By Robert Macias
Austin Expert, about.com
Although primarily known for its bars, Austin’s 6th Street is also home to several eateries. Most are casual bar-and-grill joints, but a few are suitable for a romantic night out.
1. Casino El Camino
A
dark dive bar with amazing burgers, Casino El Camino is the kind of
place where you can grab a bite to eat and hang out all night. The
owners pride themselves on their ever-evolving selections on the
jukebox.
You’ll find everything from salsa to death metal, and they play it loud. 517 East 6th Street; (512) 469-9330
2. Iron Cactus
With
three levels, Iron Cactus has plenty of room, but it still gets packed
on weekends. The huge L-shaped bar on the first floor is an excellent
spot for grabbing a bite while also enjoying excellent 6th Street people
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The food is fancy Tex-Mex. It won’t win any
Michelin awards, but it’s a cut above most pub grub. 606 Trinity Street
(at 6th Street); (512) 472-9240
3. Chez Nous
It’s
rare for any bars or restaurants to survive over the long haul in the
hyper-competitive 6th Street district, but Chez Nous has been quietly
serving top-notch French cuisine since 1982. The decor isn’t fancy, but
the food and service make Chez Nous a good choice for date night. 510
Neches Street; (512) 473-2413
4. Parkside
If
you’re looking for a visually breathtaking atmosphere, head to
Parkside. The floor-to-ceiling windows are complemented by lots of dark
wood and exposed brick. You can watch the madness outside on 6th Street
while enjoying steak and seafood, including a creative version of
ceviche.
Oyster lovers appreciate the selection at the raw bar. 301 East 6th Street; (512) 474-9898
5. Eureka!
Despite
the overly excited name, Eureka! is a fairly laid-back place with an
excellent selection of burgers. Regular customers rave about the truffle
fries, and the regular fries and sweet potato fries are also popular.
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Located on a less-traveled portion of 6th
Street, the restaurant is the perfect place to refuel and make a plan
for the rest of the evening. 200 East 6th Street; (512) 735-1144
6. Old School Bar and Grill
Featuring
a second-floor balcony overlooking 6th Street, Old School Bar and Grill
has slightly pricey but delicious burgers. Other signature dishes
include the decadent Mac-N-Cheese Wedge and fish and chips. Like many
6th Street bars, it’s located in a historic structure, and the spare
decor shows off the building’s beautifully rustic bones. 401 East 6th
Street; (512) 722-6351
7. Driskill Grill
If
you’re celebrating a landmark event and you aren’t overly concerned
about the budget, the Driskill Grill is a fantastic restaurant in a
gorgeous setting. Located on the second floor of the historic Driskill
Hotel, next to the fun Driskill Bar,
the restaurant is routinely ranked among the best in Austin. For
starters, try the steamed mussels served with wild boar sausage. The
ever-evolving entree menu often includes wild game such as antelope and
quail, in addition to traditional steak and seafood dishes. 604 Brazos
Street; (512) 391-7162
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