TLC Austin

"When to get it: Monday-Friday, 2-6pm TLC is one of those reliable hangouts where tables are always available and people always seem to be having a good time. The food isn’t mind-blowing, but that’s OK—wander over after work for gigantic oysters and a handful of other specials, including lemon garlic mussels, a burger topped with refried beans, and $4 draft beers. If the weather is nice, sit outside on the patio to watch people strolling through the pedestrian-friendly South Lamar complex that TLC calls home." - matthew jacobs, nicolai mccrary

"For unfussy — but wild-caught and sustainable — Texas seafood and margaritas, the casual Lamar Union restaurant is the place to be in Zilker. Try things like the filling seafood boils (with sauces like the Flamethrower and smoked garlic); charbroiled oysters; redfish and shrimp ceviche; andouille cheddar hushpuppies; gumbo; chicken-fried steak; and its seasonal pies, which happen to be gluten-free. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Nadia Chaudhury

"The South Lamar casual seafood restaurant is the place to go to, especially for larger groups seeking sharable plates and margaritas. It’s open from noon to 10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Erin Russell, Nadia Chaudhury

"The Zilker seafood restaurant’s Mother’s Day brunch is full of raw bar items like oysters, shrimp, and snow crabs; plus lobster bacon and cheese, French toast bead pudding, and half-off Champagne bottles. It’s $75 for adults and $30 for kids 11 years old and younger. It runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Book reservations online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Nadia Chaudhury

"The Zilker seafood restaurant’s Easter brunch feast includes items like bacon flights, brunch potatoes, cold bar dishes like Gulf shrimp and oysters, a prime rib station, and loads of desserts like French toast bread pudding and brownie bites. Drinks include half-priced Champagne bottles and trios of mimosas. It’s $75 for adults, $30 for children 11 years and younger. Easter brunch hours are from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; book reservations online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Nadia Chaudhury