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NORTH AUSTIN. A steakhouse with lots of Texas attitude, this appealing restaurant offers spiced-up versions of traditional fare, like Oysters "Tex"efeller, fried mushrooms with chipotle sauce, and kicky stuffed green chiles. Perfectly broiled steaks are the main draw, and while accompanying sauces are optional, the jalapeno-blue cheese version is awe-inspiring and highly recommended. The place does a fabulous job with seafood too, so if you're craving shrimp or fish, go for it. The laid-back Texas vibe attracts casual jeans-and-t-shirt types as well as professionals, and if you're in a hurry, know that the bar serves great burgers.
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SPICEWOOD. Owned by former caterers who fed well-known acts like ZZ Top and Willie Nelson, Backstage offers quite an incentive to visit the little town of Spicewood – framed memorabilia alone is worth the 45-minute drive from Austin. But if the star-studded decor doesn't hold much allure for you, the stellar food will. Prime steaks are given a dose of salt and freshly ground pepper, then grilled: a purist's dream. Alternatively, try pan-seared drum with yellow tomato-jalapeno-lime cream sauce, or pork chops with red chile jus and pineapple-ancho chutney. Live music several nights a week, too.
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NORTH AUSTIN. At over 24,000 square feet, Cool River is one of the biggest restaurants in Texas. Enjoy a leisurely dinner in its upscale dining rooms, and then visit the cigar and cognac lounge to indulge in its offerings or take in live music or shoot pool in the bar. Portions on the extensive menu are hearty, and aged Angus steaks are the big draw, whether you choose a simply grilled rib-eye or a marinated or stuffed filet. Adventurous diners can opt for Devil Creek Shrimp – bacon-wrapped, stuffed with pepper jack cheese, and grilled with chipotle sauce.
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Finn & Porter
500 E 4th St, Hilton Austin, Austin, TX 78701 · 512-682-2885
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DOWNTOWN. Upscale, glamorous Finn & Porter ranks as one of the absolutely best places in town for prime steaks and fresh seafood. The menu changes daily, but rest assured that you'll find superb preparation and a creative approach to cuisine. Begin the adventure with hot-smoked Pacific oysters Rockefeller or pan-seared foie gras, and then agonize over dishes like a bone-in rib-eye, roasted veal chop, or beef tenderloin tournedo Rossini. An ocean's bounty of fresh fish and sushi are also sublime options. Thanks to Finn & Porter, you'll be reconsidering what a hotel restaurant can be. Good wine list, too.
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DOWNTOWN. In true steakhouse fashion, Fleming's sports lots of dark wood and leather and provides attentive service and top-notch food. Start with zesty Cajun barbecued shrimp or crab cakes with roasted red pepper-lime butter. Steaks are expectedly excellent, but other main course options are just as good, from double-thick pork chops to bacon-wrapped curry scallops. Sides have a regional taste with jalapenos and chipotles making frequent appearances. Plus, Fleming's has some 100 wines available by the glass, along with numerous others available by the bottle.
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Houston's
2408 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757 · 512-451-7333
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NORTH AUSTIN. An Austin stalwart, this meat-and-potatoes place is much loved by locals, not only for its well-prepared food but for its low-key atmosphere. Indeed, the place is popular for business meetings, special dinners, and family gatherings, and kids are always welcome. Whatever the occasion, be sure to start with an order of Houston's famous spinach-artichoke dip. Steaks and chops, accompanied by a fully-loaded baked potato or perfect golden fries, take on a smoky depth of flavor courtesy of the oak-fired grill, and prime rib is exceptional as well.
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III Forks
111 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701 · 512-474-1776
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DOWNTOWN. The well-known Dallas steakhouse has opened a branch in Austin, showcasing USDA Prime steaks and fresh seafood. Although not quite as large as her counterpart, the downtown steakhouse is every bit as elegant and exclusive-feeling, with a piano bar, marble and wood detailing, and a 300-selection walk-in wine room. Highlights of the menu include a full array of fantastic steaks, of course, along with veal chops, fried shrimp and a few fish dishes. Desserts are made in-house, and the wine selection is truly wonderful.
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ARBORETUM. When the urge to treat yourself to a night out strikes, Reed's offers a sumptuous way to satisfy it. The elegant establishment consists of a downstairs jazz lounge and an upstairs restaurant, connected by a spiral stair. The restaurant – an upscale vision of leather, velvet, and crystal – pampers guests with broiled, dry-aged steaks, including a New York strip, filet mignon, and bone-in rib-eye. Other options include bacon-wrapped venison, a double-cut pork chop, miso-sake seabass, and broiled Australian lobster tail. After dinner, lounge about with a cocktail, enjoying the music, or take to the dance floor to slough off those extra calories.
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DOWNTOWN. The signature Ruth's Chris sizzle is in full evidence at this respected chain's Austin outpost. Notable for prime steaks, upscale decor, elegant but relaxed ambience, first-rate service, and an impressive wine list, the restaurant is ideal for business dinners and special occasions. You truly can't go wrong with anything on the menu, from shrimp cocktail and crab-stuffed mushrooms to broiled rib-eyes or chocolate sin cake. An exceptional meal from start to finish.
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Sullivan's
300 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701 · 512-495-6504
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WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. Set in the heart of downtown, Sullivan's has an air of posh sophistication that's evident from the moment you enter. Hearty hand-cut steaks are the stars and include a bone-in Kansas City strip at 20 ounces and a mushroom duxelles filet mignon at 8 ounces. Broiled lobster, jumbo scallops, and Alaskan king crab legs also tempt, as does an impressive wine list. A favorite with politicians and celebrities, the restaurant has a welcoming, clubby atmosphere that's ideal for special dinners. The on-premises cigar and jazz lounge is open Friday and Saturday.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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