Estelle's

"A place involved in significant events or changes in 2024." - Nadia Chaudhury

"Estelle’s in the Warehouse District downtown describes itself as a “social club,” which is basically a fancy way of saying that it offers a bunch of different things in an upscale, loungy setting. Expect to find colorful cocktails, caviar, seafood towers, and bottle service on the menu, plus access to a boutique flower shop in case you’re afraid that the champagne and caviar won’t be enough to impress your date. The food here definitely leans “snacky”—use this as a launch pad before going out for the evening, or as a spot to wrap up the night on a fancy note. " - Nicolai McCrary

"A new multi-part fancy lounge with bars, a restaurant, and a flower shop opened in downtown Austin this month. Estelle’s is found at 400 Colorado Street — formerly the sprawling space of seafood/steakhouse chain Truluck’s — as of May 19. The two-floor lounge includes two bars, a restaurant, a club area, and that flower shop, which is run by Austin floral studio Native Bloom. The cocktail menu takes its cues from the shop, with garden-ish drinks like match martinis, Grammy Smith gimlets, and the Breton Water made with a nori-infused gin. There are also wines and beers. For food, there are small bites like caviar paired with everything-seasoned English muffins and a whipped red onion creme fraiche, along with seafood towers, shrimp cocktails, and crispy-grilled pork belly. Desserts are provided by Austin sweet shop Cookie Rich, which means little yet decadent sandwich cookies. The space includes vintage furniture and midcentury modern art, a marbled bar, and glamorous dining booths. The first floor contains a bar, a lounge, and a floral shop; the second floor is the club with its own bar; a grand staircase connects the two floors. Behind Estelle’s is local restaurant company NoCo Hospitality, which oversees South Austin nightclub Superstition, downtown cocktail bar Higher Ground, and casual Central East Austin bar Skinny’s Off Track. Estelle’s hours are from 4 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Friday, noon to 2 a.m. Saturday, and noon to midnight Sunday. The happy hour includes free canapes and the such from 5 to 6 p.m." - Nadia Chaudhury