Lake Travis may be a little bit low, but thanks to relatively cool temps and a few rainy days, it’s looking amazing. Whether you want to grab lunch, drinks, dinner with a spectacular sunset or live music, there are plenty of options for lakeside fun.
If you’re a long-time LT-er, you probably think you know all of the dining spots on Lake Travis, but have you been to them lately?
Add these to your 30 Fun Things To Do This Summer and get started.
Cedar Street Dockside
This hotspot at Emerald Point Marina keeps Lake Travis on its toes all year long. It was formerly known as Carlos n’ Charlies — a spot cherished by old-school LT residents — but re-branded as Ernies on the Lake in 2017. Today, as of March 2018, it’s newly open once again as Cedar Street Dockside.
Accessible by boat or land, it’s a multi-level restaurant with indoor dining and plenty of outdoor patio seating overlooking the lake. Ever since they re-opened, Cedar Street Dockside has been rocking the lake with live music.
Shack 512
Here is another fantastic lakeside spot that closed as Nik’s on the Lake, re-branded and re-opened. Shack 512 is adjacent to Sandy Creek Marina with beautiful views and excellent sunsets. The location is perfect for Happy Hour or dining with a view by boat or by land.
Enjoy a full bar and an extensive menu of appetizers, handhelds, entrees and a kid’s menu. Plus, Shack 512 has an enclosed patio that remains open all year long.
Gnarly Gar
This floating restaurant located at Point Venture on Lake Travis has been around since 2007. It’s also a bar, a live music venue, a ship store and a fuel dock. The Gar will be a-rockin’ with live music every Friday and Saturday night all summer long.
Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 3pm-7pm, Tuesday is Taco Night, Wednesday is ‘Chicken Fried’ Night and Thursday is Fajita Night and Trivia Night (starting at 7pm).
Remember, house rules at The Gnarly Gar state, “All unattended children will be given a double espresso shot and an adorable free puppy to take home.”
Lucy’s on the Lake
Another oldie, but goodie in Lake Travis is Lucy’s on the Lake. Yes, you may have been sad when the Iguana Grill closed its doors, but happy to hear this lakefront location was freshly renovated and re-opened in 2016 as a Lucy’s Fried Chicken — fully customized for Lake Travis.
Lucy’s on the Lake features a sprawling patio with picnic benches to accommodate parties of any size. Plus, there’s a play area for the kiddos out front.
When it comes to food and drinks, Lucy’s serves up what they’re famous for — fried chicken — but they have fresh veggies and healthy bites on the menu too. They serve brunch every weekend until 3pm with deep fried french toast that you’ve gotta try.
Which cocktail should you pair with a sunset view? The ‘Juicy Lucy,’ of course!
The Oasis
It’s impossible to compile a list about Lake Travis without mentioning The Oasis. They’ve survived droughts, floods, and fire, but The Oasis continues to capture your heart with its stunning lakefront views.
Warm weather is here, so that means live music at The Oasis Thursday through Sunday. They have bands at two locations, Starlight Terrace (now with its own menu) and Beau’s Backyard. The calendar is jam-packed through October.
The Oasis is about more than sensational sunsets, food, drinks and live music. They’re big supporters of local businesses and non-profits in the community. They have fun traditions like The Oasis Sunset Tradition, including the Sunset Bell, the annual Oasis Sunset Photo Contest; and honoring local heroes with memorial plaques. They also host weddings, private events, and celebrations of all size.
We did say five spots, but let’s add a few more:
- Oasis Texas Brewing Company
Craft brew with a view high atop Lake Travis, right above The Oasis with games and award-winning local beer. - Sundancer Grill
Waterfront bistro right next to Sail & Ski Yacht Club, perfect for soaking in the surroundings. - Canyon Grille
Tucked away in Rough Hollow, this waterfront restaurant features an extensive wine list and a delicious menu. - Steiner Ranch Steakhouse
Last but certainly not least, Steiner Ranch Steakhouse is hard to beat for breathtaking views, fun live music, and mouth-watering S-T-E-A-K like you’d expect to find in Texas.
Where’s your favorite spot to enjoy food and fun on Lake Travis? Let us know in the comments section on our Facebook page or tag us on Instagram: @LakeTravisLifestyle