“Second Helpings” offers tasty, bite-sizedrestaurant listings compiled from new and previous reviews, guides, and poll results. This week’s entries were updated by Erin Mosow. For quick, reliable info about Austin eateries, check here.
Hoover’s Cooking
2002 Manor Rd., 479-5006 Monday-Friday, 11am-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-10pmWhy spend hours working in a hot kitchen when Hoover Alexander is putting on a special $12.95 holiday menu this Thanksgiving? Choose from roast turkey, Cajun pork roast, jerk chicken, or smoked beef with Caribbean fruit salad, cornbread dressing, rolls, your choice of their delicious vegetable side dishes, and a tempting array of pies and cobblers. The restaurant will be open from 11am to 7pm Thanksgiving Day, and you won’t need reservations.
Katz’s Deli & Bar
618 W. Sixth, 472-2037 Never KlosesIt’s true that Katz’s never closes, and if you’d like to see owner Marc Katz in a polyester turkey suit, drop by for their 25th annual Thanksgiving Day Feast. Starting at 6am, a menu of golden roasted turkey, giblets, stuffing, twice-baked potatoes, and vegetables will be available and served until everyone has had their fill. Finish it off with a slice of spiced pumpkin pie. Adults can eat for $11.95, and kids cost just $5.50.
La Vista at the Hyatt
208 Barton Springs Rd., 477-1234 Sunday-Thursday, 6:30am-11pm; Friday-Saturday, 6:30am-midnightLa Vista bills itself as the “Fajita Capital of Texas,” and they’ve got the goods to back up their claim. If someone in the family prefers fajitas to a more standard holiday meal, this could be the place to go. Those in your party who follow the more traditional path, however, will be pleased to note that the hotel is offering a three-course Thanksgiving menu, with a turkey-and-dressing entrée for $21.95, $10.95 for 5- to 11-year-olds, and free for children 4 years old and younger. Reservations are not necessary but are recommended.
Onion Creek Grille
Omni Hotel Southpark (Ben White & I-35), 448-2222 Daily, 6:30am-2pm; 5-10pmThis pleasant South Austin dining venue attracts a hungry business-lunch crowd with an affordable menu featuring Texas, Southwestern, and Cajun/Creole influences. They’ll celebrate Thanksgiving with a huge brunch buffet with everything from an omelet station to a carving board loaded with roast turkey, ham, and prime rib of beef. Traditional holiday side dishes will be featured along with an array of cold salads, pies, cheesecakes, and an ice cream sundae bar. The cost is $29.95 with a 20% discount for senior citizens, half-price for 6- to 12-year-olds, and free for kids younger than 5 years old. Call to make reservations at 383-2626.
The Driskill Grill
604 Brazos, 391-7162 Tuesday-Saturday, 5-10pmThe stately grand dame of Austin hotels will welcome locals and travelers alike this Thanksgiving with a lavish holiday brunch buffet on the hotel’s mezzanine and seating times from 11am until 2pm. The buffet will feature an omelet station, a waffle station, various carving stations, and a seafood display, as well as traditional Thanksgiving favorites. Cost for the buffet is $48 for adults, $24 for 6- to 12-year-olds, and no cost for children under 6 years old. There will be a cash bar and live piano music. Reservations and prepayment are necessary.
Threadgill’s
6416 N. Lamar, 451-5440 Monday-Saturday, 11am-10pm; Sunday,11am-9pm 301 W. Riverside, 472-9304 Monday-Friday, 11am-10pm; Saturday, 11am-11pm; Sunday, 10am-9pmThreadgill’s has been Austin’s Thanksgiving home away from home for many years, and this year will be no exception. From 11am to 10pm on Thanksgiving Day, the friendly staff at both locations will be serving up a limited holiday menu featuring many of your favorite Threadgill’s dishes, their great vegetable sides, plus plenty of good pies for dessert. The price is right, and reservations are not necessary.
This article appears in November 21 • 2003.