The Maximilian Room

Just off The Driskill Mezzanine, the Maximilian Room was originally the men's smoking room. In the 1930s, an antique shop in San Antonio discovered eight massive gold leaf mirrors that were meant to be a gift from the Mexican Emperor Maximilian to his wife, the Empress Carlotta.

Made in France with a reflective backing of sterling silver and crushed diamonds, the mirrors still show a remarkable sparkle in their reflections. Three years after Carlotta's death, The Driskill purchased the mirrors and converted the men's smoking room to a dining room that would remain the ultimate Austin dining spot for the next forty years.

Today the Maximilian Room is frequently used for special catering events, particularly during the many charity fund-raisers held on the Mezzanine level.