Eat Around Austin
This article is going to talk about some of the best and fun restaurants in Austin, Texas. I want people to understand why people move to and around Austin. In recent years we have become a mecca for the best live music in the country. They call us the “Live Music Capital of the World”.
Not only do we have music, we have the lakes, the mountain country, many state parks, multiple museums, tons of tourist spots, but we also have tons of restaurants. If you’ve been to Austin, you know our saying is “Keep Austin Weird.” Parts of Austin are weird, parts aren’t, but I’d like to give you a taste of both. I am not a paid reviewer, I have no taste for champagne and I am by no means the gastronomic authority. I just like to share great places to see and a variety of places to eat from fancy to flip flops.
Most tourists flock to one of my favorite places on Lake Travis. The Oasis has become a destination point, not so much for the food, but for the margaritas and the sunsets. The Oasis towers over Lake Travis with stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills.
When the sun sets, the entire audience breaks into applause at the beauty of the lake and the end of the day. It’s rare to find such a serene view, but fortunately Austin has many of these sights. Food at the Oasis offers many whole foods, such as nachos, burgers, steaks, and salads. Again, it’s more about the scenery here, but it’s a must do when in Austin. The Oasis is located on Highway 620 near CR 2222.
Another drop off point is Salt Lick in Driftwood, Tx. This is an original and rustic barbecue from Texas. Bring your own drinks, sit down family style and you’ll be treated to some of the best barbecue in the world. Succulent brisket, ribs and sausage stacked on huge plates with sides of homemade potato salad, coleslaw and mmm mmm good beans. You don’t have to dress up for this occasion, everyone is happy in shorts and t-shirts. It’s a casual dining experience that will leave you gasping for more. Take a large group, they are equipped for it and welcome them. Located RM 1826 in Driftwood. County Line is my second favorite and I can’t even begin to talk about the other best barbecue in the world.
Now for a snobbish add-on: I love all three of these restaurants for great steak, awesome seafood, unbeatable atmosphere, and great customer service. Is it so:
Finn & Porter, McCormick & Schmicks, and Trulucks. OMG!! Each one provides fresh seafood daily and I have never had anything that was not fabulous at any of these restaurants. Trulucks has all you can eat fresh Florida stone crab claws every Monday night. Make it a ritual.
McCormick & Schmicks is now also in the Doman (luxury shopping), try the Salmon – Oh Baby, it’s divine. Finn & Porter has a great plate of grilled oysters with melted gruyere, lemon garlic béarnaise sauce and onion sauce. die for These excellent establishments are ideal for a first date and a lasting impression. The dress is more elegant.
My favorite place to eat on my birthday is Fonda San Miguel on North Loop Dr. It’s a top notch restaurant and has been open for over 30 years. It has interior Mexican cuisine, second to none. When I eat at Fonda San Miguel, it is always a pleasure for me, hence my birthday special.
The ceviche is outstanding, along with the black beans (a personal favorite), but my favorites are the enchiladas suizas topped with gooey white cheese and sour cream. My family prefers the chiles rellenos which are also extremely delicious. If you haven’t tried this unique restaurant, call for a reservation, it’s always full. For some of the best Tex-Mex in Texas, head to the Rio Grande at Round Rock or Hutto. Consistently the best Tex-Mex in the area!
If you want something different, try Hudson’s on the Bend. It’s another place that screams culinary delight! Excite your taste buds by trying the wild boar, Maryland crab cakes, beef, venison, lamb… the list goes on and it’s all exquisite. Hudson’s is a standout for the variety of flavors, herbs, and seasonings. I found that a lot of people from out of state absolutely drool over this Central Texas cuisine.
I could go on for hours with a list of hot spots in Austin. One more worth mentioning and then I have to go make dinner as this has gotten my creative juices flowing. Top off your fabulous meals with a visit to Zoot for a candy lover’s paradise.
Zoot’s desserts are creative and innovative. One of the owners is a former pastry chef, to say the least. I’ll never know where he gets his ideas from, but every time I go I’m amazed at the variety and unusual fare of the gregarious desserts. Try the “Tini” for a fusion of fig, grapefruit and I think ginger. Incredible. Zoot is located at 509 Hearn.
Hopefully this will help you start a quest to visit some of the best restaurants in town. There are tons more. Bon Appetite!
