I've been coming to The Oasis since the early 90s and have seen the major changes it has gone through. Let's face it, while the food used to be a selling point, the quality has declined as the place grew and the only reason people come here is for the views. So therefore it was to great dismay on my recent visit that they sat us, took our order, then brought down curtains that completely block the view. I was not there for $24 mediocre nachos and lackluster $17 drinks, I was there for the view and they took that away. Every single table around us complained and I heard various waiters give different stories as to why (a woman just fainted, we've had three people faint so far...) but basically they threw tourists under the bus by saying they get so many out-of-towners who can't handle the Texas heat so they have to put down sunshields for them. So our trek out to the Oasis ended up being a disappointing but expensive lunch staring at a curtain instead of the lake. Utter fail on their part, a complete bait-and-switch, and makes me need to tell others to not waste their time or money on a once great place.
Lovely sunsets!! I went around 6:45 pm, parking is easy to get, got a table without much wait. Although I would prefer something close to a fan, as it got hotter a little later. Staff is very friendly, gave some good recommendations. I tried their fried avocado ( very nice), shrimp tacos and chicken fajitas. It’s a good place to spend your evening with golden light around sunset. You get great pictures.
The drive to get there through winding roads is beautiful. The place itself is lush and stunning. The many different stores and shops within all surrounded by gorgeous plants and flowers and amazing statues and wood sculptures. The wait in line to get in is well worth it. The whole entirety is just amazingly decorated. The staff is extremely superb and attentive. The food is just out of this world! I am just in awe of the beauty here. Not to mention the main attraction is the breathtaking view of Lake Travis while you dine outside. It's no wonder this is a local favorite! This being my first visit, I will definitely add this to my list of repeats! We'll done oasis!!!
I had not been to the Oasis in many years and was surprised how much it had changed. The buildings are nice, and the place is big. It was also busy, but we had no problem finding a place to park.We came early on a Saturday afternoon. We had lunch in Austin earlier and came just for cocktails and to check the place out for a future group get-together, so I can't comment on the food.There was a line for the restaurant, but we saw a banner for the Oasis Brewery and went upstairs. When we got to the next level, there was a sign on the door that it was closed for a private event. We then went up to the top level and found an outdoor deck area with picnic style tables and an indoor area with normal table seating. There was a live band inside. There was a cocktail bar in the outdoor area, but no one was there. We walked around looking at the views and then found a seat at one of the outdoor tables, despite it being crowded. I went inside and waited in line at what turned out to be brewery.I got to the ordering station and asked about cocktails. The bartender was unaware that the lower level was closed and had to go talk with a coworker. I then asked about the adjacent cocktail bar and he said it was closed (This was during the heat of the day on a Saturday afternoon.) I went back to our table and we sat for about five minutes when I saw someone go behind the bar and open it up. I got a couple of drinks that were good. The bartender was neither rude, nor friendly, just business.The view is fantastic! The drinks were good. The service side seemed unorganized and maybe a little spotty. I'll probably bring a group back soon, but with the expectation that the great view will be tempered by so-so service, lines, slow pace, and a crowd.
I have taken family & friends to the Oasis for almost 20 years. It is usually very crowded & lively with a long wait but on this summertime Friday night, it was not at all busy & we surprisingly walked right in. The staff were pleasant as usual & the view is beautiful. But I am not giving them 5 stars as in past years because the menu prices have increased significantly. For example, the veggie burger is no longer $12.95, it is $21. There are no more complimentary chips & salsa; you can order them (unlimited) for $6. I saw a family sit down & then get up to leave before ordering. Please visit the restaurant website for the most current menu & prices. It is still a nice experience but I will take family & friends elsewhere.
Food is overpriced in bad quality, drinks of water down, bugs everywhere, and overpacked. The only good thing about the place in my opinion is the view.
Beautiful views, good service, and overpriced mediocre food. Also, noticed bugs crawling our cups. They seemed to be coming from the wood patio ceiling.
We went for a late lunch and the place was fairly packed. Food was simply not good - fish and chicken were dry and tasteless. Avocado appetizer was tasty - should have stopped there. The margaritas are watered down, had one more than my usual limit and still felt nothing. Pretty tasteless as well. Go for the view, but eat and drink somewhere else. Better food and drink lots of other places at better prices. Sunset here is fun, view is great, but you spend a lot of money for little value.
Ample parking is available in their garage. We were seated immediately upon arrival and opted for outside dining that afforded us a spectacular view of Lake Travis. Our server Skylar promptly took our drink orders and answered all questions about the menu items. Our meals were served as ordered and very delicious. Skylar was very cordial and attentive to help make this a very enjoyable experience.
You wont do much better at any austin lakeside restaurant, they all have either terrible food or terrible service, often both. Dont eat at the lake, just grab a drink.