SOUTH AUSTIN. In 1945, the Koock family mansion (1894) was converted into a restaurant and has been a favorite place for special occasions ever since. Offering gracious Southern hospitality, the establishment serves American cuisine with Texas flair. Appetizing dishes include shrimp-stuffed veal, redfish with blue crab, and duck Texana with bacon and blackberry sauce. Outstanding desserts are a plus, and the verandah overlooks a lawn where peafowl take leisurely strolls. Inside, patrons are serenaded by tunes played on a grand piano. N.B. On weekends, private events are often hosted; call for availability.

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. It may seem like a hole in the wall and a bit out of place along trendy West Sixth Street ­ and it is ­ but Hoffbrau has attained a "beloved institution" status that precludes any attempt at pretense. In business since 1934, the place is still operated by the same family, and more than a few employees have been there for decades. The menu consists mainly of grilled steaks, deep-fried potatoes, onion rings, and iceberg lettuce with a "love it or leave it" house-made garlic dressing ­ if you love it, buy a bottle to take home. There's pie for dessert, but you may prefer to just sit back with another cold beer and enjoy the company.

WEST AUSTIN. Esteemed Hudson's is located within a small Hill Country cottage, and a smokehouse and herb garden are housed just outside. Chef/owner Jeff Blank and chef Jay Moore are famous for their use of wild game and exotic ingredients. If you're adventurous, sample Omar's rattlesnake cakes with chipotle cream sauce or the Axis antelope. Fine cuts of steak cater to those feeling less bold. Hudson's offers charming atmosphere with small, intimate dining rooms. If you have to wait for a table, which is not at all unusual, have a seat in the garden, where hundreds of twinkling lights shine from the trees.

WEST AUSTIN. This much-favored restaurant has been dubbed "Lake Mex" for its outstanding Tex-Mex fare and its breathtaking sunset views of Lake Travis. Enjoy the latter while you dig into specialties like grilled shrimp, chicken enchiladas, rainbow trout Veracruz, and fajitas that get tenderness and flavor from pineapple juice marinades. Add in a signature margarita, and everything is that much better. Casual, friendly atmosphere.

WEST END. Located in a restored house in the Clarksville area of town, Jeffrey's offers an art-infused setting. Founded by three UT graduates in the 1960s, it delivers a fusion of tastes from around the world, including local Southwestern flavors. Complex dishes employ a variety of textures and themes, as proven in duck rillette and shrimp with black French lentils or a bone-in beef tenderloin with vanilla potatoes and smoked piquillo crab sauce. A visit will leave you in a state of gastronomic bliss! Tasting menu $79; with wine pairings $115.