Fodor's Expert Review The Oasis–Lake Travis

This scenic Austin institution, on a 450-foot cliff above Lake Travis, is famed for its sunsets and special-occasion atmosphere, popular with tourists, birthday revelers and anniversary lovebirds. If you can, arrive early to get a table directly overlooking the lake, but most seats in the multi-tiered eatery have decent views. The menu includes unremarkable Tex-Mex fare like burgers, fajitas, and margaritas, but weekly and seasonal events like their Sunset Music Series create an enjoyable ambiance that justifies the 30-minute drive from downtown. The surrounding Oasis Complex has grown to include various shops like the Lakeview Winery and Blue Genie gift shop, which are nice for after-dinner browsing.