Walking into 827 Ray’s Kitchen + Cellar on the north side of Lakeway, almost at the entrance of Hudson Bend, it’s hard to recognize the building that was once known as the Hill Country Pasta House.
The major renovations are complete and more than three acres of property has been transformed into the ideal spot for you to enjoy the creations from this local chef — best known around the Lake Travis area for working behind the scenes and in the kitchen at the University of Texas Golf Club in Steiner Ranch.
Open daily for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, you’ll find the likes of fresh locally-sourced dishes like Cedar Plank Salmon, White Wine Braised Pork Oso Bucco, and a healthy selection of steaks.
Don’t forget to check out the oyster bar, complete with fresh crab claws and jumbo shrimp in addition to several kinds of oysters.
Get excited on Sunday for brunch. You’ll find food favorites like quiche, steak and eggs, and Grand Mariner Cranberry French toast.
Fresh mimosas paired perfectly with the rich food offerings.
You’d be missing out if you didn’t take a look at their wine selection of over 25 wines by the glass, not to mention their French classic inspired cocktails like the French 75 or the Sparkling Paloma. It’s a gourmand’s dream, a perfect fusion of food and drinks that is set to call the Lake Travis area home.
A new look but a classic kitchen
One thing Chef Brooks did keep around was the brick oven that was so central at Hill Country Pasta House, and serves as a focal point in the new homey restaurant.
As you walk in, you’re instantly greeted by the delicious aromas coming from this oven, a hint of steak and spices season the air. It’s almost as if you’re in grandmother’s kitchen, smelling the various parts of the menu as they’re prepared and cooked.
A native of Boulder, Colorado, Chef Brooks’ earliest cooking memories were those at his grandmother’s house, oddly enough. Rotating food styles and guests at their table over the years, Brooks learned the power that food had to bring people together, which ultimately started him on his journey to chefdom and now to owning his own restaurant.
Don’t miss out on one of Lake Travis’ most promising new restaurants. We’re excited to see what’s getting served up next at 827 Ray’s.
827 Rays Kitchen + Cellar (map)
3519 Ranch Rd 620 N
Austin, TX 78734
