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 or 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 or 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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