The Iron Cactus
No trip to Texas would be complete without sampling local Tex-Mex cuisine, and there is no better place for that than the Iron Cactus restaurant in Austin. The staff of the Iron Cactus pride themselves on providing authentic dishes inspired by cooks in different regions of Mexico, combined with the typical Texas size enhancements.
The restaurant's real claim to fame is its tequila. The Iron Cactus has been voted one of the top 10 tequila bars in the United States, and has more than 80 varieties in stock. At the end of each September, the restaurant kicks off "tequila week" with a variety of activities to celebrate this golden beverage.
The Iron Cactus
606 Trinity Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472-9240
Louie's 106
If you're looking to treat yourself to something special, look no further than Louie's 106. This Mediterranean grill and tapas bar has been voted as the top restaurant in the Austin Chronicle's People's Choice Poll, and for good reason. Downstairs at Louie's features four private dining rooms that can provide seating for up to 60 people. The main dining area is a bi-level dining room, with an open kitchen in the center. This allows you to see all of the action as the chef attempts to make preparing your meal an entertaining experience.
Louie's 106 is also known as one of the leading destinations for Austin's wine lovers. Louie's has 300 varieties of wine in stock, and has won Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence 10 years in a row.
Louie's 106
106 E. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 476-1997
Green Mesquite BBQ
If your sense of adventure is screaming for a fun dining experience, then perhaps a face full of BBQ sauce is what you need. There is no place better for BBQ than Austin's famous Green Mesquite BBQ Restaurant. The Green Mesquite boasts that it has been horrifying vegetarians since 1988. After seeing the enormous portions of meat that are served, you'll understand why.
The restaurant's real claim to fame is the cooking method. As the name suggests, green mesquite wood is used instead of dry, which adds a rich flavor to the BBQ that can not be experienced anywhere else. Combine delicious, uniquely flavored food with live music and entertainment, and you have a recipe for a night to remember. If a carefree good time is what you need, the Green Mesquite is the place for you.
Green Mesquite BBQ
1400 Barton Springs
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 479-0485
