I have a conference coming up and have decided to splurge and stay in Austin instead of driving back and forth. My husband may come up in the evening. We've eaten at tons of restaurants in Austin but they are casual. So we are looking for something nicer than Chuy's, Trudy's, Kerby Lane etc since we won't have offspring with us. Also we are staying near downtown so we'd like something in that vicinity, as opposed to the outskirts of town.

The Driskill. Hands down the best. It's a bit pricey. Ask for a table with Brynn the service can't be beat. Arrive a little early and have a drink at the bar. NICE wine pours if you are a fan. It's downtown at 6th and Brazos. We are Foodies and have been there 3 times since April. Perfection each time.

My sister just told me about a new restaurant in the W or the Westin hotel. Not sure what it is that just opened. you might look into it.
also, the bar at the four seasons is also a great place for drinks.

thanks!

Austin, the Driskill looks spectacular; is there something you specifically recommend? Also do you have any other recs in the area, so we can have a few to choose from?

w, we will be staying at 4S so it should be easy to grab a drink at the bar.

I have liked everything I've had there and they do change their menu. For starters, their beet and goat cheese salad is perfect and beautifully presented. If they have the Texas Trio, that is nice too. I have had their Ono (barely seared) that was like buttah, Escolar (perfection) as was the ahi tuna. DH always gets their dry aged filet mignon, even though he promises to try something different (also like buttah). Really, everything is great.The desert we like Chocolate raspberry gateau.

Request a table with Brynn. Tell him Lisa recommended him!

Oh, other reccs - I hear great things about the Vince Young steakhouse downtown. Congress, a new restaurant downtown is supposed to be excellent. It is headed by David Bull, who put the Driskill on the map a few years back. I actually like Taverna, 2nd street and Lavaca in the cool 2nd street district. It's what I call clean, simple Italian. They have wine specials I think Tues and Wed. If it's nice, you can sit outside. III Forks gets good reviews.

When Are you visiting?

Austin, next month.

October is one of our nicer months. Hope you have great weather. Should be condusive to outdoor activity.

I live between Austin and San Antonio so either way, it'll be fine. I certainly couldn't complain about rain!

We're coming up to Austin next week, too and need a rec close to the One World Theatre. Is this close to downtown (we're driving from San Antonio)or other recs closer? Thanks.

Ah the Austin food scene! Delightful fusion of texan and mexican food, cheese on everything, salsa, sour cream!! However for a true Austin culinary experience, one should head over to somewhere a little more traditional preferably with a grill!

The south congress cafe for example offers a refreshing take on delicious favourites. Said to serve the best brisket in town! It is off congress avenue, couldn't find their website, but full address and map here:

http://us.findnetone.com/restaurants...ustin-tx-78704

If you ever find yourself out by the lake, Hudson's on the Bend is spectacular.

bookmarking.

fyb - I might be in Austin in a few weeks - wonder if we will be there at the same time? My cousin is going for a conference and I am going to drive down to see her.

Fyb and oliverandgharry- where did u end up eating?

oh geezz... I did not realize fyb was there in sept!

volcanogirl, I bought a restaraunt.com coupon for Hudson's for $2. I can't wait to try it. I also got certificates for Max's Wine Dive and Cedar Door.

Momddtravel, Austin is only a little over an hour away from me. I go pretty often. If you want to go eat or meet up, let me know.

Austin, it's a long story but we ended up taking our oldest to dinner. He's at UT and when I originally asked if he wanted to go to dinner with us, he said no. But then he called that day and said maybe he needed a break from the dorm. We all went to Hyde Park Cafe.

Austin, I also got a restuarant.com gc for the Driskill!

Cool, fyb - I hope you like it. Don't be put off by the parking lot. It looks like a country spot, but the food is really sophisticated with lots of unique twists. We sat in a room filled with modern art, but another room had a big deer head on the wall - very eclectic. Food was awesome. Lots of wild game. I had wild boar that was delicious. Very pretty presentations.

Volcano girl must be talking about Hudsons, not Driskill. Hudsons is about 4 miles from my house. We go there now and then. It's good and very charming. I just got their email that they are finally putting in a bar after 27 years (I first went there soon after they opened. My first taste of rattlesnake!)

But I think you will like the Driskill much better.Wonder if I can get. Gc? DD bought us a gift certif for Driskill. We will go for our anniversary in April.