"For a fancy-pants dinner, wander through the maze of insane aesthetics that is the Fairmont Austin hotel to find this fine dining restaurant. Even though the entrance feels like a fake Disneyland town, Garrison has excellent food and a Michelin recommendation. Once inside, there are no windows to the outside world, nor is there a patio, but there are fantastic steaks from the wood-fired grill, insane Tater Tots with aerated Gruyere, and good vegan options that use local vegetables." - Erin Russell
"Nestled into the heart of the Fairmont Austin, this Michelin Guide Recommended high-end hotel restaurant features a bunch of steaks in its serene dining room. From the picanha to the 24-ounce porterhouse served with ramp butter, all meats are cooked in the post-oak-fired grill. The tater tots, served with aerated gruyère cheese and black truffle, pair nicely with any cut." - Darcie Duttweiler
"The importance of the grill to Austin cooking can’t be overstated, and at the downtown American restaurant, beef, poultry, seafood, and even vegetables get the post-oak-smoke treatment. In Garrison’s open kitchen, executive chef John Satterfield and his team do nimble work over open flames to serve up entrees and sides like roasted squash salad with pecans and salsa macha; rib-eye with horseradish and grilled peppers; and smoked duck breast with grilled chicory, chamomile, and cherries. Garrison offers an in-depth international wine list and a seasonal cocktail menu. The nonalcoholic cocktails are especially noteworthy, with examples like the Luxe Bergamot (Earl Grey tea, yuzu, lemongrass, and blueberry)." - Taylor Tobin
"Though the windowless ambiance at this restaurant within the downtown Fairmont hotel may not be to everyone’s taste, the kitchen is doing everything right. The menu rotates frequently and ranges from super-fancy tater tots with black truffle and aerated gruyere to caviar with brioche to large steaks. Expect five-star fine dining service as well. Book reservations online; there are indoor dine-in services." - Erin Russell
"The downtown American hotel restaurant is offering two timed tasting menus for New Year’s Eve, both with optional wine pairings. There’s the early four-course meal with seatings from 5 to 6:30 pm. for $164. Then there’s the later six-course meal with a Champagne toast with seatings starting at 7 through 7:30 p.m. for $228. Book reservations online; there are indoor dine-in services." - Nadia Chaudhury