Jack Allen’s Kitchen is one of the best family-friendly restaurants in the Westlake area of Austin (Credit: Kenny Braun)
Guest article by Mandy Heintzelman Smith
When my husband and I visited Austin from Los Angeles to look at homes before our move, we searched for a neighborhood close to downtown. At the same time, we wanted a big back yard and an amazing school district. When we found our beautiful, old home in Westlake, we knew we were in the right neighborhood for our young family. The bonus surprise is how much we enjoy Westlake’s local restaurants. Here’s a newbie’s guide to our favorite Austin-based restaurants for families in the Westlake area.
1/ Sway
Sway restaurant in Austin’s Westlake neighborhood (Credit: Nick Simonite)
Sway’s newest location on Bee Cave is beautiful and now open for dinner (not yet for lunch). The rooftop deck with its view of downtown Austin has made this the new Westlake hotspot.
3437 Bee Cave Road, West Lake Hills – Website
2/ Paris in a Bite
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French bakery serving savory plates, pastries, Swiss chocolate, coffee, and wine. Come to Paris in a Bite for the quiche of the day and stay for the lavender lattés. Happy hour is Monday through Wednesday from 3-6 p.m. During that time, enjoy complementary tapas, $2 off house wine, and a $9 French bubbly of the day.
I’ve also picked up the delicious macaroons for a gift, and they use gloves to hand pick each one. Fancy!
3801 N. Capitol of Texas Highway, Suite D-180 – Website
3/ Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Entrance to Jack Allen’s Kitchen in Westlake (Credit: Jack Allen’s Kitchen)
Jack Allen’s Kitchen is a great local spot for dinner with the family or a date night dinner at the bar. It’s great for any occasion, really. A teaser of the housemade pimento cheese comes with each table, but you’re definitely going to want more. Don’t skip the Bloody Mary!
3600 N. Capitol of Texas Highway – Website
4/ Blue Dahlia Bistro
Fresh bread is served (Credit: Blue Dahlia Bistro)
My husband jokes Blue Dahlia Bistro is “where the ladies lunch,” but that’s just because it’s adorable. And on the healthy side. (Don’t be fooled–he loves it here, too).
The tartines are delicious. My favorite is the egg salad with capers. Breakfast is served all day, and Blue Dahlia’s location is a super sweet (and practically useful) shopping center.
3663 Bee Cave Road, West Lake Hills – Website
5/ Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen
Grove Wine Bar in Westlake (Credit: Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen)
Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen is family-owned and a Westlake favorite. There are so many good options, with inviting appetizers, a huge wine list, and food for the whole family (even my super-picky kids).
6317 Bee Cave Road #380 – Website
Fast Food Options
Hat Creek Burger Company is a family-friendly fast food eatery in the Westlake neighborhood of Austin (Credit: Hat Creek Burger Company)
For local fast food, I have two recommendations. P. Terry’s on Capital of Texas for the breakfast sandwiches. Add the jalepeños and order a fresh-squeezed orange juice! My family also enjoys Hat Creek Burger at 360 and Bee Cave for the milkshakes, fried pickles, and playground.
@theAustinot wants to know:
Which local restaurants do you recommend for families in the Westlake area?
Mandy Heintzelman Smith is a writer and mommy of three. Visit her personal blog at politeasfudge.com.
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When I was a kid, we had Hang Town grill ( it was located where Mod Pizza is now in the Village of Westlake) Today, I’d recommend Modern Market -sure it’s a chain but they make great food for a fast-casual dining place. Also, I’m a die-hard Thundercloud Subs fan, Texas Honey Ham, Kerbey Lane, and Blenders & Bowls are all honorable mentions in my book