Any restaurants with high wow factor?

[lisalevi]

a friend just graduated and passed her RN boards. She's never been to a really nice restaurant. I was hoping to take her to Hudsons on the Bend but they aren't open for lunch. Can anyone suggest a restaurant with a high "wow factor" that's open for lunch.

[ATXGastronomist]

I second the Trio recommendation. It's a little passe but Shoreline Grill is a fun place to visit for lunch, too. Last time I ate there I saw Rick Perry (not sure if that's a good wow, but wow nonetheless).

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Shoreline Grill
98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

[bubbleboy79]

Trio, at the Four Seasons, is open for lunch and comes with a wow factor.

[brentwood]

Perry's Steakhouse on W. 7th is open for lunch on Fridays.

[singlemalt]

If they are open for lunch, Parkside.

[txgrl99]

Unfortunately, Parkside is not open for lunch.

[mikeyg83]

Too bad about Hudsons. I went this past weekend for the first time and was certainly wow-ed. Green Pastures (SoCo area) is good, but a little stuffy feeling inside. I was very impressed with Uchiko too (moreso than Uchi, which was very similar food, but noisier). Not sure if they do lunch though.

If you could do dinner, I'd definitely aim for Hudson's :)

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Uchi Restaurant
801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Green Pastures Restaurant
901 W Live Oak St, Austin, TX 78704

[amysuehere]

Will Sunday brunch do? Hudson's on the Bend offers a Sunday brunch cooking class that is not only a super-wow factor (his house and back yard are amazing!!!), but the food and drink are plentiful (I came home with leftovers for two more meals) and amazingly good. It's my go-to gift for any foodie friend.