Italian restaurants? Youbecha!

Our favorite is Carabbas on 183 near Duval. Heavenly! I'm partial to anything marsala, and they've got a terrific veal marsala and also pork chop marsala (I know, go figure, but it's really delicious - so moist and yummy!) Hubby always orders veal parmesean (not on the menu but they make it up special). Terrific bread with olive oil dip. Ohhh my!

There's also several Johnny Carino's and Macaroni Grill around town. For something more casual (although really, all of Austin is casual) the Spaghetti Warehouse downtown is okay. And Vinny's, kind of a funky place, has decent fare, very casual.

Happy travels!

Somebody recommended Carmelo's to me. Whe I looked it up on austin360, the review said it has gone downhill over the years. Is this true?

I would go to Vespaio and call it perfect...they have their own garden.

You might also check out the Hotel San Jose. As nice as if not better than the Austin Hotel. 2 doors down.

Your nephew (and you) might enjoy the Magnolia Cafe on S. Congress for breakfast. For lunch, try the Hula Hut, if the weather is nice you can sit on the patio. Not the greatest food, but a 20 year old would like it. If the weather permits, take a ride out to Lake Travis. You can eat at the Oasis at Sunset. If it is a weekend night, they have live music and the fact that he is under 21 won't matter. THe Oasis has a website. Check their music calendar.

Austin, has the Oasis completed the rebuilding of the outdoor decks?

The decks are not completely rebuilt but there's enough there to enjoy the experience. As everyone probably knows, the food isn't the greatest at the Oasis, but the last time we were there (just a few weeks ago), the fajita salad was great. You just can't beat that view, no matter what the food tastes like!

If I remember correctly, the Oasis hired a new chef/cook a couple years ago? Last I ate there it was a burger (safe) a couple years ago. It was just fine.

Another place you might enjoy is Freebird. Its a design your own burrito (similar to subway) but they are HUGE, and delicious. It's on S. Congress near Riverside.

Another vote for Vespaio - never been, but friends swear by it and make it a point to go every time they're in Austin.

If you or your nephew are into live music, check out Stubbs BBQ - they've usually got some awesome live entertainment:

http://www.stubbsaustin.com/music.php

For eclectic/modern sushi try Uchi Sushi - on S. Lamar

And don't forget expensive when describing Uchi.

Yes, V. Expensive sushi!

If you enjoy sushi, are looking for something original, and don't mind the price for an interesting ambiance, Uchi is good.

If the only sushi you eat are California rolls at $2.50/2 each from the supermarket, then Uchi isn't for you.

Thank you for all of the great tips.

Hula Hut on Lake Austin for casual food on the lake.

Andiamo's is supposed to be pretty good Italian.

Regarding Driskill Grill, David Bull was a recent contestant on Iron Chef America, and I understand he did well.

I would suggest going to a UT baseball game but they will be out of town that weekend.

March and April are a great time to visit Austin. The bluebonnets should be out. Go for a drive in the hill country. If possible drop by Kreuz's market in Lockhart for barbecue. Go tubing down the Guadalupe.

I had a great time. We went to the Oasis, which I adored and walked around campus. We didn't get to do much else, but I will be going back in a month or so and plan on hitting some of the other places suggested here!