Austin City Limits

I am just visiting Austin for business and pleasure this weekend and was given the grand tour by good friends and passionate locals. We are all foodies and restaurateurs, so this was a tour of hot spots, up-and-comers, legends and opportunities. My first observation was how strong the indie restaurant market is here. This is a city of one-offs with funky imagination and no fear. It helps when there are buildings with character and Austin sure has one shortage of those. But, really, I am most impressed by the willingness to experiment. Great concept ideas, high volumes and happy, happy customers.

Rather thank cite our growing list of venues, suffice it to say we hit over a dozen spots yesterday and more to come today. While I have several impressions that go beyond the distinctive, menu pricing was what struck me as well, interesting. This is an inexpensive city to dine out in. Perhaps this is why there are so many restaurants, so many diners and so many different conceps to choose from. Breakfast for four, under $30. Lunch, under $30, dinner, with wine, under $80.

I live in San Jose, California where a Margarita alone can, and usually does, cost $10. Sure, real estate and regional operating costs come into play in managing costs. But, I also think operators are just playing fair. I like this and I like Austin.