Born during the pandemic by locals Vik and Lina Khasat, the concept for The Dirdie Birdie was to combine creative entertainment, great food and drinks, and stellar service. Like many at the time, they found themselves missing their favorite date-night spots and began cooking up The Dirdie Birdie. After 2 1/2 years of planning, they opened at The Domain.

Looking back

While other businesses were closing their doors, the Khasats were searching for leases when most financial institutions hesitated to invest in a new concept. Vik said most of the time, investors looked at them like they were crazy.

“And you really had to be to some extent, given the circumstances,” Vik said.

The Khasats said they always had hope and were able to put together the right team to help see their vision through.


Why we love it

The Dirdie Birdie blends a 12-hole indoor miniature golf course with a full restaurant and bar inside an 8,000-square-foot space for a unique experience, Vik said.

With an artistic take on the typical golf experience, the interactive golf course pays homage to Austin-area hot spots with small-scale versions of iconic landmarks along with themes including “Bat Country” and “Keeping it Weird.”

The Khasats created a dining experience that is just as playful as the golf course with food options such as The Leader Board, its take on a charcuterie board, and Par 3 Tacos, consisting of braised pork shoulder with pickled red onions and garlic aioli.


The 90-foot-long tiled bar offers a range of drinks—both with and without alcohol. Some of the more popular zero-proof cocktails include the Strawnold Palmer Lite; the Hibiscus Grapefruit Smash; and the Strawberry Un-jito, which mixes Rainwater sparkling water with strawberry, lime and mint.

What they’re saying

Despite the challenges that came with the timing of their passion project, the Khasats said the excitement and the commitment around their vision have paid off.

“The early days were filled with learning and humbling experiences,” Vik said. “We are incredibly grateful to the team and our guests as we continue to build this experience together.”


The Dirdie Birdie