Austin may be landlocked, but that doesn't mean we lack water.
Surrounded by several beautiful lakes, Austin has no shortage of bodies of water that are perfect for activities of all sorts. While you can spend your day kayaking and paddleboarding, the nights are reserved for the sweet act of eating and drinking with a view of the water. From the expanses of Lake Travis to the skyline-adorned Lady Bird Lake, here's Where to Eat and Drink on the Water.
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photo via instagram
3828 Lake Austin Blvd
Quince Lakehouse is one of Austin's newest waterfront restaurants, taking over the old space that used to be Abel's on the Lake. When you're wanting to catch a Lake Austin sunset with a cocktail in hand, this is the spot for you. This globally-inspired restaurant originated in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico, and opened their Austin location in December 2023. Their menu has a bit of everything from sushi and fresh seafood to hummus and burgers. You can reserve a table ahead of time here.
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3825 Lake Austin Blvd
Just a few steps away from Quince you'll find this sprawling lakeside restaurant that offers “traditional Tex-Mex with a Hawaiian twist” in a colorful setting, with all the tacky tiki accoutrements you would rightfully expect. Hula Hut has 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.
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2905 Pearce Rd
Ski Shores, is a steadfast waterfront option that has served fresh American eats, frozen drinks, and frosty margs along the shore of Lake Austin for decades. It’s never a bad time to visit Ski Shores, but the best time might be after a big day on the lake when you're more ready than ever to enjoy one of their signature cocktails and a Ski Burger.
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Photo via Yelp
5204 Ranch Rd 2222
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 noshing on BBQ at County Line on the Lake. Order yourself some hot ribs and a cold beer and stay awhile on the breezy patio just off Bull Creek. It’s pretty damn cool that this easygoing escape is just a quick drive from the heart of Austin.
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Photo via Yelp
Shack 512 (temporarily closed)
8714 Lime Creek Rd
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: bring a pal or a date to Shack 512 and catch a dazzling sunset while roasting lakeside s’mores -- a popular menu item for good reason -- at your table.
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6550 Comanche Trl
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 the nearby brewery Oasis Texas Brewing Company, 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 with a side of locally brewed beers, cocktails, and dependable bar food. 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).
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Photo via Yelp
2315 Lake Austin Blvd
Although this darling tiki bar + burger joint isn't exactly on the water, it's an excellent spot for after a day of basking in the sun by Deep Eddy Pool. The burgers and snacks at Pool Burger are ideal summer afternoon fare, but the real standouts on the menu here are the tiki drinks that pack a punch, from the classic (Mai Tais and Hurricanes) to more original options (we love the fruity gin-based Saturn and the citrusy mezcal Reba's Respite).
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photo via yelp
3201 E Cesar Chavez St
Dainty Dillo is one of our favorite spots on the East Side for an outdoor drink; the shady patio overlooking the Colorado River is one of the best things about this trendy hang. They have a full menu serving great smash burgers, fried chicken, and homemade desserts. They have live music, TVs, fans, misters, and more, perfect for a day of day drinking with a large group.
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photo via instagram
74 Trinity St
If you’re looking for a drink by the water that’s more caffeine-centric than alcohol-based (and you’re not up for the adventure that is finding a table at Mozart’s), we’ve got you covered with The Perch. Nestled near Lady Bird Lake, this upscale coffee spot is one of our favorite places to bring a friend for post-workout lattes and smoothies with a stellar view of the water. The Perch offers a wide variety of healthy cafe eats and plenty of outdoor tables where you can enjoy them.
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98 San Jacinto Blvd
Overdue for a nice night out? Take this editorial as a sign that it’s time to get up off the couch, throw on some summery jawns, and treat your crush (or yourself) to Latin American-inspired fine dining and Lady Bird Lake breezes at Ciclo, the restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Austin. You know you deserve it.
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Photo via Yelp
16410 Stewart Rd
From 9am-3pm on weekends, try Sundancer Grill for a decadent brunch just 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!
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EVEN MORE PLACES TO EAT & DRINK ON THE WATER:
3825 Lake Austin Blvd
3235 E Cesar Chavez St
600 E Riverside Dr
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