Need some help from those living in Austin or familiar with the Austin restaurant scene. I go back to Austin every once in awhile for work, but I can't keep up with all of the new places. My wife and I are coming back to Austin for a week to celebrate my 30th and NYE. We'd like to have an early dinner with our friends on Dec 31st before hitting up a place to ring in the New Years. Any suggestions? Here's my criteria for the restaurant: - unique to Austin (or Texas): no big chains and would prefer food to have a Southwestern or "Texas" influence. - reasonable price range (most entrees in the $14-$25 range) - able to make reservation for group of 16ish Some of the places I know of because I've eaten there many times: Moonshine, Z-Tejas, Roaring Fork, Ranch 616, Belmont. I am wondering if anyone has a new suggestions?
Austin Land and Cattle. The entrees can be a bit more than you stated but they include a side so it may even out. The entrees range from about $17 - $42. Owners are great people, service is good, and the food is great.
TheU....great recommendation. I've never heard of Sampaio's but it looks awesome. Even if we don't go on NYE, I might take the wife there another night. As for Austin Land & Cattle...I've been there before and agree its great.
I know its kind of a chain, but Taverna on 2nd & Lavaca hired a new Executive Chef, and he has been given a lot of latitude in customizing the menu. He's a done a great job of improving the quality of food and offerings there, and would recommend it.
sometimes I wonder if people even read the original post Lambert's is my recommendation. I would suggest getting a reservation now. I assume you will be heading out downtown after, and this is within walking distance of all the areas to go out.
did anyone read the part of the original post that stated he wanted a new suggestion, and that he's already aware of Ranch 616?
OK...sorry. Missed the 616 ref in the first post. Although 16 would probably be too large a group, you should look at Olivia on South Lamar if you are down to 8 or 10. Not exactly "Southwest" but very unique, and very good.
I appreciate everyone's suggestions....I've come away with 2 new great ideas for dining on a night other than NYE (Olivia's and Sampaio's). I've been to Lamberts for a work function and thought it was okay. If you are craving BBQ downtown, it's a decent choice, I guess. IMO, it's pricey and the food is average. I plan on eating plenty of BBQ the week I am there and it'll probably be outside Austin city limits. In case anyone was wondering, we did settle on Moonshine. They had no problems with a reso for 18, will have the full menu available NYE (and not a prix fixe), and is dependable (yet unique) for everyone in our party (budget and taste.)
