Eddie V's

The wait staff surveys the floor in pristine white jackets and black bow ties; a wine selection that boasts over 200 bottles; a separate bar and lounge area with a live jazz ensemble to entertain legislators sipping cocktails after a long day at the Capitol. No, Eddie V’s isn’t in Washington DC but deep in the heart of Austin, Texas. Easily the best meal money and influence can buy though a nice Happy Hour special—all day on Sundays and Mondays—bring in the young professionals and co-eds. Louisiana Gulf oysters shucked to order, Jonah lump crab, Tomahawk steaks with a screaming sizzle, and enough creamy hollandaise and decadent béarnaise sauce to drown your diet in. It would be a shame to let the tiniest crumb go to waste but just in case one does, there’s a catering server nearby with a silver crumber to whisk it away.