I’m a big fan of the Roaring Fork downtown, so when we were driving past the intersection of Braker and Stonelake this weekend, I did a double-take. Out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw a sign that looked like the Roaring Fork logo and after a second look, it was confirmed. They are going to be right on Quarry Lake (X marks the spot). At first I thought it an odd choice for a new location, especially since it seemed like it was going in next door to the Pure Austin Fitness gym. After looking around a bit more, it appears they will be located in a more secluded spot and deeper into the Quarry Oaks complex. It will actually be near the water with some views of the entire lake. That should be nice.
The New Roaring Fork Location
The New Roaring Fork Sign at The Quarry
Every time I see the lake, it brings back memories. Back in the late 70′s my mom used to take us swimming at the Quarry. That was back when it was open to the public and was a pretty popular hang-out. I always thought it was out in the country but in reality it was just outside the city proper. If you can imagine, it was completely surrounded by trees and the Arboretum was not even a glimmer in any developers eye. The story goes that the quarry crew were digging and accidentally dug too far. The quarry began to fill up with water and they had to abandon the hulking, industrial sized cranes and drilling equipment. Every time we went swimming there I imagined the ghostly, rusting machines down at the bottom and I thought if I held my breath long enough and swam down fast enough I could touch one. Tried it a few times, but no luck. I also remember we lost one of our favorite dogs, Karma, out there. It was probably 4th of July because there were fireworks going off everywhere. She must have gotten scared and ran off. We searched and searched for her… to no avail.
Quarry Lake
Quarry Lake Kayak Dock
Now there is a gate completely encircling the lake and the only kind of recreation that is available is by membership. A walking trail goes around the rim of the quarry and if you are a member of Pure Austin, you can swim and kayak across the lake.
I’m excited about the new location. Sometimes dealing with downtown and its hassles to find parking are a slight deterrent, especially to those who do not venture into downtown that often. I checked their website and it states “Opening Soon” with no definite date. Whenever it does open we will check it out and chow down on a big ol’ bowl of their Green Chili Mac and Cheese.
UPDATE: The new Roaring Fork is open as of 4/20/2009 Ph. 512.342-2700
No way.
I spent … a lot of Fulbright’s money last summer taking a group to the Roaring Fork downtown. It came out to roughly $120 per person, and I rarely say this about meals that cost that much, but: it was worth. every. penny.
The new location should be awesome if they take full advantage of the lake!
They have some good stuff! I wandered down to the construction site and it seems like they will have a pretty primo spot. If they cut down some brush, it should be a pretty good view of the lake. If I had to guess, I would say they are at about 65% complete on the new restaurant
woohoo! that is close to where i live too! i’ve never tried it before but that green chile mac ‘n cheese sounds delicious…
Yes, new Roaring Fork is indeed on its way – tentatively open in early April. There will be plenty of outdoor seating on a spacious patio deck. Same great menu in a larger, more open space. Stay tuned!
Hi Lisa O, if you are in the know and can keep us updated as the date draws near… we would love to hear about it! Thanks for the info.
You have no idea how excited I was when my husband told me that the building I run by on the trail almost every day is going to be a Roaring Fork! We live in the apts on the lake, so we can walk half way around the trail and be there. Awesome!!!
Bri, That is fantastic that you will be that close. Have to say I’m a little jealous. Enjoy!
Hey! The new Roaring Fork is open for Business. I just had lunch there today it was Amazing!