Hula Hut

"If you want to sit by a large body of water while you eat and drink without having to drive out to The Oasis, Hula Hut is where you should go. The patio is right on the lake, brightly painted, and covered in palm fronds that make it look like a very large cabana—and almost makes us feel like we’re on vacation. Almost. Split a pu pu platter and some tacos and order a drink with a tiny umbrella in it." - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion

"The kitschy Lake Austin restaurant — under new ownership as of 2024 — serves Tex-Mex with a side of tiki, with cocktails and snacks right on the lake. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas." - Darcie Duttweiler, Nadia Chaudhury

"Hula Hut is a Hawaiian and Tex-Mex restaurant opened by Mike Young and John Zapp in 1993 with business partner Duffy Oyster. They sold their shares in 2009." - Nadia Chaudhury

"Hula Hut serves Tex-Mex with a Hawaiian twist, and it’s probably the only place in the known universe where you can get an order of sizzling Hawaiian fajitas, coconut shrimp, and dessert nachos all in one meal. The drinks are about what you’d expect from a tourist-friendly space that caters to large groups—cheap, sweet, and not particularly noteworthy. But you’re here for the views of the lake (try to come at sunset), the solid food, and the lively energy that surrounds it all. " - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion

"Lake Austin Tex-Mex-tiki bar and restaurant Hula Hut has been under new ownership since January 2024, as reported by Community Impact. The 3825 Lake Austin Boulevard business is under the purview of Union Venture Group, which also oversees country bar Maverick Dance Hall with locations in Austin, Buda and forthcoming Dallas; rooftop bar 77 Degrees; nightclub the Rose Room; and Irish bar Jack and Ginger’s. Hula opened in 1993 by the co-founders of Chuy’s, the late Mike Young and John Zapp, with Duffy Oyster. The duo sold the business in 2009." - Nadia Chaudhury