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Austin, Texas / Food and drink

The Oasis on Lake Travis

Perched 450 feet above Lake Travis, this massive 30,000-square-foot restaurant is known as the Sunset Capital of Texas. It offers panoramic, terraced views and seating for over 2,500 guests.

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The Oasis on Lake Travis
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What is The Oasis on Lake Travis known for?

The Oasis on Lake Travis is best known as the "Sunset Capital of Texas," famous for its terraced, west-facing views looking over Lake Travis. It is a massive 30,000-square-foot restaurant and event center situated on a cliff 450 feet above the lake.

What are the hours of operation for The Oasis?

The Oasis is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

How large is the seating capacity at this restaurant?

The Oasis features a seating capacity of over 2,500, which it describes as the largest in Texas. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Travis from either the outdoor decks or the indoor dining areas.

Who founded The Oasis on Lake Travis and when?

The restaurant was established in 1982 by Houston entrepreneur Beau Theriot, who purchased a 500-acre ranch overlooking the lake and converted it into the venue.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Perched on a cliff 450 feet above the waters of Lake Travis, The Oasis on Lake Travis is a massive multi-use venue located at 6550 Comanche Trail in Austin, Texas. Spanning 30,000 square feet, this landmark establishment is widely celebrated as the Sunset Capital of Texas due to its spectacular, west-facing views that draw hundreds of visitors daily. With a seating capacity of over 2,500, it is proud to claim the title of the largest restaurant seating capacity in the state of Texas. The venue's history began in 1982 when Houston entrepreneur Beau Theriot purchased a 500-acre ranch overlooking the lake. Theriot envisioned converting the property into a unique dining destination. Having operated in the Austin Hill Country for approximately 38 years, the restaurant has grown from a simple idea into a well-known regional jewel. Today, the expansive facility includes terraced outdoor decks and indoor dining areas designed to maximize the panoramic views of the water. The venue also functions as a special event center, housing eight distinct event rooms. Visitors can stop by throughout the week to enjoy lunch, dinner, or snacks while taking in the dramatic scenery. Over its decades of operation, the restaurant has faced and overcome significant challenges. On the morning of June 1, 2005, a devastating lightning strike ignited a massive fire that consumed a large portion of the property. Showing remarkable resilience, undamaged sections of the facility reopened to the public within weeks, while the destroyed portions were systematically rebuilt. In addition to its local fame, the venue has also captured popular culture attention, notably being featured in the Netflix series The Ultimatum.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit around the operating hours: Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Arrive early to secure a spot on the terraced outdoor decks to witness the famous sunset views over Lake Travis.
  • If the weather is unfavorable, you can still enjoy panoramic views from one of the indoor dining areas.
  • Stop by for lunch, dinner, or just quick snacks while exploring the multi-use venue.

Nearby context

Nestled in the scenic Austin Hill Country at 6550 Comanche Trail, The Oasis sits high above Lake Travis on a 500-acre tract of land originally purchased by entrepreneur Beau Theriot. The surrounding area offers a dramatic cliffside environment that serves as a perfect backdrop for this massive multi-use venue.

Sources

Evidence and links