Kona Grill Chain in the Domain. That is not always a bad thing. I like Jasper’s which is a chain in the Domain. This is not Jasper’s.
Lamberts Downtown Barbecue Upscale barbecue by Austin darling Lou Lambert and his protegee Larry McGuire. I actually worked for Lou at his very popular coffee house Jo’s for a bit. Lou is a great chef and a great guy. And his food is very, very tasty.
Max’s Wine Dive Their slogan is “Champagne and fried chicken, why not?” This place started in Houston but has that dressy casual vibe that is popular in Austin. Food is pretty good, too.
McCormick & Schmick’s Domain And yet another chain in the Domain. Packed with pretty people at all times. Food is so so.
McCormick & Schmick’s Downtown Ditto. Except it is downtown.
NoRTH Chain. Domain. At $25 for dinner menu, this is a bargain at least.
Olivia Foie Gras Brulee. Yes, yes, yes!!!!!!
Paggi House Definitely in the top 10 in Austin. I really like the short ribs and bread pudding which are both on the restaurant week menu.
Parkside I <3 Shawn Cirkiel. With bone marrow and a raw bar, this is the place I would take Anthony Bourdain on our imaginary foodie date. Tony, Shawn, and me trading shots at the bar at 2am. If you have not been, please go now.
Perla’s Seafood & Oyster Bar Headed by Larry McGuire, this place has gotten tons of good press. Personally, I have not been that impressed.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille Downtown pretty people bar scene with a pretty good happy hour. They are most famous for their huge pork chops.
Roaring Fork Downtown Southwestern cuisine. The green chili pork is delicious.
Roaring Fork Stonelake The newer and bigger Roaring Fork is in north Austin with a great view of Quarry Lake.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Please go to Austin Land and Cattle instead if you want a steak.
Shoreline Grill Great view of Town Lake.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse They also do a seasonal prix fixe menu which is around the same price.
Sushi Zushi of 5th Street Good sushi but $35 for pot stickers, roll, and dessert seems a little steep to me.
Sushi Zushi of Domain They have a location at the Domain. Shocker.
The Belmont Great bar with adequate food.
The Carillon Josh Watkins is a freaking genius. Why this place is not packed every night is a mystery. There is even a parking garage and the restaurant validates, so no parking issues even though it is on campus. Since they are closed on Sunday and Monday, they are even extending the restaurant week menu to Thursday and Friday. The pork belly is the best in town. If you have not been, here is your chance!
The Melting Pot Fondue is fun. More kitschy fun than good food fun, though.
The Ranch 616 Not easily summed up with a type but closest would be Southwestern. Most famous for their oysters.
The Tavern Bar food for $25? Really??????
TNT – Tacos and Tequila I am not wild about the name but the food served by former Jeffrey’s chef Alma Alcocer Thomas is spot on. Great Sunday brunch also.
TRIO at Four Seasons Hotel Austin A couple of years back, they revamped the Cafe to become Trio, an upscale steakhouse. I will do a full review after another visit but I was very disappointed in my first restaurant week choice. Service was top notch and the wine choices are excellent. But the kitchen did not perform well on Sunday night. Too bad.
Truluck’s Arboretum Chain but really top notch seafood. Get the crab claws.
Truluck’s Downtown Right at 4th and Colorado, this is in the heart of the warehouse district. Again, crab claws.
Uchiko Hottest restaurant in town, hands down. I booked reservations for my birthday which is during restaurant week this year. I plan to go early for their “Social Hour” also. Tyson Cole and Paul Qui are geniuses but I think they may be eclipsed by the pastry king Philip Speer. I will probably have 2 desserts. It is my birthday, after all.
