Austin (on expense account)

I will be entertaining some clients in a few weeks in Austin. Some options I have come across so far are Emilia's, Driskill Grill, & Jeffrey's. Can anyone vouch for or recommend other places to for dining?

Emilia's closed in 2002!!

When I have major coin to drop (especially when it is someone else's!), there is only one place I would head.

Fonda San Miguel....uniquely Austin, indescribably delicious.

Gourmet Mex unlike any you might have experienced elsewhere...be sure to ask for the chipotle salsa to go with your chips (assuming you like it hot!)

Oh, and the Four Season's is always one of the best in town. better than some of the others if you are in a conservative industry.

First, skip Jeffrey's. I live 4 blocks away and am not even tempted by the 1/2 price apps at happy hour any more. It's okay, you can do better. Wink is supposed to be good, Eddie V's for seafood. If you want a fairly 'hip' atmosphere and your clients aren't too conservative, try Uchi - great Japanese and 'new' Japanese. They fly fish in from Tokyo. It's a must do for out of town celebs...more LA/NY than Austin. Zoot is supposed to be very good as well.

I'd skip Castle Hill (great wine list, but hit and miss) and a few others you may hear of like Caprice - I classify them as 'Austin Stoner Food'. Too much on the plate, too many flavors, overdone, lack refinement or any subtely. Get that all over the price-map here. Food scene is 1/2 way there, but still growing-up.

I second Aquarelle but other fine places are Wink and Zoot.

Aquarelle (sp?) 606 Rio Grande. Had a wonderful dinner there. One of the best places in town.

For Mexican: Manuel's (downtown) or Fonda San Miguel.