Our Austin Favs
Drinks & Food
These are some of our favorite places to grab drinks, hang with friends and eat tasty food all around Austin. We'd love to hear y'alls feedback!
Great indoor and outdoor space to enjoy excellent coffee, cocktails, food trucks and live music!
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Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
121 Pickle RdGreat indoor and outdoor space to enjoy excellent coffee, cocktails, food trucks and live music!
Large selection of beers and pizza. Lots of indoor and outdoor space to hang out with communal tables and listen to live music
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The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.
1305 W Oltorf StLarge selection of beers and pizza. Lots of indoor and outdoor space to hang out with communal tables and listen to live music
The owners of Franklins BBQ and Uchi (sushi) restaurant collaborated and made a baby, its called Loro BBQ.
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Loro
2115 S Lamar BlvdThe owners of Franklins BBQ and Uchi (sushi) restaurant collaborated and made a baby, its called Loro BBQ.
Call in a reservation a week in advance if you can, this place has some of the best sushi I've ever had!
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Uchi
801 S Lamar BlvdCall in a reservation a week in advance if you can, this place has some of the best sushi I've ever had!
Chronicle Readers’ Best Vegan/Vegetarian Café, so it’s no surprise that the café is revered for its all vegetarian menu. From the blueberry cornbread to their signature sandwiches Bouldin Creek Café offers most of its menu in vegan options as well. One of the oldest restaurants in South Congress. The Café displays art from local artists and rotates them every month, with an open patio.
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Bouldin Creek Cafe
1900 S 1st StChronicle Readers’ Best Vegan/Vegetarian Café, so it’s no surprise that the café is revered for its all vegetarian menu. From the blueberry cornbread to their signature sandwiches Bouldin Creek Café offers most of its menu in vegan options as well. One of the oldest restaurants in South Congress. The Café displays art from local artists and rotates them every month, with an open patio.
Considered a classic in Austin, Home Slice provides an authentic New York style pizza experience.
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Home Slice Pizza
1415 S Congress AveConsidered a classic in Austin, Home Slice provides an authentic New York style pizza experience.
The wine menu is incredibly impressive and the food is fantastic!
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June's
1722 S Congress AveThe wine menu is incredibly impressive and the food is fantastic!
Freshest seafood and oysters flown in each day. Beautiful outdoor seating great for people watching and enjoying a fresh cocktail.
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Perla's
1400 S Congress AveFreshest seafood and oysters flown in each day. Beautiful outdoor seating great for people watching and enjoying a fresh cocktail.
As one of Austin’s most beloved food trucks, Odd Duck served up gut-busting street food like pork-belly sliders. In 2014, chef Bryce Gilmore retired his trailer and opened a bright, modern bricks-and-mortar incarnation with similarly delicious, forward-thinking fare that earned it a spot on bon appetit's annual Top 50 list. If going for dinner, reservations are a must!
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Odd Duck
1201 S Lamar BlvdAs one of Austin’s most beloved food trucks, Odd Duck served up gut-busting street food like pork-belly sliders. In 2014, chef Bryce Gilmore retired his trailer and opened a bright, modern bricks-and-mortar incarnation with similarly delicious, forward-thinking fare that earned it a spot on bon appetit's annual Top 50 list. If going for dinner, reservations are a must!
A new-school approach to traditional Japanese hot pot, DipDipDip Tatsu-ya doles out individual broths of boiling goodness to cook the very best cuts from nearby ranches.
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dipdipdip Tatsu-Ya
7301 Burnet RdA new-school approach to traditional Japanese hot pot, DipDipDip Tatsu-ya doles out individual broths of boiling goodness to cook the very best cuts from nearby ranches.
Super neat Japanese retro vibe with an Austin spin. Check out their ban ban dog, curry and ramen. They also have a super good bar with cool cocktails.
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Domo Alley-Gato Tatsu-Ya
1600 E 6th StSuper neat Japanese retro vibe with an Austin spin. Check out their ban ban dog, curry and ramen. They also have a super good bar with cool cocktails.
One of the highest rated taco trucks if not the highest in the town
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Veracruz All Natural Food Truck
2505 Webberville RoadOne of the highest rated taco trucks if not the highest in the town
Lucky Robot
1303 S Congress AveJapanese sushi restaurant with a super cool vibe.
Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum
1203 W 6th StIt’s all that and dim sum!
Great place with a lot of space and excellent BBQ. I always enjoy taking a tour and getting tips from their pit masters. They are always happy to share their technique.
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Terry Black's Barbecue
1003 Barton Springs RdGreat place with a lot of space and excellent BBQ. I always enjoy taking a tour and getting tips from their pit masters. They are always happy to share their technique.
A trip to Franklin Barbecue is a must. Aaron Franklin, the man behind the infamous line and seen on Master Class provided this secret: Go late. Franklin Barbecue opens for lunch at 11 and by early afternoon all the food is gone. Going at 1 or 2 means throwing the dice, but sometimes you’ll come up a winner.
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Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th StA trip to Franklin Barbecue is a must. Aaron Franklin, the man behind the infamous line and seen on Master Class provided this secret: Go late. Franklin Barbecue opens for lunch at 11 and by early afternoon all the food is gone. Going at 1 or 2 means throwing the dice, but sometimes you’ll come up a winner.
Located also on South Congress is Neighborhood Sushi . Both lunch and dinner service and an intimate outdoor patio seating area.
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Neighborhood Sushi
1716 S Congress AveLocated also on South Congress is Neighborhood Sushi . Both lunch and dinner service and an intimate outdoor patio seating area.
Easy Tiger features artisan bread, cured meats, full bar, and craft beers. Recommend going at dusk to see huge oak trees and the TX country skyline. Excellent place for large groups, eating outdoors and keeping socially distanced.
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Easy Tiger
1501 E 7th StEasy Tiger features artisan bread, cured meats, full bar, and craft beers. Recommend going at dusk to see huge oak trees and the TX country skyline. Excellent place for large groups, eating outdoors and keeping socially distanced.
Golden Castle
1016 East 6th StreetThey’ve elevated the White Castle slider style burger!
Clark's Oyster Bar
1200 W 6th StAmazing pizza and their wine selection is unmatched. This place has outstanding service and the staff is so helpful. They’ll surely recommend some bubbly or interesting wine to pair with the pie.
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The Meteor
2110 S Congress AveAmazing pizza and their wine selection is unmatched. This place has outstanding service and the staff is so helpful. They’ll surely recommend some bubbly or interesting wine to pair with the pie.
Tiki Tatsu-ya is an immersive experience, a place to escape the modern world and to an island paradise. Food and drinks are on point. You'll need to make reservations in advance.
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Tiki Tatsu-Ya
1300 South Lamar BoulevardTiki Tatsu-ya is an immersive experience, a place to escape the modern world and to an island paradise. Food and drinks are on point. You'll need to make reservations in advance.
Things to do
Up your IG game and rent a retro electric powered boat perfect for viewing the Austin Skyline or checking out the bats.
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Retro Boat Rentals ATX
74 Trinity StUp your IG game and rent a retro electric powered boat perfect for viewing the Austin Skyline or checking out the bats.
First Thursdays is back on South Congress. First Thursday is a big ole' block party, shops, stay open late, there's often specials, along with other fun surprises. The fun begins at 6pm. You can check out the vibes without being a hotel guest.
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South Congress Hotel
1603 S Congress AveFirst Thursdays is back on South Congress. First Thursday is a big ole' block party, shops, stay open late, there's often specials, along with other fun surprises. The fun begins at 6pm. You can check out the vibes without being a hotel guest.
Barton Springs Pool is a recreational outdoor swimming pool that is filled entirely with water from nearby natural spring
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Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2131 William Barton DrBarton Springs Pool is a recreational outdoor swimming pool that is filled entirely with water from nearby natural spring
Murals
We know it’s cliché, but you can’t pass up taking a picture in front of this iconic mural. Located on the side of Jo’s Coffee, the “I love you so much” mural is an iconic spot on SOCO.
Jo's Coffee
1300 S Congress AveLet people know exactly where you’re at by stopping at this adorably vintage SOCO mural. The “Legendary Memories” mural features bright colors and a postcard-style look that makes the perfect Instagram background! The street is def a bucket list spot for Austin, so capture the moment.
1800 S Congress Ave
1800 South Congress AvenueLet people know exactly where you’re at by stopping at this adorably vintage SOCO mural. The “Legendary Memories” mural features bright colors and a postcard-style look that makes the perfect Instagram background! The street is def a bucket list spot for Austin, so capture the moment.
Share the love from Austin with all your friends and family by posing in front of this wall. With a simple, yet huge design, you can get creative in front of the “Love from Austin” mural! Located in an alley between Bird’s Barbershop and Prima Donna, this spot is typically less crowded than other SOCO murals, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long to grab a few pictures.
1912 S Congress Ave
1912 South Congress AvenueShare the love from Austin with all your friends and family by posing in front of this wall. With a simple, yet huge design, you can get creative in front of the “Love from Austin” mural! Located in an alley between Bird’s Barbershop and Prima Donna, this spot is typically less crowded than other SOCO murals, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long to grab a few pictures.
Kendra Scott has done it again. Stopping by her new flagship store is an absolute must, and you might as well pose in front of this adorable wall while you’re at it! While you’re inside, grab some champagne, macarons, and other treats at the cafe, and use them as props in your pictures for some extra fun! Anything is Possible in ATX, including getting the perfect pic here.
1701 S Congress Ave
1701 South Congress AvenueKendra Scott has done it again. Stopping by her new flagship store is an absolute must, and you might as well pose in front of this adorable wall while you’re at it! While you’re inside, grab some champagne, macarons, and other treats at the cafe, and use them as props in your pictures for some extra fun! Anything is Possible in ATX, including getting the perfect pic here.
This mural only speaks facts! ! Check out Madewell on SOCO, The full mural says “Our Jeans Will Make You Look So Good,” but you can choose to creatively frame the picture so only “You Look So Good” is showing. Either way, this bright background will hype you up and make your Instagram pop
1329 S Congress Ave
1329 South Congress AvenueThis mural only speaks facts! ! Check out Madewell on SOCO, The full mural says “Our Jeans Will Make You Look So Good,” but you can choose to creatively frame the picture so only “You Look So Good” is showing. Either way, this bright background will hype you up and make your Instagram pop
If you’re visiting Austin, this is definitely a mural you need to check out! Austinites, it’s also great for you to send to friends and family in different places. The “Greetings from Austin” mural is basically a giant postcard, featuring graphics of some iconic things that makes this city so great. Since this is one of the more popular murals on SOCO, we recommend stopping by on a weekday if you don’t want to wait!
1720 S 1st St
1720 South 1st StreetIf you’re visiting Austin, this is definitely a mural you need to check out! Austinites, it’s also great for you to send to friends and family in different places. The “Greetings from Austin” mural is basically a giant postcard, featuring graphics of some iconic things that makes this city so great. Since this is one of the more popular murals on SOCO, we recommend stopping by on a weekday if you don’t want to wait!
This tribute to the Austin icon Willie Nelson is a bright, fun mural to stop in front of. With a groovy pattern and a huge picture of Willie, this wall will for sure pop on your Instagram. Plus, since it’s on the side of STAG Provisions men’s store, it’s next door to Home Slice Pizza. You know we always want to stop and grab a slice!
1415 S Congress Ave
1415 South Congress AvenueThis tribute to the Austin icon Willie Nelson is a bright, fun mural to stop in front of. With a groovy pattern and a huge picture of Willie, this wall will for sure pop on your Instagram. Plus, since it’s on the side of STAG Provisions men’s store, it’s next door to Home Slice Pizza. You know we always want to stop and grab a slice!
Located on the side of Little Limbo, this colorful and fun mural features enough variety where you can snag tons of different shots. One part of the mural says “All Are Loved, All Are Welcome!” Other parts have unique patterns and shapes. Get creative with it and show off your talent!
1708 S Congress Ave
1708 South Congress AvenueLocated on the side of Little Limbo, this colorful and fun mural features enough variety where you can snag tons of different shots. One part of the mural says “All Are Loved, All Are Welcome!” Other parts have unique patterns and shapes. Get creative with it and show off your talent!
We absolutely love bucket lists and goals, and this mural allows you to interactively add your dreams to the wall. The “Before I Die” chalkboard is an inspiring wall full of Austinites’ hopes and dreams written in chalk. Add your own and pose in front of it for a fun picture. Plus, the wall is washed weekly, so you can see something new each time you go back!
206 E Elizabeth St
206 East Elizabeth StreetWe absolutely love bucket lists and goals, and this mural allows you to interactively add your dreams to the wall. The “Before I Die” chalkboard is an inspiring wall full of Austinites’ hopes and dreams written in chalk. Add your own and pose in front of it for a fun picture. Plus, the wall is washed weekly, so you can see something new each time you go back!
This mural resembles an emergency broadcasting interruption and is on the side of Bird’s Barbershop. Just like from when we were kids and the TV stopped working. Take pictures in front of the different parts of the “This is Not a Test” mural for a variety of colors and backdrops, or get the full wall in for some nostalgia!
1920 S Congress Ave
1920 South Congress AvenueThis mural resembles an emergency broadcasting interruption and is on the side of Bird’s Barbershop. Just like from when we were kids and the TV stopped working. Take pictures in front of the different parts of the “This is Not a Test” mural for a variety of colors and backdrops, or get the full wall in for some nostalgia!
Pools
Enjoy an afternoon or evening pool sesh at Hotel ZaZa. Complete with individual cabanas overlooking Downtown Austin. Grab a drink from the bar and catch some rays!
Reservations are required to lounge by the pool.
Hotel ZaZa Austin
400 Lavaca StThe Austin Motel pool is one of the most unique in Austin. Located right off of South Congress, guests can enjoy drinks from the bar while they lounge next to the kidney-shaped pool!
Reservations are required to lounge by the pool. It is $20 per person for a daytime three-hour time block, $40 on the weekends. They also have adult night swim passes for $15 in the evenings.
1220 S Congress Ave
1220 South Congress AvenueThe Austin Motel pool is one of the most unique in Austin. Located right off of South Congress, guests can enjoy drinks from the bar while they lounge next to the kidney-shaped pool!
Reservations are required to lounge by the pool. It is $20 per person for a daytime three-hour time block, $40 on the weekends. They also have adult night swim passes for $15 in the evenings.
Enjoy the LINE’s lakeside infinity saltwater pool which overlooks the Congress bridge. Guests can grab food and drinks from the Veracruz All Natural Mexican Food walk-up window.
Day passes are $40 per person and are required to lounge by the pool. They are only available during weekdays while weekends are reserved for hotel guests
The LINE Austin
111 E Cesar Chavez StEnjoy the LINE’s lakeside infinity saltwater pool which overlooks the Congress bridge. Guests can grab food and drinks from the Veracruz All Natural Mexican Food walk-up window.
Day passes are $40 per person and are required to lounge by the pool. They are only available during weekdays while weekends are reserved for hotel guests
If you are looking for a luxurious afternoon by the pool, Fairmont Austin is your spot. From their state of the art, automatic contactless sunscreen kiosk to the poolside food and beverage service. Pool guests will also receive complimentary Evian Mineral Water Facial spritzes, chilled towels, frozen fruit, and other spontaneous pampering throughout the day.
Day passes for non-guests are $40 per person. Weekends are reserved for hotel guests.
101 Red River St
If you are looking for a luxurious afternoon by the pool, Fairmont Austin is your spot. From their state of the art, automatic contactless sunscreen kiosk to the poolside food and beverage service. Pool guests will also receive complimentary Evian Mineral Water Facial spritzes, chilled towels, frozen fruit, and other spontaneous pampering throughout the day.
Day passes for non-guests are $40 per person. Weekends are reserved for hotel guests.
Eat and Drink on the Water In Austin
This sprawling lakeside restaurant offers “traditional Tex-Mex with a Hawaiian twist” in a colorful setting, with all the tacky tiki accoutrements you would rightfully expect. Satisfying portion sizes and a wide variety of refreshing tropical drinks and margs make this spot an excellent place to refuel after a day of paddleboarding in the sun.
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Hula Hut
3825 Lake Austin BlvdThis sprawling lakeside restaurant offers “traditional Tex-Mex with a Hawaiian twist” in a colorful setting, with all the tacky tiki accoutrements you would rightfully expect. Satisfying portion sizes and a wide variety of refreshing tropical drinks and margs make this spot an excellent place to refuel after a day of paddleboarding in the sun.
Where It’s Always the Weekend! Ski Shores, now re-open after a long hiatus, is a steadfast waterfront option that has served fresh American eats, frozen drinks, and frosty margs along the shore of Lake Austin for decades. It’s never a bad time to visit Ski Shores, but the best time might be after a big day on the lake when you're more ready than ever to enjoy one of their signature cocktails and a Ski Burger
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Ski Shores Cafe
2905 Pearce RdWhere It’s Always the Weekend! Ski Shores, now re-open after a long hiatus, is a steadfast waterfront option that has served fresh American eats, frozen drinks, and frosty margs along the shore of Lake Austin for decades. It’s never a bad time to visit Ski Shores, but the best time might be after a big day on the lake when you're more ready than ever to enjoy one of their signature cocktails and a Ski Burger
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city livin’ and go back to the roots of the Lone Star State, we can think of few better activities that channel one’s inner Texan than noshing on BBQ at County Line on the Lake. Order yourself some hot ribs and a cold beer and stay awhile on the breezy patio just off Bull Creek. It’s pretty damn cool that this easygoing escape is just a quick drive from the heart of Austin
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County Line
5204 Ranch Rd 2222If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city livin’ and go back to the roots of the Lone Star State, we can think of few better activities that channel one’s inner Texan than noshing on BBQ at County Line on the Lake. Order yourself some hot ribs and a cold beer and stay awhile on the breezy patio just off Bull Creek. It’s pretty damn cool that this easygoing escape is just a quick drive from the heart of Austin
From Shack 512’s elevated patio, you can enjoy an excellent view of the Colorado River and a side of tasty new American food. Our advice: bring a pal or a date to Shack 512 and catch a dazzling sunset while roasting lakeside s’mores -- a popular menu item for good reason -- at your table.
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Shack 512
8714 Lime Creek RdFrom Shack 512’s elevated patio, you can enjoy an excellent view of the Colorado River and a side of tasty new American food. Our advice: bring a pal or a date to Shack 512 and catch a dazzling sunset while roasting lakeside s’mores -- a popular menu item for good reason -- at your table.
It’s known as the sunset capital of Texas for good reason - this tiered structure serves glorious vistas of Lake Travis and the Hill Country with a side of locally brewed beers, cocktails, and dependable bar food. This may be a tourist must-do, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an awesome place for a brew with the crew (and some people watching, too).
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The Oasis On Lake Travis
6550 Comanche TrailIt’s known as the sunset capital of Texas for good reason - this tiered structure serves glorious vistas of Lake Travis and the Hill Country with a side of locally brewed beers, cocktails, and dependable bar food. This may be a tourist must-do, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an awesome place for a brew with the crew (and some people watching, too).
This darling tiki bar + burger joint pairs excellently with a day of basking in the sun by Deep Eddy Pool. The burgers and snacks at Pool Burger are ideal summer afternoon fare, but the real standouts on the menu here are the tiki drinks that pack a punch, from the classic (Mai Tais and Hurricanes) to more original options (we love the fruity gin-based Saturn and the citrusy mezcal Reba's Respite)
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Pool Burger
2315 Lake Austin BlvdThis darling tiki bar + burger joint pairs excellently with a day of basking in the sun by Deep Eddy Pool. The burgers and snacks at Pool Burger are ideal summer afternoon fare, but the real standouts on the menu here are the tiki drinks that pack a punch, from the classic (Mai Tais and Hurricanes) to more original options (we love the fruity gin-based Saturn and the citrusy mezcal Reba's Respite)
Tillery Kitchen and Bar is one of our favorite spots on the East Side for an outdoor brunch; the shady patio overlooking the Colorado River is one of the best things about this trendy hang. Tillery’s menu rotates seasonally, but currently features cooling hot-weather fare such as Strawberry Caprese Salad and Honey Lime Seared Salmon. Stop by during happy hour and try their signature cocktail, the herb-tinged Sage Margarita.
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Tillery Kitchen and Bar
3201 E Cesar Chavez StTillery Kitchen and Bar is one of our favorite spots on the East Side for an outdoor brunch; the shady patio overlooking the Colorado River is one of the best things about this trendy hang. Tillery’s menu rotates seasonally, but currently features cooling hot-weather fare such as Strawberry Caprese Salad and Honey Lime Seared Salmon. Stop by during happy hour and try their signature cocktail, the herb-tinged Sage Margarita.
If you’re looking for a drink by the water that’s more caffeine-centric than alcohol-based (and you’re not up for the adventure that is finding a table at Mozart’s), we’ve got you covered with Alta’s Cafe. Nestled near Lady Bird Lake, this upscale coffee spot is one of favorite places to bring a friend for post-workout lattes and acai bowls with a stellar view of the water. Alta’s offers a wide variety of healthy cafe eats and plenty of outdoor tables where you can enjoy them.
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Alta's Cafe
74 Trinity StreetIf you’re looking for a drink by the water that’s more caffeine-centric than alcohol-based (and you’re not up for the adventure that is finding a table at Mozart’s), we’ve got you covered with Alta’s Cafe. Nestled near Lady Bird Lake, this upscale coffee spot is one of favorite places to bring a friend for post-workout lattes and acai bowls with a stellar view of the water. Alta’s offers a wide variety of healthy cafe eats and plenty of outdoor tables where you can enjoy them.
From 9am-3pm on weekends, try Sundancer Grill for a decadent brunch steps from the shore of Lake Travis - because what lake trip is complete without breakfast nachos and stuffed french toast? During the rest of the week, this is an excellent option for a cold margarita and some hot, crispy fried pickles. Boat parking is complimentary for diners here!
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Sundancer Grill
16410 Stewart RdFrom 9am-3pm on weekends, try Sundancer Grill for a decadent brunch steps from the shore of Lake Travis - because what lake trip is complete without breakfast nachos and stuffed french toast? During the rest of the week, this is an excellent option for a cold margarita and some hot, crispy fried pickles. Boat parking is complimentary for diners here!
Jacoby's Restaurant & Mercantile
3235 E Cesar Chavez St