I'm going to have an afternoon and dinner free while in Austin. I'm looking to see some "off the beaten track" kind of places, even a short drive out of the city. I'll be in town for SxSW and will be anxious to get away from the crowds if possible. Is there anything in the surrounding area that you consider a real taste of texas, million dollar views or that place/meal that really makes you feel like your in Texas?

Thanks in advance

It's a bit further out, but it's not exactly a secret. It's a country-style place and you will definitely know you are in Texas.

http://www.hillscafe.com/

I don't want to misguide you. Here are some less than positive recent reviews:
http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/a...ancial-trouble

The Oasis restaurant has a fantastic view. The food is not out of this world but I've had clients choose to go here when we could have gone anywhere, just to have drinks and enjoy the view.

http://www.oasis-austin.com/

The Salt Lick for bbq is a nice country drive and pure Texas (the one in Driftwood):

http://www.saltlickbbq.com/

Get the ribs!

The Salt Lick is great fun, and very good food! (BYOB, at least when we were there a few years ago).

Salt Lick is a bit of an institution. There are also several wineries nearby, like Driftwood Estates and Duchman Family. When I googled for the sites for those wineries for you, I came across this blog which I think describes everything about these spots (including the Salt Lick) way better than I ever could: http://txwinelover.com/2011/08/texas...%80%93-part-2/

Was going to reply exactly what follow your bliss said but she/he beat me to it! So I guess you can say, what FYB said.

As you can see from most of the responses, the Salt Lick is the place to go! I highly recommend it. Family-style BBQ at a flat rate per person was an option when I ate there - they keep bringing out the meat and sides until you say stop. And their big bowl of blackberry cobbler is to die for!

Thanks all! Salt Lick is hosting one of our events, so I'll get my fill of that! I would like to get away from the city for a bit....any destinatins within an hour or so? Great drives?

You could go to Gruene Tx and eat at Grist Mill, it overlooks the Guadalupe River. A lot of tourists like it. I would suggest Gruene Hall but you might be looking for a break from music.

Or do you want to hike or just drive?

I really think The Salt Lick will be your most "Texas" feel place and food, and just under an hour. But if u will already be doing that, then Gruene might be it.

Personally, Hills is a greasy spoon that has had to be saved -again. The oasis is nice but not for good food or a Texas feel.

FYI, traffic here is bad but during SXSW it's much worse. Heading our of town should be done before 4PM.

Any opinions about Franklin's?

Franklins is excellent but they they are only open for lunch and stop serving when they run out of meat - usually around noon.

Not only that, but people start lining up before the place opens. Just being in line doesn't guarantee food. During SXSW, all of the popular places are going to be even more packed. And isn't it right off the freeway?