Tolly's Time Out

It would be easy to drive right by Tolly's - DON'T!  It's one of the only places in Austin to get a good glass of wine and the cozy restaurant and bar are busy but never loud.  Owners Brian and Geri have assembled a competent staff of servers and bartenders who seldom let you down.

THE BAR: Don't worry about getting a "bad" Bloody Mary or Long Island, they are mixed well and full of flavor (when Brian, aka "Tolly", is behind the bar, the Bloodys are made with his own secret recipe). There is a nice variety of beers (though we wish there were more on tap) and a decent wine list (better than anywhere else in Austin aside from the Old Mill, which we can barely afford to park near, let alone eat and drink at!).  And if you're on a budget, don't be afraid of the house wines, they've done a nice job of selecting affordable glasses that are not offensive.

APPS: features several hand-battered appetizers that really stand out from the usual bland crap from the freezer (I'm talking to YOU, Applebees....)  Be sure to try the onion rings and friend mushrooms.  They also have a shrimp cocktail that's a perfect starter.

ENTREES: are huge and you might consider sharing if you're not prepared for a feast. We recommend the walleye (either broiled or fried) or the absolutely deliciously prepared pork chops (why don't more restaurants serve pork chops!?).  

BAR FOOD/LUNCH: burgers are very respectable and their lunch menu features several delicious items, most notably their tuna melt that has just the right amount of dill.  Delicious !!! (Hint: even though it's not on the menu, ask for it at dinner time, they might have some left over from lunch; they make it fresh every day).  And if your palate is more "mainstream" try the pub cod or the chicken tenders... the chicken strips are the thickest, juiciest chicken tenders we've ever tasted.  In fact, they not strips at all, they're more like slabs.  Outstanding!

OTHER: We wish they had a patio, but maybe it's good that they don't, otherwise we might be here every night!  They featured a limited menu and limited hours on Sundays and are closed on Mondays.