It is no secret that Ski Shore Cafe on Lake Austin recently reopened under new management. It may, however, be a secret as to why. The restaurant formerly known as Ski Shore Waterfront Cafe, has made its home on the banks of Lake Austin since 1954. Then, run by the Fowler family, Ski Shores established itself as a local Austin staple.

Over the years Ski Shores acquired management from a number of different individuals, eventually closings their doors in December of 2009. Having visited Ski Shores often over the years, Restaurant Freedom Co-founders Rick Engel and Mark Turner were familiar with the property, operation style and atmosphere of Ski Shores.

Both agreed that the property had too much significant Austin history to go to waste, and they took on the trying task of revitalizing what is now know as Ski Shore Cafe. The remodeled restaurant opened to the public again in April 2010.

“We are delighted to revive and update an Austin institution, keeping the great feel of Ski Shores intact as a great place for families, boaters and our Lake Austin neighbors,” said Engel.  “This has always been a special place, and now it adds faster service and expanded attractions.”

Many of the changes Engel and Turner made were all backed by individuals’ previous comments on what could be improved: prices, cleaner bathrooms, larger patio area, waiter-service and full bar menu.

However, with all of the changes that were made, Engel and Turner both experienced and remembered the previous Ski Shores, and they knew that keeping the laid-back Austin atmosphere with recognizable Ski Shores traditions was a must.

The restaurant name, menu items and even an old wooden cut-out were just a few of those nostalgic symbols that Engel and Turner knew returning Ski Shores friends could appreciate.

“Ski Shores has always been about spending a day with friends on the water and stopping here — It’s one of the things that ‘makes Austin Austin,” said Turner. “For fifty-plus years, people have come here to enjoy the unique waterfront setting. There’s something for everyone here and we have painstakingly preserved that legacy, while improving the experience.”

Although many updates have been made and the kinks of revamping a 50-year old Austin institution are still ironing out, the new Ski Shores hopes to fall back into sync with Lake
Austin’s relaxed neighborhoods, eventually adding on 50 more years as a key Austin destination.

*New Addition:
• Boat in, “tying down” at one of several new cleated boat slips
• Disembark and walk across the expansive deck or hang outside at the new palapa bar
• Be seated by wait staff – no more standing in line, or long waits
• Order any original Ski Shores menu item, or choose from a variety of all-new menu offerings
• Relax and enjoy scenic views, live music several days a week, or catch the game on several flatscreen TVs
• Bring a laptop and jump online using the venue’s free wireless wifi
• Grab basic boating amenities, such as ice, or sunblock
• Order dockside delivery direct to your boat
• Bring your dog!

Kids (and parents) can enjoy a gated playscape area, and everyone can go in the game room, or play washers or shuffleboard.

Visitors also may order carry out, or if located in designated nearby neighborhoods, may take advantage of in-area, full-menu delivery.