2 nights in Austin.

[jwenz01]

I will be visiting Austin for 2 night is the beginning of October with some friends. We are staying at the Hilton downtown near 6th street. We are looking for suggestions for some must go restaurants. At least one Italian and one BBQ. However, if there is a favorite restaurant of yours that is a must, we are willing to try anything. Price is not really a factor, we just want what is really memorable. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Regards

[slowcoooked]

Having a pre dinner pomegranate cocktail and bat watching at the Four Seasons lobby bar out on the balcony overlooking ladybird lake and bumping into Lyle Lovett is a fantastic start.

I like taking out of towners to Franklin's for a lunch, and Uchi or Uchiko, Parkside downtown, and Hudsons on the Bend out in Lakeway for dinners. It's a great drive and the smoked grilled elk is really spectacular. Hudson's is about a 25 min. drive west into the beautiful hill country.

[yimay]

i second the franklin reco. however you will have to go very early.

enoteca vespaio for italian.

personal favorites are Parkside, Uchi

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Uchi Restaurant
801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

[amysuehere]

Last time I went to Vespaio I was dissapointed. Not bad, mind you; just didn't blow my socks off.

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Vespaio
1610 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

[gilintx]

Based on reading the menus, I've only ever been to Enoteca, but I've always found it to be top-notch. Vespaio itself just seems sort of dull.

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Vespaio
1610 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

Enoteca
1610 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

[twyst]

Ive only been here a few months, but Im a seasoned diner and I have to agree that uchii really is world class. I was a little skeptical because of all the hype, but it truly is a destination restaurant.

[amysuehere]

No brainer on Franklins for bbq ( or Coopers in New Braunfels - same time overall; just driving vs. standing). No good Italian.

[gilintx]

http://www.chow.com/search?query=down...
Board search for "downtown." This actually comes up pretty regularly.
Hope you have fun!

[Optimista]

Will you have a car? How far are you willing to drive?

[jwenz01]

Yes, we will have a car. 20-30 mins if it worth it.

[Optimista]

In that case, I agree with the others who suggested Uchi (its sister restaurant, Uchiko, is also excellent).

If you like carbonara, the carbonara at La Traviata is life-changing.

And for in-town BBQ, Franklin is, indeed, the best. If you want something a little more upscale, I like Lambert's, as well, but it is really a different animal.

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La Traviata
314 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Uchi Restaurant
801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Uchiko
4200 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78756