Austin's Best First Date Spot 2008

Eccentric, well-prepared plates reflect a chic Southwestern aura.

Reviews:

• “Awesome food and staff”
• “Worst Food In Austin”
• “Raunch 616”
• “Favorite Restaurant in Austin”
• “RANCH 616”

Tips: Check out live music on Thursdays, beginning at 7:30pm. No cover and cheap beer provide additional incentive.

Ranch 616
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Sushi and other authentic Japanese dishes satisfy a boisterous after-work crowd at this popular restaurant.

Reviews:

• “Absolute Favorite & Response to AustinHippie”
• “beware”
• “great sushi”
• “disgusting”
• “Some of the best sushi I’ve ever had (and I live in SF area)”

Tips: Ask about the upstairs room for private parties and karaoke.

Musashino Sushi Dokoro
email Musashino Sushi Dokoro

There’s a broad range of Tex-Mex and American classics, but the real draw is the view of Lake Travis.

Reviews:

• “Great view but nasty food”
• “One of a kind view”
• “Great Experience!”
• “Food and entertainment—Two for the price of one!”
• “JEALOUS LIES? I THINK SO!”

Tips: The Perfect margarita seems expensive, but alcohol content makes it a better value than Gold margaritas.

The Oasis

This trendy, yet low-key Pan-Asian and eastern Mediterranean fusion restaurant on South Congress is bigger and better than the old location on the other side of town.

Reviews:

• “Best Steak in Town!”
• “Something different and a nice patio”
• “food was really bad and overpriced.”
• “Must try this place!”
• “really???”

Tips: Come in for happy hour 5pm to 7pm Monday to Friday and enjoy drink and appetizer specials.

Mars Restaurant & Bar

An Austin staple offering melt-in-your-mouth brisket coupled with local and touring live music acts.

Reviews:

• “best BBQ ever”
• “Best Brunch”
• “YUCK! "
• “Terrible BBQ, great venue”
• “I :http://austin.citysearch.com/profile/10202550/austin_tx/stubb_s_bar_b_q.html?publisher=local_matters

A cool, sassy favorite in Austin’s warehouse district.

Reviews:

• “above and beyond..really”
• “Really good food and a nice place”
• “Delicious!”
• “great desserts”
• “Very nice….”

Tips: Add this to your list of lunch hot spots. Soups, salads, sandwiches, and pasta preserve the Starlite panache, but at reduced lunchtime prices.

Starlite
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Healthy Mexican food in a festive, vibrant setting.

Reviews:

• “Great atmosphere, Awful bar area service”
• “Loved this place!”
• “What? Why?”
• “When trendy Austin hippies take charge of Mexican food, Vivo happens”
• “Worst dinning experience I have had in a long time. "

Tips: There are plenty of spots in the lot.

VIVO Cocina Mexicana

Wine and tapas are the stars at this understated and upscale Warehouse District eatery.

Reviews:

• “Wish I could give a 4.5”
• “Better than Spain”
• “I love this place!”
• “This place gave me PTSD!”
• “We’ve never been treated so poorly. You get better service at MacDonald’s.”

Tips: Hundreds of wines are available by the glass or bottle. Recommended: bold Marques del Riscal Rioja. Wine flights are affordable and include a menu describing character and drinking order.

Malaga Tapas & Bar

Actress Sandra Bullock and company have transformed some turn-of-the-century apartments into a stately spot for soothing comfort food.

Reviews:

• “Great service, comfort food, and atmosphere!”
• “Great food, wonderful service and nice ambience”
• “We love this place”
• “AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS—Terrible food for the money and SUBPAR service—-read below”
• “Bad Food, Poor Service”

Tips: Yes, an actress owns this place. But please respect the printed request that cameras remain out of the bistro.

Bess Bistro

Seafood and steak dominate this swanky Warehouse District eatery.

Reviews:

• “Excellent food, great staff”
• “Absolutely awesome experience – all around”
• “Avoid This Place”
• “highly professional, amazing food, delightful experience”
• “Good service couldn’t overcome noise, food quality”

Tips: Book the gorgeous Austin Naples Room, which can accommodate 100 guests for seated events and 150 for standing receptions.

Truluck’s
email Truluck’s