidermied trophies, pool tables, and a large mahogany bar with inlaid cowhide panels. Deviled eggs, onion dip, and Texas jalapeño twinkies are tempting bar snacks, and must-have cocktails include the Golden Mesa, Highnoon Harvest, and the Red River.

​Following an easygoing afternoon of cocktails, head to the Driskill Grill for dinner. Since it opened in 1886, The Driskill Hotel has always had a dining room, but it formally opened in 1930 as the Driskill Grill. It was the site of the first date between LBJ and Lady Bird, and also a meeting place for the high-society set during the 1960s, when steaks and champagne flowed.

​Now, with chef April Bloomfield and executive chef Nick Erven at the helm, expect dry-aged steaks, a selection of fresh seafood, including daily oyster specials, and twists on classic steakhouse sides. Purists will still find mashed potatoes and grilled broccolini, but for those looking for something different, the duo has curated a tasty selection, including braised peas with mint, Thai-style crab fried rice, slow-roasted tomatoes, and creamed corn succotash. Leave room for one of the restaurant’s scratch-baked desserts. The 10-layer chocolate cake, key lime pie, and New York cheesecake are each worth sharing, but no judgment if they end up as a dessert for one.