New Italian Date Night

We found a brand-new spot worth the detour: Cinque Terre West ATX, a tiny Italian restaurant currently in soft opening (three weeks in, with a hard opening expected in the next couple of weeks). The back parking lot doesn't even have a sign up yet — that's how fresh this place is. Everything, including the pasta, is made in-house.

The Meal

We shared the homemade bucatini bolognese and ordered the short rib — together, an absolutely phenomenal pairing. The owner, who previously ran a restaurant in California, stopped by our table to talk about the new space; her excitement for it was contagious.

The Bar Program

This may be the only restaurant we've ever visited with an entire menu devoted to Negroni riffs — five of them, all crafted by cocktail director Massimo Mirilli. Head bartender Mossimo did a great job behind the stick.

Not a Negroni
Campari, Cinzano, Cynar

The Bitter Ex
Campari, Orgeat, Fernet

Evil Twin
Campari, Cucumber, Lemon, Ginger Beer

Velvet Boulevard
Campari, Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Cocoa Bitters

Sbagliato Sbagliato
Campari, Cinzano, Prosecco, Ferro China Bisleri

Jen ordered her martini with the olive juice on the side (offices always make it too dirty or not dirty enough) — and it arrived in what might be the prettiest little olive-juice presentation we've seen. We closed things out with grappa as an aperitif.

The Space

Intimate and boutique — about 40 seats inside, plus a small patio out front that fits around 12. The wine list is genuinely impressive for a spot this size. Well worth heading back once they're fully open.

Nightcap: Honey Moon Spirit Lounge

With a little time before the sitter clock ran out, we swung by a favorite: Honey Moon Spirit Lounge, where we'd had a great dinner before. honeymoonspiritlounge.com

Our bartender Kit creates his own drinks for the rotating Feature Cocktail of the Month — this visit's was the Lavender Marriage (gin, crème de violette, lemon, lavender).

Jen's already talking about going back for Oyster Tuesday. The decor is full of fun, interesting artwork, and the vibe is cozy without trying too hard. As a sweet send-off, they gave us a postcard to fill out — they stamp and mail it for you. Ours is on its way to our friend Angela in Houston.

A perfect little Austin evening: brand-new pasta, a five-way Negroni menu, and a lavender nightcap to close it out.