Chinese restaurants are a holiday tradition for many. Below are the hours of some of Austin’s most popular spots.
Barbecue pork at Ho Ho Chinese B.B.Q.
A+A Sichuan. 13376 Research Blvd. 512-258-5445, aasichuanchina.com. Open in the evening on Christmas Eve starting at 5 p.m. and regular Monday hours on Christmas.
Chinatown West. 2712 Bee Cave Road. 512-328-6588, austinchinatown.com. Open regular hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Chinatown MoPac. 3407 Greystone Drive. 512-343-9307, chinatown-mopac.com. Open regular hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Din Ho Chinese BBQ. 8557 Research Blvd. 512-832-8788, dinhochinesebbq.com. Open regular hours on Christmas Eve, check with restaurant for Christmas Day hours.
First Chinese Barbecue. 10901 N. Lamar Blvd. 512-835-8889, firstchinesebbq.com. Open regular hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Ho Ho Chinese BBQ. 13000 N. Interstate 35. 512-339-9088, hohochinesebbq.com. Open regular hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Szechuan House. 11005 Burnet Road. 512-832-8989, austinszechuanhouse.com. Open regular hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Sichuan River. 4534 West Gate Blvd. 512-892-6699, sichuanriver.com. Open regular hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Wu Chow. 500 W. Fifth St. 512-476-2469, wuchowaustin.com. On Christmas Eve the downtown restaurant will serve dim sum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. and will serve dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas that doesn’t include working in the kitchen. While many restaurants around town will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (check websites of your favorites), below is a list of restaurants that have a little something special up their red velvet sleeves for the occasion.
Trace is one of the hotel restaurants in Austin that will be serving a special Christmas dinner.
Apis. 23526 Texas 71. 512-436-8918, apisrestaurant. The wonderful restaurant on the edge of the Texas Hill Country in Spicewood will serve early dinner on Christmas Eve from 3 to 7 p.m. The prix fixe meal, which includes canapé service and mignardise, costs $120 and $30 for children.
Bonneville. 202 W. Cesar Chavez St. 512-428-4643, thebonnevilleaustin.com. The husband-and-wife-owned restaurant downtown will celebrate Christmas Eve with a French-Canadian menu that pays tribute to co-owner Jennifer Costello’s heritage. The regular menu will also be on offer.
Cannon + Belle. 500 E. Fourth St. 512-493-4900, cannonandbelle.com. The restaurant at the Hilton downtown is offering a three and four-course meal on Christmas Day from 2 to 8 p.m. Menus include chicken and dumplings, masa biscuits served with pumpkin butter and pineapple jam. ribeye and more. The three-course meal costs $59 per person and the four-course dinner is $67.
Driskill Grill. 604 Brazos St. 512-391-7128, driskillgrill.com. Austin’s grand dame will serve its five-course prix fixe dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 2 to 7:30 p.m. The menu includes roasted butternut squash soup, bacon-wrapped scallops, halibut and more. Cost is $130 for adults and $65 for children.
Estancia Churrascaria. 10000 Research Blvd. 512-345-5600, estanciachurrascaria.com. The Brazilian steakhouse will serve its splendor of grilled meats (and salad) at lunch ($41.95) and dinner ($51.95) on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and all day on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fonda San Miguel. 2330 W. N. Loop Blvd. 512-459-4121, fondasanmiguel.com. The venerable Mexican restaurant hosts a special edition of their Sunday Hacienda Brunch on Christmas Eve from a 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The brunch buffet, which includes an array of Mexican dishes, costs $38.95. The restaurant will also be open with its regular menu for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m.
Hightower. 1209 E. Seventh St. 512-524-1448, thehightoweraustin.com. The East Austin spot will serve Christmas Eve brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Le Politique. 110 San Antonio St. 512-580-7651, lepolitiqueaustin.com. The new downtown French restaurant opens at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve with a five-course menu that includes foie gras mousse, oysters and roasted capon. Cost is $90, with wine pairings for an additional $60.
LeRoy & Lewis. 121 Pickle Road. 512-775-3392, leroyandlewis.com. The inventive barbecue trailer is selling meats by the pound, such as pit ham and brisket, along with sides for like mashed potatoes and gravy and mac and cheese and cake and pie for advance pick-up. Email sawyer@leroyandlewis.com with questions or to place your order. Final orders due by December 17th.
L’Oca d’Oro. 1900 Simond Ave. 737-212-1876, locadoroaustin.com. Chef Fiore Tedesco will celebrate an Italian tradition on Christmas Eve, with the Feast of Seven Fishes, a family-style four-course dinner featuring an array of fish dishes. Cost is $75 for adults with $25 unlimited house wine and $25 for children ages 3-12. Call or email info@locadoroaustin.com for reservations.
Mattie’s at Green Pastures. 811 W. Live Oak St. 512-444-1888, mattiesaustin.com. The renovated classic offers two seatings on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.). The buffet featuring Southern classics costs $85 for adults and $40 for children ages 6-12. Those under six eat free.
Second Bar & Kitchen at Domain Northside. 3121 Palm Way. 737-300-4800, sbkdomain.com. Chef David Bull’s restaurant will serve a Christmas Day meal from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that includes herb-roasted prime rib, maple-glazed ham and more. Cost is $48 and $24 for children.
Threadgill’s. 6416 N. Lamar Blvd. 512-451-5440; 301 W. Riverside Drive. 512-472-9304; threadgills.com. Pork chops, roast turkey and, of course, chicken fried steak are on the special Christmas menu at both locations.
Trace. 200 Lavaca St. 512-542-3660, traceaustin.com. The restaurant at the W Hotel will serve a four-course Christmas dinner with options like prime rib, duck breast, eggnog rice pudding and more. The cost is $60 per person.
Trio at the Four Seasons. 98 San Jacinto Blvd. 512-685-8300, triorestaurantaustin.com. The restaurant at the hotel on Lady Bird Lake will serve its famous brunch all day (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) on Christmas Day. The spread include lobster Benedict, a colorful Christmas salad, tuna crudo, rack of lamb and much more. Cost is $88 for adult and $35 for children.
The Yard at Waller Creek. 701 E. 11th St. 512-478-1111, sheraton.com/austin.com. The restaurant at the Sheraton will serve from 4 to 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas. The three-course menu includes New York Strip, peppermint cheesecake and more. Cost is $42 ($70 with wine pairings).
Want to be the star of your family or friends’ holiday party? Sneak in a dozen of Olamaie’s other-worldly biscuits and act like you did all the work. You can just say you got the secret recipe from your great-grandmother.
Contributed by Kate LeSueur
The refined Southern restaurant named #1 in the city in this year’s Austin360 Dining Guide is selling their off-menu biscuits by the dozen this holiday season. You need to give the restaurant notice a week in advance of pick-up. Pick-up will be between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, and the last pick-up day of holiday season is December 23. The biscuits cost $36/dozen, and there is a one-dozen minimum for orders. Interested customers email biscuits@olamaieaustin.com for more info.
Blue Dahlia Bistro. 1115 E 11th St. 512-542-9542, bluedahliabistro.com. The French-inspired bistro is sweetening its brunch offering of crepes, waffles and croissants by giving away an Easter basket with chocolate prizes by Maggie Louise Confections to guests who buy an entree. Kids under five eat free.
Brix and Ale. 1101 Woodlawn Ave. Georgetown. 737-444-2700, sheratongeorgetowntexas.com. The Sheraton Georgetown’s restaurant hosts brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with omelets and a buffet of hot and cold items including roasted salmon, quiche, shrimp cocktail and much more. Cost is $50 per person inclusive of tax, gratuity and a glass of sparkling wine or a mimosa. Cost is $25 for children six to 12 and free for children under 5.
Cannon + Belle. 500 E. Fourth St. 512-493-4900, cannonandbelle.com. The revamped restaurant at the downtown Hilton will serve a brunch spread from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.that includes omelet and oyster bars, a charcuterie table, prime rib carving station and more. Cost is $42, $16 for children seven to 14, and free for those six and under.
The Carillon. 1900 University Ave. 512-404-3655, thecarillonrestaurant.com. The fine dining restaurant on the University of Texas campus hosts brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The meal includes an omelet bar, ricotta cheese pancakes with strawberry fig syrup, cold seafood, Blue Point oysters, an assortment of sushi, a carving station and more. Price is $68 for adults. A special kids’ buffet will feature macaroni and cheese, pecan-crusted chicken tenders, and more for $30.
Chez Zee. 5406 Balcones Drive. 512-454-2666, chez-zee.com. The longtime Northwest Hills stape will serve a brunch that includes scallops two ways, smoked lamb chops, prime rib and more savory items, along with owner Sharon Watkins’ banana cream pie that she personally created for Jimmy Kimmel. And, for an interesting touch, a professional magician, non-scary clowns and more.
Dai Due. 2406 Manor Road. 512-524-0688, daidue.com. The bakery’s Easter menu includes challah, French bread, honey whole wheat loaves and rolls, buttermilk grits pie, lime pie with a cornmeal crust, pecan frangipane and candied orange pie, Mexican wedding cookies, and more. The butcher is advance selling a rabbit stuffed with a mix of cream, sweetbreads, bacon, mushrooms, brandy, thyme and breadcumbs ($24/lb.), a rack of lamb ($32/lb.), achiote-rubbed lamb shoulder ($19/lb.) and more.
Deviled eggs at Second Bar + Kitchen at Domain Northside.
Driskill Grill. 604 BrazosSt. 512-391-7162, driskillgrill.com. Austin’s grand dame will serve its lavish spread under the direction of new executive chef Christian Apetz for the first time. The three-course menu starts with pastries and includes foie gras torchon, confit rabbit benedict, chorizo and smoked cheddar pancakes, and more. Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $110, and an additional $12 for the mimosa bar.
Duchman Family Winery. 13308 RM 150 W. Driftwood. 512-858-1470, duchmanwinery.com. The Hill Country winery will serve brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The three-course meal costs $40 ($12 for kids 10 and under) and includes a spinach and arugula frittata and grilled quail.
Eden East. 755 Springdale Road. 512-428-6500, edeneast.com. The al fresco dining at Springdale Farms will serve a brunch with complimentary mimosas from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. with smoked red fish, whole roasted pig, angel food cake and more. Cost is $90; $25 for kids 6-12; and kids five and under eat free.
Freedmen’s. 2402 San Gabriel St. 512-220-0953, freedmensbar.com. The campus-area barbecue restaurant is serving a special barbecue lamb gyro sandwich for $10.
Goodall’s Kitchen. 1900 Rio Grande St. 512-495-1800, hotelella.com. The restaurant at the Hotel Ella will serve brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu includes an herb-crusted prime rib, deviled eggs, and ricotta hotcakes. The price is $68 and $25 per child 12 and under. There will also be a visit from the Easter Bunny and a petting zoo by Tiny Tails to You from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Greenhouse Craft Food. 1400 E. Old Settlers Blvd. 512-366-5567, greenhousecraftfood.com. Easter brunch at this Round Rock favorite includes roast beef mushroom demi and horseradish cream, ham with blackberry mustard sauce, fried chicken and biscuit, and more. Cost is $17.99 and $6.50 for kids 12 and under.
Hyatt Lost Pines. 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd. 512-308-4860, lostpines.regency.hyatt.com. The restaurant at the Hyatt resort in Bastrop will serve brunch from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. Selections will include an omelet station,fresh seafood, a carving station, local cheese selections, chocolate fountain, and more. Cost is $62 and $28 for children ages six to 12. Children under six eat free.
Jeffrey’s. 1204 W Lynn St. 512-477-5584, jeffreysofaustin.com. Austin’s finest steakhouse gets decadent with a menu that includes pastries, truffled deviled eggs; terrine of foie gras; caviar service; a seafood tower; porchetta, prime rib, and more for $100. Cost is $50 for kids and free for kids seven and under.
Josephine House. 1601 Waterston Ave. 512-477-5584, josephineofaustin.com. Jeffrey’s polished kid sister will serve a three-course brunch for $55,with a menu that includes lemon ricotta pancakes, English pea and avocado crab toast, Belgian waffle with chicken sausage and more.
Lamberts. 401 W. Second St. 512-494-1500, lambertsaustin.com. The upmarket barbecue spot will run an Easter brunch buffet for $50. The spread includes prime rib from the carving block, brisket, pork ribs, and made-to-order items like French toast and breakfast Frito pie.
Lonesome Dove. 419 Colorado St. 512-271-2474, lonesomedoveaustin.com. Tim Love’s wild-game play on a steakhouse hosts brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $35, with selections like foie gras-huckleberry biscuit with rabbit-rattlesnake gravy, fettine Benedict with jalapeño hollandaise, lemon brioche French toast with raspberry-chipotle syrup and more.
Olamaie. 1610 San Antonio St. 512-474-2796, olamaieaustin.com. The $50 Easter brunch ($25 for kids) at this refined Southern restaurant will include dishes like pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and shrimp and grits.
Olive & June.3411 Glenview Ave. 512-467-9898, oliveandjune-austin.com. The special Easter menu runs from 11 a.m. through dinner and includes Italian easter bread stuffed with sausage and cheese topped with a soft boiled egg; grilled asparagus, hard boiled egg, and anchovy hollandaise;cavateli with sage pesto and summer squash; and grilled lamb leg. Cost is $39 per person and kids 12 or under eat free for dinner.
Pizzeria Sorellina. 23526 Texas 71. 737-222-6061, pizzeriasorellina.com. In addition to its regular menu of pizzas, charcuterie and sides, the pizzeria at Apis will serve a large-format wood-roasted lamb shoulder for four to six people available for pre-order. Call 512-436-8918 to place an order, $26 per person.
Revelry Kitchen + Bar. 1410 E. Sixth St. 512-322-5223, revelryatx.com. The brunch buffet at this East Austin restaurant runs from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. features a carving station, chicken and waffles and more. Cost is $35 per person.
Salt & Time. 1912 E. Seventh St. 512-524-1383, saltandtime.com. The a la carte Easter brunch menu at this East Austin restaurant, butcher store and salumeria will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and feature a braised lamb empanada, steak and eggs, migas, pancakes, smoked pork chop and more.
Salt Traders Coastal Cooking. 2850 N Interstate Hwy 35. Round Rock. 512-351-9724, salttraderscc.com. Jack Gilmore’s seafood restaurant in Round Rock will serve crab cake Benedict, smoked salmon scramble and more, in addition to their weekend shrimp boil and $1 Gulf oyster specials.
Second Bar + Kitchen at Domain Northside. 3121 Palm Way #101. 737-300-4800, sbkdomain.com. The all-you-can-eat Easter brunch buffet at the North Austin location of chef David Bull’s bistro will be served from 9a.m.to 3 p.m. and include passed small bites, made-to-order individual plates and bowls. Cost is $38 per and $19 for children Kids four and under eat free.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse. 300 Colorado St. 512-4956504, sullivanssteakhouse.com/austin. The downtown steakhouse will host a three-course brunch for $39. Menu items include eggs Benedict, prime rib and Bananas Foster pudding.
TNT/Tacos and Tequila. 507 Pressler St. Suite 400. 512-436-8226, tacosandtequilatnt.com. The West End Mexican restaurant’s Easter brunch costs $22 and includes omelet stations, Belgian waffles with fresh fruit, eggs Benedict, huevos rancheros, a taco bar, carving station with brisket and ham, and more. Cost is $7 for children six-11, and children under five eat free.
Taverna Italian Kitchen. 258 W Second St. 512-477-1001; 3120 Palm Way. Suite 160. 512-356-9384, tavernabylombardi.com. The two locations of the Italian restaurant will serve an a la carte Easter menu that includes Italian wedding soup, parmesan-crusted lamb chops, shrimp and lobster lasagna and more.
Trace. 200 Lavaca St. 512-542-3660, traceaustin.com. The restaurant at the W Hotel Austin will serve a three-course brunch for $58 that includes options such as Gulf shrimp bisque, cold-smoked prime rib, and berry fruit tart.
Vox Table. 1100 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-375-4869, voxtableaustin.com. The modern restaurant in the Lamar Union will serve a three-course prix fixe brunch menu for $35 and $1 mimosas until 4 p.m.
Turkey is one of several items on the menu at the Sheraton Georgetown’s Brix and Ale. (Credit: Julia Keim)
24 Diner. 600 N. Lamar Blvd. 512-472- 5400, 24Diner.com. The late-night go-to gets going early with a special meal that starts at 10:30 a.m. The $29 Thanksgiving menu includes brined and roasted turkey breast, turkey leg confit, mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie.
Apis. 23526 Texas 71, Spicewood. 512-436- 8918, apisrestaurant.com. This Top 5 restaurant from my dining guide will serve a three-course prix fixe meal with choices of appetizer (eg. charred Spanish octopus), entree (eg. heritage turkey and sourdough-crusted Icelandic cod), and dessert (eg. baked Pink Lady apples). Cost is $70 for adults and $20 for children.
Brix and Ale. 1101 Woodlawn Ave. Georgetown. 737-444-2750, sheratongeorgetowntexas.com. The restaurant at the Sheraton Hotel in Georgetown will serve a buffet of starters and plated entrees from noon to 7 p.m., with selections such as pumpkin soup, Waldorf salad, roasted turkey breast, lamb and ricotta manicotti, and pumpkin and pecan pies. The cost is $44.95 for adults. A kids’ (ages four to 12) menu is available for $15.95 and includes turkey with gravy, mac and cheese, and a cheeseburger.
Capital Grille. 117 W. Fourth St. 512-322-2005, thecapitalgrille.com. The downtown steakhouse serves a set lunch and dinner for $38. The meal includes turkey, green beans, cranberry pear chutney, and mashed potatoes. The cost is $38 for adults and $15 for children. Pumpkin cheesecake will run you an extra $10.
Carillon. 1900 University Ave. 512-404- 3655, thecarillonrestaurant.com. The fine dining restaurant at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center will serve a brunch buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Selections include an omelet and hash station, charcuterie, butternut squash bisque, carving station with turkey and prime rib, lobster ravioli, pumpkin cheesecake and much more. The cost is $65 for adults, and $30 for children.
Cru. 238 W. Second St. 512-472-9463; 11410 Century Oaks Terrace. 512-339-9463, cruawinebar.com. The two location of the wine bars will serve prixe fixe lunch and dinner from noon to 9 p.m. The $40 meal includes selections such as butternut squash bisque, roasted quail, pumpkin mascarpone ravioli, roasted turkey, grilled beef tenderloin and more. Kids 12 and under eat for half price.
Driskill Hotel. 604 Brazos St. 512-391-7227, thedriskillhotel.com. Austin’s grand dame is always a great place for the holidays, and this year their extensive Thanksgiving brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The meal, which costs $79 for adults and $38 for children ages five to 12, includes slow-cooked turkey with pan gravy, house-made ham, butter-whipped potatoes and Texas corn bread stuffing.
Fleming’s.320 E. Second St. 512-457-1500; 11600 Century Oaks Terrace. 512-835-9463, flemingssteakhouse.com. The steakhouse will be open for the first time ever on Thanksgiving. A four-course prix fixe meal will be served beginning at 11 a.m. The meal includes roasted turkey breast with savory turkey gravy, sage and brioche bread stuffing, butter-mashed sweet potatoes, and more. The cost is $39.95 for adult and $19.95 for children. In addition to the special Thanksgiving meal, Fleming’s will also offer its regular menu.
Goodall’s Kitchen. 1900 Rio Grande St. 512-495- 1800, goodallskitchen.com. The restaurant at Hotel Ella near Judges Hill serves a lunch and dinner buffet from noon to 8 p.m. The spread which costs $65 for adults and $25 kids includes complimentary parking.
Hyatt Regency.208 Barton Springs Road. 512-477-1234, austinhyattregency.com. The hotel on Lady Bird Lake serves lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The large buffet costs $65 and includes seafood, Texas-cured meats and cheeses, a carving station, herb-roasted turkey breast, candied sweet potato casserole, and more. Children between the ages of four and 12 are 50 percent off, and children three years of age and younger are free.
Hyde Park Bar & Grill. 4206 Duval St. 512-458-3168; 4521 West Gate Blvd. 512-899-2700; hpbng.com. The Austin institution hosts its 22nd annual Thanksgiving feast. The dinner costs $21.95 and includes oven-roasted turkey breast, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more. A vegetarian meal, which offers more of everything except turkey, will be served for $15.95. The meal runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at both locations.
Moonshine. 303 Red River St. 512-236- 9599, moonshinegrill.com. The downtown Southern comfort restaurant serves an all-you-can eat buffet from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The spread, which costs $26, includes prime rib, oven-roasted turkey, chicken-fried turkey, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pancakes, and more.
The Park. 11601 Domain Drive. 512-478-7275; 4024 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-731-2077, thepark.us. The upscale sports bars in the Domain and South Austin will serve a Thanksgiving brunch buffet from noon to 3 p.m. for $17. The meal includes turkey, ham, stuffing, broccoli-rice casserole and more. Drink specials start at 4 p.m.
Sophia’s. 500 West Sixth St. 512-580-9990, sophiasaustin.com. The Chicago-born Italian newcomer to town is closed on Thanksgiving day but will do a Thanksgiving eve dinner from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., with family-style service for groups of eight or more that includes turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and the choice of pumpkin or apple pie.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse. 300 Colorado St. 512-495-6504, sullivanssteakhouse.com/austin. The downtown steakhouse will host a three-course Thanksgiving dinner for $39. The meal includes shrimp and lobster bisque, roasted turkey breast and sweet potato casserole. The full dinner menu will also be available.
Trace. 200 Lavaca St. 512-542- 3660, traceaustin.com. The sophisticated restaurant at the W Hotel will serve lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The three-course prix fixe meals feature choices like sweet potato soup, oysters Rockefeller, speck-wrapped turkey breast, smoked beef short rib and deconstructed pecan pie. The meal costs $57 per adult, while children ages 12 and under will have their own prix fixe menu for $17.95.
Trio at the Four Seasons. 98 San Jacinto Blvd. 512-685- 8300, triorestaurantaustin.com. One of Austin’s grandest buffets returns from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The $90 meal ($35 for children) includes corn griddle cakes, blueberry-buttermilk pancakes, roasted turkey with shiitake gravy, crab claws, sushi, glazed ham and so much more.
Visconti Ristorante. 320 Loop 360. 512-306- 6400, granducaaustin.com. The Italian restaurant at the Hotel Granduca will serve a three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner from noon to 8 p.m. with options such as butter lettuce and acorn squash salad, slow-roasted turkey breast and cider-braised thigh with apple-sage cornbread stuffing, and pumpkin cheesecake. The cost is $65 per adult and $29 per child (12 years old and younger).
Cool cocktail bar Backbeat (1300 S. Lamar Blvd.) celebrates the holiday with a shrimp boil. Backbeat will be serving cocktail and beer specials all day, featuring libations from Friends & Allies Brewing, Old Forester Bourbon and Brooklyn Gin. Advance tickets are $20 and $25 at the door. The party runs from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and with their rooftop deck, you may even be able to catch a glimpse of the fireworks over Lady Bird Lake. (backbeat4th.eventbrite.com)
Campus-area restaurant Texas French Bread (2900 Rio Grande St.) will serve Real Ale beers for $1 Friday-Sunday. (texasfrenchbread.com)
What could be more American than slamming corndogs and Budweiser? The Black Sheep Lodge (2108 S. Lamar Blvd.) hosts a corndog eating contest accompanied by Budwesier specials on the Fourth. Entry costs $20, with the winner waddling home with $250. Contest starts at 2 p.m. Sign up by emailing events@blacksheeplodge.com or just show up and gawk. (blacksheeplodge.com)
Just steps away from Lady Bird Lake, the Bonnneville will celebrate the Fourth of July with a happy hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by a night of food and drink specials like lobster rolls, fried New England clams and blueberry tarts with vanilla ice cream, in addition to several drink specials. Festivities run until 11 p.m. (thebonnevilleaustin.com)
Dine at the Radisson (111 E. Cesar Chavez St.) is running happy hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, with specials like an $8 lamb burger and $4 red-white-and-blue margaritas. (dineradissonaustin.com)
Geraldine’s at the Hotel Van Zandt will hold its first Red, White and Blues party on Sunday (July 3). The night will feature music from Jackie Venson and “patriotic bites” like fried chicken and strawberry shortcake. For reservations, visit geraldinesaustin.com or call 512-476-4755.
In an event that would make Cool Hand Luke proud, Haymaker (2310 Manor Road) will hold a pickled egg-eating competition on the Fourth. Entry costs $20, with the winner walking away with $250. Interested gluttons or fearless broke people can email events@haymakeraustin.com to participate. Contest starts at 4 p.m. (haymakeraustin.com)
Mighty Fine is teaming up with Blue Bell Ice Cream to create a red, white and blue milkshakes on the Fourth of July. The special shakes mark the return of the partnership of the two Texas-based brands following Blue Bell’s publicity and public health crisis. Mighty Fine will be giving the shakes away for free from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Fourth. (mightyfineburgers.com)
Both locations of sports-friendly restaurant-bar the Park (in South Austin at 4024 S. Lamar Blvd. and up north at 11601 Domain Drive) will serve a July 4th Burger (bacon, cheese, onions rings and barbecue sauce) for $4 all day. The restaurants will supplement that food offer with a slew of drink specials like $5 frozen mojitos and $2.50 domestic beer bottles and drafts. (thepark.us)
Tex-Mex burger joint El Sapo (1900 Manor Road) from the El Chile family will be serving Frito pies and build-your-own hot dogs, along with drinks specials on Mexican beer, margaritas and tequila from noon to 3 p.m. They’ll also serve red, white and blue snow cones. (elsapoatx.com)
Trio at the Four Seasons will host a dinner buffet on the Fourth that precedes the fireworks just steps from the hotel’s back lawn. The meal, which costs $75 for adults and $27 for children, will include tomato-watermelon salad, chilled shrimp, spiced lamb rack and banana cream pie. (triorestaurantaustin.com)
South Austin newcomer Venezia Gelato (1701 S. Lamar Blvd.) gets into the Independence Day spirit with American-flag-themed gelato bars they’re calling Mr. Rings. The treat, which sells for $4.50, features cotton candy, strawberry and vanilla gelati. (veneziaitaliangelato.com)
The swanky W Hotel Austin (200 Lavaca St.) throws a pool party from noon to sundown, with drink specials and food served poolside while a group of DJs spin records. Entry is $20 and free for hotel guests. (whotelaustin.com/soundwave)
*Cantine. 1100 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-628-0348, cantineaustin.com. Emmett and Lisa Fox’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in the Alamo Drafthouse complex will serve a brunch enhanced with Easter specials like the Spring Strata, a baked egg dish with bread, fontina, leeks, asparagus, spinach and tomato, as well as chocolate-stuffed brioche.
Capital Grille. 117 W. Fourth St. 512-322-2005, thecapitalgrille.com. The swanky steakhouse will serve its dinner menu all day, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The three-course brunch menu includes options like artichoke bisque, filet mignon and flourless chocolate espresso cake. The cost is $49 for adults and $15 for children.
*Carillon. 1900 University Ave. 512-404-3655, thecarillonrestaurant.com. The restaurant at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center serves a wide-ranging brunch that includes ricotta pancakes with strawberry-fig syrup, maple-bacon cornbread, smoked salmon, shrimp cocktail, smoked prime rib and rosemary-roasted leg of lamb. Cost is $65 for adults and $25 for children ages 6-12. Kids younger than 5 eat free. There will also be a kids’ buffet with macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders and more.
Dine. 111 E. Cesar Chavez St. 512-478-2991, dineradissonaustin.com. Chef David Garrido’s restaurant at the Radisson serves a spread offering more than 40 savory and sweet offerings, including grilled salmon, honey glazed ham, brisket carving station, cherry pie, s’mores and more. Brunch, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., costs $55 ($25 for children ages 10-16; free for kids younger than 10.)
Dos Chivos. 11620 RM 620. 512-250-1600, doschivos.com. The modern Mexican restaurant in Anderson Mill serves an Easter brunch that includes over-easy eggs with ham, migas with chorizo, menudo and a trio of Mexican popsicles.
Driskill Grill. 604 Brazos St. 512-439-1234, driskillgrill.com. This Austin fine dining classic serves a three-course brunch with a menu that includes savory crepes, steak and lobster Benedict, and foie gras and French toast. Cost is $110, with brunch running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Eddie V’s. 301 E. Fifth St., 512-472-1860; 9400 Arboretum Blvd., 512-342-2642; eddiev.com. The seafood and steakhouse will serve its dinner menu all day, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The three-course brunch menu includes options like smoked salmon, pan-seared steak and eggs, shrimp and grits and Alaskan king crab omelet. The cost is $49 for adults and $15 for children.
*Freedmen’s Bar. 2402 San Gabriel St. 512-220-0953, freedmensbar.com. The campus-area barbecue restaurant serves a brunch that includes a barbecue Benedict with buttermilk biscuit.
Finn & Porter. 500 E. Fourth St. 512-493-4900, finnandporteraustin.com. The hotel at the downtown Hilton that is closing on April 2 will serve its final Easter brunch. The $45 meal ($20 for kids younger than 10) is a four-course prix fixe affair, with seatings from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and includes roasted corn chowder, pastrami salmon and rib-eye.
Fleming’s. 11600 Century Oaks Terrace, 512-835-9463; 320 E. Second St., 512-457-1500; flemingssteakhouse.com. Both locations of the steakhouse will serve a three-course meal for $39.95 that includes options like eggs Benedict, baked brioche French toast, prime rib and porcini-crusted filet mignon. Service begins at 10 a.m.
Goodall’s Kitchen. 1900 Rio Grande St. 512-495-1800, goodallskitchen.com. The restaurant at the Hotel Ella near the University of Texas will serve a three-course dinner for $65 ($27 for children younger than 12). Menu includes carved prime rib, grilled steelhead trout, deviled eggs and more.
*Greenhouse Craft Food. 1400 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock. 512-366-5567, greenhousecraftfood.com. The farm-to-table casual restaurant in Round Rock serves an Easter brunch buffet for $17.50 ($6.50 for kids younger than 12). It includes roast beef with mushroom demi and horseradish cream, ham with apricot mustard, veggie frittata, a kids’ waffle station and more.
*Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile. 3235 E. Cesar Chavez St. 512-366-5808, jacobysaustin.com. The charming rustic restaurant that sits above the Colorado River serves a Southern Easter brunch for $45, with a menu from new executive chef Albert Gonzalez (formerly of Apothecary). Cost is $20 for children ages 5-12 and free for children younger than 5.
Juliet. 1500 Barton Springs Road. 512-479-1800, juliet-austin.com. The handsome Italian restaurant with the expansive patio serves a brunch that includes eggs Florentine and bread pudding French toast.
Knotty Deck & Bar and Treehouse Kitchen. 9721 Arboretum Blvd. 512-343-2626, marriott.com/hotels/travel/aussh-renaissance-austin-hotel. The Southern restaurant at the Arboretum Marriott serves brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a menu that includes bacon-cheddar biscuits, brisket hash and doughnuts.
Liberty Kitchen. 507 Pressler St. 512-840-1330, libertykitchenatx.com. The Houston-based seafood-centric restaurant serves a brunch that includes dishes like lobster and bacon quiche ($22.75) and pineapple-glazed ham with fried potato cake ($23.50).
Oasthouse Gastropub. 8300 N. RM 620. 737-222-5779, oasthouseaustin.com. The refined European-inspired pub serves Easter brunch starting at 9:30 a.m., with a menu that includes honey biscuits and carnitas poutine.
*Prelog’s. 360 Nueces St. 512-350-2895, prelogs.com. The European-inspired restaurant downtown serves brunch for $39. The meal includes eggs Benedict, petite tender steaks, quiches and sweets, with bottomless alcoholic brunch beverages like mimosas for an extra $20.
Revival Public House. 340. E. Second St. 512-469-0000, revivalpublichouse.com. The Southern restaurant downtown serves a la carte entrees like beef tenderloin Benedict and a buffet of sides, salads and more for $27.95 per adult (includes a mimosa) and $12.95 for children 12 and younger.
Russian House. 307 E. Fifth St. 512-428-5442, russianhouseofaustin.com. The Russian restaurant downtown serves a brunch buffet (including unlimited mimosas) that includes mushroom soup, pork stroganoff, a blini station and more. Cost is $32 per person and $12.50 for children.
Searsucker. 415 Colorado St. 512-394-8000, searsucker.com/austin. The Warehouse District New American restaurant will include a braised rabbit leg salad with carrot-top pesto as part of its Easter brunch.
Sullivan’s. 300 Colorado St. 512-495-6504, sullivanssteakhouse.com/Austin. The Warehouse District steakhouse serves a three-course brunch for $39, with a menu that includes shrimp and lobster bisque, hand-carved prime rib and bananas Foster.
TNT – Tacos and Tequila. 507 Pressler St. 512-436-8226, tacosandtequilatnt.com. The casual modern Mexican restaurant just west of Lamar Boulevard serves a $22 brunch with a menu that includes a carving station, grilled fish, omelet and huevos rancheros bar and more. Service runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tony C’s. 10526 W. Parmer Lane. 512-255-9463, tonycs.com. The Avery Ranch location of this Italian restaurant serves an Easter buffet that includes carved round of beef, baked strata and cinnamon knots.
Trace at the W Hotel Austin. 200 Lavaca St. 512-542-3660, traceaustin.com. The swanky restaurant at the W Hotel serves a three-course prix fixe menu that includes Parker house rolls with smoked brisket, smoked salmon Benedict and seared grouper. The meal, served from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., costs $55.
Visconti Ristorante. 320 S. Loop 360. 512-306-6400, granducaaustin.com. The Italian restaurant at the Hotel Granduca in West Lake Hills serves a grand brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The meal includes a charcuterie display, eggs and omelets cooked to order, chilled seafood towers and crudo, French toast, steak Florentine and much more. Cost is $72 for adults and $29 for children ages 6-12.
