Inside, we checked out the bar area which occupies more than half of this beautiful building. Besides the bar itself, there were dozens of tables and intimate seating areas, pool tables, band and dance-floor area, several televisions showing sporting events, and lots and lots of people having a great time.

Precisely at 7:30 our table was ready in the dining room. Our waiter, Mark, made sure our every need was met. The dining room was elegant, but not stuffy. There is an entire wall covered with a mural – mountain/river scene with a horse and rider in the foreground. Everything in the room was so grand- from the large mirrors to the high-beamed ceiling.

But the best was yet to come. We started with an appetizer of crab cakes- three cakes hot and crispy on the outside, delicious crab meat on the inside. Each was topped with a remoulade sauce with a dab of spicy cocktail sauce in the center, served on a bed of lettuce. They were delicious. Salad followed, cool, fresh and crisp. We ordered the 14oz Rib eye steak, marinated in Jim Beam and Lea & Perrins, topped with grilled onions. A baked potato completed the entrée. The steaks were juicy, tender, very tasty and grilled to perfection.

Our choice for dessert was Diablo Helado - "habanero Belgian chocolate waffle sandwich stuffed with Bailey’s Irish Cream ice cream, topped with fresh strawberries, toasted almonds and Kahlua Crème Anglaise". WOW- and plenty for two to share.

Beside beef, the restaurant offers lamb, pork, chicken and fish dishes, along with a wide variety of appetizers, vegetable dishes and salads.

Not going to be in Austin? Not to worry. There is a Cool River in the Dallas-Irving area and in Denver, but the Austin location at 24,250 square feet of enjoyment is by far the largest. Whether you are looking for a great place to have a drink and just hang out with friends, or a place for great food, you will find both at Cool River.

www.coolrivercafe.com