Food & drinks! (Austin, Round Rock, Spring: appointed, house, movies)

[njl2011]

Headed to Austin next weekend for a house hunting visit with my wife. That weekend is also our anniversary...I was wondering if you kind folks could recommend some good places to eat while we are in town. I want local eats or at the very least no "chain" places. Money is not a problem and we are not picky eaters. I have read good things about:

- Alamo DH
- Casino El Camino
- Salt Lick

[spelrod]

If you go to an Alamo just for the food you're going to be disappointed. Go for the entire experience, hopefully a quote-along or some kind of special event.

[hlk]

Originally Posted by njl2011

Headed to Austin next weekend for a house hunting visit with my wife. That weekend is also our anniversary...I was wondering if you kind folks could recommend some good places to eat while we are in town. I want local eats or at the very least no "chain" places. Money is not a problem and we are not picky eaters. I have read good things about:

- Alamo DH
- Casino El Camino
- Salt Lick

Alamo Drafthouse is fantastic for drinks (beer and wine at all locations, and liquor at the one downtown) with special events and movies. The food isn't very interesting, for the most part, although having it available is nice. If you do end up eating there, they have a decent burger and some good salads and desserts. Definitely try to catch a show there, either way.

Casino El Camino is a pretty cool bar with good drinks and good burgers and fries, but I've never been blown away by the food there like some seem to be. Right now, I think the best burgers in town are probably at Hopdoddy, which also has great beers and some interesting adult milkshakes.

Salt Lick is a pleasant drive if you don't mind going 45 minutes outside of Austin. The atmosphere is kind of fun, kind of touristy. The barbecue is really kind of middling, which means it's good by general standards but not by Texas standards. If you're willing to drive about the same distance and want truly great barbecue, head to Lockhart and hit Smitty's, Black's, Kreuz, or all of the above.

In Austin, Franklin Barbecue is absolutely fantastic, but you have to get there early (before they even open) and stand in line for a while to get some brisket and ribs before they run out. Their moist brisket is worth it.

For a special, splurge-y anniversary dinner, I would recommend sitting at the bar at Uchiko or Uchi. Best restaurants in town.

Barley Swine would also be great, and a bit less expensive. It's tiny, but not bad if you get there early (I think they open at five), and you can call ahead to be put on a waiting list before you arrive.

For food carts, which are all the rage in Austin, Odd Duck is great and BYOB. The East Side King trucks at bars Liberty and Grackle (almost next door to each other) are both really great. Gourdough's is fun for dessert, with over-the-top fresh-fried doughnuts almost as big as your head.

[jobert]

Hula Hut, Guero's, Condesa, Austin Land and Cattle, Uchi, Maudie's on W. 7th. Maudie's Milagro on 360, III Forks.

[sxb317]

I think Perla's is great for a special (but yet fun) dining. Great seafood, drinks and atmosphere.

[mark311]

Originally Posted by jobert

Hula Hut, Guero's, Condesa, Austin Land and Cattle, Uchi, Maudie's on W. 7th. Maudie's Milagro on 360, III Forks.

Agree with just about everything on this list except for the food at Guero's, however, it's in a great location on South Congress and that makes it a worthwhile stop.

I agree with everyone else that I would skip the Alamo Drafthouse unless there's a movie that you really want to see. If you're going to drive all the way out to the original Salt Lick (and not the newer one in Round Rock), then I'd go to the Oasis instead. Everyone states that the food isn't the greatest, but the food has improved in the past couple years and you're going there for the view and the ambience.

The OASIS Restaurant- Sunset Capital of Texas

Casino El Camino is more of a dive bar type place on 6th Street. It might not be a bad choice if you're looking for greasy bar food and everyone does rave about the burgers there.

[hlk]

I disagree about the Oasis. It's turned into some kind of Disneyland-meets-tourist-mall type of monstrosity, sometime over the last year or so, and it's a total nightmare (in addition to having bad food). Not even worth it to try and get into for a margarita & a view of the sunset anymore. Just my opinion.

[10scoachrick]

Not exactly SLC weather here...likely to be +-100 degrees. Consider that if you are thinking of hitting the food trailers or dining outside during the day. If you don't mind a crowd, The Oasis has a variety of restaurants and spectacular views of 'our' small 'lake'.(It ain't big, but it's wet--for now)

The OASIS Restaurant- Sunset Capital of Texas

Some folks remember the meh food from the past; but our two meals this spring were quite tasty. Heck, just order the flan and watch the sunset .

[hoffdano]

The Oasis location is fantastic, in spite of the food. But I suggest eating at Soleil, next door to the Oasis, instead. I have not been but people I trust with discriminating taste said it was very good.

One thought since you would be in the Lake Travis area is to have dinner at Hudson's on the Bend. Outstanding flavorful and original southwestern cuisine.

I like Alama Drafthouse for movies and food, but I don't think of it as a destination place unless you want to watch a movie.

For other tastes of Austin I'd eat tex-mex at the original Chuys on Barton Springs Rd. or Trudys Texas Star.

Trailer food all over and it is hard to turn down Torchys Tacos.

[AustinTraveler]

Totally agree with Soleil, Hudson on the Bend, and Uchiko (haven't been to Uchi but I'm sure it's fabulous too). Uchiko is truly outstanding. Downtown (actually south) I like South Congress Cafe, although it gets really loud.

People seem to love Salt Lick but I am not a fan, at all. I do like the shredded beef sandwich at Iron Works BBQ downtown on Red River and Caesar Chavez. Roaring Fork downtown is good for Happy Hour, as is Paggi House, a place that's definitely been in Austin a long time.

Another place that's really good and is located in a really cool old house (that used to be another restaurant called Zoot) is Fabi and Rosi. Loved the food and atmosphere. And Asti in Hyde Park is always good and definitely a place where the locals eat.

And, wanted to add a couple of good wine bars that serve food: Max's Wine Dive downtown and Vino Vino in Central Austin. Make sure you check out Central Market on North Lamar if you guys are food people. Downtown's Whole Foods is definitely a must do as well.

Have a great time and Happy Anniversary!!