Shady Grove

Shady Grove Restaurant Review:

Can you dream of a better place for a casual backyard-style Texas meal than in a shady grove? Sit among pecan trees and watch the twinkling stars, while enjoying "airstream chili" made with sirloin and ten varieties of peppers. Or dig into the Prime hamburger with green chile cheese fries---and then wash it all down with an ice-cold brew. Hefty, but healthy, is the hippie sandwich layered with sautéed eggplant and chicken breast smothered in melted cheese, then loaded with all the greens you could ask for. Our tried-and-true favorites include the tender brisket tacos, tortilla fried queso catfish, Cajun meatloaf, chicken-fried steak and chocolate pecan pie. The outdoor dining area may be expansive, but it's nearly always hopping, so don't be surprised if there's a wait for outdoor seating. The free Thursday night "Unplugged at the Grove" music series runs roughly April through November and features some of Austin's top tier bands---and like its MTV counterpart, "unplugged" doesn't necessarily mean acoustic.