One night in Austin ... what to do? (hotel, houses)

[sweetbes]

We're committed to moving to Austin in February (when BF starts his new job), but sadly to say, the most we've ever seen of the city is your beautiful airport (which actually is quite lovely). So we're flying in from DC this weekend for a two day stay, and we have one night in the city. We're staying at the Residence Inn Marriott on 4th St, and spending Saturday with a realtor, but when we get back in the evening and we need food and drinks, where do we go (we eat pretty much anything, but prefer Japanese, Italian, and steakhouses)? What are your favorite restaurants within walking distance of the hotel? And what else would be a must-see if you were spending one night in the city? I hear Whole Foods is quite the grocery store, but what else?

Many thanks!!!

[Trainwreck20]

If you like music, there are quite a few places to check out - try Austin360.com or the Austin Chronicle (don't know the exact web address, but those are pretty close). There will be other activities listed, as well, if anything strikes your fancy.

Hard to say about where to eat, though, w/o knowing your taste. I like the Clay Pit for Indian Food dowtown (within walking distance).

[debaser]

The Clay Pit is pretty good. It's at Guadelupe and 15th, if memory serves. There's a whole lot of places within walking distance from your hotel, though. Would help to know what you like.

[love roses]

They did say Japanese, Italian, and Steakhouses! I've also heard good things about Clay Pit, although I've never been there. I know people in RR who drive there because they like it so much.

[atxcio]

Ah, she edited the message to add more info. I personally love wine and tapas at Malaga near 4th and Colorado. You could make a meal of it, or move on to another place for dinner. Sullivans, Ruth Chris' and III Forks are wonderful steakhouses. I think those are all within walking distance. Roy's is also very close to your hotel... it's a chain, but might address your craving for Japanese (it's "Hawaiin Fusion")... great restaurant, but it's not very Austin-y.

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by sweetbes

We're committed to moving to Austin in February (when BF starts his new job), but sadly to say, the most we've ever seen of the city is your beautiful airport (which actually is quite lovely). So we're flying in from DC this weekend for a two day stay, and we have one night in the city. We're staying at the Residence Inn Marriott on 4th St, and spending Saturday with a realtor, but when we get back in the evening and we need food and drinks, where do we go (we eat pretty much anything, but prefer Japanese, Italian, and steakhouses)? What are your favorite restaurants within walking distance of the hotel? And what else would be a must-see if you were spending one night in the city? I hear Whole Foods is quite the grocery store, but what else?

Many thanks!!!

Sullivans steakhouse is really nice. If you like live music, do a little research on the austin chronicle website to see who is playing. Esthers follies (comedy) is fun. Walk sixth street in the evening and pick a bar.

The thing about austin is that it isnt a tourist city, there simply are not sights to see. Comparing the sights to DC would definitely be a letdown. Austin is a small town so small (ish) town living is what it is all about. Thats a slower pace of life and relaxed living.

[southdown]

We went to Trulucks on our first visit to Austin and it remains in my memory as one of the best meals and best nights out we ever had here!

It's quite a special place, the food is lovely (steaks gorgeous), and there is often/always live but ambient music (at least piano).

It's on Colorado and 4th, see Truluck's Seafood, Steak, Crab House

[lago veteran]

I wouldn't even walk 6th street unless i was college age.... as new orleans and bourbon street, goes austin and 6th street.
if i was to be in austin for one night, i wouldn't miss just walking into the capitol. it is open until 11, and it is a sight to see. spend 10 minutes or an hour. if you hit up whole foods which is also worth the visit, cross over west 6th to waterloo records and then next door Amy's Ice Cream. Or you could eat great food in that area (west 6th) as well. Z Tejas comes to mind. then hit Amy's ice cream for dessert and waterloo records after that. all these spots put together will give you a sense of the mix of old and new austin.