Want to Dine In Style in Austin?
Top Choice – Uchiko
Uchiko’s menu is a mix of tapas, fresh fish, sake-based drinks, and incredible service all set in a vibrant atmosphere. Paul Qui, winner of the ninth season of the reality television show, Top Chef, inspired this menu, along with sister restaurant, Uchi, and Rock Rose/Domain Restaurant Thai Kun. My family literally goes here every time they visit. We typically start with Uchi Salad, Edamame, Brussels Sprouts, and then get a mix of Hot Rock (Wagyu Beef), Karaage Chicken, Hamachili, and some sushi/sashimi. If you sit at the sushi bar, you have to ask the sushi chef to prepare something custom!
I am a huge fan of this steakhouse for two reasons: its location in the heart of the hill country and second because they do not serve their sides a-la-carte. From their menu I went with the bone-in with a side of balsamic mushrooms and mashed potatoes. They also have an incredible patio with a stage and live music. Fantastic atmosphere, incredible food, and well-priced. What more could you ask for?
Vespaio is located right off of South Congress Avenue, which, you might recall as being a topic on the segment of the article “Ballin’ on a Budget.” Their menu is the essence of exquisite Italian Cuisine (each plate is written in Italian, as a matter of fact). Their pizzas are wood fired and amazing. Some of their most famous entrees range from Ravioli filled with Lobster Meat i to Oak Fired Grilled Prosciutto-Wrapped Jumbo Gulf Prawns. Start with the Cesar and end with the cheesecake! Don’t forget about their incredible selection of fine wines.
Located in the heart of Austin’s Downtown Scene and almost next door to one of my favorite Austin Coffee Houses, Halcyon, Bob’s is said to have one of, if not the best, steaks in the 512. Their menu, as with most steakhouses, touts incredible cuts, seafood, and appetizers ranging from Prime Tenderloin Carpaccio to a Shrimp Platter. I highly recommend their Beefsteak Tomato Salad to split. They have incredible crab cakes and a New Orleans Style Bread Pudding for dessert that is an amazing “dinner cap.”
Originally opened as a meat market in Houston in 1979, Perry’s now has 14 locations in Denver, Chicago, Birmingham, and across Texas. Their menu includes Starters of Blue Point Oysters on the Half Shell, Steak Tartare, Escargot, and Bacon Wrapped Scallops. In addition to the usual Prime Steak Cuts and Bone-IN, they also offer really fun additions to your cuts including preparing them with 3 Peppercorn Au Poivre, Blackened & Blue, Coffee Crusted, and Oscar Style. However, I will always remember going there since my college days for the Pork Chop Friday Lunch, their famous “Perry’s Chop” served with whipped potatoes and homemade applesauce for only $14.95.