Ernie’s on the Lake (formerly Rusty Rudder) Ernie’s on the Lake will introduce a new menu of tacos, burgers and fish in February.[/caption]

What we reported

On July 1, Rusty Rudder opened on Lake Travis in the building that formerly housed Carlos N’ Charlie’s restaurant.

“Most people in Austin had been to Carlos N’ Charlie’s,” Business Manager Ernie Beltz Jr. said. “It was a local landmark, and people in the community are excited to see something new [at the location].

The latest

The eatery was renamed Ernie’s on the Lake in January, named after Ernie Beltz Sr., who owns and also manages the location.

Beltz Jr. said Ernie’s on the Lake will have a new menu by February, going back to the location’s roots with fried and grilled fish, burgers and tacos.

“Working in that particular building, why reinvent the wheel?” he said. “Originally we wanted a menu that would be unique to the lake but realized what people want is a party atmosphere, good music, good drinks and quality food.”

What’s next

With performance areas both inside and on the shoreline, Beltz Jr. said he is working on spring and summer event schedules. He said he hopes to bring a lot of entertainment to Lake Travis, making Ernie’s on the Lake a year-round destination.


LTW-2017-01-16-1-map5973 Hiline Road, Austin | 512-266-4934 | www.Erniesonthelake.com

This story is one update from The January Issue. View the full list of 8 notable restaurant openings in 2017 here.