Austin Restaurant Profiles: Hula Hut

Austinites are known for enjoying the local flavor that thrives in Austin. With a plethora of local restaurants in Austin the food scene can at times seem to rival Austin's music scene. Hula Hut located in in central Austin is one of the restaurants that contributes to this. It has been an Austin favorite since it opened in 1993. With bamboo walls, tiki torches, grass-thatched bars, thousands of colored lights, Hula Hut already has a somewhat cheesy but extremely enjoyable atmosphere, but the best aspect is that it is located right over Lake Austin.

It is a menu derived from both Tex-Mex and Hawaiian traditions, and, although the combination sounds somewhat bizarre, the food is not halfbad. In addition to the flavors, the portions are usually generous enough to have leftovers for lunch the next day.

One drawback is that on some nights there is usually somewhat of a long wait. If there is a wait, you can relax on the benches or hang out by the Palapa bar with a cold drink and some, free chips and salsa, and if you get there at the right time, you can watch the sun setting over the water of Lake Austin.

As far as the food. Its not bad but its probably not the best in Austin. If I were to recommend Hula Hut it would certainly be due to the location instead of the food. The question comes down to whether you want to be eating a burger on 6th street at Huts well know for its burgers. Or would you rather be eating a pretty decent burger watching the sun set over Lake Austin. It probably depends on the person. Personally some days I am in the mood for Huts and some days I am in the mood for Hula Hut.

The Lakeside location provide a view over Austin's Town Lake, but also some convenience for those who have been hanging out on the lake, or just don't feel like driving their car over. Hula Hut provides a boat dock that can hold approximately 10 boats. So if you're hanging out on the lake and want a bite to eat for lunch or dinner, just pull in, and head back out on the water.

If you're looking for a relaxing place to hang out with friends or family, somewhere comfortable for that first date, or something impressive to show off Austin to some clients that came into town, Hula Hut is the place to go.