Son and DIL are moving to Austin for a summer job. Their first day there will be his birthday so my wife and a I are considering a gift certificate at a really good steakhouse.

They are huge fans of Ruths Chris so that would be easy. But Texas is, after all, the beef state so I thought there might be someplace in Austin that's better.

I guess I should add that my wife and I also like Ruths Chris. But, we prefer to patronize local rather than chain establishments when possible. Having said that, great steak is the bottom line.

Any suggestions based on experience ?
Thanks

Eddie V's. They are primarily known for their seafood, but their steaks are the best in the city, IMHO.

I recall seeing a similar thread on this same topic recently. If you search you may find it w/ numerous responses.

Austin isn't really a steak town. Never has been. That's more Dallas/Fort Worth's game. Austin is more BBQ fare.

I agree with J62 - Austin isn't really a steak town. If I want a good steak I barbeque it on the grill In any case, give Eddie V's a try because it is superb and the atmosphere splendid.

Eddie V's is gorgeous! Besides, they have live music.

Austin local here. Ruth's Chris is great but there are other steakhouses in Austin too.

For my birthday last summer, my then girlfriend (now fiancee) took me to III Forks and to be honest, the steak was a little disappointing. Maybe I had too high of expectations. I've always enjoyed Sullivan's and heard good things about Eddie V's. Flemmings is next on my list of places to try.

The others are right, Austin BBQ may be more accessible than steaks. But if they're up for a true Austin experience, tell your son and DIL to travel just a bit south to Driftwood, TX and check out The Salt Lick. They've got great BBQ and a serious Prime Rib to boot. But be advised, it's a BYOB establishment so plan ahead.

The Salt Lick has its admirers, but you will get a lot of divergent opinions on the "best" Bar-B-Q in Austin. On Chowhounds.com, there is a whole forum on Austin food. A great place downtown, that has a real Austin feel to it - hip and Texas-y at the same time, is Lamberts. It is more casual (although not really less expensive) than Eddie Vs. You can look aat their menu on line.

I think that nancythenice probably meant to post:

chowhound.com (singular)

which is a great food forum that I often use when traveling to new cities. If you click on her listing above, it is a totally different site.