DH is taking me on a date. Where to go?

m_and_m

Those of you that don't know me that well probably do not understand the significance of this, but this is a huge deal. I LOVE to get dressed up and go out to dinner. Something after dinner is fine too, but fancy restaurants are my fave thing ever.

DH HATES to get dressed up for stuff as much as I love it, so this is pretty huge. 

But we've not gone out for more than a casual dinner since we moved here 4 years ago, so I have no idea of where to go. (Example: we went to Freebirds on our 6th anniversary)

We live in NW Austin, by Lakeline Mall but out towards Lake Travis so anywhere not South Austin is ideal. Basically anywhere between here and downtown is good.

It can't be crazy $$, or else he will be discouraged from ever doing it again. I'm thinking no more than $25/plate? maybe $30?

Not a chain type place, and the food and ambiance both have to be great. Doesn't have to be overly dark and romantic, but tall booths are a plus.

We love sushi, I love french, we both love mexican, I'm not huge on italian. Steak is always a winner (my fave restaurant in Dallas is Lawry's- best.prime.rib.EVER) too.

Sooo.... Where to go??

jakbtx

i've never been, but a friend of mine always raves about Aquarelle (french, downtown area).?

MC+KK

Houstons is a chain but always good. What about Glorias in the domain? Or anywhere in the domain..

colleenor

we went to roaring fork downtown and it was fun and i think they have a location north.

s-a-r-a-h

DH and I recently went to Main Street Grill and it was sooo good! I had a delish steak and their desserts were to die for. Since it wasn't busy when we went, they seated us at a private table in what used to be an old vault (the building is in downtown RR and used to be a bank).

MrsChristmas

For fancy Mexican, my fave is Fonda San Miguel. For steak, Austin Land & Cattle all the way.

2bmrslove

M_M - what's your email??

 

ETA: what about cafe blue on the lake? I have a restaurant.com $25 gc thingy that I'd be happy to donate to the cause of a nice dinner out w/the hubs!! Gimme your addy and I'll email it to you. It's worth $25, you have to spend $35 on food.

Ruby44

Hudson's on the Bend!! Although it might be a bit too expensive, not sure.

mcurban

Have you already picked a place?

I enjoyed Malagas (downtown) for tapas.  They have tables, not booths, but I found it to be pretty intimate, anyway.