A little sizzle in the summer isn’t such a bad thing for diners looking for classic American grill fare from a local restaurant.

The Grille at Rough Hollow opened Aug. 4 at the Rough Hollow Yacht Club & Marina to offer Lakeway residents and the Lake Travis community a menu of familiar grill items amid a unique dining experience in the area.
A classy décor invites everyone from families to boaters to dates to enjoy a view of the lake that still includes water. Guests do not have to be yacht club members to eat at The Grille.
“This is home. We want to take care of our neighbors,” said co-owner and general manager Shane Street who is joined by Scott Steves, Haythem Dawlett, and Tim Hendon in the venture. Hendon and Dawlett also own the marina.
Steaks, seafood, and sandwiches as well as a host of starters tempt guests’ palates but respect their pocketbooks, Street said, adding that The Grille boasts a wine list of 100 labels.
“They’ll experience unsurpassed service in the Lakeway area, food that is exceptional, and an environment that is warm and inviting. We’ve got a great sunset,” he said.
The Grille brought in executive chef J.P. Lacoste, formerly of Eddie V’s, to serve up dishes that local residents would expect to find in upscale steakhouses in downtown Austin.
“He’s certainly got a way with preparing food that’s flavorful” and suited for local clientele, Street said of Lacoste’s savvy with seafood and steaks.
“Everything on our menu is priced for the local residents,” he said.
Customers have been raving about the Georges Bank Scallops, Shrimp and Chips, and Rough Hollow Burger, which they reportedly declare is the best hamburger they’ve had in their life. The Prince Edward Island Mussels start many a meal off on the right note.
Street, a veteran of fine dining as a managing partner at Cool River Café and a general manager-developer of operations at Steiner Ranch Steakhouse, said the idea for The Grille at Rough Hollow originated years ago when he and Dawlett met the day they first dropped their children off at kindergarten.
“From that day forward, we talked about doing things like this,” Street said. “[Haythem] approached me and said he had the perfect place for this restaurant. Once I saw it, I knew it was the one.”
The Grille at Rough Hollow provides a perfect setting on its patio for hosting large events of up to 200 people, and could eventually add some nightlife for the community.
“We will create new reasons to come see us, through live music, tasting series, and special events,” Street said of ideas very much in the early planning stages.
The ownership group has discussed opening another grill in the Rockport area and several other restaurant concepts in the Lakeway area.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. It is closed Mondays. The Grille provides a complimentary valet at night and a shuttle service during the day. It also offers a discount to yacht club members.
For information about The Grille at Rough Hollow or to make reservations, call 261-3444 or visit www.thegrilleatroughhollow.com. Reservations are accepted, but not required.