Vince Young Steakhouse - Austin
Former University of Texas football star Vince Young scores a touchdown with Austinites with his eponymous downtown restaurant. Vince Young Steakhouse skillfully merges classic steakhouse fare with Southern hospitality, and of course there's a sports theme thrown in for good measure.
The main dining room is awash in rich earth tones, with hardwood accents throughout the space and chocolate jacquard-print booths adding a bit of allure. Guests in the mood for a more casual atmosphere may settle in the bar/lounge area, where they'll find plenty of Young and UT memorabilia lining the walls.
For the restaurant, Young has partnered with Laura McIngvale-Brown and her husband, Austin native Phillip Brown, who also acts as executive chef. His menu boasts steakhouse classics, original dishes and some comfort-food favorites.
Guests may start their meal with unique, yet homey, dishes like deep-fried Texas quail drizzled with bacon-infused tangerine marmalade; shrimp gratin in parmesan horseradish cream sauce; and short rib chili that comes with a side of home-style cornbread.
Steaks are a la carte at Vince Young Steakhouse, and made from USDA prime beef. Guests may choose from an eight-ounce filet mignon to a 42-ounce Porterhouse for two. There is also a dry-aged filet, New York strip and Tomahawk ribeye. A la carte side dishes include bacon mac 'n' cheese, hand-cut fries and creamed spinach. Non-steak eaters should appreciate pan-seared scallops, whole roasted fish and pan-roasted chicken.
Cigars are a big part of the Vince Young Steakhouse culture. There are more than 20 selections to choose from.