cedar park Archives - The Austinot

14 Cedar Park Restaurants Every Local Needs to Try

September 13, 2020 by Bill Tucker 7 Comments

Best Restaurants in Cedar Park TX — Blue Corn Harvest’s chipotle ribeye is sensational (Credit: Blue Corn Harvest)

Well, I done did it. When I moved here from NYC six years ago, if you told me I’d end up having a kid and living in an Austin suburb, I would’ve called you insane. Yet two months ago, my wife, three-year-old, and I moved into an adorable home in Cedar Park. It’s even on a cul-de-sac for Pete’s sake. We’re officially ‘burbing.

While the cool kids in Austin proper consider Cedar Park a cultural wasteland, I’m here to set the record straight. Sure, it may not be a bastion of foodie goodness like the city’s hipper neighborhoods, but Williamson County dwellers have more than chain restaurants and fast causal to keep the taste buds tantalized.

Here’s an insider’s guide about where to eat in this fine town of friends and families, including a couple spots just outside the city limits.

Splash Shack Indoor Water Park Provides Refreshing Spot for Families All Year

August 14, 2020 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Splash Shack Water Park Play Structure — Splash Shack in Cedar Park is an indoor oasis of watery fun

Whenever people talk about summer in Austin, water activities are always recommended. Dipping in Barton Springs, a trip to Hamilton Pool, floating the river. All fantastic ways to beat three straight months of 100-degree heat.

But what if you don’t even want to be outside? Regardless of your water activity of choice, the blazing sun can turn the coolest of pools into bath water, and fry skin to a crisp. And forget it if you have little ones. Spending any amount of time in broiling temperatures can be downright dangerous. What’s a parent to do?

Cedar Park’s micro indoor water park may be the perfect solution. Allow me to introduce you to Splash Shack, a family-focused waterscape and play area, designed with big and little kids in mind. All without reliance on greasy sunscreen or suffering through triple-digit temps.

And, more good news: Splash Shack is open year-round. So when the heat has passed and it’s actually a bit cool to swim outside, you can find swimming fun right here, every month of the year.

Basilflower Patisserie: Fresh French Flavors With an Exotic Edge

June 11, 2019 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Basil macarons by Basilflower Patisserie in Austin — Basil macarons by Basilflower Patisserie (Credit: Manisri Sivaraju)

Whenever I do a food tasting, it’s usually in a public setting. A small shop on 25th Street, a bustling dining room, or even in a commissary kitchen, surrounded by clouds of flour smoke and blazing ovens. Imagine my surprise when I found myself at the baker’s dining room table, tasting delectable treats for the purposes of this review.

A storefront isn’t necessary to create baked good magic. With a handful of pop-up events on its side and a menu of sensational sweet treats to share, Basilflower Patisserie creates unique takes on classic dishes and across-the-pond culinary delights.

Lucy’s Fried Chicken: Austin’s Neighborhood Chicken Spot Since 2011

August 27, 2018 by Amanda Sayers Leave a Comment

Lucy's Fried Chicken Cedar Park

Lucy’s Fried Chicken has the cool, laid-back Austin vibe we love (Credit: Amanda Gagnon)

When I think of southern comfort food, fried chicken immediately comes to mind. Throw in some biscuits, collard greens, and black-eyed peas, and I’m beyond happy. A meal like this reminds me of the warm welcome that’s an essential part of southern hospitality.

Lucy’s Fried Chicken is all of that and more. The casual eatery has been serving classic fried chicken and its accompaniments since 2011. No matter where you reside in Austin, there is now a Lucy’s near you. [Read more…]

Whitestone Brewery Crafts Quality Beer in Cedar Park, Texas

June 27, 2018 by Amanda Sayers Leave a Comment

Whitestone Brewery Cedar Park Texas

Whitestone Brewery offers an impressive beer lineup

Cedar Park is finally earning a place on the map as a food and beverage destination. Northwest of Austin, you’ll find quality restaurants, bars, and local businesses setting up shop. Whitestone Brewery is one such business, and business is good. After visiting this neighborhood brewery, I can see why Whitestone is growing a base of loyal customers.