Where should we eat tonight?

[TexasHorseLady]

It's a little late, but for next time, try Azul Tequila. Blindfold 'em so they can't see they're in a strip center, then get them inside and the food is great, you can sit and talk, the service is fine, and the margaritas are outstanding.

[TexasGirl@Heart]

Originally Posted by thesonofgray

Their verde enchiladas are pretty good (at both Chuy's and the Oasis). But that's about it for the Oasis. I still go there for the view, though. You just can't beat that sunset, and I'm willing to put up with the sub par food.

Me too! I admit, the last time I was at the Oasis was before it burned down. I had fajita's and they were not bad. I think when I come down in August/Sept, I will check them out again.

[flamingjupiter]

So readymade, where did you go for dinner enquiring minds want to know! If i had replyed yesturday i woulda seconded eastside cafe which is usually boppin',but its still intimate.

[atxcio]

It's too late but..

I would have recommended Moonshine down near the convention center. Very cool atmosphere with Texas/Rustic decor in a historic building, but not too expensive. It's not one of the old-school Austin institutions, but it's a nice place to go downtown. I'd also second the Z-Tejas recommendation, it's got reasonable pricing and upscale food and atmosphere. I honestly can't remember about the chairs at either location.. but you could call first.

Resist the urge to go to Romeo's! Both Romeo's and Vinny's (down the street on Barton Springs) are very longtime Austin Italian restaurants... and as such, are very poor! Imagine going to a restaurant in a town with no Italians to run it, serving to a small town population who have no idea what Italian food tastes like. That's what Romeo's and Vinny's are like.

Vespaio is good, but if you want less expensive be sure that you eat at the Enoteca Vespaio and not the full-scale restaurant next door. Both have good atmosphere, but the restaurant is more formal and expensive.

[thesonofgray]

Originally Posted by TexasGirl@Heart

Me too! I admit, the last time I was at the Oasis was before it burned down. I had fajita's and they were not bad. I think when I come down in August/Sept, I will check them out again.

Oh the new decks are SO much nicer and larger than the old ones that burned. They really improved their building...but unfortunately not their food.

Ain't it funny how it seems the best food is at the scuzzy, run-down, no view, hole-in-the-wall places, and the nicer, spectacular view places have sub-par food?

[readymade]

Originally Posted by flamingjupiter

So readymade, where did you go for dinner enquiring minds want to know! If i had replyed yesturday i woulda seconded eastside cafe which is usually boppin',but its still intimate.

Um, we ended up at The Melting Pot, heh. Not very Austiny, but damn good! No wait. Big booths. Quiet (but not creepy quiet). Food was fantastic. Fun. And we were there for hours just talking.

All of your suggestions were fantastic (except for the guy who wanted us to cook our own dinner, heh )

Thanks! I'll print out this list for the next time I plan to eat out.

To the person who suggested Curra's... that's my favorite mexican restaurant here - food wise. The atmosphere INside is not so great, though. I go when it's warm enough to sit outside (85+ degrees, heh). It was too cold Friday night.

Saturday, we went for a drive and ended up in Westlake Hills where I THOUGHT I'd been before. I hadn't. Man, talk about beautiful! We're trying to talk my sister-in-law into moving here.