Need to knows:
Stroller or sling? Stroller
Baby friendly restrooms? Yes
Parking validation? No, sadly — even their lot is pay to play
Tex-Mex is a staple of the Austin food scene, and there are literally *hundreds* of places to get your queso fix. Once you’re traveling with the baby, however, the game done changed. Suddenly there’s more stock in a simple outing. It’s enough trouble to get yourself and the baby out of the house without incident, so you need to ensure the outing is worth your while. You need somewhere that ticks every single box — solid queso, delicious entrees, a decent cocktail menu, and a lively, bougie atmosphere with a solid view of the downtown skyline.
Enter —Gabriela’s Downtown.
The *only* challenge with Gabriela’s is parking. Their lot is small – maybe 10 spots — and it is the city paid parking at roughly $5/hour. If you can’t snag a spot in the lot, then there is more paid street parking within a couple of blocks. Any way you slice it, however, it is paid and they don’t validate, sadly.
The restaurant is comfortable with the stroller, and there is a ramp leading up to the outside patio. The space is expansive and there are multiple fans, so it is very convenient during Covid times. There’s also enough shade that it’s even comfy on hot days. The atmosphere is lively and fun, so expect to hear some loud-ish Reggaeton on the patio. If you have a more sensitive baby then maybe ask to be seated inside, where there is some seating and no music.
There is a changing table in just one of their two single seater unisex bathrooms. It’s a quick walk from the patio, but it may be a tight squeeze to navigate with the stroller since you need to wheel it past the bar. We’d recommend walking with the baby instead.
The food itself is just great and definitely up to your bougie standards. The cocktail menu is solid — check out the frozen mangonada with the tamarind straw — and their queso flameado is outstanding. Prices are a bit on the bougie side — expect to pay about $25 before tip for an entree and one cocktail — but portions are large and could serve two or at least have enough for leftovers.
Service is good and that view can’t be beat! Check out their website for more.
Austin Baby 