Wax Myrtle’s Opens at the Thompson and tommie Hotels This Valentine’s Day

Wax Myrtle’s, a highly anticipated bar, club, pool and restaurant, is set to open its doors in downtown Austin on Monday, Feb. 14.

Developed by Chicago-based restaurant group and creative studio Land and Sea Dept., the establishment is designed to provide an elevated indoor and outdoor space that encourages a slower paced way of living.

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Located on the fourth floor at the both the Thompson Austin hotel and the slightly smaller tommie Austin hotel, Wax Myrtle’s offers a retreat in the heart of downtown’s music and entertainment district. Thompson and tommie Austin, both owned by Hyatt,  are sophisticated destinations for locals and visitors alike, with a distinct creative and edgy energy. Wax Myrtle’s complements them perfectly.

An essential element in the laid-back character of Wax Myrtle’s is its design by Venice Beach-based design agency Studio Collective. All aspects of the space, from the lush pool deck and covered cabanas to the outdoor fireplace and private event space, were created to make visitors feel at their leisure. Warm woods, hand-waxed and blackened steel, natural undyed leather-tiled walls and a mezcal bar carved from a large slab of Texas pecan wood also create a distinctly West Texas feel.

Greenery plays a huge role in the space, with hundreds of plants populating the pool and courtyard area. The name Wax Myrtle’s comes from the ubiquitous Southern shrub, paying tribute to Texas’ diverse plant life and highlighting the prominent feature of the business. In an area neighboring many skyscrapers, guests can be surrounded by flora.

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“The idea is to slow down, drink a glass of rosé or beer, eat some hummus and hang out,” shares Executive Chef Nick Erven, whose resumé includes a series of beloved L.A. restaurants and Austin’s Perla’s and Aba. “It’s about the experience as a whole. The food and drinks are great and the space is great. You want to be here for a long time.”

Chef Erven describes the cuisine as a Texas twist on Mediterranean classics, resulting in a “Tex-Med” flavor profile. Stand-out dishes include the Black Eyed Pea Falafel and the Spanish Octopus Skewer. Accompanying these dishes are drinks like the Moon-Tower, a Texas ‘tini meets toddy with London dry gin, Alessio Vermouth Bianco, herbed honey oxymel, Agrumato lemon oil and Texas olives.

The meals are not to be rushed, but savored. Expect fresh and accessible dishes that highlight seasonal produce, local fish and high-quality cuts of meat, meant to be enjoyed while socializing with friends. Guests will also experience weekly event programming that will launch in March, including live performances, DJ sets and recurring parties.

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“I’m hoping that people come and feel at home,” says Chef Erven. “They can eat some good food, drink cocktails and not feel the pressure to get back to the real world.”

Wax Myrtle’s is located at 506 San Jacinto Blvd. Reservations are now available through Resy.