Dining Options in Lakeway Expand Exponentially!
A couple of years ago, at least from a restaurant standpoint, Lakeway was as Ray Benson might put it, pretty much “asleep at the wheel.” Yes there was Pao’s, and Ciola’s, and Rocco’s, but not a whole lot more.
But the restaurant growth in recent years, especially the last 2 years, has been virtually exponential. The Galleria was open for almost a year and boasted, for all that time, exactly one restaurant: The Blue Bamboo. Then, all of a sudden, NYC pizza-styled Tony C’s opened across from the cinema. They have the area’s only coal-fired oven, and they crank out some serious pies (number #1 in our last Pizza Wars profile). After Tony C’s, Mandola’s Market opened across the street. This is a fun family-style Italian joint. After that a Waterloo Icehouse opened next to Mandola’s. Waterloo is known for its burgers and this location does not disappoint. And then Argentinian-styled Buenos Aires came along with their unique style of food and one of my favorites, the Iron Cactus opened across from the Bee Cave City Hall. Iron Cactus embraces the unique tequila grill concept, and I love their food, especially the Lobster Tacos!
Down from the Galleria, the breathtaking view from Mizu on Highway 620 was afforded to those lucky enough to try their Japanese delights. The sahsimi is quite good. And speaking of views, the Grill at Rough Hollow opened with a gorgeous view of the Rough Hollow Yacht Club and Marina. Rough Hollow has an excellent restaurant (in my Top 20) and Chef Casey makes a Shrimp n’ Grits to die for. It’s open to the public, and well worth the visit.
Further on down 620, the sumptuous Sobani opened. The owner is Japanese but the food is eclectic New American and chef Fuse is a superstar. I really like this place. Up from Sobani toward Lakeway on 620 is the little Chicago-style sandwich joint called Chi-Town. You looking for a Chicago-style beef sub or hot dog? Chi-Town is the mother lode.
Back at the Galleria, following our rough timeline, Maudie’s opened. This very popular local Tex Mex chain was a hit from opening day. Love their cheese enchiladas. And then behind Mandola’s came a little gem called Apatite Cafe. Chef David Sanchez was Colorado’s gift to Austin and his little bistro, named after an obscure gemstone, immediately attracted my attention. And then, in a very recent move, Sanchez was lured away by Oasis owner Beau Theriot to helm sister restaurant Soleil. I can’t wait to try Soleil (adjacent to the Oasis) with Sanchez at the helm.
Down from Apatite is Plate, modeled after Craft in NYC. This is a delightful little spot with an appeal to all of those with broad and sophisticated palates.
About a year ago, Santa Catarina opened on 620 in the same strip center that used to house Ciola’s. This is superb interior Mexican Cuisine under the direction of Francisco Cortez. Drop everything you’re doing and try this place.
Fore
Most recently, new restaurants have come on line to continue the surge of growth. Fore has opened at the site of the former Mulligan’s. Owners James and Ose have secured the services of the uber-talented James Ramsey (late of Silver and Stone in Georgetown) and the menu is upscale American comfort cuisine. I love the Italian Sausage sub and the incredible Root Beer Ribs. There’s a great, late bar scene as well. This is the only place in Lakeway that doesn’t fold up the tent at 10pm. And down the street, at the site of the former Ciola’s, is the new League Kitchen and Tavern. Tony Ciola and Creed Ford IV have teamed on this one and the League rocks. Love the Meatloaf Bites and the hand cut Truffle Fries. The Pot Pie is excellent as is the Fish and Chips.
And the newest opening is CraigO’s Pizza and Pastaria on 620. I think their food rivals that of some of the more expensive downtown Italian joints. I love their Eggplant Parmesan and the Sausage Roll.
Hard to believe that this has all occurred in roughly a little over 2 years. And there’s even more to come. Shane Street is about to bring family-styled Allstar Burgers online at the Dillard’s side of the Galleria. And Café Blue will open at the Galleria in roughly over a week at the site of the former Wyland’s Ocean Blue!
