One of the many perks of living in – or visiting – Austin is the city’s many lakeside restaurants.  Soak in the season with this list of Where to Dine by the Water.  Whether you arrive by car or boat, you’re sure to enjoy these beloved restaurants spanning Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin, and Lake Travis.

Lady Bird Lake

Photo from Alta’s Cafe’s Facebook page

Alta’s Cafe
If you’re looking for a drink by the water that’s more caffeine-centric than alcohol-based, we’ve got you covered with Alta’s Cafe.  Nestled on Lady Bird Lake, this upscale coffee spot is one of the favorite places to bring a friend for post-workout lattes and acai bowls with a stellar view of the water. Alta’s offers a wide variety of healthy cafe eats and plenty of outdoor tables where you can enjoy them.

Photo courtesy of Veracruz All Natural

Veracruz All Natural at the Line Hotel
On the first floor of the Line Hotel overlooking Lady Bird Lake in Downtown Austin, you’ll find local favorite, Veracruz All Natural serving up excellent tacos. Pick them up and sit outside for a picnic by the water. (For an upscale dining experience, you will also find restaurant Arlo Grey at the Line Hotel for a great date night option with views.)

Views from the rooftop of Austin Central Library, photo by Roger Ho

Cookbook Cafe / Rooftop Patio of Austin Central Library
The Austin Public Library’s Central location includes a ground-floor counter service cafe called Cookbook. Take your order up to the roof and dine on the gorgeous patio overlooking Lady Bird Lake for a special treat.

Lake Austin

County Line on the Lake
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city livin’ and go back to the roots of the Lone Star State, we can think of few better activities that channel one’s inner Texan than chowing down on BBQ at County Line on the Lake. Order yourself some hot ribs and a cold beer and stay a while on the breezy patio just off Bull Creek. The kids will love looking at all the turtles by the water’s edge.

Hula Hut
This lakeside restaurant offers “traditional Tex-Mex with a Hawaiian twist” in a colorful setting, with all the tiki accouterments you would rightfully expect. Satisfying portion sizes and a wide variety of refreshing tropical drinks and margs make this spot an excellent place to refuel after a day of paddleboarding in the sun.  They also have boat slips on a first-come, first-served basis, or order yours to-go to eat out on the lake.

Playtime at Ski Shores; photo by Heidi Okla

Ski Shores
Ski Shores is a steadfast waterfront option that has served fresh American eats and ice-cold drinks along the shore of Lake Austin for decades. Let the kids enjoy some carefree moments in their adorable fenced play area or digging in the sand pit. It’s never a bad time to visit Ski Shores, but the best time might be after a big day on the lake!  Boat parking is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.  They also have live music on Fridays from 5 – 7 pm.

Photo from Mozart’s Coffee Roasters’ Facebook page

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Just steps away from Hula Hut, you’ll find Mozart’s — very popular for coffee, desserts, and a great big casual patio overlooking the water. It’s a great pick for treats and snacks with the kids any time of day.

Lake Travis

The Oasis, photo by Heidi Okla

The Oasis
We know, we know, you’ve heard of The Oasis. But there are probably two people in the Austin metro area who haven’t heard of The Oasis, and we owe it to those folks to clue them in. It’s known as the sunset capital of Texas for good reason – this tiered structure serves glorious vistas of Lake Travis and the Hill Country. This may be a tourist must-do, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an awesome place for a brew with the crew (and some people watching, too).

Photo from Shack 512’s Facebook page

Shack 512
From Shack 512’s elevated patio, you can enjoy an excellent view of the Colorado River and a side of tasty new American food. Our advice: catch a dazzling sunset while roasting lakeside s’mores — a popular menu item for good reason — at your table.

Photo from the Sundancer Grill’s Facebook page

Sundancer Grill
Try Sundancer Grill for decadent brunch steps from the shore of Lake Travis – because what lake trip is complete without breakfast nachos and stuffed french toast? During the rest of the week, this is an excellent option for a cold margarita and some hot, crispy fried pickles. Boat parking is complimentary for diners here, and they’re open for lunch and dinner as well as Sunday brunch.

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