Austin Area Best Restaurants (Round Rock, Spring: prices, mall, sushi)

[Moonlady]

I originally found this forum when I was looking for information on Memphis when my company sent me there on a 2 month temporary assignment. There was a "Best Restaurant" thread and we tried a lot of great restaurants I never would have found on my own. I searched to see if anyone had done a general restaurant thread - not best Mexican or Italian or whatever - and didn't find one in recent history. So here you go - list your favorite restaurants and why you like them. Here's a few of mine:

Matt's El Rancho - their slogan is "The King of Mexican food" and I have to agree. Great food, great atmosphere, good margaritas and reasonably priced!

County Line on the Hill - you have to eat at County Line. It's a requirement to be an Austinite, lol. I love the one on the hill for some reason (and it's close to my house). Don't go just for BBQ. You can get cheaper, better BBQ, but you won't find a place that has charm, views, good drinks, big honkin' beef ribs, delicious homemade bread and their BBQ is certainly satisfying. My favorite - the grilled chicken breast!

North By Northwest - this place never disappoints. I take a lot of business people there at lunch and there's a wide variety to choose from and always good. I love their cedar plank salmon!

Cypress Grill - great Cajun food in a strip mall in SW Austin. Don't let the location fool you, these guys know what they're doing.

Fonda San Miguel - not a place you would go all the time, but its great for special occasions. Excellent food, atmosphere and service. Love the mango margarita!

East Side Cafe -They grow their own veggies out back! I love the setting in the old house.

Pappadeaux's - gasp, I know it's a chain, but the Pappa's restaurant chains have a recipe for success and it's one of the few places to get decent seafood in Austin (why is that?)

Azul Tequila - another strip mall atmosphere with outstanding Mexican food. They have both interior style and Tex-Mex for all tastes.

Springhill - really good fried shrimp and catfish. If you're going to indulge in fried food, this place is it!

Honorable Mention:

Las Palomas - used to be on my favorite list, but I haven't been in a long time. Unusual Interior style Mexican food. Try the empanadas!

Siena - I've only been here once. It was a memorable experience and I'd like to try it again, but it's another "special occasion" restaurant.

Castle Hill Cafe - another place I've only been once but want to go back. Food was good, atmosphere was fun and it's in a great downtown location.

Serranos - was happy to see them taking over the On the Border/Cozymel's location in the Arboretum. Good tasty Tex Mex!

Chuy's - another Austin institution. There are so many good Mexican restaurants in Austin, but Chuy's mixes fun and funk with tasty food all it's own.

Places I've been meaning to try:

Cafe Josie
Bellagio
Bistro 88

So, what are your favorites?

[jenelled]

hula hut- i love the atmosphere, the view, the jumbo glasses of pop and their amazinggg sampler platter. YUM.

[atxcio]

Z-Tejas - Great Margaritas, delicious mushroom enchiladas, Cornbread at the arboretum location, incredible view at the arboretum location...

Vespaio - Austin doesn't have a decent traditional Italian restuarant, so modern / contemporary style has to do. This one is the best. Great location off of S Congress.

Malaga Tapas Bar - Mmmm tapas and wine! Reasonable wine prices and great tapas at a cool downtown location.

Mushahsino Sushi Dokoro - Best Sushi in town. Off Far West and Mopac.

Salt Lick - Driftwood location, as the 360 one has closed. Great BBQ and atmosphere.

The Oasis - Yeah, it's a tourist trap, but it has to be mentioned. Best view, relaxing decks, and music. You'll feel like you are on a vacation. Food OK.

[Derek ATX]

My personal favorite is Eddie V's downtown. Great food, service, drinks, and atmosphere (especially if you like jazz). Also a great place to celebrity watch. I don't get to go very often, but everytime I do I've seen somone.

[gigi927]

Wink, at 11th and Lamar.

Eddie V's (now a chain, but still fantastic seafood and great service - happy hour half price appetizers are an incredible value)

Starlite at 3rd and Colorado

Sampaio on Burnet for Brazilian

I am also a fan of Vespaio and Malaga!!!!

[jclAustin]

There should probably be a sticky thread on good restaurants as it seems to come up on a regular basis.

Wanted to add the following, not in any particular order:

Mesa Ranch
Mirabelle
Main St. Grill (ok, it's in Round Rock, but worth the drive)
Iron Works for bbq
Moonshine

In the not fancy or expensive place to eat with kids before or after hitting zilker category:
Shady Grove (to sit outside and have a drink and simple meal)
Threadgills
Chuys

[car957]

Iron Works BBQ is way overpriced and is not that good - try Donn's at the Y in Oak Hill. Rudy's is better than Iron Works and that's saying much as to the food quality.

The fajitas at the Hyatt on Lake Lady Bird (Town Lake) are excellent and the view is not bad.

Try the chicken enchiladas with the green tomatillo sauce at Maude's. They are great.

I second Mesa Ranch. Everything on the menu is good.

[todaro3577]

i see Eddie V's mentioned a few times, i have never ate there, wondering if it is expensive , by the looks of the website it seems to be a high class place, i could be wrong.

[jwb123]

Moonshine Grill on Red River for American fusion cooking!!

[EmBee]

Din Ho Chinese BBQ for some good chinese food. Try the roast duck.