Why am I giving H-squared such a shitty review? That's what happens when a bird mysteriously shits on your table in the middle of your meal. I say "mysteriously," because no one in my eight-person group could identify the unsanitary drop zone. All we knew is there was the kerplunk of digested berries (or whatever birds eat) landing in our vicinity, we saw the winged menace shake its hindquarters like a man shakes his front-quarters after using the restroom and our table just so happened to contain not one, but TWO bowls of Jalapeno Ranch dressing. That crap could have been anywhere. "But Mark, you can't hold them accountable for the actions of a wild bird!" you may argue. "NAY!" I say. Whether they reinforce the cover of the waterfront patio or require each of their employees to carry a pellet gun, they are responsible for keeping flocks of grackles from terrorizing the diners. No one should have to fear avian feces while feasting on their dips, drinks and dressings. As if the invisible dung wasn't bad enough, we were also subjected to an apathetic waitress who was clearly in the weeds (or smoking weed). Maybe it's my fault for ordering coffee instead of a typical cold beverage, but this woman could NOT remember my milk if her tip depended on it. Unfortunately for her, it did. (Side Note: I still tipped her 18%, but that's like 10% by a former waiter's standards.) No matter how many times she looked me in the eyes and assured me my milk was on its way, she always returned to the table lactose incompetent. And when my coworker informed her that a bird just Dr. Strangelove'd our table (Kubrick reference), she simply responded, "Oh yeah. That happens." But enough with the negativity, let's talk about Hula Hut's redeeming qualities. For starters, the Shrimp and Spinach Tubular Taco was as sizable as it was savory. I still think $10.99 is a bit of a stretch for something you could get at one of Austin's zillion Tex-Mex restaurants for half the price, but I do respect them for making their own tortillas. I learned this when I took a wrong turn on the way to the restroom and wound up knocking a tiny Hispanic lady into a giant griddle. The other highlight was the cilantro-loaded salsa. I found myself dipping more tortilla chips into this complimentary accoutrement than the queso, guac or jalapeno ranch we paid good money for. (Question to the reader: If a bird adds a turd to your dip(s), shouldn't that item(s) be subtracted from your bill?) Am I forgetting anything? Oh, right. The setting everyone RAVES about. Sorry, Hula Hut (and fellow Yelpers who go gaga for this location), but growing up on the coast has spoiled me when it comes to aquatic scenery. Even our fast-food restaurants have an ocean view. I'm afraid your lakeside setting can't make up for lackluster service and bird poo. read more

Recently cruised the Hut a bit ago and was pleasantly surprised to learn they now offer that fab ranch dip (have they always?), a stuffed avocado (def a newer menu item) and frozen swirl margaritas (likely a staple, I've just never had them). Having come here since college (quite some time ago, eh-em) it was neat that Hula Hut could still surprise me. Bring it on! As always the chips were free and self-serve (fun) and the waitstaff and bar peeps were friendly and attentive. We arrived at about 5:30 on Sunday and waited maybe 5 minutes at the bar for a table. My last visit few months ago I only waited a few minutes too. Maybe I'm just lucky cuz I know it can be a pain to get in here. I say plan on at least 30 minutes during peak time and grab yourself a drink...or just show up at an off time and the whole vibe will be way more chill anyway. Either way, there is loads of people watching to be had and nice weather (and frozen margs) to enjoy while waiting. Can't go wrong with a Tubular Taco (my typical order through the years) but I tried the stuffed avocado and loved it. It was cheaper than most entrees, simple but tasty, and plenty of food (half the size of the TT which everyone knows can feed you for two meals). I give this bad boy five stars despite the occasional wait and annoying parking. (Suck it up and valet). The hut is right on the water, serves solid food and drinks, has a cheesy but fun atmosphere, and has hosted all sorts of good times over the years (date night, out-of-town visitors, girls night out, post or pre party drinks and/or snacks, etc). I heart Hula Hut. read more

This place has tons of reviews. So i will not go in depth. I just dont get the Hula Hut. I have been here a few times. I just dont get it. Not bad but not "oh my God!" What word could be used? Overrated? Yeah mos def, overrated. Fun with groups. Seating sucks. Chips/salsa good. Drinks ok, the service is like Ray Charles playing darts, either a hit or miss. read more

Aloha Hula Hut....(as in goodbye). They are just not that good. Chips were unimpressive and salsa was not spicy at all. Mostly tomatoes. When we asked for napkins and flatware they said they were out at the moment but as soon as they were washed we'd get some. Huh?? The food was just okay. Not even A-ok. But there is an extra star here for the service. Those folks work their asses off. Literally. (Most are really skinny from running around trying to find napkins and forks, filling up water glasses and toting drinks.) My Skinny Rita tasted like agave flavored water. I was shocked when we left to see at least fifty people in line to just get on the waiting list. Jeez. Really?? Color me confused. read more

In A Coconut Shell: D The Hula Hut is the worst place in the world. I don't just mean the worst restaurant, I mean the worst PLACE. The only reason I didn't give it an F is because someone out there was trying really, really hard. And it's not a bad strategy to create a restaurant where an overabundance of tiki torches and bamboo shelters make the patron feel as if he or she is on vacation. But in this case, the vacation is a luau-themed frat party with really bad food. Food: It's really sad that Austinite's can't let go of their Tex Mex for five seconds to experience what real Polynesian food is like. Hula Hut is one of many businesses that knows people need something familiar mixed with new adventure. The result is this Tex-Mex/Polynesian hybrid. I can't figure this culture out. A woman walks down the street wearing striped pants with a polka dot blouse, and the next thing you know she's a Don't in Glamour magazine. The Hula Hut does essentially the same thing with cuisine, and people wait an hour for a table. What is Tex-Mex/Polynesian? It's standard Tex-Mex with pineapple mango salsa instead of regular salsa. Or it's a piece of chicken with a pineapple ring. Wow! I bet it's the same guy that invented pet rocks. Service: C Oh, they try so hard. So very, very hard. But they are so very, very annoying. They love that pineapple mango salsa, and they can't wait to tell you about it. Semantics: F I'm so annoyed by the language they use on their menus. What exactly is a Pipeline Enchilada? Is that an enchilada delivered to Austin by means of a pipeline? Or is it assurance: Don't worry frightened little adventure-eating Austinite. Despite the side of pineapple mango salsa, this enchilada is shaped like a pipe-- just like the enchiladas you are used to. Atmosphere: F What really bugs me about this place is a phenomenon I've been noticing a lot in this city: expensive kitsch. The entire meaning of kitsch has been completely lost. If you want to see an example of kitsch done correctly, go to La La's off Burnet. This place has vintage X-mas decorations. But they are the actual tacky decorations, scavenged from Good Wills and garage sales. Corporate restaurants purchase new items that are made to look like the old tacky versions. Hula Hut is literally swarming with advertisements, hula dolls, and postcards made to look like something found in a Hawaiian's attic, but actually manufactured a few years ago in China. Also, the music is really loud. If you plan to actually talk to the person you are dining with, don't go there. read more

It was a really hot day when our large party came. We were able to get 3 tables next to each other outside while we waited. Our waitress came over, took our drink order and left. After she returned with our first round (all alcoholic drinks) she brought our tabs and cashed us out. You would think if we were all spending money she would ask if we wanted more. After waiting over an hour (with no waitress or drinks...not even water) we were finally seated inside. Our waiter was ridiculously rude! One person from our party ordered "the stuffed avocados." He proceeds to berate her in front of the table asking if she wanted 2 entrees. She said no, just the stuffed avocados. To which he replied, "Well you're saying avocados and it only comes with one. So, do you want 2 entrees or do you want just the stuffed avocado?" Clearly, one person isn't ordering 2 entrees, he was just being a jerk. I asked what drink comes with the "extra shaker" I saw other diners with. He argues with me that all of their drinks are just one drink. We went back and forth for awhile until I saw someone walking by and pointed it out. He told me which drink it was but said, "Well you were saying it was more than one drink and it's technically just one drink that you order. The shaker will refill your glass but it's only one drink." Again, just being a jerk. Why is their waitstaff making it so hard for our party to order and spend money?! And then the food. We recently relocated from Hawaii and there is nothing Hawaiian about this place. If they want to use their TACKY decor as an excuse to call this place Hula Hut, that would be the only reason to name it anything Polynesian. The decor is almost comical due to how over the top it is. It's similar to people thinking everyone from Texas wears cowboy boots and rides a horse. It's really that bad. Back to the food. The chips and salsa were the only good thing here. It was all edible but nobody at the table thought it was worth the disaster they call a parking lot, the long wait, the prices, or the rude waitstaff. Not one person even brought home the leftovers. To sum it up, we will never be back. read more

Like I don't get it. This place is positively boring with horrid stoner music, scary decor that I guess you have to be drunk to enjoy and mediocre food. The view isn't even that great since the dock is constantly filled with drunk people. Nothing like a pretty sunset by the water filled with people wobbling all over the place while eating some just ok food and listening to nerve splitting music. ? ? ? The service was delightful though and that is 1 1/2 of the 3 stars, man. read more

Austin, with it's odd, low-hanging trees, its omnipresent water, its intense heat, its rolling hills and night-fulls of music, is a strange place. What's strangest is our influx of FRICKIN' BIRDS! Our special species of elongated, incandescent crow, THE GRACKLE, is Grand Master Scavenger of the trees and beyond, and they rule the roost at the Hula Hut. (also see: Central Market) It's not bad enough that you have to cheat death driving into the parking lot off Lake Austin, and then endure the crowds as they herd you in to some crazy high-energy room full of loud music with families and those too lazy to drive out to the Oasis, all eating their asses off. Nor is it the tacky-ass sculpture of a huge bass leaping out of the water as the focal point of the view. It's the bird situation. They are ruthless. You can't go anywhere until you finish your food - they will be on it. You can't sit anywhere without having them gathering around, jerking around, all cracked out an' shit, ready to pounce. Hitchcock's worst nightmare wouldn't hold a candle to the animal kingdom mindfuck that is the Hula Hut. Decent food. I'll probably go back. : ) Apparently Sunday evening it's a watering hole for gay dudes. read more

Mmmmm Hula Hut! It may be a little over-decorated, but isn't that the fun of a Chuy's restaurant? I think they call the cuisine here Mexi-Nesian (Mexican / Polynesian). I like the Chicken an Guacamole Tubular Taco or the Roasted Chicken Pipeline. My mom and I like to meet here and split one of those and then get the Fried Ice Cream for dessert. Oh, and try the Lake Austin Lemonade. The staff is always really nice, keep your drinks and chips full. Free dessert on your b-day!! read more

Do you like key lime mints? Do you like a car with dents? Do you like a tiny bar? Do you like eating under stars? Do you like a long ass wait? Do you like a hot ass plate? If you do not like them, Sam I Am, stay away from Hula Hut. read more

I am a vegan. I emailed the restaurant about vegan options and they responded very promply. I always get the veggie tubular taco with refried beans inside and no cheese. Delicious! The only bad thing I have had here was their mojito. awful! The wait can be rediculously long but the place is just beautiful read more

Great food. Amazing atmosphere and even better workers. I will definitely be bringing a lot of business to this location.

Hula Hut used to be one of my favorite places to go but I am sad to say that I won't be going there for quite some time based on my most recent experience. A friend and I went during lunch on a weekday and our server was by far the worst I have had in a LONG time. She wasn't personable at all and we had to track her down for anything. When they brought our food we realized we didn't have silverware and asked the food runner. He never came back and we literally sat there for over five minutes before I could finally find our server and ask her for some. She never came back to check on us throughout the entire meal (we both needed refills) and when we wanted our check I actually found her upstairs braiding a coworker's hair!!!(we were downstairs inside). She finally came and put the check down and never even said thank you or asked how our meal was. We were celebrating my friend's birthday so I didn't want to cause a scene and complain but it was an awful experience. In general it is disappointing to look around the restaurant and see the overall laid back attitude of the staff that seem to care less about customer service. I won't be back for quite some time and it makes me sad. read more

Delicious veggie burger! I loved their patio outside, it was a fun and cute environment. Our server was great too!

I've lived in Austin for almost 11 years now, and for the first three years, I refused to go to Hula Hut. My avoidance was based on the very rational explanation of disliking the name. I mean, "Hula Hut"? Come on. I imagined herds of drunk frat boys running around asking women if they wanted to "get lei'd." Ick. Eventually, though, I succumbed to peer pressure. It turned out to be not so bad. In fact, I kinda liked it. My affection has grown over the years, and I no longer even mind having to park in a different county. They have the thin chips I prefer, and their tubular tacos are pretty good (and enough for multiple meals). The atmosphere is why you go, of course--to sit on the lake. Being a non-water person, I tend to spend the first ten minutes staring at those thin poles holding us up and imagining that one day, this place will fall into the water. Happily, my fears subside after a few sips of my margarita and I start to enjoy the view. I still think it's a terrible name, but maybe I shouldn't have been so judgmental. Maybe. You'll never catch me at Bikinis Bar and Grill, though. read more

One more review from this San Franciscan's trip to the wonderful city of Austin, which true to to it's claim, is weird. One of the places that everyone seems to visit, but not sure why. It was pretty good, but not quite worth the wait and seriously a younger drinking vibe. So hey, if that is what you want, this is def the place. My old butt will be over at Mozart's. read more

Tip: take your friends! Expect to drink and renew the ancient form of conversation! 5 star view and atmostphere, 3-4 star tex-mex food. Why are there so many complaints about the wait on a beautiful weekend (on the water) at a place with 3 different bars? If you go on a Sunday, expect a long wait. Go to the bar, have a cocktail, get some self-serve chips. Catch up! Relax! (don't get into fights over bar stools). Want to avoid the wait? Don't go on the weekend. I've brought large groups (over 10) here many times and have no wait problems - it's all about timing. Don't expect to get a seat immediately with a large group outside on the first day of summer. Use your noggins. The food is tex-mex with a hawaiin flare. -Thai-Shrimp flauta appetizer - I hate shrimp and I love this. Spicy! (and I like the spicy). -thai nachos/fajitas - once again, iterate the spicy, and yet unique deliciousness. -I always get one of the tubular tacos, despite the broad menu, these are classic, delicious, tex-mex (looking for mexican food? stop shopping in the tex mex categories people! know the difference!). -My sister swears by the toll-house pie (who has room?). Go on a Sunday morning, watch interesting people catch carp out of a canoe below the Mozarts pier. A great way to appreciate Austin. Just wanted to give feedback to help balance out the more negative reviews. This place is great. read more

Pretty mediocre food and drinks, but I've been here several times and tend to bring friends when they visit from out of town. It has a great location, pretty sunset on the water, and food is better than neighboring Abel's. The wait can be ridiculous at times, but I've had luck grabbing a bar area table which has the full food menu, so that's a great if you're not a big group. Plus, the parking across the street is ample. On a busy weekend night, I've had to park pretty far in the parking lot, but never had issues finding a spot. read more

It's amazing to me that this place doesn't have an overall better rating. Not only does Hula Hut have great food, but sitting out by the lake in Austin is always so special. I'm a big fan of this place. They have really good fish tacos, their chips are amazing, and you get endless bowls of them. I always leave here so full. The fried avocado is also really good but may be a little too much for me. The staff is always friendly. We've never had a bad experience. We come here with friends all the time. Good place to celebrate, good drinks, fun atmosphere. Definitely recommend. read more

I was so excited to have dinner at Hula Hut because I heard about it from a friend. The view was beautiful and the food started off good until the first roach crawled out from our booth onto a friends shoulder. We finally caught it and killed it and then another crawled across 3 peoples dinner plates. Then another ran across the back of the booth. No exaggeration needed, we were shocked!!I have worked in the restaurant business so I understand the importance and the issues with pest control. It can be controlled with regular maintenance! The biggest disappointment was that even though the server was aware of the issues a manager never came to our table to apologize and check on us. The bill was not taken care of! We were told that is was discounted but my husband and I still paid $60 for the two of us. I don't think it was discounted. This was unacceptable and very disappointing! Rule of thumb in the restaurant business, if there is a roach, the meal is on the house and the manager needs to address the table. read more

We had a party of 20 come in for a friends birthday. Everything was great! The food, the atmosphere and especially the service. Jackson took great care of us! He kept it very professional and had a sense of humor at the same time. He was knowledgeable of the menu and supplied great suggestions. Thank you guys for a good time! read more

Jackson was the most amazing server. He served my last minute party of 20 flawlessly.

The best thing about Chuy's is that they made Hula Hut! What I love is that I can't remember how many birthday dinners I've been here for. I know I've come here a bunch for mine too. Last night was another birthday celebration at Hula Hut! Unfortunately we had to wait an hour when we were told 25 minutes. They forgot about our party of 8 and sat a much larger party before us! This didn't sit well for a member of our party. However, once we were finally seated one of the managers brought us 2 bowls of free queso. It was delish! Either they made it specially for us or they changed the recipe up. I don't ever remember their queso being that good. In fact in the past it was just plain melted boring old cheese. Anyways kudos for free queso. Good things about this place: -The view ( just don't look left to that eye sore) -CHICKEN PIPELINE ENCHILADAS 9.99!! Can't beat that -The drinks are yummy -Plenty of waiting areas if you have a long wait -Attentive service, good bartenders -During the warm months you can park your boat right there after a long day of boating/boozing -Its unique with their Hawaiian flavor -OH and can't forget their dessert nachos are to die for! -I think their prices are pretty fair -Perfect for birthdays, they give free dessert! -Outdoor seating :) read more

Hula Hut is a great place to bring out-of-town guests if you want to make them love Austin. The patio hangs out over Lake Austin, and you can sit and watch water skiers and boats go passed while you eat -- oh, and stare at beautiful homes on the bluff across the lake. The food is an odd mixture, Hawaiian and Tex-Mex. But somehow it works, and I've always been happy with it. Not the best tex-mex in austin (go to Matt's el Rancho for this), but the food is solid and the chips and salsa are very good. And when you combine that with an excellent location, this is a hard place to beat. During busy times, parking can be dicey but they offer valet, so you can work around the problem, it'll just cost you a little bit. read more

I'm an out of towner, but when I'm in town and it's a beautiful day out, Hula Hut's pier is where I want to be (though their food is good no matter the weather). To give a little forewarning, parking can be a bit of an issue, but it's because several restaurants share a limited area on the lake, however there is more free parking just across the street. Onto the food: the chips and homemade salsa are fantastic, though I typically love consistency when going to restaurants, their spice level of their salsa is never the same because they make this amazing and chunky (almost pico de gallo like) salsa in house, and you can never predict the spiciness of jalapeños. It always has the same great consisten balance of flavor. Their main entrees are HUGE portions as well. I've found myself struggling almost every single visit to clean off my entire plate, but it's always so good I can't put my fork down. My favorite by far would be their Steak Tubular Taco (which is basically just a huge smothered burrito). And though they have many "signature drinks" my go to is their Austin Tini, which is a spin on the classic margarita. read more

So it might fall on the "touristy" or "cheesey" side, but I love Hula Hut. We don't go there for the food, which is perfectly fine by the way, but we go for the outdoorsy/lake ambiance. After being out of town for a couple of days, I came home with the urge to do something that felt like "Austin", especially since we are hitting the 90 temperatures. So we put on our flip flips and headed over to Hula Hut. I was perfectly ok with the hour long wait, because we just pulled ourselves up to the bar that sits over the water, served ourselves some chips and salsa and ordered some type of pineapple rum drink. I could spend hours sitting out there and we did. For dinner I branched out and got the grilled Hawaiian chicken instead of the standard enchiladas or fajitas that I normally order. I was impressed and have decided I should branch out more often. Sitting outside by the lake, eating Mexican food at dusk, wearing flip flops and drinking a cold one is one of the reasons I first fell in love with Austin. Thanks for the reminder, Hula Hut! read more

Dined here last night at a friend's recommendation since the outdoor seating overlooks the lake. We had about a 20 minute wait when we arrived and weren't greeted too kindly by the hostess. Once we'd made our way to our seats, we were brought chips and some delicious pico de gallo -- very fresh and just the right amount of spice. They have unsweetened tea which is a plus and the chicken quesadilla app as entree was fantastic. Flour tortilla filled with shredded chicken and the creamiest, yummiest queso. On the side was a scoop of sour cream, a scoop of guac and shredded lettuce and tomato -- mixed all up and spread over the quesadilla triangles was a winning combo. My dining companions had the fish tacos (raved about them), the chopped salad (said it's small but delicious) and the veggie tubular tacos (very, very good). All was very reasonably priced and they were super sweet about us all paying on separate cards. Would absolutely dine there again. read more

I'm torn between a 3/4, but would come back for the view especially if I had out-of-town guests in town. The food was average, not terrible, but not amazing either-- Their view though-- 5 Stars! Lines here can get ridiculous on weekends of about 1.5 hours so try to plan accordingly, and call ahead to find out the wait times before trekking over. I came on a Sunday evening at around 7pm (Labor Day Weekend) to put my name on the list for 12 people. We requested outdoors (Gorgeous view, ESPECIALLY during Sunset!) and although it took a little longer than requesting indoor, we were sat within an hour of waiting and the view is worth it. (You can also leave & come back, so I'd highly suggest doing that From my understanding, Chuy's & Hula Hut are in the same family with similar menu items, but Chuy's definitely does it better. Chips & salsa are always a plus when it's free, and I love that it's salsa fresca style with chopped tomatoes in the salsa! I got the Queso Compuesto for an appetizer to share, which is usually my favorite thing to order at Chuy's, however it tasted alright at Hula Hut.. still good, just not AS good. I ordered the Chicken Enchiladas as my entree and it was average tasting, moist chicken (a plus!), and large portion so I ended up taking it home for leftovers the next day. This item was very cheesy so if you like cheese then this would be good for you. The rest of the guests food was average as well, no complaints. Overall: If you're looking for GREAT food, this place isn't it. There's many restaurant options in Austin, only opt for Hula Hut if you're looking for beautiful sunset view of the lake and if you're okay with average food. read more

I gotta say I feel a little dirty for going here tonight. I can't entirely say why. Maybe it was the cheesy atmosphere. Metal palm trees all over the restaurant, servers in all sorts of hawaiian print garb, table of no less than 30 sorority girls. Gag me with a spoon. People dressed to the nines. This isn't LA, yo. I expected "Margaritaville" to start playing at any moment. I think maybe I did see Jimmy Buffet. The food is alright. I've had better, I've had worse. It's not anything I'd ever go out of my way for. It's certainly nothing special or unique. The drinks were good, and I was there for happy hour. Happy hour runs from 4-6:30pm M-F, and you get $1 off margaritas and $.50 off all other drinks. The drinks are a little pricey, so it's not a spectacular deal or anything, but if you're here during happy hour you may as well get your drink on. I have no complaints about the service. Our waitress was pretty attentive and on top of things, which I give her kudos for considering how chaotic this place is. The location is the only saving grace to this place. It's right on the water, and they have a nice outdoor deck. If it wasn't full of sorority bitches and really shallow people, it might actually be nice to hang out there. But it's not. And it's crowded. Very, VERY crowded. This would be a fun place to take out of town guests, although I can think of better places to take them, like Freddy's Place. read more

My husband and I decided to check this place out on a whim. We weren't expecting much due to the average Yelp rating, but this place is AWESOME! We were seated immediately and right after we got our menus, a server came with fresh chips and the most delicious salsa ever. I want to say it had pineapples... I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich with fries and my husband ordered the chicken fajita sandwich with fries as well. The food came RIGHT after we finished our chips - perfect timing! I liked that they put the lettuce, onions, tomatoes, etc. on the side so I had the option of adding them to my sandwich. The sandwich was HUGE - I could definitely have saved half for lunch the next day...but our hotel didn't have a fridge so I ate it :) It was absolutely delicious. My husband said the fries here are the best he's EVER had. The service was excellent - the server was juggling many tables and still did an amazing job checking up on us. The only downside is the bathrooms...they're kind of gross :(. At least the female one was..maybe it was just that night? Def not letting this affect the rating because the food is just THAT good. read more

Looooooooove Hula Hut!!!! :) I went for the first time over the weekend while I was in town for a wedding and had so much fun here! The weather was PERFECT to sit outside and the service and food was great too. This is the perfect place to go on a nice day, and sit out on the dock/patio. The menu is a mix of Mexican, Tex-Mex, Seafood and American. They have a yummy looking drink menu but we stuck with water.... The restaurant is right on Lake Austin and it is beautiful...so make sure to wait for a table outside! Any time I visit Austin, I will be stopping by here! read more

My favorite place to go in Any season. Best nachos, delicious margaritas and Mexican martinis. Just the best place of you go to Austin.

The location is phenomenal. Food pretty good. Drinks were excellent. Drink and food prices were not bad. The real reason you go there is to get a tubular taco, some drinks, and an excellent view. The wait staff is amazingly attentive - (5/5). read more

This place is a great place to bring an out of town guest or to get lushed up with your friends. They have multiple "venues" (areas) within the restaurant, each one a little better than the other. Indoor table/booth seating, outdoor palapa bar, outdoor (can be converted to "indoor" during cold/bad weather) patio seating over Lake Austin. A "fun" atmosphere with great decor. The wait times might get a little crazy during beautiful days or during rush hours -- if you can get a table in under 20-30 minutes, consider yourself lucky. Have no fear, you can grab a margarita (lime, strawberry, mango or swirl) from the bar, sit out on the waiting veranda and watch the boats dock at the restaurant's boat parking area. They have great fajitas (Hawaiian or Shiner Bock), grilled fish tacos, tubular/pipeline tacos (similar to that of a huge, smothered burrito), tortilla soup, Mahi Mahi, and more. Desserts are something you might need to plan ahead for or else the abundance of fabulous chips, salsa and dinner food might not allow it. Great portion size. Drinks are dangerous here... From their famous "Fishbowl" (meant for two, but who says you have to share?) to their Mai Tais, splurge a little and get a drink. You'll be glad you did. I've never walked away from Hula Hut disappointed. That's probably why from time tom time you'll see celebs grubbing in the booth right next to you. read more

Oh, uh...ICK! :( Two stars for being on the lake. The food? The food is horrible!!! Open a can, heat and serve...that's what it tastes like. Gross. read more

For a place that everyone seems to love and recommend, I was expecting something a bit better than what I got. I went with friends when we visited their parents in Austin. Their parents were newly transplanted from California and they raved about Hula Hut. So we went out Saturday night and suffered of boredom through an hour and fifteen minute wait for this "amazing place". None of us were drinkers and we were there with PARENTS so it's not like we could just wait in the bar happily. Maybe in a different situation but not this one. We took ourselves back to the patio eating area, which is was full of happily drinking patrons. Very very loud. Very drunk. The waiter brought us chips that were spot on. Oh so delicious, then some queso after a bit that made me almost inhale these chips. I was starting to be okay with the long wait/ noisy patrons, thinking the food would be as delicious as the chips. To my sorrow, my Tubular Tacos wasn't anything really super special( also why did they have to make my Tacos look like enchiladas [in tubes] without the sauce? If I wanted enchiladas I'd order enchiladas T_T). I mean, it was definitely high quality Tex Mex, but it wasn't worth justifying the noise and clatter of the dining experience. It was Not Desperado's, let's say. So I suggest coming on an Off Day as a previous reviewer did, at 3pm and enjoying your delicious Tex Mex on the lake when you'll be able to hear your own thoughts as well as your dinner mates. read more

Yeah, that one thing that they used to do really well? Not so much anymore. Last night, our waitron was slower and denser than molasses. The atmosphere is fun when the weather is good, and the creamy jalapeno is tops in my book but past that? No thanks, I'll just have a frozen Patio Burrito thanks. read more

My son and daughter-in-law live in Austin and they took a bunch of us here a few days before their wedding. I had that monster steak tubular taco, which was great. As another reviewer said, the view from the deck is great! We liked it so much we took our group back there the day after the wedding, and we were staying in downtown Austin and had to Uber out! BTW folks, enjoy your Uber out in Austin. Seems there are a lot more drivers, and its about half the price of Uber rides in Atlanta. read more

Sure, all of us Austinites love the view, love the tubular tacos, but hate the dreaded wait! This is definitely one of the places to show off to someone new to our city, but a 2-hour wait for tex-mex in Austin is hard to swallow. Luckily they have drinks to satisfy you while you wait or you can order just appetizers at the bar instead! One of my favorite things here is their flan! One time I had a personal contest to find the best flan in Austin. Shortly into it I realized that most restaurants that serve flan in Austin serve Marta's flan. While I have to admit, Marta's flan is good, I was searching for a flan made in-house. Hula Hut's flan is definitely in my top 3! They serve it with this crispy sweet wafer that creates the perfect texture combination! read more

Hands down my favorite place for fajitas in town. (Beef) They are so tender and with handmade tortillas, you can't beat it. Only minor draw for me is that they don't come with a side of rice or beans. (Cost Extra). Queso comes out nice and smooth with a hint of spice. It's on the river so it has nice views. Not the fanciest restaurant in town, very casual seems to be the theme here no matter what day or night it is. I love that I can dock the boat here and come in to eat worry free. It gets busy so come early or be ready to wait a while. read more

Hula Hut - Straight to the table! - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

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