Comments on: Austin Restaurant for a Date

Question: Austin Restaurant for a Date

Sangermaine — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 10:03:47 -0800

I'm looking for a good restaurant to take a date to in Austin. Suggestions?

By: rolypolyman

rolypolyman — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 10:30:56 -0800

Not sure what style you're looking for. I think if I had a date plan I'd head to Magnolia Cafe on S. Congress. Or for something less classy but more greasy and fun, you may want to try the Alamo Drafthouse (food with movies & entertainment).

The only area I did not like was the Barton Springs Rd restaurants; too crowded and no place to park.

By: Lord_Pall

Lord_Pall — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 10:42:17 -0800

Fonda San Miguel, Castle Hill, Wink (My current favorite)

By: fourstar

fourstar — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 11:15:55 -0800

Price range? Atmosphere -- lively/romantic/??? First date? More info needed to answer.

By: deafweatherman

deafweatherman — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 11:35:45 -0800

Lord_Pall's suggestions were great. I'd add Starlite, Aquarelle, and I've also had some luck with Trulucks. For a cheaper date, the Drafthouse is great as well. I love Magnolia for 3am post-partying snacks, but for a date place its not very romantic. Citysearch has some lists of romantic restaurants too, maybe check there.

By: notsnot

notsnot — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 12:27:36 -0800

Jovita's. My god is that food good.

By: carterk

carterk — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 12:36:20 -0800

I'm going to austin next week- FSM sunday brunch is a standard stop whenever I go. Could you provide a little more detail on your recommendations? For example, what kind of food is Jovita's?

By: nimsey lou

nimsey lou — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 12:47:02 -0800

I can't say enough about Zoot's! So, I will leave you with the link.

By: Sangermaine

Sangermaine — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 12:49:44 -0800

Thanks for all the help so far!
fourstar
It's a first date, and price doesn't really matter that much. Nothing too too fancy, just a nice place to eat and talk.

By: nimsey lou

nimsey lou — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 13:10:54 -0800

Carterk...
Jovita's is mexican food. But if you are going to go for Mexican, then Curra's is the place. There are 2. one is much smaller than the other. So I would recommend the one in North Austin for a date. BTW...There can be quite a wait on the weekends to get in.

By: birdherder

birdherder — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 13:17:48 -0800

I've always like Mars, but haven't been there in a while.

By: skyboy

skyboy — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 13:43:01 -0800

Some Italian spots to balance out the other suggestions: Vespaio (usually very busy) or Tree House (not as much), each on different sections of South Congress. (Vespaio's location is fun for an après-meal walk, with plenty of boutique stores nearby.)

By: adamrice

adamrice — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 13:57:31 -0800

These are all good suggestions. As I understand it, Aquarelle is extremely expensive; Wink is very expensive and has miniscule portions. The Alamo is great fun, but not a great first-date venue (though if you know for a fact that she'd be game, you could take her to a Sinus show).

By: deafweatherman

deafweatherman — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 14:39:22 -0800

I forgot Vespaio, I went on a date there about a week ago and the food was excellent and reasonably price. Also, El Chile on Manor has some excellent "high-end" mexican food at an extremely reasonable price. Great atmosphere as well. And their drink menu is awesome.

By: Seamus

Seamus — Sun, 11 Dec 2005 14:21:24 -0800

My second time time posting an answer and it's about food in Austin again. Go figure. This is actually a pretty tough question.

I love Wink, but it's small and expensive. Very expensive.
I love Vespaio, but it's concrete floor and tin ceiling make it a very loud place for a get-to-know-you date.
Fonda is a great choice, but make reservations. My wife and I waited for an hour on Friday.
For Mexican, I heartily endorse El Azteca on the East side for straight-up goodness, Polvo's on S. First for gritty ambience and damn fine food, Curra's for good Interior and Yucateca cuisine in a hippish environment and Vivo Cocina on Manor Rd. for the crack of salsas (if you like garlic), San Antonio style puffy tacos and a very hip environment. Vivo also gives every lady a rose as they walk out the door. Good for dates, but kinda loud.

My highest recommendation:
East Side Cafe - Ask the hostess for a quiet, out of the way table. The food is always fresh and tasty. The building is a beautiful, old house. The wine list is quite good. It's not my favorite restaurant, but it is excellent date place. The graden makes for a nice little stroll after dinner and possibly a moonlit smooch (though definitely better during the fertile seasons).

By: gigawhat?

gigawhat? — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 15:28:41 -0800

I recommend El Sol y la Luna on South Congress Avenue. After dinner, you can walk over to Joe's for coffee and (sometimes) live music.