If you’re searching for a destination that perfectly captures the essence of Austin’s vibrant culinary scene, look no further than Stephen F’s Bar and Terrace. Set just above the streets of downtown, this hidden gem within the Royal Sonesta Hotel offers an unforgettable dining experience that combines rich history with contemporary flair. Its elegant decor and inviting atmosphere set the stage for an evening filled with delightful flavors and memorable moments. Recently, we had the pleasure of being invited to explore their new menu, which showcases a bold fusion of various cuisines. We loved every part of the experience and are excited to share our thoughts below!

Appetizers

For our appetizers, we tried the guacamole, grilled romaine salad, and the blistered shishito peppers. The guac was creamy and rich with the perfect amount of lime and seasoning. It was served with crispy tortilla chipswithd a perfect, crispy, flaky crunch with every bite. The salad was a mix of romaine lettuce, roasted corn, pickled red onion tomatoes, cotija cheese and cilantro vinaigrette. It was crunchy and tangy, giving our tastebuds a change of flavor that complemented the rest of the meal beautifully. The shishito peppers were covered in a delicious umami aioli sauce that balanced the crispy fried garlic and cilantro flavors. They were a good mix of semi-spicy and limey, and we lovedtheir unique flavorsed.

Smash Burger & Fries

The smash burger was a standout of this meal. Everything was homemade besides the bun. The patty was perfectly seared, with a nice crust that held in the juicy flavor. The combination of textures with the soft bun, the crunchy homemade pickles, and the succulent meat, created a harmonious experience that immediately makes you want seconds.

Quesabirria Tacos

The quesabirra tacos was our favorite dish of the night. They stood out to us for being a unique combination of a quesadilla and a taco, and the braised beef mixed with layers of rich consommé sauce packed flavor into every bite. They can get pretty messy, so definitely make sure you have a napkin on hand.

Fried Chicken Sandwich & Fries

The fried chicken sandwich, made with homemade chicken, house pickles, shredded lettuce, and gochujang honey mustard, was a wonderful blend of flavors. It was more than a classic chicken sandwich— the homemade ingredients gave it a special touch that made the sandwich one of a kind. This dish is a staple that anyone and everyone would love.

Maitake Mushroom & Corn Quesadilla

These maitake mushroom and corn quesadillas blended Oaxacan cheese, jalapeno-lime crema, and pickled red onions that gave them a diverse, kicking flavor. The corn gave each bite a mix of textures that complemented the soft cheese surprisingly well, and we thoroughly enjoyed the comfort-food feel of this dish.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

For dessert we had the chocolate hazelnut cake, and it was the perfect end to our visit. Served with a side of mexican vanilla ice cream and topped with a caramel drizzle and crushed almonds, this cake was a show-stopper. It was packed with sweet, creamy flavors and various textures that would be any sweet-toothed person’s dream. This simple dessert left a long-lasting, delicious impact on our taste buds.

Final Thoughts

We were thoroughly impressed by the perfect combination of elegance and flavor at Stephen F’s Bar and Terrace. From the attentive staff to the beautiful presentations of the dishes, everything exceeded our expectations, and we can’t wait to return. Our experience was enhanced by a timeless atmosphere filled with history at every corner, and the location being in the heart of downtown makes it a convenient spot for a quick drink or meal before a night out. Each dish featured its own unique blend of flavors that complemented the others beautifully, showcasing the chef’s skills and expertise. We had a 10/10 experience– Stephen F’s Bar and Terrace is a place every Austinite needs to experience!