If you are looking for something fun to do that combines great music with great food, you should look no further than Shady Grove Restaurant. First open in January of 1992, Shady Grove was built amidst a grove of pecan trees, just moments from downtown Austin. Inside, the cozy atmosphere, juke box and delectable dining options create the perfect setting for a relaxed, casual meal, and on warm, clear nights, you can find the same outside on Shady Grove's patio. If you get there during a rush and have to wait for your table, relax at the hippie trailer - a site that is exactly what it's named: a trailer with lawn chairs and a very hippie air, the perfect spot to relax before dinner. And if you're looking for great music, head to Shady Grove every Thursday night for Unplugged at the Grove.

Unplugged at the Grove is a weekly event, occurring every Thursday from April through September at 8 pm. Bands set up outside and play while guests enjoy great food and drinks. It's free of charge - you only have to pay for what you consume, but even then there are deals. Past sales have included $2.00 Zeigenbocks and $3.00 Bud Lights. And if you show up with a 107.1 KGSR (the radio station sponsoring the concerts) bumper sticker you'll get free KGSR CD singles.

Of course, you'll definitely want to show up early to get a good parking spot, as the bands who play aren't unknowns that will never draw a crowd; they are some of the best and most popular in music today. Fastball, for example, has played at Unplugged at the Grove. The band is known for songs such as The Way, Out of My Head, Shortwave and Perfect World. Carolyn Wonderland of Houston (although now an Austin resident) who has won numerous awards and had her music featured regularly on popular television shows is also a common site at Unplugged.

In addition to the music and drink deals, there is also great food. Shady Grove has a full menu, with more delectable dishes than your stomach will be able to handle. Start with an appetizer; your options run the gamut from nachos to onion rings to Frito Pie. For dinner, try the meatloaf, the chicken fried steak, the tortilla fried Queso catfish or the Campfire Vegetable Plate. If you'd rather just a sandwich or salad, consider the Noodle Salad, the Southwest Caesar Salad, the Green Chile Cheeseburger, the Bad Chili Dog or any one of several chicken sandwiches. Just make sure to leave room for dessert, lots of room. With Chocolate Pecan Pie, Homemade Cobbler, Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie and Chocolate Icebox Pie on the menu, you'll probably have to order more than one.

So if you're looking for a fun way to spend your Thursday nights, add Shady Grove Restaurant to your list of possibilities. You'll have great food, great music, a great atmosphere and a great time as artists from throughout Austin add music to the night with Unplugged at the Grove.