407017 Thu May 31 20:54:37 -0700 2007 8 61 Austin 0 2619339 This is my 1st post, so forgive my bluntness. Looking for South of the river, outdoor, dinner. Freddie's will be too loud for our 4-some to talk. We've already tried Mother Egan's, Habana, Threadgill's, BerryHill. Frank & Angie's is perfect, but its north of the river. We live north of the river and I don't care to drive past WIlliam Cannon, or west of 360, or east of Springdale to eat at 6:30pm. I'd prefer something other than Mexican food as one of the party avoids dairy. Any suggestions or Is this too picky? ggw Thu May 31 20:54:38 -0700 2007 102392 GeorgeWyche 1 2619378 Welcome to Chowhounds! Zax has a nice patio off to the side and if there's music, it's typically playing indoors. If you change your mind about Mexican (and they have lots of items without dairy) Los Palomos at Bee Cave and Walsh Tarlton has a patio that, even though it faces a parking lot, is not bad. It's one of my favorite restaurants but I know others here aren't as fond of it. ftf Thu May 31 21:08:56 -0700 2007 2619339 20646 ftf 2 2619568 Yes to Zax! The steamed mussels are very flavorful. I also love the cheese and olive platter appetizer. I've tasted several cheeses and olives that I've never had before (I was indeed tacky enough to ask for a few extra of a partcular type of olive that they served one evening and they granted my request without making me feel like a jerk.). With the bread offered, it's so enjoyable! The flat iron steak is REALLY tender, juicy and worth a try... location fits your needs, as well. Thu May 31 23:05:48 -0700 2007 2619378 14268 Rene 3 2620811 I'll ditto my recommendation for Zax. One or both of the owners are always on hand and they are very hands-on. I find this combination to yield great service. On the mussels, I would choose the more traditional wine/butter reduction than the saffron. Fri Jun 01 10:57:15 -0700 2007 2619568 79200 El General 4 2622548 Agreed on the mussels... good advice, El General... Fri Jun 01 21:22:28 -0700 2007 2620811 14268 Rene 2 2629885 Zax seemed like it would be quite crowded and the biker convention in town would surely add to that. We ended up at Hyde Park Bar & Grill way south on WestGate next to the theaters. It was great. The patio faces east so the sun was not an issue. It was quiet. It was inexpensive. I had their eggplant sandwich, 2 beers, and my wife had their meatloaf dish (2/3rds of it anyway... it was too much), + tax and tip for $32. Mon Jun 04 19:16:51 -0700 2007 2619378 102392 GeorgeWyche 1 2619897 Enoteca Vespaio meets your needs - patio faces the side street (Monroe?) off of South Congress, so there is a feeling of seclusion and still great people watching. Lots of posts on the food on this board if you do a search. Also with a small patio facing South First is the Buenos Aires Cafe - I love their salads, empanadas and lots of sweet pastries. Fri Jun 01 06:12:22 -0700 2007 2619339 60630 saticoy 2 2629893 I suppose its changed by now, but our party tried eating at both places and gave up because of the long wait time. Both have a reputation for above average expense, but we never got as far as the menu. Mon Jun 04 19:19:29 -0700 2007 2619897 102392 GeorgeWyche 3 2633111 George-- Many places in Austin have long waits, yet the food sucks. Popularity != quality. Enoteca, Vespaio, and Buenos Aires Cafe are not among them. They're busy because they are quality establishments (and really small, in the case of BA Cafe). Give these three places another try. Do it on a night where you have nothing planned except going out with friends and/or loved ones. Let conversation carry you through the wait, and arrive in the wonderful world of deliciousness once you're seated. While they aren't as affordable as HPB&Grill, all three are superior as far as deliciousness is concerned. Tue Jun 05 17:34:01 -0700 2007 2629893 47618 tom in austin