Busy Traveler

Restaurant Review: Freddie’s Place, Austin, TX

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Everyone in town was trying to park and walk to the Zilker Kite Festival. We bagged that idea and, since Mister was with us, headed to Freddie’s Place.

Ah! South Austin. There were grannies and babies and freaks and rednecks, all happily eating and drinking with their dogs under the huge oaks.

Mister couldn’t wait to get into the dog party:

Wish I’d thought to take advantage of the make-your-own Bloody Mary/Maria bar while we were waiting! (aka “Make yo’ mama proud!”)

But the short wait was worth it! We had burgers that were very good, but the scene-stealer was the homemade onion rings. That might be all I order next time.

From the menu:

freddie's burger patties are 100% natural black angus beef, fresh never frozen.

    * step 1: choose your basic

          1/2 lb velveeta burger

          grilled chicken & swiss

          veggie & jack burger

          grilled provolone portabella

    * step 2: choose your toasted bun

          White, whole wheat, jalapeño cheese, texas toast

    * step 3: substitute cheese (if you must)

          Cheddar, mozzarella, swiss, velveeta, provolone, bleu, pepper jack, white American, queso

    * step 4: customize yours...add:

          bbq sauce, grilled onions, banana peppers, jalapeños, ranch, another cheese, refried beans, salsa, hummus, hot wing sauce, sprouts, bacon, avocado, guacamole, grilled mushrooms, pineapple, red pepper, queso

        There are 1,610,612,724 possible combinations!

 

The dogs were having a great time because their owners can buy them a large doggie burger for $2. Mister had to content himself with begging from the owners of Max the Malamute and my leftovers.

The live music was decent and it looked like they were having lots of non-SXSW-sanctioned music this week.

We waddled out, vowing to take all our dog-loving, out-of-town visitors here.

 

1703 S 1st St

Austin, TX

512.445.9197

www.freddiesplaceaustin.com

 

Spicewood Vineyards, Spicewood, TX

If you are a good navigator, check out this laid-back Central Texas winery. It lies off Highway 71 W on County Road 409. When I visited, the signage was almost non-existent, so make sure you check the website for directions.

Bring a picnic lunch (and the family/canines) and enjoy the scenery from the shaded pavilion. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere idyllic. It gets even more idyllic when you realize you can taste seven of their wines for $2. They are known primarily for their Chardonnays, but you be the judge.

They've recently added a beautiful event center where they host concerts. It looks to me like it would be a wonderful place to hear a concert. The line-up is primarily classical and acoustic. It is available for weddings and other get-togethers and would be a perfect gathering spot for a group.

 

1419 Burnet County Road 409
Spicewood Texas 78669
830.693.5328
http://www.spicewoodvineyards.com/

Happy Hour: 219 West, Austin, TX

Because this place is consistently voted “Best Happy Hour in Austin” we decided to check it out. The menus are built around alcoholic beverages, which seems pretty weird, but we were up for the challenge.

We ordered the mini-cheeseburgers from the Beer Menu, the Artichoke-Spinach Quesadilla from the Martini Menu, and (if I remember correctly) the Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wrap from the Wine Menu. We also tried a happy hour wine flight for $12 and enjoyed the tasting.

Everything was tasty and the bill was reasonable. We were definitely older and less fashionably dressed than the other patrons, but didn’t care!

Thanks to Pat for reminding me about this place. We need to return!

Deals on appetizers and drinks: 5pm-9pm weekdays and 5pm-8pm Saturdays.

219 W. 4th Street Austin, TX 512.474.2194

http://www.219west.com/

Ilsa’s Kitchen, Spicewood, TX

This Bavarian restaurant opened in an ill-fated location in December. So far, it doesn’t seem to be doing much of a dinner business and that’s a shame. Everything we ordered was fantastic, including the German potato salad, the sauerkraut, and even the side of veggies. The star was Kaese Spaetzle, a huge helping of egg noodles, cheese, and onions (bacon optional)—basically German macaroni and cheese.

I’ve heard the weekend brunch selection is out of this world and I plan to check it out very soon. If you’re on the way to the lake or other recreation in the area, please stop by and keep this gem in business!

 

20700 State Highway 71 W
Spicewood, TX 78669
512.494.4270

http://www.ilsaskitchen.com/