Austin restaurant smoking (Round Rock, Georgetown, Barton Creek: movie theaters, exemptions, live) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots · 10-11-2011, 08:21 AM

Would you say the majority of restaurants allow smoking or are no smoking in Austin?

Trainwreck20 · 10-11-2011, 08:41 AM

It is prohibited by law to smoke in a restaurant in Austin, although there are a very small hand full of exceptions (Trudy's, I think, is still exempted, because they built the 'smoke tanks' under the old law).

someguyatx · 10-11-2011, 08:42 AM

No smoking in any restaurant in Austin, and this really should be a nationwide thing. I was a smoker and it never bothered me when a restaurant was non smoking. I am just old enough to remember smoking in movie theaters and grocery stores and nobody complains that you cant smoke there anymore.

oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots · 10-11-2011, 09:24 AM

Thanks for the info. I know we had the law back where we lived but I wasn't sure about Austin.

I hadn't been bothered by smoke in some time till last night at the Outlet Mall up here in Round Rock/Georgetown area. Lot's of people smoking while walking, smoking while sitting on the benches outside the stores. (some of the places to eat had open doors so you could smell it inside too) I'm all for the "right" to smoke but I also believe in the "rights" of those that don't want to breathe it. I won't be frequenting that mall regularly just for that reason. (actually, only been there twice since we moved here three years ago because every time I think about it I remember all the smoke).

I don't begrudge someone wanting to smoke but I do make conscious decisions not to go back where it is.

Also, I know that I diverted from the original question. Sorry, didn't mean to be sideways about it. My experience last night prompted me to ask the question about Austin restaurants...hey, my brain is wired like that. Actually, someday, (maybe) we'll venture out and start hitting restaurants in Austin. (so, you see...it wasn't all off base to ask)

Isn't there an indoor mall in Austin? Haven't been...do they allow smoking there?

Trainwreck20 · 10-11-2011, 09:41 AM

Smoking is basically prohibited in all public indoor locations in Austin except for the exemptions mentioned above (a few restaurants with separate areas) and in 'cigar rooms' or some such thing. Barton Creek (southwest), Highland (central), and Lakeline (northwest) are smoke free inside, at least, not sure about outside (probably not).

oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots · 10-11-2011, 11:47 AM

Thanks. From what I hear in conversation Highland mall is the biggest indoor mall around here? True?

atxcio · 10-11-2011, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots

Thanks. From what I hear in conversation Highland mall is the biggest indoor mall around here? True?

Highland Mall is a dead mall, it's been bought by ACC and will slowly convert to classrooms. Right now it's just a food court and some straggler stores... lot of empty, closed shops. There is almost zero reason to go there anymore. And heck, if you were concerned about indoor smoking, that's probably where it would happen -- technically it's illegal but at Highland there is probably no one left that would complain.

Lakeline and Barton Creek are the big malls. If you could only go to one, I'd suggest making the trip to Barton Creek. Incredible downtown view from the parking lot, and specialty/interesting stores like the Apple Store, Lego Store, Nordstroms, etc.

Lakeline has more stores and restaurants around it though.

oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots · 10-11-2011, 11:56 AM

Thanks Atxcio. Time to leave the cave. We'll be going in the near future.

Moonlady · 10-11-2011, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots

Thanks. From what I hear in conversation Highland mall is the biggest indoor mall around here? True?

Highland Mall is a shadow of its former self. Many of the anchors have pulled out and it's not as great as it once was. In its prime, it was a great place, but it's been on the decline for awhile. Lakeline is OK, smallish. Barton Creek is probably the nicest indoor mall now, but outdoor places like The Domain and Hill Country Galleria are taking the place of large indoor malls. Don't make a trip into town just for Highland Mall, IMHO.

someguyatx · 10-11-2011, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots

Thanks Atxcio. Time to leave the cave. We'll be going in the near future.

If you heard good things about Highland Mall then yes you have certainly been in a cave for a long time

I personally think the Domain concept is much better than a traditional mall except on those 100+ degree days. They have restaurants there too not traditional mall stuff like panda express and sbarro.