Westlake Restaurant Scene Continues to Defy Logic

You’ve all heard me rant about the ongoing paradox that characterizes dining in Westlake. I’ve mentioned the Bermuda triangle of restaurants more than once in this blog: so then what happens? Two new restaurants open within a few months of each other and they are both packing them in.

I’m referring of course to the fast-casual Zu Zu’s on Bee Caves Rd. next to the Capital One Bank building. This place hit the ground running and its message of lard-free healthy Mexican cuisine is resonating with Westlakers. Even more interesting is the overnight success of Zu Zu’s next door neighbor, The Grove. This is a wine bar with outdoor dining available and an Italian theme to the cuisine. The Grove has had waits of as long as 2 hours on the weekend which is virtually unheard of in this area. The Grove is about the 10th restaurant that owner Reed Clemons has started in Austin, and as is the case with most of them, (Granite Café, Mezzaluna, Bitter End, Capitol Brasserie, Reed’s Supper Club to name just a few) they start out very strongly.

But this is the first time I can remember two restaurants in Westlake starting out that robustly and maintaining their pace after the first onset of customers.

Could one reason for the success be that the restaurants are located on Bee Caves Road (across from the County Line) outside the dreaded 360 Loop? One wonders how they would have done in that almost totally inhospitable environs of the Village Center mall down the street that housed Ruggles, The Four Corners, Austin’s Cheesecake Kitchen, Canyon Café, and several other failed restaurants? And upscale Italian cuisine has never worked in Westlake unless you mistakenly place The Macaroni Grill in that category. The excellent Café Spiazzo bombed on Bee Caves Rd as did Madame Nadelini’s and Vincent’s at Davenport Center. So all of a sudden up pops the Grove and it’s killing them.

Well, I couldn’t be happier for both Zu Zu’s and The Grove. Let’s hope they can continue their hot streak. And as for Reed Clemons, let’s hope he maintains his enthusiasm for his new venture. Some industry wags claim that he enjoys opening restaurants more than operating them. I don’t necessarily totally agree with that assessment but it would be nice to have him stay the course with a popular restaurant. Westlake could use a few more stars in the firmament.