Perla's

"The vibe at this Bouldin Creek seafood restaurant is clean, polished, and rich, with signature blue and white umbrellas and fancy fonts. It’s one of Austin’s original high-end patio dining experiences, and still one of the best. Oysters, Champagne cocktails, and fresh seafood a la plancha are worth the wait, plus there’s a prime view of South Congress." - Erin Russell

"Perla’s patio is perhaps one of the best spots for people-watching in all of Austin. The brunch is particularly strong, with a lobster frittata, crab Florentine, fancy French toast, and cute cocktails. It’s part of the McGuire Moorman Lambert family of restaurants, so expect to pay for the impeccable aesthetics." - Erin Russell, Nadia Chaudhury

"Looking for a great patio and fresh seafood? As a McGuire Moorman Lambert restaurant, the Bouldin Creek restaurant exudes vibes, with smart decor, a large airy patio, and a cozy bar inside. Order cocktails, oysters, and shrimp from the cold bar, or opt for a meal of grilled seafood or plates like lobster bucatini at mid-to-high range prices. There is indoor and outdoor seating." - Erin Russell

"For a seafood-filled weekend brunch, check out the stylish Bouldin Creek restaurant. The somewhat upscale menu includes a full raw bar and other dishes such as barbecue shrimp with grits and poached eggs, tres leches French toast, and a lobster omelet. Brunch hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Nadia Chaudhury

"Perla’s has one of the most recognizable patios in Austin, in part because it’s located on a well-trafficked stretch of South Congress where the seafood spot’s beachy cheerfulness practically bleeds onto the sidewalk. The dining room is big and airy, but when the weather is nice—or you have a date who can’t resist the pull of string lights wrapped around oak trees—you’ll want to sit outside. Order rosé and fresh oysters to start, then grab New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp, Spanish octopus, and whatever else catches your eye. (There’s no wrong choice here.) Perla’s is equally fun at lunchtime, especially since that’s when they serve colossal po’boys overflowing with fried shrimp.  " - matthew jacobs, nicolai mccrary