Austin Burger Tour #2

If you missed Part 1 in this new series, click on the “Previous in Category” link below. There I began my tour of Austin burgers at Magnolia Cafe. A few days later, I traveled north to The Oasis. There I waited to be seated. I ordered a burger. I returned with the eye candy below.

(Warning: 4,660,225 pixels of glorious imagery below. As most of you know, I don’t normally post this many pictures. But it’s hard not to when you have this kind of scenery. Forgive the bandwidth hogging just this once.)

The Oasis is a very popular restaurant north-west of Austin, right smack dab on Lake Travis. In fact, calling it a “restaurant” is a bit of a disservice. It’s nearly a small, self-contained resort. Situated about three hundred feet above the lake and with seating for over fifteen hundred people at a time, the self-proclaimed Sunset Capital of Texas attracts swarms of people from all over the inner solar system.

It also attracts lightning. After over two decades of operation, in the wee hours of June 1, 2005, the french-fry-encrusted outdoor decks were hit and the entire place went up in flames. But you can’t keep a good landmark down. They rebuilt (with much more steel and stone and much less wood) and ten days ago the Hills family finally made their first trip back.

The main building is like a castle, complete with a courtyard filled with flowers, sculptures, and 372 people waiting to be seated.

Once you complete your trek skyward, you’re treated to some really nice views:

There are indoor dining rooms—how many, I have no idea—but if you want to sit in a dining room, then stay home. At The Oasis, go outside and sit on the decks:

One of my favorite sculptures:

After waiting half the day for your table, the sun finally sets. It’s the main event, and as soon as it disappears from view, they ring a bell and everyone applauds. Primarily because that’s the signal that dinner is only three more hours away.

Bzzzzzzt. Three hours later, our little flashy thing flashed, signaling dinner time.

The view at night is just as nice as during the day:

I also signed my name on the wall:

Don’t worry. Everybody does it:

And there you have it! I hope you enjoyed your trip to one of Austin’s biggest tourist destinations. Next week we’ll … Hello? … Yes … What? …I didn’t what? … Sorry, folks. I just got a phone call. Be with you in a minute. Slow down a sec. I didn’t tell them what? … About the burger? … What burger? … Ohhhhhh! That’s right. Thanks. *click*

I nearly forgot! This was supposed to be a burger review. Well, unlike the poor soul we read about last week who had a less-than-pleasant experience with an undercooked meal, my burger was pretty good. (I didn’t let that bit of bad news deter me, mostly because I’d already made the trip and taken these photos by the time I’d read that. Still, based on these photos, isn’t this the kind of view worth getting sick over?)

Anyway, here’s the burger plate:

Austin Burger Tour #2
Location: The Oasis
Burger: Slightly above average
Fries: Not burnt
View: Incredible
Rating:

It was slightly above average. Definitely better than last week but I can’t say it was the greatest burger I’ve ever eaten. Frankly, though, most people aren’t here for the culinary fare, and it’s quite possible every dish gets an extra half-star awarded to it simply for the sunset. If you’re ever within driving distance, I definitely recommend it. I also recommend bringing a good book; or at the very least, a few sudoku puzzles.

Next stop? Mighty Fine!



16 Responses to “Austin Burger Tour #2”

maggieapril said
on
March 27, 2009 at 4:11 am

That is one heck of a view!

I don’t remember ever having had a really good crinkle-cut fry. Always remind me of school cafeteria fare.

johngl said
on
March 27, 2009 at 5:14 am

It is really sad to me that a place like the Oasis doesn’t tighten up their evening fare. I guess they don’t have to. But I would like really good food along with that really sweet sunset.

BTW, they have a pretty good Sunday Brunch and the wait isn’t nearly as long. Naturally, you’ll have a to wait a while for the sunset.

Charlie said
on
March 27, 2009 at 5:34 am

Well, John, if it’s really good food you want, I suppose you could bring your own! (How many people walk in to restaurants with doggy bags?)

Meg said
on
March 27, 2009 at 5:55 am

I love the Oasis, but it has been years since I have been there! The view is always so incredible.

Tom Rooney said
on
March 27, 2009 at 6:48 am

Fantastic pictures Charlie. Next time I’m in Austin, this place goes on my list to stop.

Charlie said
on
March 27, 2009 at 7:36 am

Yet more evidence, Meg, that you live in the wrong Texas town. 🙂

Shelley said
on
March 27, 2009 at 10:10 am

That place is gorgeous – reminds me of the rich version of the Grist Mill in Gruene.

Jess said
on
March 27, 2009 at 10:58 am

I wish they would make the food as good as the view.

Jennifer said
on
March 27, 2009 at 11:44 am

Wow, what a beautiful place to go, and the view is breathtaking!

How lucky you live there! :0)

quix said
on
March 28, 2009 at 9:22 am

I went one day for lunch when I worked up near there, and it was soooooo beautiful. I keep meaning to go back, but more for the margaritas than the food. 🙂

Tuscanystone said
on
March 29, 2009 at 9:25 am

Mmmmm margarita’s are my fave 😀 And if they are frozen, then double stars!

I dont eat burgers and never quite understood the point of crinkle cut chips. But the sunset looks amazing. Yep, sipping a frozen margarita at sunset is a bit like heaven on earth

Tusc 😀

Suko said
on
March 29, 2009 at 5:30 pm

Wow! This looks like the place to be! And I must say that the food looks very good, too.

Deb said
on
March 30, 2009 at 6:54 am

I don’t mean to be bossy (I mean I AM bossy – I just don’t MEAN to be) but you are going to try a P. Terry burger as part of your quest, yes?

Charlie said
on
March 30, 2009 at 7:42 am

A new P. Terry’s is opening in my zip code this summer! I have not been to the other locations but have heard very good things…

Charlie said
on
March 30, 2009 at 7:43 am

Oh wait. The other location isn’t open yet either. Just visited the web site and it says April for 32nd and North Lamar.

txdona said
on
March 30, 2009 at 8:52 pm

Great pictures. Wow. I agree with you that the view is incredible. (not sure my teenage son would agree as he’s the “poor soul” who was stuck wearing Depends on Homecoming night after eating there… 🙂 J/K) but I’m glad your food experience was above average. 🙂 Hope you like Mighty Fine. Be sure to check out the mirrors in the bathrooms.