Known as the “Sunset Capital of Texas,” The Oasis Restaurant spans 30,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 2,500 guests. You’ll enjoy panoramic views from approximately 400 feet above Lake Travis while sampling Tex-Mex and American cuisine.
The venue features multiple event rooms, live music, and a daily sunset bell-ringing ceremony. While reviews of the food are mixed, the unrivaled vistas and golden-hour ambiance keep visitors coming back.
A Grand Setting: Size and Capacity of The Oasis
When you step into The Oasis on Lake Travis, you’re entering Texas’ largest restaurant, with an expansive 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining space. The property can host up to 2,500 guests at once, making it one of the most iconic restaurant destinations in the state.
Designed to highlight the surrounding natural beauty, The Oasis boasts multi-level terraces that optimize lake views from nearly every seat. With several event spaces, it serves as a popular location for weddings, corporate events, and large parties. Whether you’re visiting for brunch or celebrating a milestone, you’ll find the layout both spacious and versatile.
Located in a state where even the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport covers more area than Manhattan Island, The Oasis proudly represents Texas’ reputation for grand-scale attractions.
Sunset Capital of Texas: The Spectacular Lakeside Views
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Few dining establishments can rival the breathtaking scenery that has earned The Oasis its well-deserved nickname as the “Sunset Capital of Texas.” Perched 450 feet above Lake Travis, this cliffside restaurant offers panoramic views that transport you beyond Texas—many guests compare the experience to dining in a European destination.
You’ll find unobstructed vistas across multiple outdoor dining areas, each strategically positioned to guarantee your viewing pleasure. The restaurant’s location at the cliff’s edge warrants you won’t miss a moment of Lake Travis’s golden-hour magic.
As you savor Tex Mex favorites, you’ll understand why this view simply can’t be replicated elsewhere. Each patio and deck, complete with shading umbrellas, invites you to linger and witness the spectacular sunset show that unfolds daily.
For nature enthusiasts seeking additional scenic views, the nearby Pedernales Falls offers equally stunning riverside landscapes just 32 miles west of Austin.
Dining Experience: Menu Offerings and Culinary Options
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The Oasis offers a broad Tex-Mex and American menu, featuring dishes such as fajitas, fish tacos, burgers, and grilled shrimp. Prices range from $14 to $25, with vegetarian and gluten-free accommodations available.
While the food garners mixed reviews, most agree the ambiance and views more than compensate. Guests often describe the menu as “decent but overpriced,” common for a restaurant emphasizing scenic experience over culinary prestige.
Drinks, including margaritas and local beers, are generally well-received and cost around $10–$13. While it may not rival Austin’s gourmet scene, The Oasis remains a favorite for those seeking casual lakeside dining with unmatched atmosphere.
Beyond the Meal: Amenities and Entertainment
There’s more to The Oasis than food. The restaurant transforms into an entertainment venue, especially on weekends when live music fills the open-air decks. You’ll also find a multi-level gift shop, showcasing local art, souvenirs, and handmade jewelry.
The sunset bell ceremony remains a daily highlight, drawing applause and photographs as the sun sets over Lake Travis. Parking is free, and valet service is offered during peak hours.
If you’re bringing a pet, the dog-friendly beer garden provides a casual space for you and your four-legged companion to enjoy the view together.
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The Story Behind Texas’ Largest Restaurant
Founded in 1982 by Beau Theriot, The Oasis started as a small investment and grew into an Austin-area icon. After surviving a devastating fire in 2005, the restaurant was rebuilt and expanded into its current multi-level format.
Known best for its views rather than cuisine, The Oasis became synonymous with sunset dining, attracting both tourists and locals. Its size, history, and distinctive cliffside setting make it more than a restaurant—it’s a destination.
- Opened in 1982
- Rebuilt after fire in 2005
- Celebrates sunset daily with a bell ceremony
Visitor Tips: Making the Most of Your Oasis Experience
To get the most out of your visit, plan to arrive at least an hour before sunset, especially on weekends. If you want a premium patio seat, make a reservation or arrive early to wait for a spot near the railing.
Take advantage of free parking and shuttle carts that transport guests to the entrance. After your meal, stroll the on-site art galleries and visit nearby Lake Travis attractions like Volente Beach or Mansfield Dam Park.
Note that while the restaurant can be crowded and service occasionally inconsistent, the scenic ambiance and festive atmosphere make it a worthwhile experience.
