Last night, I took my family to EZ's Restaurant on North Lamar about a block north of 38th Street, just across the street from the H-E-B Central Market shopping area. This is a fun restaurant for the whole family, and the kids actually liked it so much, they asked if we could return again today. Not today, but probably soon. 
The menu at EZ's consists of distinctly "American" cuisine - burgers,sandwiches, salads, pizzas, kid's meals, and a couple of plate dinners. It evokes thoughts of an old-fashioned diner with a soda fountain. Bright pastel colors and black and white checkered tiles set the mood as fun and family friendly. It has also been named "Best Restaurant in Austin" a couple of times in the Austin Chronicle's annual "Best of Austin" reader poll.
The crowd was actually quite a mixture demographically. Since it's not too far from the University of Texas campus, there were a number of students, young families with kids, a table of police officers, and even a guy who is clearly among those trying to resurrect the "white guy afro". Frankly, he had some of the largest, curliest hair that I have seen. Sorry to digress there.
The atmosphere is open, a little noisy, with pop music playing and lots of conversation. If weather permits, you can also enjoy their covered patio outside. Weather did not permit in our case. Overall, the place has a comfortable, easy vibe about it.
As for the food itself, I had the pepperoni pizza, which honestly wasn't that attractive to behold, but it was REALLY tasty, and far superior to most chain pizza restaurants. My son enjoyed his burger, and my daughter enjoyed her chicken tenders as well. My wife had the Cobb salad, which she said was fresh and tasty. In fairness, she also noted that it was relatively difficult to mess up a Cobb salad. Nonetheless, everyone was 
happy with the food.
One of the neat "draws" with EZ's is the dessert menu. They offer a nice selection of shakes, malts, floats, sundaes, etc. My son opted for a vanilla shake, and my daughter had the IBC Root Beer float. I liked the fact that they gave me an entire bottle of IBC along with the ice cream in a separate cup, so that we could control the root beer-to-vanilla-ice-cream ratio that is so critical to enjoying a good float.
When prompted to describe their taste treats for the purpose of this blog, my kids were very specific. My daughter said it was "delicious" and my son said the shake was "delectable". Both desserts must have been pretty good to rate that highly on the yummy chart!
I would highly recommend EZ's for food, atmosphere, and family fun. By the way, my daughter just asked me AGAIN when we will be returning. Maybe this will become a new favorite hangout for us.
Copyright 2007 Austin Real Estate Jason Crouch All rights reserved
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SARDI - I knew this would make someone hungry. Mission accomplished!
GINGER - I was really hoping she wouldn't finish it, but she did. That's okay - we will be returning.
OK Jason. Now I wish I were back in Texas, at least for a meal. EZ's best is the roast chicken, but the Cobb Salad with a side of rosemary focaccia bread is great too. And the roma tomato salad. And the fried mushrooms. And the beanburgers. And the milkshakes. Mmmmmm. I do miss EZ's.
Will you review Chuy's next? Or Kerby Lane? Or Magnolia Cafe?
Ever mix it up and do a Coke float? I experimented. I was young and impressionable. Fell in with the wrong crowd.
I'm with Sardi. I'm freaking starving now. Missed dinner to present an offer. Should eat something now. Would rather read about Jason eating. I am retarded.
Oh the floats! You're right on the money with the liquid to ice cream ratio. My favorite place for dessert and to just hang out in Pdx is called Pix. Why? A thousand reasons, but it really comes down to the luscious floats! They make their own heavenly ice cream and make a terrific beer float from lavender ice cream and Pilsner Urquell. I'm not kidding - this rocks!
When you come visit me - we'll go!
McMenamins perhaps Paul? They have a slew of Oregon breweries, pubs, hotels, etc.
http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=26&category=Location%20Homepage
Paul...I lived in Portland for several years and lived close to the McMenamins Cedar Hill pub where I ate lunch quite often. The Cornelius Pass location was not too far away either. They are great.
BTW, back to the original thread. Does anyone remember what EZ's was called before it became EZ's?
If the kids are asking when you're going back, then it must be a great place for the family =0)
Jason,
Whenever I visit Austin, I will definitely visit EZ.