Austin Restaurant Profiles: Hula Hut

Austinites are known for enjoying the local flavor that thrives in Austin. With a plethora of cool 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, and great music, Hula Hut already has a somewhat cheesy but extremely enjoyable atmosphere, but the best aspect is that it is located right over Lake Austin.


Not only does it have an awesome atmosphere that is great to just hang out with family or friends or even to impress those clients that came into town, but it also has spectacular food. It is a menu derived from both Tex-Mex and Hawaiian traditions, and, although the combination sounds somewhat bizarre, they have perfected to it pure, tastebud exciting enjoyment. In addition to the wonderful flavors, the portions are usually generous enough to have leftovers for lunch the next day. What's better than a great, relaxing dinner that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and getting to enjoy it again the next day?

Although on the best of nights there is usually somewhat of a long wait, it is definitely worth it. It's a huge place and has tons of tables, so they are usually pretty good about seating as quickly as possible. If there happens to be 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, the sun setting over the water of Lake Austin is a gorgeous view.

Not only does the lakeside location provide a spectacular 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, enjoy the atmosphere, have some great food, and head back out on the water.

While the food is wonderful and the drinks even better, Hula Hut is most definitely popular because of the wonderful atmosphere. 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.