The Austin Club

Private club for everyday & special celebrations

What makes it fun

Built by city father Captain Charles F. Millett in 1878, The Millett Opera House has been the home of The Austin Club since 1981. A portion of exquisite hand-painted ceiling still resides in the club’s House Conference Room. The Austin Club maintains a sense of timeless elegance and hospitality as a tribute to the opera house’s legacy.

Google Reviews

Austin Club

4.6

Based on 162 reviews

Benjamin Baker

11 months ago

Here’s a polished, professional, and “educated” review you can use: ⸻ We recently stopped by the Austin Club downtown to see the renovations after hearing so many positive reviews. The host was kind enough to give us a tour, and we were genuinely impressed with both the updates and the club’s overall atmosphere. It’s clear a lot of care went into preserving the historic charm while elevating the experience. Based on what we saw, we will definitely consider joining next year. Highly recommended.

Owen Myers

12 months ago

We filmed a student short film at The Austin Club. My crew and I had an amazing experience at the club. All of the staff were so helpful and personal, we felt so welcomed in their space. We only have good things to say about the Club and staff.

Bridget Merchant

1 year ago

I cannot thank Lauren and all the staff at the Austin Club for making all of my wedding dreams come true! From start to finish, the entire team went above and beyond to ensure every detail was perfect. The venue itself was absolutely stunning, the food was incredible, and the service was seamless. Lauren was so responsive, organized, and genuinely cared about making our day special. Our guests are still raving about how beautiful everything was! I highly recommend the Austin Club to anyone looking for a timeless and elegant venue with a truly exceptional team.

Elise A

1 year ago

Michael Clark

1 year ago

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Austin! While visiting Austin, I happened to walk by The Austin Club and decided to poke my head in out of curiosity—and I’m so glad I did. I was immediately greeted by Heidi Gustofson at the front desk, and she couldn’t have been more welcoming. She gave me a warm introduction and asked if I’d like a tour. Moments later, Paul Kornfeind, the General Manager, personally came down and took me on a full walkthrough of the building. Wow. What an incredible space—steeped in over 150 years of history. Paul’s knowledge of the Millet Opera House and its transformation into The Austin Club was nothing short of impressive. He brought the building’s past to life and gave me a deep appreciation for this true piece of Austin history. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, The Austin Club is absolutely worth discovering. —Mike Clark

Leo Sopicki

3 years ago

Austin Film Festival used it for events and a press room. Luxurious. Feels like you've stepped into a movie with Carry Grant and Fred Astare.

Gladys Chandler

3 years ago

I was there volunteering for The Austin Film Festival Writer's Award Luncheon. Staff service is amazing and the food was fabulously delicious.

Capt. Charles Millett

3 years ago

The Austin Club is a beautiful old place, brimming over with charm and history. Rife with a particular kind of ambiance and elegance, its cozy dining room and massive ballroom make it a singular location located in the heart of Downtown Austin. With exceptionally high demand across Austin for elevated dining and social experiences, this place should be packed on a regular basis - and it once was. The food was excellent; the bartenders were incredible; and the servers were snappy. As a service experience there was nothing in the area to rival it. It was a truly wonderful place to come. It is now dying a fast death as a going concern. At any moment, the General Manager might wander into a room and begin shouting. He shuffles in and yells at employees right in front of members and guests, often for simply doing their jobs. In one instance he yelled at an employee for accommodating another employee with a disability per ADA requirements. He is known to regularly pull employees into the President’s Room; close the door; and yell so loudly that anyone present in the bar down the hall can enjoy his every complaint along with the targets of his tirades, who then frequently depart in tears. But Ken Richardson’s abuse is not limited to employees. He is known to yell at members just as often as anyone else, often shouting random ramblings about cheapskates and expenses and how no one understands or appreciates how great he is. But with his one unfocused eye, no one is ever really certain if he’s yelling at a person or a wall. Temp agencies will no longer send their staff to work any club events, unwilling to subject any of their people to his vitriol and abuse. And with new employees leaving as quickly as they are hired because of his radically toxic management style, this usually leaves operations severely short-staffed. Which means he usually has to attend most functions himself, where he gleefully tells banquet customers that they are stupid as he sticks his dirty fingers into their wedding cakes. Under his stewardship, a once wonderful experience has been profoundly diminished. Members are embarrassed to bring guests, not knowing if the food will be completely cooked or if the Grade D steaks will be served still frozen in the middle. At any moment Ken could wander in and begin shouting - hopefully at an actual person. The event programming caters to members who have been gone for decades, instead of capitalizing on an entire population actively seeking the kind of place this establishment once was (and could-be). Because he cuts legitimate costs at every opportunity, lack of any pest control has resulted in roaches regularly falling from the ceiling in both back of house and front of house spaces, and skimpy little cocktails get served in tiny dessert coupes instead of martini glasses. It is heart-breaking to see a once vibrant and grand establishment get run into the ground by a tired old man who yells at everyone in sight. The Board of Directors have been terrible stewards of The Austin Club, choosing to lazily overlook the horrendous behavior of a toxic General Manager who should have been invited to retire long ago.

Elly A

3 years ago

I totally agree with the previous reviewer ( I don’t know who he is) but everything is very accurate. The yelling, the cockroaches, the board loving this Monster and allowing him to do whatever he feels like. The abuse, discrimination and a lot of othe things like a parade of homeless working in the kitchen serving the high society. The homeless with no papers or health certificates… do you really want your food or plates be touched by someone living on the streets by choice?

Niko Hues

4 years ago

A classy and historic "members only" urban country club commonly utilized for political fund raisers, annual corporate meet ups, and the occasional upscale private celebration. Historic landmark (Millet Opera House) converted into an exclusionary space for Texas business owners to lobby for themselves. Oh, did I mention the food is great? Breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily. 5/5 would recommend!

pronins

4 years ago

The food at the Austin Club is good, but the atmosphere and decor are outstanding. It feels very traditional and the service is great.

Dre !

5 years ago

Very elegant and beautiful venue. My son had his Classical Conversations Challenge B protocol evening here tonight and he raved about how amazing it was. He's looking forward to next year and hoping for the same venue.