Restaurants

Lake Travis Area Food and Drink

Perhaps Lake Travis folks stay active because there is so much yummy food to try! From typical fare (Tex-Mex) to the more unique (food trailer scene), there usually is something new or "coming soon" to try in this growing community. A healthy mindset means there are always various good-for-you options: organic, farm to table, and locally-grown, to name a few.

New grocery store options continue to offer the good stuff and local breweries are making their mark in everything from new establishments to tours and tap rooms. Specialty coffee shops and any number of local bakeries means your palette doesn't have to travel far for variety.

Check out our write-ups of Lake Travis area restaurants, breweries, and features of local dining and favorite happy hour spots. Between good eats and kid-friendly environments, as well as a good deal here and there, you're not likely to be short on inspiration.

Tony C's: New York-Style Pizza in the Lake Travis Area

Written by Todd Hower | October 25, 2013

What makes pizza New York-style? It’s that thin hand-tossed crust that is firm and crispy. It’s having the option to grab a huge triangle to-go and eating it folded as you walk down the sidewalk. It’s not a slice of pizza that flops into your hand like a wet piece a cardboard when you pick it up and try to eat it.

How does a New York-style pizza get that signature crispy crust? It starts by using a coal-fired hearthstone oven with a temperature between 800 and 1000 degrees. The high temperature cooks the pizza in less than five minutes and produces that unbeatable bottom, charred edges, and caramelized toppings. Any other way and you’ll end up with a cooked top and soggy bottom pizza.

Hecho En Mexico: Lucky Number 6?

Written by Todd Hower | October 8, 2013

The corner space right next to Cho Sushi in the Vista Ridge Shopping Center at Steiner Ranch is occupied by Hecho En Mexico — one of five restaurants taking a shot at serving the sophisticated palates of the Steiner Ranch community and Lake Travis area residents.

Hecho En Mexico took over the space in the fall of 2012 after the short-lived La Fuentes. When you’re craving some old school, gooey cheese, gravy smothered, traditional Tex-Mex, this is not the place. This is interior Mexican with an Oaxacan flair. You’ll discover unique and traditional flavors that you won’t find anywhere else in the Lake Travis area.

Mandola’s: The One Stop Italian Market

Written by Todd Hower | October 2, 2013

Mandola’s Italian Market is located in the Shops at the Galleria between Lowe’s and Best Buy. It’s a great location to grab a quick lunch or a bite to eat after a day of shopping in the Lake Travis area.

When it comes to family and kid friendly restaurants, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Mandola’s is a counter-service style restaurant. After placing your order with a cashier, you’ll get a number and be in charge of finding a table. But not to worry, the wait staff will bring out plenty of store-baked fresh bread with a plate of fresh olive oil before your food is delivered to the table (warning: this stuff is addictive).
[Read more…] about Mandola’s: The One Stop Italian Market

Thai Spice Lakeway – The Real Deal

Written by Todd Hower | September 17, 2013

Thai Spice is one of the amazing places that is a solid Asian addition to the Lake Travis area food scene. The restaurant is located in the Lakeway Town Center II at the intersection of Lohmans Crossing and 620, across the parking lot from Mangieri’s Pizza. (map)

Thai Spice is on the corner of the shopping center, giving the restaurant a spread-out feeling and a sweet back dining patio. The bonus to the location on the end is having windows along the front, side, and rear of the restaurant to provide plenty of natural light.

With reasonable prices and a friendly environment, Thai Spice is the real deal. The owner and his family have been part of the Lake Travis community for over 10 years. They also have a second location in the Westlake area.

Thai Spice offers a huge variety of Thai dishes along with some fresh and flavorful Japanese options coming out of the sushi bar. You can’t go wrong with the traditional Pad Thai or a bowl of Tom Ka soup. You’ll have plenty of rice and noodle options to choose from along with five different types of curries. The three pepper items are truly spicy!

Eat A Better Burger at All Star Burger

Written by Todd Hower | September 3, 2013

There have been quite a few burger joints opening up in the Lake Travis area over the past few years. All Star Burger came on the scene and quickly developed a reputation that lives up to their slogan, “Eat a Better Burger.”

The owner, Shane Street, set out to differentiate this restaurant from the typical burger joint by offering Better Ingredients. With a commitment to use beef that never, ever had any artificial growth hormones or antibiotics, and by supporting local farms and vendors, you’ll quickly realize that local and fresh is better.

All Star Burger is located in the Hill Country Galleria on the west side by Dillard’s. The parking spots that line both sides of the main drag are pretty limited. If nothing opens up, just go around the corner to the large rear parking lot. No matter where you park, you’ll find an entrance conveniently located on either side of the restaurant.

After you place your order, you’ll find plenty of seating options from family friendly tables and booths to large group style tables. The dining area is large enough that tables are spaced nicely. The location at the end of a line of shops offers plenty of window seats and natural light.

The All Star Burger main menu consists of a variety of hand-crafted burgers, farmers market salads, house chips, and old school or sweet potato fries. If you’re looking to go lite or take a break from meat, try the super salad topped off with the hemp seed patty or go “skinny style” with the lettuce-wrap option. Most burgers and salads are priced under $9. The Five Islands Ahi Tuna Burger tops the list at $11. Little ones can choose from a burger, grilled cheese or grilled PB&J.

Restaurants

Lake Travis Area Food and Drink

Footer

Legal Notice