My sister is looking for a very casual, fun, (and not too expensive) restaurant in Austin
to host a dinner party for 40 or 50 people this spring. She doesn't live in Texas so this is a tricky decision for her. Her son lives on Wells Branch Parkway and she'd like to have it be as near him as possible. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

How about the Oasis on Lake Travis? It's casual, would be great for a large group, and the view is absolutely amazing.

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

Hi, Gekko! Thanks so much for the speedy reply! The Oasis looks beautiful, but the prices look a little steep...$8 for queso? Yikes

I remember going to a place called Hula Hut with a large group. Was a pretty fun place.

There is something on yahoo called citysearch (?) that is really useful.

The Oasis at sunset would be a blast. 4 of us ate there recently on a business trip and I don't remember it being expensive.

I checked restaurant reviews for the Oasis on Fodors and tripadvisor.com and they were absolutely AWFUL!! Basically, they said it has a great view but the food is horrible. Any other ideas?

We ate a a nice Mexican restaurant. Nuevo Leon is the name on my credit card bill. It was large - there was some democrat party function going on in the back area - certainly more than 50.

Prices resonable and even food for a gringo eater like myself

The Oasis does have terrific views, but, alas, the food is mediocre at best. Seems like if your sister is wanting the "real" Austin, something BBQ would be in order. There are TONS of BBQ places around town, from Texas fancy (County Line) (and no, "fancy" doesn't mean dress-up)to downright casual but oh-so-yummy Rudy's (no plates--just paper--and the best baby back ribs and brisket!!). They've got lots of tables (picnic style) and even private rooms for parties.

Makin' me hungry....

Do NOT eat at the Oasis. It is very overpriced for what you get. It is a great place for drinks to soak in the view (and what a view it is!) but not to eat. Can you give us an idea of how much she wants to spend on food? Wells Branch is in North Austin and there are many places in the vicinity. A staple in Austin is Chuy's. They serve Tex-Mex food and everyone likes their Margaritas too. They have several locations- one in Round Rock which isn't too far from Wells Branch. YOu might also want to try austin360.com. It will give you lots of ideas and price ranges. Someone mentioned Hula Hut, it is on Lake Austin and serves Tex-Mex food too. Very laid back atmosphere.

I've already called Chuys and unfortunately they can't provide a separate room or separate area, as my sister will be entertaining on a Friday night. She'd like to keep the cost to $20 a person (including liquor).

Since this party is connected with a wedding, I think the paper - rather than plate - option at Rudy's might be a tad too casual. On the other hand, the MOST important thing is that everyone have fun, so it might be a good idea. I have a vague recollection of reading somewhere that the food at Rudy's wasn't too good either. Could I be confusing it with someplace else?

Good luck finding a $20 option that includes liquor.

Mama Ninfa's in Houston came to mind as I read this thread. I checked, and there are two Ninfa's in Austin. That may meet your criteria.

Here's an interesting link I found in the search. I have no idea who "Sally" is, but there are some good Austin restaurant reviews there that may help you find a place.
http://www.sallys-place.com/food/din...ica/austin.htm

County Line is a good suggestion... nice setting, fun, casual... $20 per person seems doable, depending on how much they alcohol they drink, of course.

County Line looks great!!! I've gathered as much information as I can about it and forwarded it to my sister. Thanks you all SO much

Susan, there are 2 County Line restaurants. One overlooks the lake and the other overlooks the hill country. County Line is a real popular place for parties and gatherings. They're known for their BBQ, but have pork chops, burgers, chicken also. And when I said "fancy", in Texas that means they give you plates and silverware! I think they'll enjoy it.

FYI - Rudy's is great and they have spicy bar-b-que sauce but no plates. County Line is good and is "nice" for a bar-b-que place. The Oasis is good for view only-overpriced weak drinks, and poor food.