First visit and sadly it gave me Bar Rescue and Jon Taffer vibes- definitely not the cleanest venue. As far as food, the fried avocado was good but the macadamia crusted Mahi Mahi was disappointing. It was served with grilled spinach on top as opposed to fish being served on bed of spinach. I suspect it was served this way to hide the fish crust meaning burnt. Additionally the meal was supposed to be served with a chopped salad and much never came- I assume they substituted the Spanish rice for salad. The server though was great! He was attentive, funny and quick. read more

Service: It was poor. We were seated and given waters and menus but after 15 minutes nobody came back to take our order, so we left. There was a bartender about 6 feet away from us who never bothered to take our order or greet us either. My impression is that this place isn't focused on customers at all. Our server was friendly when she seated us but when we tried to flag her down she was busy looking on her phone and seems she forgot about us. It didn't seem to be a particularly busy day either. Food: Can't comment on the food because we never ordered any. Ambiance: The place is run down and needs a facelift badly. I get the rustic beach feel but this was just run down. I only gave two stars because there's a view of the lake. But not worth it to go back. Don't recommend at all. read more

This place was alright. Just to be upfront I was gonna 3 star it but the staff was great so an extra star for service. Hey it counts! So 3 stars for .... the food of course. It was alright. Nothing special. A bit on the pricier side given the type of establishment, they have a good variety of things on the menu and I did steal bites off my groups plates to get a feel of it. Everything was just OK. The atmosphere itself is pretty nice. Kitschy interior with it's own charm. Nice location, when it's not cold definitely would be great to sit outside. If you're in the area and hungry it's not a bad place to park yourself. read more

Waited over 2 hours. They had plenty of tables inside but not enough workers (on a Saturday). Took us another 20 mins to be served water and utensils and for the worker to take our order. Took another 30 minutes for the food to come and it was below mediocre. Overpriced food for the quality! Cute outdoor patio dining area but we'll never be back read more

I've been eating at Hula Hut for over 20 years. Back then, the food was fantastic, drinks were great, I really never had one complaint. Over the years, it's just been a steady fall, sadly, since it's a really nice location. I've had bad experiences, mainly with the food, and thought "I'll give them one more chance", which I did, and another bad experienced followed. I did that 3-4 times, shame on me. The last visit was the last straw. I took some out of town guests there, and the food was flat out horrible, for all of us. The fish tacos had ZERO flavor, the chili rubbed salmon tacos had ZERO flavor. The tubular taco, you guessed it, ZERO flavor. Typically the fish tacos have creamy jalapeno sauce on it, even that was flavorless, and lacking. Both the drinks and service were bad as well. And lastly, to top it all off, the queso, one thing that should be really hard to mess up, was messed up. I won't make the mistake again. read more

This place has great atmosphere and location. Parking can be a bit of a hassle but I've never had issues. Food is good but not great. Drinks are about average price for Austin. But let's be real you come here for the water front patio vibes which it knocks out the park. Photos: Patio bar on the water. Wife with a skinny Marg. read more

Hula Hut - Patio bar - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Came here on a Sunday around 1:30pm and luckily it was not crowded. The parking is challenging but they had a valet for $7 so we paid and didn't bother with driving all around to find a spot. FYI there is a lot across the street and the walk up isn't bad. The complimentary chips and salsa was amazing! The food was good as well. The steak options are good so I would strongly advise you order anything with steak in it. The views on the river were really nice and we took pictures after lunch. We got lucky with a nice day with awesome weather. read more

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My friend had been raving about this place for months and she finally took me there for lunch last week. This is one of my new favorite (not so hidden because there's always a wait) gems of Austin and did not disappoint! Atmosphere: first, it was way larger than it looks from the outside. They have both indoor and outdoor seating but recommend sitting outdoors so you can have an unobstructed view of Lake Austin and daydream about one day owning a boat. Food: We shared the queso (which was incredible) but for me the show stopper was the table chips! They were warm, thin and crispy - not too heavy but held up when dipped in salsa or cheese. We each got a different quesadilla (chicken pictured here) and it was melt in your mouth delicious. The tortillas were fresh and soft and featured the perfect chicken to cheese ratio. Drinks: My friend drove so I got a margarita with an add-shot and with the heat outside, was surprisingly strong. They have great happy hour deals, we will definitely be going back to catch them another time soon. read more

Hula Hut - Chicken Quesadillas - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

This is my favorite "Polynesian"'but actually Tex-Mex place in Austin. If you're going to splurge, this is the place to do it. The service is quick and accurate. I'd argue that's part of the cozy feel as in they leave you alone to enjoy your meal. We ordered the ramen (garlic) with calamari. Let me be clear...the taste, presentation, and quality of ingredients where phenomenal. Everything you heard is 100% true and then some! obviously the gelato is the main event, top-notch. read more

I think Hula Hut is one of those places where the food isn't out of this world extraordinary, but the views make it all worth it. I was surprised to see how many other people had the same idea to visit on a Tuesday night (not much social distance wise on the interior with almost all the tables occupied). I was happy with how quickly we were able to get seated. I ordered the Shrimp Enchiladas. For the food alone, I'd give a 4/5 as it was pretty delicious and the portion size very good. The chips and salsa we got when seated were a bit spicy (and I love spice!) but definitely fresh and homemade. Overall, this is a pretty decent place to get TexMex, especially for the location and the views that can come with your meal. read more

Hula Hut - Shrimp Enchilada Meal - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

Cute restaurant on the water. Super busy and crowded, friendly service, we were seated pretty quick, sooner then we were told. Food was great, the nachos were actually amazing, one of the best nachos I've head in a while. Their drinks are very good too, refreshing and not too sweet. I tried the stuffed avocado and it was just okay, a little too much avocado to chicken ratio, a little bland, wouldn't get again. The Thai bbq fajita (steak) was BOMB!! The steak was super tender, very well seasoned, we got a side of rice and beans as it does not come with the 1/2 order but they were not necessary, also kind of bland. Overall would recommend the place if ever in the area. Just for the nice view! read more

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Great vibes and ambience. Lots of shade under the pier bar and not long of a wait for a Sunday morning! Great stop when passing through Austin! Will definitely come here again read more

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Hula Hut takes the cake when it comes to the vibe! String lights and straw tiki roofs right on the water can't be beat. Ideal spot to watch the sunset solo or with friends. I wasn't expecting to devour the endless chips and salsa like I did, but it was so tasty I could not resist! Service was 10/10, I will be back! read more

Heard great reviews of this place. Location wise this has one of the best views of the river. Parking though can be a pain if it's packed, which it was for me when I came on a Friday afternoon) Along that same thread, I didn't actually sit in the restaurant because it was so packed. So I ended up ordering something to go and sitting at one of the tables outside the restaurant that was overlooking the water. Food was great though, would love to try the tacos next time (when it's not so busy) read more

Hula Hut - Hawaiian BBQ Pork Sandwich - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

Had the Hu La La drink and the Chicken Chile Relleno dinner plate. Drink was good although my husband had the Blue Hawaii and that was outstanding! The Chicken Chile Relleno was really good. We also had the Fried Ice Cream for dessert; which was really good, the carmel and sugar dusted crispas was so good! read more

Hula Hut - Chicken Chile Relleno Dinner - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Is this where we are now? A 2.5% fee to pay with a credit card? Also love how the handheld credit card machine is preset to choose a 25% tip unless you change it. All this along with mediocre service where our server was waiting on half the restaurant, though I still tipped 20%. read more

Hula Hut - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

One of our favorite places to visit while in Austin. You can never go wrong with a margarita and tubular taco. The environment is great and the view is even better. The checkin host this visit wasn't exactly friendly but our server was great. read more

I'm normally vegetarian but randomly was craving fish and tried the Macadamia Mahi dinner at Hula Hut and it was amazing! A large portion and tasted very fresh despite them being busy. Their chips and guac/salsa are also very fresh and yummy. A must for ATX, especially if you're spending a day on the lake! read more

We recently visited this sweet place for dinner Wished the weather was warmer when we visited but now we know where to go when it warms up . Fast service and our waiter was awesome quick to get ya drinks and chips and salsa Food came out quick and was yummy ! read more

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My wife and I drove from San Marcos to have a great lunch at Hula Hut on Monday August 12th. Our expectations were delivered again. We were greeted by a kind young hostess that sat us right away. Our waitress were Haley, and in learning Halle. The two of them gave us excellent service. Our appetizer came promptly. I never had to ask for tea refills, I drank three classes. Our meals were delivered hot and on time. I had shrimp enchiladas and I do recommend them to every one. We do appreciate the two of them greeting us with smiles which always makes for an enjoyable lunch. We sat inside where the A/C was blowing cold and enjoyed the atmosphere. WE Will BE BACK read more

There's nothing more putting off then walking into a restaurant or a business establishment and being met by a cold, unwelcoming receptionist! Our group of 9 arrived last Thursday at 7:30 pm and were met by a young woman who for some reason didn't seem happy to see us. Perhaps it was because of our ethnicity. We can't do anything about that and were as polite as possible -- but there you have it. Now as it turned out our waiter was great and made up for the receptionist, and the salsa was good with three options offered up. Unfortunately, the food was mediocre! I had the pipeline enchiladas which were not good at all. read more

You are on the water, so that is good. The server that has literal profanity tattooed on this thighs so that kids can learn them at dinner with grandma, not so much. I had nachos and the rest of the table had burritos and enchiladas. They were ok. I don't think you go here for fine dining. You come here to drink and eat chips and get swarmed by bees. keep Austin weird. read more

Wanted to check this place out during my last visit in Austin. The drinks always look so good! We went during the week so it wasn't crowded at all and service was fast. We had a very friendly waiter. We wanted to sit outside on the patio area to see the view of the lake. The scenery was really nice. Palm trees, huts, Hawaiian ambiance all around. We went during Happy Hour which is m-f 3:30-6:30. We were offered chips and salsa and ordered a Mai-tai and Haleakalada. We also ordered a side of queso. Our waitress mentioned that water and straws are only offered when asked due to the water shortage and sitting upon the lake. The drinks were really good in my opinion. We didn't order food but it was definitely Tex Mex that they mostly serve. Being outside there were a lot of flies and birds on the deck. It also smelled a bit with the water system or drainage that was in the area. Over all it's a cool spot to check out for the views and experience. I would go again for the drinks. read more

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Service and ambience where great , it nice when seating in the patio , and food was very good as well !

Food was ok, waiter was great. However, we were accused of stealing mugs and were treated like criminals by the front end cashier and the night manager. They wouldn't even look up the receipt proving that I paid for the mugs. Finally, the waiter came and showed the rude cashier and manger that we paid for the mugs. Spent $245 and instead of their gratitude, we received rude accusations. The place was dead on a Saturday night, and now I know why. Treat your customers with respect and gratitude and you might fill up am of those empty seats! read more

I came to Hula Hut years ago and remembered how fun it was being on the water. The prices are still great especially considering how much food you get. I ordered the chicken fajitas which were marinated in shiner bock. Everything was absolutely delicious. My margarita was solid, too. It's a little touristy but if you're looking for a nice night outside by the water and some Tex Mex, it's a good choice! read more

Candace Harkey and the entire staff were amazing. We celebrated my mother's 60th birthday! We had about 30 people. Food was brought out fast, drinks were great. Amazing service and food ! Thank you Hula Hut Crew read more

The food wasn't bad, but there were spider webs crawling with spiders EVERYWHERE. I was creeped out and uncomfortable the entire time. Then when it was time to pay the bill, our server did not even show me the tab or allow me to choose the tip for my tab, she just took my card and swiped it and walked away. I would probably never go back, mostly due to the spider infestation. read more

Chicken chili rellenos are the bomb yall! coconut shrimp as well whoohooo best food in town read more

Hula Hut - My girl and I enjoying dinner and a few drinks - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

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The food is not the best, unfortunately I enjoy the area and how you can see a little bit of the lake but overall basic. The food is not good, very bland and the self service chip bar on the patio made me a little uneasy since lots of folks are not constantly washing their hands and uphold good hygiene practices. Since the ambiance was what I like to come for this prolly will be another spot I just go to and have drinks but no food. read more

I had the pineapple grilled chicken plate and a happy hour mango margarita. The flavor in the chicken was amazing! My margarita was strong and very tasty. Loved our view of the lake and the happy hour deals were really nice! Will definitely be coming back again read more

Hula Hut - Pineapple grilled chicken! - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

TLDR; Average Tex Mex food with a fusion touch. Highly overrated restaurant - probably due to its location on the lake. In close proximity to many good places, this restaurant has a real advantage with its location but the food, hygiene and the menu does not do justice to it. I intend to give this place another chance once COVID situation changes. Hope they change my mind on my initial impression. read more

Tired of Mexican food? How about Tex-Mex with a twist of Hawaiian? If it sounds like a weird combination to you, it's okay. You're in Austin, where keepin' it weird is what local businesses around here go for. Hula Hut has been an Austin favorite for as long as I can remember. Beautiful views should you choose to sit out back and over the water. Look down and you'll see Karp fish swimming below that are nearly 3 feet long! Great food and prompt service. My colleagues and I went for lunch on a Friday afternoon and it wasn't too busy. Although I hear Friday nights get pretty packed especially during the summer months. Folks who live along the water take their boats to the restaurant and park at their dock. Perfect spot to catch a happy hour! read more

Hula Hut - Coconut Shrimp - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

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It is too annoying that even in these times there is so much racism, I visited the hula hut restaurant and it had never happened to me that a waiter treated me as badly as I experienced it, he was never attentive to me and my companions, just because we are Latinos, he did not treat us the same way as other customers. Joshua, if you don't like your job, find another one where you are nicer and more respectful because you always blow us away before we ask you for anything, you shouldn't be so rude if you want to get a good tip. , your service is so bad that you forget everything, you must concentrate on work or I will repeat it again, look for a job that you really like. You also wanted to add the tip because it was mandatory that is very bad because it is not mandatory to add tip for being 3 people. the manager must take into account what kind of people he is hiring read more

Hula Hut - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

Wife & I were up in Austin from San Antonio and was looking for someplace unique. We found Hula Hut searching for Best Restaurants in Austin, let me just say that Hula Hut didn't disappoint. The food was delicious, wife got the Shrimp Chili Relleno and I got the Kaikawaini Stuffed Avacado which is an appetizer that can be turned into an entree. Both dishes were absolutely delicious. Highly recommend Hula Hut. read more

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Today we had lunch at Hula But. It was good. We opted to sit outside and watch the boats coming and going. There was a nice wind which made eating outside tolerable. We saw some turtles and fish. Our service was good and so was the food. My husband and I shared their roasted chicken pipeline enchilada. The picture I'm uploading is half the plate as they were kind enough to split them for us. We still had leftovers, if you can believe that. They give you salsa and chips, for starters. Their salsa was spicy but good. They were busy today. We had a 30-minute wait. read more

Hula Hut - Our view - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Enthusiastic and attentive service and great food. Chicken quesadilla and shrimp enchiladas were delish!! Only four stars because the place, especially bathrooms, could use some maintenance and a good clean. read more

It's on the lake and the food is good... the dusty Hawaiian decor, Aloha Y'all once was alive at this restaurant. The host sent us to the back host because we wanted to sit outside. It was a 30 minute wait, no wait inside. The front host and back host should be in communication so they are able to seat more effectively. The server was horribly oversat and the crowd was growing. We did get our food with an air conditioned view of the lake and it was good. The kawakini appetizer is awesome- get the queso too. The salsa is raw and amazing- chips are good get salt. The chicken quesadillas were good and kids chicken fingers with fries worked out fine for my little one. They need more servers, communication, and the aloha back in the people. read more

Great food great views. Will definitely be back soon. Service was good and it was a busy Friday night.

Kolten at Hula Hut was exceptional! It was a busy night but he was still courteous, upbeat and very personable. We were sitting in the outdoor cocktail area and it was full. He made sure we were taken care of and food was out quickly! My wife had the fried mahi-mahi tacos and I had the chicken tubular taco. Both were very good. At the end of the night he even signed our daughter's cast. It made her day! Thanks, Kolten, for the fun experience! JP read more

Hula Hut - Kolten from Hula Hut - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas