Austin native Craig Ley opened supper club and cocktail lounge The Statesman in downtown Austin on Jan. 19.

On the menu

The Statesman serves elevated American classics, including seafood towers, Caesar salads, Hasselback potatoes, and pimento macaroni and cheese. Main courses include cacio e pepe with roasted mushrooms, whole red snapper with Meunier, ribeyes and filets from 44 Farms.

The drink menu includes classic cocktails with a twist, such as an old-fashioned made with tequila and cinnamon, a margarita with a touch of ghost pepper, and an “upgraded” paper plane.

Meet the chef


The Statesman’s kitchen is led by Dan Kennedy, a seasoned chef with experience working with celebrity chefs and at Michelin-starred restaurants.

“What excites me most is taking an array of dishes that are familiar classics and elevating them to another level by way of product sourcing, execution, technique and presentation,” Kennedy said in a news release. “Our menu is one that is very approachable to guests who want to come in several times a week for a great meal but also elevated enough for celebratory dinners and special occasions.”