III Forks is a fine dining steakhouse offering a sophisticated, upscale setting, including a piano bar/lounge area, an expansive dining room, and patio seating with a primo view across Cesar Chavez Avenue to the river. Sample a varietal from their extensive wine selection stocked with over 4,000 bottles from the world over. The menu is Texas-French, with a sumptuous array of starters like Bacon-Wrapped Scallops, Shrimp Cocktail, Lobster Bisque and Crabcake St. Francis. Entrees include Filet Mignon, Bone-In Ribeye, USDA Prime Porterhouse, Rack of Lamb, Atlantic Salmon and Chilean Seabass. All entrées are served with duchess potatoes, creamed corn and fresh veggies. Other sides include sautéed spinach, fresh asparagus, sautéed mushrooms and sweet potato hash. Open for dinner only every day.

III Forks
111 Lavaca St
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-1776
http://www.yelp.com/biz/iii-forks-steakhouse-austin

Looking for a sensational artisanal cocktail? Head to Peche, where you can imbibe the once-banned libation absinthe and other spirits in a Parisian-style environment. Nestle up to the bar, order a refreshing cocktail like the Spicy Bee’s Knees, the Corpse Reviver, or a Fig Manhattan and prepare to be bowled over by deliciousness. Food can be ordered at the bar, or settle in at a table and curb your hunger with something tasty from the French-influenced menu. The menu changes daily and might include Roasted Corn Chowder, Grilled Baby Chicken with cacciatore sauce, Roasted Marrow & Escargot, Bouillabasse in white wine broth or Steak Nicoise Tartine. Stop in for great specials during happy hour on weekdays from 4 until 6p.m.

Peche
208 W 4th St
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 494-4011
http://www.yelp.com/biz/p%C3%A9ch%C3%A9-austin-3

The Backspace is a great little gastro-pub is helmed by revered Austin chef Shawn Cirkiel. His small, Italian-themed menu is eclectic, giving diners some yummy options for antipasti, pizzas and desserts to pair with wine, beer and cocktails. Order yourself a fruity chardonnay or rich cabernet sauvignon alongside an antipasti like Lamb & Pork Meatballs with stewed tomatoes, Baked Ricotta with lemon poached tomato, Farm Greens Salad with pecorino romano, or Brussel Sprouts & Fontina. The pizza selection includes the classic Margherita with mozzarella, basil & tomato, the Bianco with arugula, mozzarella & ricotta and the Roasted Mushroom with ricotta, tomato, capers & thyme. Delectable desserts include Hazelnut Chocolate Budino, Salted Caramel Panna Cotta and Ricotta Cheesecake. Open Monday through Sunday from 5p.m until 11p.m.

The Backspace
507 San Jacinto St
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-9899
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-backspace-austin