Austin's Best Gold Digger's Goldmine 2008

Creative New American fine-dining in a hotel that’s a bastion of Old Texas.

Reviews:

• “Not worth it… Bad Experience”
• “Lack of consistensy, slow service.”
• “Good, but not quite deserving its reputation”
• “Get your tastebuds ready!”
• “Not what we had hoped for – dissapointing”

Tips: Reserve the chef’s table in the kitchen and watch award-winning cooks prepare your feast.

The Driskill Grill

Swanky uptown hotel lounge offers relaxed elegance to business types and romantic couples.

Reviews:

• “Very Romantic and upscale”
• “Celebrities!”
• “Cool Hangout”
• “Romantic”
• “Really excellent”

Tips: You’ll be treated to live piano and vocal music Tuesday through Saturday, and the Four Seasons has a four-star restaurant for pre or postbar dining.

Four Seasons Lobby Lounge

A celeb-filled, scenester sushi spot in the heart of the Warehouse District.

Reviews:

• “A Blast!!”
• “Overrated”
• “Don’t see why busy is bad”
• “Fun atmosphere and Staff plus Great Food”
• “Thank you Kenichi”

Tips: Kenichi tempts with more than 20 different kinds of sake, some served warm, some cold. You’ll see many a patron (including the likes of Sandra Bullock and Lance Armstrong) doing sake bombs.

Kenichi
email Kenichi

Hotel restaurant’s creative, consistent seafood and steak dishes stand out among neighborhood competitors.

Reviews:

• “A Fantastic Experience and a Hidden Gem!”
• “Great service”
• “Best customer service”
• “Good dining experience”
• “Very Upscale Atmosphere”

Tips: Both self-parking and valet run $5 with a restaurant validation. Skip the cost altogether and scout out a meter in the surrounding neighborhood.

Finn & Porter
email Finn & Porter

Popular Warehouse District club offering the finest in jazz.

Reviews:

• “Fabulous bartender”
• “jazz bar”
• “Bring your credit card!”
• “go for the drinks”

Tips: Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis and shows usually start at 9pm.

Ringside At Sullivan’s

Clubby corporate restaurant draws seafood lovers with fresh daily catches and posh atmosphere.

Reviews:

• “Great Seafood, Amazing Service – Ask for Jonesy”
• “Don’t waste your time”
• “The Best Dining In Austin”
• “Thanks for the side of Botulism”
• “High end seafood delivers high end service, food at commensurate prices. Great happy hour deals!”

Tips: All restaurant locations offer McCormick & Schmick’s seafood cookbooks for sale, as well as gift certificates in denominations of $50 and $100.

McCormick & Schmick’s

Beguiling seafood dishes in an upscale, clubby setting.

Reviews:

• “Disappointment”
• “Great Service, Steaks/Seafood”
• “Great food, great ambience and impeccable service.”
• “Unique eating experience! "
• “Best Service, Best Food, Great Atmosphere”

Tips: Eddie V’s prides itself on the freshness of its seafood and buys fish from a “three-day boat.” Nothing frozen here.

Eddie V’s Edgewater Grille

Politicians and the like use this casual, low-key bar for an after-work getaway.

Reviews:

• “Great Spot to be seen "
• “Great Place!!!”
• “Cloakroom Hospitality”

Tips: Find the sign hanging on the southeast corner of the building. Then follow the hand pointing down the flight of cellar-like stairs to the bar’s entrance.

The Cloak Room

Sophisticated American chain serves up corn-fed USDA prime cuts and New Orleans-style appetizers and sides.

Reviews:

• “Our 16-yr old makes a better steak!!!!!! Won’t go back!”
• “There is difference between “fine dining” and “expensive dining”"
• “Best steak I’ve ever had.”
• “Service, consistancy, quality overall great experience”
• “Nothing Special”

Tips: It’s not on the menu, but consider ordering your steak “Oscar style,” which means it’s topped with asparagus, crab cakes and bearnaise sauce.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

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