photo by John Anderson
What happens when you team the Tatsu-Ya culinary brand (Ramen, Kemuri, DipDipDip) with renowned designers at McCray & Co., “big” experts Blue Genie Art Industries, the lighting wizardry of Natalie George Productions, Thrown Light’s video projectionists, Gl33k sound design gurus, and beverage director Cory Starr? A one-of-a-kind extravaganza brimming with unique, complex flavors. And, naturally, a color-changing dragon.
Tiki Tatsu-Ya
1300 S. Lamar
tiki-tatsuya.com
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Resting at the top of Tom Miller Dam, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters' view – and vibe – is very relaxing, looking over a (relatively) tamed Colorado River. Grab a cortado or a tea, maybe a pastry, and drink it all in. And let’s not forget that in November and December, that same expansive patio is lit up like, well, Christmas.
Mozart's Coffee Roasters
3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
512/477-2900
mozartscoffee.com
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photo courtesy of Mozart's
photo by Jana Birchum
Hat Creek boasts something they coined called “burger patios” – indoor/outdoor spaces where parents can grab a beer and the littles can romp on a playground, typically anchored by an impressive red tube slide that shovels scoopfuls of children out onto the fake turf like bulk Sour Patch Kids at a candy shop. According to an expert playground tester: "I like that the slide goes super high and it moves fast." Burn denim, kid.
Hat Creek Burger Co.
5400 Burnet Rd., 512/452-2025
3210 Esperanza Crossing #100, 512/838-6224
5902 Bee Caves Rd., West Lake Hills, 512/296-2151
hatcreekburgers.com
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These fine folks are unabashedly proud to share fishing stories and add grilled pineapple to just about everything. When your ideal vibe is “Tiki but make it 1997-no-cranes-in-the-skyline,” and you really want to be among the raucous, lei-draped happy hour crowd, get thee to the lake and order Mexinesian shrimp flautas.
Hula Hut
3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
512/476-4852
hulahut.com
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photo by John Anderson
Photo Courtesy of The Oasis
The food at the Oasis is secondary to the spectacular views of Lake Travis and the absolutely breathtaking sunsets at this 40-year-old lakeside restaurant. Grab yourself a beer or a cocktail and soak in the splendor as Mother Nature shows off her best work: the cliffs, trees, and vibrant open sky of the Texas Hill Country.
The Oasis
6550 Comanche Trl.
512/266-2442
oasis-austin.com
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Complimentary valets meet you at your car and kick off Uchiko’s incredible service. Diners rave about the attentiveness of welcoming hosts, waiters who ask about allergies and take time to listen to your preferences in order to make the best recommendations, and staff that go above and beyond to make dining at Uchiko an experience to remember.
Uchiko
4200 N. Lamar
512/916-4808
uchikoaustin.com
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photo by John Anderson
photo by John Anderson
Looking for a delicious way to kick off your weekend? Chicken and biscuits, barbacoa eggs Benedict, and mascarpone-stuffed challah French toast are the good life choices available to you at Jack Allen’s Kitchen's weekend brunch. Their Southern-inspired menu and farm-to-table concept mean Texas portions of elevated comfort foods, plus a full menu of specialty cocktails.
Jack Allen's Kitchen
7720 Hwy. 71 W., 512/852-8558
3600-D Capital of TX Hwy. N., 512/351-9399
3010-D W. Anderson, 512/428-6944
2500 Hoppe Trl., Round Rock, 512/215-0372
jackallenskitchen.net
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A bathroom is many things beyond just a repository – if you know, you know. Eberly’s facilities are private, pristine, and placid: a winning combo on all fronts. A commingled sleek space for washing up, Instagrammable lighting, dark blues, accented with hip prints of musicians, and sturdy disposable towels: You might want to stay a minute longer.
Eberly
615 S. Lamar
512/916-9000
eberlyaustin.com
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photo by Jana Birchum
Photo Courtesy of MML Hospitality
By now you’ve heard tales of Jeffrey's $500 steak and caviar service. It is very Clarksville, and very fine dining indeed, but that 32-day dry-aged porterhouse is just under $200 actually, and it’s 42 ounces, which is plenty for the whole table. And if you wore your good shoes, they boast one of the most prestigious wine collections this side of the Mississippi – and it’s half-price on Sundays.
Jeffrey's
1204 W. Lynn
512/477-5584
jeffreysofaustin.com
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Is it a burger pop-up or is it an excuse to get hammered on a Monday night? Yes. Matthew Bolick (co-owner of Better Half) makes “Gucci McDonald’s” smash burgers for lucky folks who are both willing to stand in a long line (with booze and beats) and lucky enough to actually get one. Check Instagram (@badlarryburgerclub) for all the deets and (try to) see for yourself.
Bad Larry Burger Club
badlarryburgerclub.club
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via Instagram
Dawn Burrell by Alison Narro for AFW Fest 2021
It’s common knowledge that November is prime time in River City, so naturally, the see-and-be-seen food fest happens the first weekend. The city’s most star-studded chefs and makers flock to Auditorium Shores to test their latest greatest concoctions on 100% willing crowds and showcase the finest flavors of any season. Wine bellies, full hearts, can’t lose.
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You never need an excuse to head to the picturesque Hill Country, but mid-May to mid-August – peak peach season – is the best time to head 80 miles east to Fredericksburg and neighboring Stonewall, where orchards galore are producing the juiciest, most intensely sweet peaches in the state.
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