BARTON SPRINGS DISTRICT. Recognized for several years in a row by the "Austin Chronicle" for serving the best margaritas in town, you'll find this casual restaurant among the popular Barton Springs strip of eateries. Dozens of varieties of the famous cocktail are offered, including banana, pink passion, and pineapple. The best seat in the house isn't actually in the house but on its outside patio, where you can enjoy traditional Tex-Mex fare while people-watching.

SPICEWOOD. Owned by former caterers who fed well-known acts like ZZ Top and Willie Nelson, Backstage offers quite an incentive to visit the little town of Spicewood ­ framed memorabilia alone is worth the 45-minute drive from Austin. But if the star-studded decor doesn't hold much allure for you, the stellar food will. Prime steaks are given a dose of salt and freshly ground pepper, then grilled: a purist's dream. Alternatively, try pan-seared drum with yellow tomato-jalapeno-lime cream sauce, or pork chops with red chile jus and pineapple-ancho chutney. Live music several nights a week, too.

NORTH AUSTIN. Chez Zee was almost instantly loved when it opened in 1989, and its popularity has never waned. Part of the appeal is due to a leafy central courtyard, local art, and live piano music several nights a week. Lunch and dinner consist of casual American dishes, including salads and pastas, and there's a fantastic weekend brunch, too. Even so, many people come just for dessert. Notable choices include signature individual deep-pan apple pies served with caramel sauce, multi-layered chocolate decadence and Italian cream cakes, and a sinful Kahlua-chocolate pie. Well worth the drive from downtown Austin.

BARTON SPRINGS DISTRICT. Chuy's is a real local favorite, and its colorful, whimsical decor features an Elvis shrine, lava lamps, and approximately 1,000 wooden fish dangling precariously from the ceiling. New Mexico chilis are grilled up front and served in many of the tasty Tex-Mex dishes, and Southwest enchiladas come stuffed with smoked chicken and cheese and crowned with a fried egg.

NORTH AUSTIN. At over 24,000 square feet, Cool River is one of the biggest restaurants in Texas. Enjoy a leisurely dinner in its upscale dining rooms, and then visit the cigar and cognac lounge to indulge in its offerings or take in live music or shoot pool in the bar. Portions on the extensive menu are hearty, and aged Angus steaks are the big draw, whether you choose a simply grilled rib-eye or a marinated or stuffed filet. Adventurous diners can opt for Devil Creek Shrimp ­ bacon-wrapped, stuffed with pepper jack cheese, and grilled with chipotle sauce.