One of the most attractive parts about life in Austin is our ability to be outdoors almost the entire year round. Austin's restaurants reflect this outdoorsy aesthetic, with many of them providing attractive and fun al fresco dining. Here are some of the best patios to be found around Austin.

Old Alligator Grill - This casual South Austin staple has a large, wooden patio. Specializing in oysters, shrimp, and other Cajun delicacies, the OAG even has live music periodically. The patio, although adjacent to the parking lot of a mall, features enormous trees for shade, and the people watching is premium. A great beer selection and an unbelievable happy hour make this South Lamar spot an oasis for all. (3003 South Lamar, Austin, TX 78704)

Eastside Cafe - This East Austin treasure has long held to a local, natural, and partially vegetarian menu, and their patio has the unique distinction of being adjacent to the garden from which they harvest much of their daily ingredients. Walking through the converted house gives diners the impression of being at a very special party, and the beauty and serenity of the patio enhances their celebrated food and wine greatly. (2113 Manor Road / Austin, TX 78722)

Four Seasons - A splurge for some, the Four Seasons' menu is superb, and although it is pricey, the beauty of their patio, overlooking Lady Bird Johnson Lake (formerly Town Lake) makes this a special destination with a uniquely Austin feel. Enjoy the patio for dinner, or for their famous buffet brunch, featuring eggs Benedict; carving, griddle and omelette stations; fresh seafood and salads, and more. (98 San Jacinto Boulevard / Austin, TX 78701-4039)

Fino - Couch-style seats are available on the patio/terrace of this centrally located gem, with plenty of gorgeous old oak trees providing shade and scenery. Fino is open for lunch and dinner, and specialized in small, creative plates. With an excellent wine list, this patio is perfect for a relaxing meal above the fray. (2905 San Gabriel Street / Austin, TX 78705)

Texican - Although technically in Cedar Park, the north location of this Tex-New-Mex stalwart allows diners to sample their justifiably famous cabrito, enchiladas and margaritas on one of the area's nicest decks. The large, covered patio is tiled, and has ceiling fans every few feet - a nice touch during the summer. (11066 Pecan Park Blvd. / Cedar Park, TX 78613)

The Oasis - Known as the "Sunset Capitol of Texas," this Lake Travis institution offers some of the most spectacular views of the lake and its surrounding hills. At one point the Oasis featured thirty-two separate decks, all facing west, and although a lightning fire caused serious damage, they reopened within three days and continue to rebuild and refurbish. The beauty of the views from the patios makes this a popular choice for wedding receptions and other romantic occasions, but all are welcome to enjoy their diverse menu and specialty cocktails while watching the sunset over the lake. (6550 Comanche Trail / Austin, Texas 78732)

Ki is a real estate broker. He runs a site dedicated to Austin real estate and provides a graphical search for Austin homes. His site also provides users information on mortgage interest rates.

Held every spring, the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival is a celebration of the rapidly expanding food and wine culture to be found in Central Texas. This 501(c)4 non-profit organization was founded in 1986, and their annual festivals have become one of the hottest tickets in town. Held over a four-day span, and featuring a multitude of events scattered throughout the greater Austin area, this festival highlights the cutting edge chefs, writers, food and wine producers who have elevated Texas into the culinary firmament.

The festival is concentrated in some of downtown Austin's most revered establishments, from the posh haute cuisine of the Four Seasons, to Austin's own Spanish tapas restaurant, Malaga. The events radiate out from this locus, including other Austin institutions such as Central Market, and spreading out into the Hill Country wineries including Fall Creek, Becker and Spicewood. The festival culminates in an all-day fair, often held in San Gabriel Park near Georgetown.

The events run the gamut from the frenetic heated battles of Iron Chef-style competitions, to Hill Country luncheons held amid the spring wildflowers at one of the participating wineries. Film and food are combined in events held at the Alamo Drafthouse, and music and food are combined in events such as Uncorked and Acoustic, featuring some of the finest talent Austin has to offer playing acoustically while participants enjoy food prepared by Austin's finest food talents. Bat cruises, reserve tastings, winemaker dinners and much more round out the weekend's offerings.

The premier event is the festival's Grand Tasting. Fittingly known as Stars Across Texas, the celebrated chefs featured here are from the hottest restaurants in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, the Hill Country and beyond - all bring their best to this unique event. The chefs and winemakers circulate throughout the event, giving participants the change to mingle and speak with these artisans in a unique milieu. With more restaurants, chefs, chocolatiers, pastry chefs, viticulturists and winemakers present than at any other event, this is truly the crown jewel of the festival.

The Sunday Fair is a less structured, more family-oriented event during which participants can sip and sample their way through a myriad of tents. Vendors include wineries, food artisans and restaurants from Texas and beyond, all proffering their specialties. Renowned chefs provide cooking demonstrations, discussion and panels are held on different food and wine-oriented topics, and since it is Austin, after all, you can count on some of the best live music from some of Austin's favorite musicians.

Throughout the four days of the festival, over thirty individual events are held, highlighting the products of more than one hundred restaurants, and at least sixty wineries. Although most speakers and presenters are Texan, guests are invited from other parts of the country, and the world, to illuminate Texas' impact on food and wine across the globe. The Festival is a affiliated with the prestigious James Beard Foundation, the Texas Department of Agriculture's GO TEXAN program, the Texas Restaurant Association and the Wine and Food Foundation of Texas.

Ki lives in Austin Texas and enjoys the Austin music scene. He runs a guide to Austin Texas real estate. To search for a house you can use his search of the Austin MLS or read about the market on his blog about Austin real estate.

Texas BBQ is legendary – slow smoked meats served with or without sauce, with our without sides. Although Llano, Lockhart and Taylor boast the most storied BBQ joints in the state, Austin holds its own with some incredible BBQ options. Whether holding to the bottom line of Texas BBQ, beef brisket, or expanding out to include sausage, pork ribs, or chicken, BBQ lovers can find down-home joints, high-tone restaurants, and even music venues serving up Austin’s finest.

Stubb’s: Probably the most famous Austin BBQ originally came from Lubbock, in the plains of West Texas, where C.B. Stubblefield’s hickory-smoked meats and heavenly sauce fortified a burgeoning music scene, including Joe Ely and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. In Austin, Stubb’s sauce was bottled informally until the restaurant and music venue bearing his name in tribute, opened on Red River. With an outdoor amphitheater and an indoor nightclub, concert goers can chow down on great cue before the show – without losing their parking place! (801 Red River / Austin, Texas 78701 / 512.480.8341)

Iron Works: Downtowners and out-of-towners alike flock to this unassuming corrugated metal shack, lured by the aromatic smoke curling throughout the business district. The Iron Works was formerly just that – an iron working business, but in 1978 the building got a historic designation and the family began serving up BBQ. They also offer custom smoking of any meat you bring to them . (100 Red River / Austin, TX / 78701 / 512-478-4855)

Sam’s: This east side institution serves their delectable fare until late in the night, making it a favorite of the local musicians and music fans. The building might seem a little run-down, but make no mistake – this is some of the finest ‘cue in Texas. Sam’s is justifiably famous for its friendly service, musician-friendly hours, and an offering not found at many other Austin joints –melt-in-your-mouth mutton. (2000 E 12th St / Austin, TX 78702-1702 / (512) 478-0378)

Green Mesquite: Located just south of the river, along “Restaurant Row” on Barton Springs just adjacent to Zilker Park, this funky, charming spot is one of Austin’s favorite BBQ joints. Their meat combos are popular, and they offer other temptations like some of the best fried catfish in the area. The décor is purely South Austin – with neon, music posters, cushy booths and a checkerboard floor. Cold Shiner Bock on draft, bluegrass in their biergarten – this place is hard to beat. (1400 Barton Springs Rd / Austin, TX 78704 / (512) 479-0485

Lambert’s: A relative newcomer to the River City’s BBQ scene, Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue is one of the more upscale joints in town to dish out some well-made Texas food. Located in a renovated building in the burgeoning 2nd Street shopping and dining district, Lambert’s features live music, mostly jazz and DJs, in addition to grilled steaks, seafood, inventive sides, and of course, fine smoked meats. Beef and pork ribs, the ubiquitous brisket, and “fancy” surprises such as quail and trout emerge from their oak burning smoker. (401 W 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701)

Ki is a realtor working in the Austin Texas real estate market. His website provides a graphical search of the Austin MLS. He also runs a blog covering Austin real estate.

Austin is full of originals from people to music to landmarks, this town has a personality all its own. Some things are bound to come and go. With any growing city, turnover is common in business (particularly locally-owned and operated establishments), but some businesses manage not only to survive, they thrive. Kerby Lane Cafe is one of these Austin originals that has beaten the odds and firmly established itself as a culinary landmark in the Live Music Capitol of the World.

No matter what time of day you find yourself hungry in Austin, Texas, you can find a healthy, delicious meal at the Kerby Lane Cafe. Founded in 1980 by a pair of Austinites dedicated to fresh food and affordable prices, Kerby Lane Cafe has come to be a true Austin staple, catering to patrons from all walks of life. The 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week schedule and reasonable prices are sure to draw in the late-night college crowd from local Universities in Austin, but you'll find a full house most any time of day or night at any of the restaurant's four locations around Austin.

What makes Kerby Lane Cafe such a popular spot? With literally hundreds of unique, affordable dining options around Austin, what is it about Kerby Lane Cafe that keeps people coming back again and again? For one, it offers affordable fare. With entrees ranging from $7-$13, Kerby Lane Cafe makes it easy to eat well, without overspending. For another thing, the restaurant's commitment to using produce and products produced locally helps promote other local businesses which is a big plus to many Austinites. Their green approach to business and extensive community involvement are also big selling points for many local regulars.

But the most convincing reason has to be the food. From award winning pancakes (you can even buy their pancake mix online or in local grocery stores around town) and creative seasonal menus to delicious pastas and satisfying sandwiches, Kerby Lane Cafe truly offers something for everyone. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or a regular old carnivore, Kerby Lane Cafe aims to please. Texas staples like queso (melted cheese dip) and chicken tortilla soup come together with homemade red pepper hummus, middle-eastern inspired salads, fresh fish dishes and many more unique offerings to create an eclectic menu full of flavor and personality. The 24-hour breakfast menu is a sure bet, with delicious Texas staples like migas and biscuits and gravy, and French toast made with thick-cut Texas toast.

Kerby Lane Cafe is well known for its originals, too sweet potato fries, gingerbread pancakes and their signature hippy burger are all local favorites. Plus, their creative seasonal menus keep things changing, bringing the freshest, best produce and products of the season directly to the table. The full bakery on-site churns out cobblers, cheesecakes and other delicious desserts daily from old fashioned gingerbread to silken mocha tofu cake further increasing the restaurant's versatility and appeal. No matter what you're craving, and no matter when you're craving it, Kerby Lane Cake is sure to satisfy.

Ki lives and works in Austin as a realtor. His site provides information on the Austin market with a free search of the Austin MLS and a blog filled with Austin real estate statistics. He also provides updated mortgage graphs for potential borrowers.

With the recent push towards local, sustainable eating, Austin residents are lucky to claim quite a few local farms. Many of these farmers bring their freshly harvested produce in to town periodically as part of one of the farmer's markets located throughout the city. Not just produce, Austin's farmers markets also feature locally made products such as cheese, tamales, breads, jams, soaps, and other handicrafts. With live music, entertainment for the kiddos, and an air of celebration, these bi-weekly events provide sustenance for the spirit as well as the body.

Austin Farmer's Market: With two locations, this aptly named market is held on Wednesdays from 4PM to 8PM, and Saturdays from 9AM to 1PM, year-round, rain or shine. A growers-only market, all of their produce and products are grown or produced within a 150 mile radius of Austin, and produce farmers make up at least 51% of their vendors. An offshoot o f the Sustainable Food Center, a local 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, the market is an important extension of their mission, to improve access to local, healthy and affordable food for children and adults in Central Texas. A unique feature of this group is their Chefs' Circle - a group of well known local chefs who periodically present cooking demonstrations at the Market. (Triangle Park, 4600 Guadalupe - 46th Street between Lamar and Guadalupe, AND Republic Square Park - 4th and Guadalupe)

Sunset Valley Farmer's Market: Claiming "The Spirit of the Farm in an Urban Setting" this weekly market is festival-like in atmosphere. With farmers, artisans, bakeries and restaurants all hawking their wares, shoppers are just as likely to get lunch as they are to get their weekly produce. Live music, face painting and inflatable slides and jumping structures make this an attractive destination for families. Held in the parking lot of the Toney Burger Center just east of Brodie off of Ben White, this weekly market is held on Saturdays from 9 to 1:00, year round, rain or shine. (3200 Jones Rd, Sunset Valley, TX, 78745)

Boggy Creek Farm: Although this market is held at, and features produce only from one of Austin's premier organic farms, it merits inclusion in this list due to its expansive offerings of things other than produce. Boggy Creek Farm provides local, organic produce to many local restaurants, and at their Wednesday and Saturday morning market, also offers local cheeses, breads, and other carefully selected products to the general public. The eggs from their free-roaming chickens go early, but the chickens remain strolling about to delight the kids, who can also take advantage of a small play area with farm-oriented toys. (3414 Lyons Road, Austin TX 78702)

South Austin Farmers Market: This small but tenacious market features local produce, and occasionally local products may be offered as well. Held on Saturdays, year round from 8AM to 1PM, they are located in the parking lot of El Gallo Restaurant on South Congress Avenue, across the street from St. Edwards University. (2910 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704)

Escapeso Realty is a small company in Austin. The provide a free search of the Austin MLS along with updated information on the Austin real estate market. Their site also provides updated mortgage interest rates for potential home buyers.

Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World. One of the best parts about having that distinction is that even if you aren’t necessarily into the club scene, you can still hear live music at restaurants throughout the city. Whether you feel like hearing Cajun, blues, country, Latin or rock, you can almost always find a great meal enhanced by a great band playing.

Threadgill’s is legendary not only for their chicken fried steak and cheese grits, but for also being the place that gave Janis Joplin her start. With a newly refurbished north location, and their World Headquarters just south of the river, Threadgill’s features the best in bluegrass, country, and soul music, as well as hosting a delicious and rejuvenating Gospel Brunch. Steaks, seafood po-boys, and the best vegetable side-dish selection in town, this is the quintessential Austin food and music spot. 301 West Riverside Drive, Austin, Texas 78704 // 6416 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78752

Artz’ Rib House is another gem of a music/food venue in Austin. As their name suggests, their specialty is smoked ribs, with country style pork, baby backs, or big beef ribs to choose from. They also make one of the better burgers in town, offer the Texas BBQ staples of brisket and sausage, and even have an inventive vegetable kabob on the menu. Their musical offerings are just as tasty, with an emphasis on western swing and a monthly Old Time Fiddlers Jam. Artz is located in the barton hills neighborhood at 2330 South Lamar, Austin, TX 78704

Quality Seafood is both a seafood market and a restaurant, serving some of the finest and freshest fish in town. Three days a week they feature music along with food and drink specials. Mondays they usually feature a hot jazz combo, and offer a great deal on succulent king crab legs, and on Wednesdays a folky blues duo entertains while the crowd feasts on peel and eat shrimp. A DJ holds forth on Thursdays, sometimes with live instrumental accompaniment, and the special rotates – recent Thursday food specials include spicy Texas crawfish and soft shell crab po-boys. 5621 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78751.

Las Palomas serves some of the finest Mexican food in the city, and features one of Austin’s best kept musical secrets. When they aren’t on tour with a major Texas country star, you can find the cream of Austin’s crop of pickers joining a gypsy jazz violinist for some jaw-dropping jazz every Wednesday night. Famed for their enchiladas “Tres Marias,” Las Palomas also offers ceviche, chicken mole, and other specialties. 3201 Bee Caves Road, Austin, TX 78746.

Having survived the ups and downs of Austin’s East Side, the Victory Grill is truly a piece of Austin history, but is just as vibrant today. Built in 1945, the club has hosted acts including B.B King, Ike and Tina Turner, and Billie Holiday, and today features Austin’s finest blues acts. With a rotating menu of down home cooking, the Victory Grill is a slice of Old Austin.

Ki works in Austin Texas with clients interested in Austin real estate. He keeps people up to date on his Austin real estate blog and has a free search of the Austin Texas MLS.