Built in the 1940s, Riverside Golf Course is a historic Austin course that has hosted golf legends like Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite over the years. If you're used to playing on today's elite courses, Riverside Golf Course might seem a bit short, simple, and straightforward at first, but if you keep its history in mind, you'll appreciate playing on a golf course that shaped a generation of golf's great players.

The course is rated a 7.3 on the Texas Outside scorecard, and the fairways are lined with stately old maples, pecans, and oaks. The course's pro shop can supply all your basic equipment needs, while professional instructors can help you fine tune your technique. After your round of golf, try relaxing in the attached restaurant with a tasty char-grilled burger and an ice cold beer.

Whether you visit with a couple of buddies or bring the whole family, Riverside Golf Course can be a great place to spend a day.

Riverside Golf Course
1020 Grove Boulevard
Austin, TX 78741
(512) 386-7077
www.riverside-gc.com
www.texasoutside.com/public/reviews/show_golf_course/548

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Wojciech Kulicki

Austin’s a pretty relaxed town, all things considered, so many of its eateries keep a pretty casual vibe. One place that locals love to hang out is Red’s Porch, a fun and funky Southern restaurant that draws a big crowd. Located around the back of the building, the space is airy and open, with patios on both sides of the restaurant that fill up quickly on nice days.

Start out with a glass of sangria or a margarita. When you move on to food, don’t miss the chicken-fried steak; it’s moist, tender, juicy and served with copious amounts of delectable gravy. Other fine menu options include the bacon wrapped shrimp and jalapeno skewers with remoulade sauce and dirty rice, as well as the poboy sandwiches (get the crawfish!).

Red's Porch
3508 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 440-7337
www.redsporch.com
www.yelp.com/biz/reds-porch-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Simon Doggett

Warm decor lends itself to a comfortable, welcoming dining experience at Second Bar + Kitchen in Austin. The restaurant serves reasonably priced innovative and creative farm-to-table American cuisine for lunch and dinner daily, plus a Sunday brunch.

Start your meal with potato gnocchi tots made with housemade ketchup, or go for an appetizer of buffalo fried pickles, shihito peppers with miso aioli, daily changing charcuterie boards, steak tartare, or carrot gazpacho. Large plates include a pulled pork sandwich or brisket burger, Asian inspired soba noodle salad, roasted chicken and truffle, blue cheese and pork belly pizza. Chef inspired side dishes please the palate with seasoned Brussels sprouts, black truffle grits, and warm potato salad. Additionally, the restaurant offers an extensive bar menu replete with classic cocktails, wine, beer, hard cider and liquor.

Reservations are recommended, and private parties can be accommodated in one of the eatery's private dining rooms.

Second Bar + Kitchen
200 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 827-2750
www.congressaustin.com/second
www.yelp.com/biz/second-bar-kitchen-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/pointnshoot