When you’re picking a place for a date on the west side, it’s important to remember that the terrain is the star of the show. Take someone out there at just the right time and you’re almost guaranteed to have a blast.
10.) Revert back to your childhood at Austin Zoo
Photo: Courtesy, Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary on Facebook.
The Austin Zoo is a great place for kids, but it is also a place for a couple to revert back to childhood when animals were mysterious and wondrous.
9.) Get your barbecue fix at The County Line
Photo: Courtesy, County Line on the Hill on Facebook.
Okay, so The County Line doesn’t get all the headlines like Franklin Barbecue and Micklethwait Craft Meats in Austin, or Kreuz Market and Black’s Barbecue in Lockhart. But their Bee Cave Road location offers expansive views from the patio, which makes it an ideal spot for a romantic meal in west Austin. The FM 2222 location is pretty great too — they have a back patio right on Bull Creek!
8.) Catch a buzz at ‘The Buzz,’ courtesy of Whole Foods
Photo: Flickr user gina pina, creative commons licensed.
The Whole Foods location in Bee Cave has a unique feature on the second floor — The Buzz. This bar has local beers on tap and a few TVs, plus seating that overlooks the store floor, the inside of the Hill Country Galleria, and the hills of Spanish Oaks Golf Club. The trees obscure the course, but it’s still a nice view.
7.) Just go for a drive
Photo: Southwest Parkway with the Austin skyline in the background. Flickr user Matthew Rutledge, creative commons licensed.
A great part of any West Austin date is the drive. If you have a multi-stop date planned, budget some time just to drive around. Get lost if you want. You’ll be glad you did.
6.) Hit at least two of the three restaurants at Oyster Landing
Photo: Courtesy, Abel’s on the Lake on Facebook.
Oyster Landing sits on the eastern bank of Lake Austin. It hosts three well-known Austin establishments — Hula Hut, Abel’s on the Lake, and Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. Hula Hut serves up Tex-Mex and Polynesian fusion food. Abel’s has plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the lake and their great brunch menu. And Mozart’s is the perfect coffee and dessert spot for the end of your date.
5.) Take a dip at Westlake Beach
Photo: Courtesy, Westlake Beach on Lake Austin on Facebook.
Westlake Beach has all the amenities of a public park, but it is privately owned. With pavilions, tables and grills, you can bring your picnic and pick the perfect spot to enjoy it. Before or after your al fresco dining, it’s also a great idea to go for a swim at the sandy beach.
4.) Grab dinner and see a live show at Nutty Brown
Photo: Courtesy, Nutty Brown Cafe on Facebook.
Nutty Brown Cafe & Amphitheatre offers comfort food and live music. They have a Sunday jazz brunch and Thursday night steak and karaoke. If you go on any old night, order a chicken fried steak or a huge burger and enjoy the show!
3.) Savor a glass of wine at The Grove
Photo: Courtesy, The Grove Westlake on Facebook.
The Grove Wine Bar and Kitchen has two west locations (Lakeway and West Lake Hills) and a new downtown location for relaxing with a glass of wine and some great food. Match the wine to your food or the food to your wine. Either way, enjoy the tasty offerings. The Lakeway location even made Austin.com’s list of our 10 favorite patio bars!
2.) Take in the view from atop Mount Bonnell
Photo: Flickr user Nicolas Henderson, creative commons licensed.
Mount Bonnell is a great place to take in the beauty of Lake Austin. After climbing the steps up to the peak, you can admire the graceful bend of the lake and the beautiful homes lining the shore. There’s a picnic area, so pack your lunch.
1.) Share a pizza at Pieous
Photo: Courtesy, Pieous on Facebook.
Pieous is a favorite of Dripping Springs and southwest Austin residents. Their rustic pizzas are handmade and delicious! Watch the staff put your pizza together before they bake it in their wood-fired oven.
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Feature photo: Pennybacker Bridge on Capital of Texas Highway. Flickr user Gino, creative commons licensed.
