Old Idea, New Materials

Historic Texas hotel reopens 1930 dining room as elegant steakhouse

The space is tied to tradition thanks to The Driskill's long history.

Photo by Justin Cook

The Driskill Hotel may look like one of Austin's most unchanging institutions, but an interior redesign proves otherwise. While some changes are hidden behind guest room doors, guests can easily see the redesigned Driskill Grill and Bar, which has now officially reopened.

MML Hospitality, the Austin-based group behind Clark's Oyster Bar in Montrose, took control of this steakhouse makeover. Although the dining room and general concept already existed, MML is positioning this as a "new flagship restaurant for both MML and the city of Austin."

Driskill Grill and Bar interior Booths make the dining room feel both classy and cozy.Photo by Justin Cook

The Driskill Grill opened in 1930 — about 44 years after the hotel opened — and was one of the first fine dining restaurants in the city, according to a press release. Visitors will still see original architecture amplified with new additions that speak to the past: unlacquered brass, walnut burl paneling, and a pewter bar. The project spanned 6,000 square feet (enough to accommodate 243 guests) and was led by Lambert Maguire Design, with floral, art, and other design elements by Marjorie Harris.

On the culinary side, this will be the first time April Bloomfield, MML's executive chef as of 2025, heads a restaurant in the South. She moved to Austin for the gig, joining the restaurant's executive chef, Nick Erven, executive pastry chef Harry Flager, and general manager Dylan Falkenburg.

Driskill Grill and Bar dishes A peek at what's on the menu.Photo by Justin Cook

The new Driskill Grill keeps things classic with in-house dry-aged steaks at the center of the menu, alongside other selections that utilize whole-animal butchery. Pair that with a chilled martini, which is all we know about the cocktail menu so far. For dessert, guests can expect more classics including a New York cheesecake, a 10-layer chocolate cake, and a key lime pie.

The release also promises "old world service" to live up to the grandiose setting.

Driskill Grill and Bar interior This wraparound bar is the perfect place to pensively sip a cocktail.Photo by Justin Cook

The Driskill Hotel is located at 604 Brazos St.

hotels openings renovation history downtown steakhouse

Concert News

State Fair of Texas unveils full lineup of free music acts for 2026

Photo courtesy of Clint Black

Clint Black will be one of over 30 performers on the Chevrolet Main Stage at the 2026 State Fair of Texas.

Free music will be plentiful during the 2026 State Fair of Texas' 24-day run, September 25-October 18. The Fair has revealed its full lineup of music acts that will be playing on multiple stages around Fair Park this year.

The Chevrolet Main Stage is where visitors will find the biggest acts playing during the fair, with over 30 singers and bands playing during the fair.

Headliners include Clint Black, Bowling for Soup, Kansas, Queensrÿche, Deep Blue Something, Tripping Daisy, Toadies, RaeLynn, Muscadine Bloodline, Gym Class Heroes, and more.

While the lineup on the main stage offers a wide variety of acts from different genres, it won't be the only option for visitors looking for a music break.

The Bud Light Stage, near Cotton Bowl Stadium, will showcase local and regional talent, while the White Claw Spotlight Stage, located at the Grove on Nimitz, will feature a variety of artists from Dallas Music Office’s roster of talent, all local to the Dallas music scene.

In addition, the brand-new ZiegenBock Stage, located at the newly renovated Old Mill Inn near Big Tex Circle, will provide a fun atmosphere for fairgoers to enjoy a live music experience in the shadow of Big Tex.

The Fair is continuing its partnership with State Fair Records, the East Dallas-based label that programs and produces the Bud Light Stage and Old Mill Stage.

"State Fair Records continues to raise the bar, selecting several up-and-coming and established Texas musicians who fit the mold of the most Texan place on Earth," said Jason Hays, SVP of Brand Experience, in a statement.

Each of the stages will feature at least one performance every day of the fair. That includes the 2026 Resident Artist, jazz musician Ken Ebo, who will perform multiple times with his jazz ensemble.

Find that complete lineup and schedule for all stages here.

Residents can get a taste of the live music scene even sooner at the pre-Fair party, State Fair Saddle Up. Taking place at The Rustic Dallas on September 10, the fundraising event will feature headliner Cash Byers, along with Midway games, food and beverages, auction items, and exclusive perks for VIP ticket holders.

Funds raised will support the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs.

Season passes for the 2026 State Fair of Texas, themed “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies,” are now on sale at BigTex.com/Tickets. Individual tickets will go on sale in September.

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