Ski Shores Cafe is one of our top last-minute dinner choices when the weather’s nice and I don’t feel like cooking (or, let’s be honest, reheating leftovers or throwing nuggets in the oven).
| Hours | Monday - Thursday 11 am - 9 pm Friday and Saturday 11 am - 11 pm Sunday 11 am - 9 pm *The website has the following disclaimer: "If it's above 60 degrees and dry, come on by |
| Type of Food | All American/ Bar Food |
| Play Area Description | Large playscape with nearby sand area to play in PLUS an arcade area for the older kids |
| Kids Menu Options | Chicken bites, grilled cheese, corn dog bites, and burger |
| Price Range | ~ $8 - $14 |
| Reservations | No |
| Live Music | Sometimes - check website |
| Parking | Tiny lot out front that often fills up; additional parking further down the road |
| Seating Options Near Play Area | If you want to supervise your children by any sense of the word, your seating options are limited to about 10 tables on the far side of the restaurant |
| Restroom Details | Not the cleanest and the women's restroom is on the opposite side of the restaurant which makes diaper changes and those "I need to go now" moments a huge pain |
If you can find it after winding all the way down City Park Road, you’ll be rewarded with a cute laid-back lakeside restaurant. 
It’s the only restaurant (as far as I know) on the west side of the 360 bridge with dock-access for boats on Lake Austin.
The views aren’t bad either.
If you’re there with young kids, there’s really only one small area you can sit in and see the playground.
The downside to this area is that the service routinely is terrible over here. I’m not trying to exaggerate, but I bet we’ve been here 10 or so times and I think we’ve only had one visit that we didn’t complain (we’re not really confrontational, so it’s usually just nicely reminding them we’ve been here 20 minutes and nobody’s stopped by to take our order … insert smile and unnecessary apologetic face here).
The playground is great, though. It’s locked in on three sides so the kids can only get in and out through one small gated area. Plus there is a small sand area the kids enjoy.
I didn’t get any photos of the food, but it usually ranges between decent and good. I usually order either the shrimp tacos or the fish tacos. My husband gets a chicken sandwich. The kids usually opt for the Michelle Obama stamp of approval — corn dog bites. Yep, we do what we can to enjoy a drink and dinner at the lake while keeping those kiddos happy for an hour.
An added bonus is the almost guaranteed chance to see swans, turtles, and giant carp fish right by your table. The kids love feeding them leftovers. Do be careful, though, because the swans really do bite!
What do you guys think? Do you disagree with me about the service? The food? Leave a comment and let me know if I’ve been out of luck all these times.
