The Southwest Chicken Breast platter ($13.95) includes blackened chicken[/caption]

With a new name and a new look, the long-standing restaurant property at Emerald Point Marina is ready to again serve guests on the shore of Lake Travis.

Ernie’s on the Lake opened this spring with the goal of restoring the party environment of the former Carlos ‘n’ Charlie’s restaurant, Business Manager Ernie Beltz Jr. said.

Beef fajita tacos are a restaurant specialty.[/caption]

He said the idea is for the restaurant to offer a fun, “no worries or cares” atmosphere. The eatery offers family-friendly dining during the day with about 24 boat slips for patrons to come in straight from the water. In the evening the bar is available for guests age 21 and older and includes live music Thursdays through Sundays.

A new mural painted by Austin artist Joe Averagi transformed the restaurant so that it blends seamlessly into the background and natural beauty of the area, Beltz said.

“It’s a great location with great views on the water,” said Beltz, who manages the day-to-day business of the restaurant and bar for Ernie Beltz Sr., his father and the restaurant’s owner. “We are locally owned, and someone from the family is [at the restaurant] all the time.”

Beltz said he is aware previous restaurants in this location saw some challenges with customer service, but Ernie’s is committed to creating an inviting, positive experience for all customers with a focus on good food and good drinks.

“I grew up water skiing on the lake and going to Carlos ‘n’ Charlie’s,” Beltz said. “Now it’s fun to experience the lake from a different perspective.”