Austin F1 Weekend

[pi_malejana]

hello, we'll be traveling to Austin from NY this week for the Formula 1 race this Sunday... just want to get input on anything Austin-related... restaurants, sights, bars, etc...?? also reading a lot about the potential traffic nightmare around the city during the race weekend so some tips about avoiding those are welcome as well...

thanks!

[ardamir]

If you are rich you can charter a helicopter to avoid the traffic.

[jonathaninATX]

I would advise like Ardamir said a helicopter if you have money saved up. Other wise you will be in bumper to bumper traffic.

[LeeLad]

Joe' Crab Shack on Ladybird lake is usually fun....so is the Hula Hut on Lake Austin. Further out, the Oasis overlooking Lake Travis is a must tourist spot for watching the Sunset, great dancing on Saturday nights too.
For BBQ, the Salt Lick in Driftwood is always great.
Hudsons on the Bend for fine dining (out West on the 620 in Lakeway) is great.
Four Seasons Sunday brunch is also fantastic but you'll need to book.
Sixth street should be fun too, loads of live music, bars etc....
Warehouse District is a little classier...
The Hill Country to the West of Austin is fantastic....Wimberley, Fredericksburg, Gruene and so on...but maybe save that for another trip.....
Hope you have a great weekend!

[RASEC33]

Definitively you have to go to Salt Lick in Driftwood. It is the Best BBQ in town! Have fun!
Remember to bring cash as they don't take credit cards.

[FM 2258]

The Original Salt Lick in Driftwood is pretty much the best BBQ I've had. They have ATM's at the place in case you don't have cash on you.

I love Austin, with all the traveling I've done the past several years it's still my favorite city and a city that keeps growing and improving.

[pi_malejana]

thanks for the advice guys!!! we're here in Austin now (well, Round Rock actually) and your city looks amazing!! we only spent an hour scouting and driving around but can't wait to go out tomorrow... we tried the Salt Lick in Round Rock and it does seem pretty good (too tired to go to Driftwood) as we just pretty much drove straight 28 hours from NY...

anyway a quick question, how about any Japanese Restaurants/Bars... i've read a lot about Uchi and Uchiko but what if they're full.. are there any other good Japanese restos out there?? finally, are Warehouse and 6th street different??

thanks a lot

[FM 2258]

Unless the Salt Lick in Round Rock has improved recently the original Salt Lick in Driftwood just tastes better in my opinion. Maybe because they have a much older pit but I could taste the difference.

As for sushi my favorite in town so far(haven't tried Uchi or Uchiko) is Tomo Suchi http://www.tomosushiaustin.com/ . Their sushi is just amazing and I'm in love with their fried cheesecake desert. I go there on my own, take dates there and with friends. Prices are reasonable and the chefs just behind the counter are artists. Address: 4101 W. PARMER LANE #E AUSTIN, TX 78727

Warehouse and 6th are different. Warehouse is more for the out of college crowd and downtown is nice since you can park downtown and visit many many bars and clubs/restaurants.

I grew up in Round Rock, parents still live there. There is a nice English restaurant in downtown Round Rock, Frair Tucks Pantry which is such a beautiful restaurant for lunch. Great Monk Tea, there is also Round Rock donuts to try. South congress in Austin is a good shopping area and my favorite hamburger in town is Fran's on Cameron Rd and 290.

Enjoy your time in Austin, it's fun to see all these people come in from around the country and around the world to see our "little" city.

edit: just found out Friar Tucks is out of business???? I used to work in the area and would go pretty often.

[redbaron_012]

I hope you guys embrace the new Formula 1 race this weekend. I know Americans haven't taken to F1 as much as the rest of the world but it is great to be part of the whole planet ! Anyone who goes this weekend have a look at our 'V8 Supercar display'...a precurser to our cars coming to race next year. So if F1 doesn't quite hit the spot these are closer to Nascar, well ? relative to F1........I will be watching on TV from Melbourne....which will be hard because it will be monday morning here and I gotta go to work !!

[jonathaninATX]

Thanks redbarob_012 Austin and for that matter America will start in bracing F1 once this is over...

Qualifying has begun!


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[pi_malejana]

Here's another question.. What's a good place for some good steak or anything that represents Texas...??

Unfortunately both Japanese Restos were full so we went into this small place called Mikodo Ryotei it was good too... We'll be comig back there tonight... Probably go downtown after that...

[ardamir]

Chances are you will have to leave downtown (assuming you are staying there) to find a good place that wont be packed.

Nothing gets more Texas than beef ribs but if you want steak...
I have heard good things about Vince Young Steakhouse but cannot speak from experience. Ruth Chris I have had and it was great.

To be honest I dont eat at restaurants very often.

[pi_malejana]

well we're staying at Round Rock... any place that's probably within 15-20 miles would be good...

speaking of restaurants, we've noticed most of them close at 10-10:30; is that a Texas thing? cause it seems pretty early especially in a busy weekend today..

[diablo234]

Originally Posted by pi_malejana

well we're staying at Round Rock... any place that's probably within 15-20 miles would be good...

speaking of restaurants, we've noticed most of them close at 10-10:30; is that a Texas thing? cause it seems pretty early especially in a busy weekend today..

Austin has a few places that are open 24/7 although it isn't NYC by any stretch.