The Oasis Restaurant in Lake Travis - Sunset Capital of Texas

The OASIS restaurant is the hot spot of Austin, Texas, located 450 feet above Lake Travis in the Texas Hill Country. The OASIS is known, world wide, for its' spectacular views of the blazing sunsets. Local residents consider The OASIS as a premier location for taking visitors who wish to experience the unique Austin flavor. More than 40 wooden decks, layered strategically up the side of a cliff, overlooking Lake Travis, make this restaurant one of the "Top 10 Austin Area Attractions", as named consistently by the Austin Convention and Visitor's Bureau and by Texas guidebooks for Austin and the Texas Hill Country.

If there happens to be an afternoon Spring rain shower, patrons can move into any one of several indoor dining rooms, each with its' own ambiance ranging from Hill Country ranch house to tropical rainforest décor.

My favorite afternoon and evening activity when entertaining visitors to Austin, is driving to The OASIS at around 4:00 p.m., ordering a superb margarita, followed by a giant order of Nachos, sitting back lazily - feet up on a chair, soaking up the view of Lake Travis, waiting patiently for the sunset, and enjoying meaningless conversation. The experience at The OASIS is the ultimate stress relieving, no hassle, no worries, dining event. Sitting on an intimate deck, with Texas Oak trees wrapped around you like a security blanket, gazing at the smooth water of Lake Travis filled with colorful sail boats, wishing this was your back yard, is more than the senses can handle.

If you are really lucky, you can take your guests to The OASIS on the 4^th of July to view multiple fireworks displays from any deck on which you are dining. The magnificent bursts of colors in the sky reflect off the water of Lake Travis, making the holiday event a double-dip delight. The Starlight Terrace area is a favorite spot for fireworks viewers.

As soon as the sun makes its grand exit below the horizon, while filling the sky with all colors of the rainbow, you move on to the dinner entrée. With servers on every deck, you have no problem quickly getting your Sizzling Fajitas, Texas Fried Steak, or Crawfish Etoufee Enchiladas. Prices for these entrees range from $9.99 to $12.99. Healthy eaters can enjoy the phenomenal Grilled Pecan Chicken Salad for $11.99. This unique salad creation includes grilled Dijon marinated chicken breast on a bed of spring mix greens tossed with candied pecans, honey Dijon, grapes, cucumbers, strawberries, red onions, and tomatoes, complete with a side of Mama's Sunset Chiffon.

When you have completed the ultimate wine-and-dine experience, guests move to the upper deck patio to enjoy live music and an after-dinner drink, while gawking in disbelief at the beautiful mansion below, belonging to Beau Theriot, owner of The OASIS. Those people that do not know Theriot, may think from viewing his Villa del Sol home, that he is a bit ostentatious. Theriot is anything but that. Here is an amazing story about Beau Theriot.

On June 1, 2005, The OASIS was nearly destroyed when lightening struck causing a fire that burned from deck to deck. The city of Austin was devastated by the news. Theriot immediately assured his patrons that rebuilding would begin immediately. He kept many of his employees on the payroll while rebuilding since a few sections were able to remain open.

The riot kept the remaining employees on the payroll until he found temporary positions for them by calling other restaurant owners. Theriot opened his beloved Villa del Sol home to brides who had scheduled their weddings at The OASIS and no longer had hopes for finding another venue on short notice. He's hosted about 25 weddings in his home during the rebuilding effort. When the restaurant reopened by Labor Day, he employed 250-300 people and now serves 1,000 to 3,000 thankful patrons each night.

The OASIS and Beau Theriot are true treasures of Austin, Texas. The OASIS is located at 6550 Comanche Trail, in Austin, Texas. (512) 266-2442.