Chuy's vs Kerby Lane

Chuy's

Chuy's and Kerby Lane: two of the restaurants in Austin with the most local culture. But which is better? Both of these restaurants serve Tex-Mex food and have similar menus. They both have tons of seating, and it takes about an hour and a half to be seated on a Friday night from six to eight.
As far as food goes, neither is very impressive. The queso is spicy at Chuy's and makes you empty two glasses of fluid before you even get your food, while it is mild at Kerby Lane and made from white cheese (I prefer this). I'm not a huge fan of salsa, but it can really define a Tex-MEx restaurant--and I have to say that Chuy's takes the prize in this category. They combine the spices relatively well.
The main entres however, are not spectacular. Both restaurants rely heavily on sauces for flavor, like most Tex-Mex restaurants, but the food is rather plain.

Kirby Lane

But that isn't what these restaurants are known for. People don't go to these restaurants for the food. People go to sit around drinking sodas and cocktails and munching on chips with a bowl of queso or salsa. People go to talk for an hour while sitting in a packed and noisy room with pictures and interesting objects covering the walls from floor to ceiling. It isn't about the food. It is about the experience.

This is where the restaurants differ slightly. Chuy's is more family oriented. There is plenty of space to move around, plenty of outdoor bar tables, and plenty of parking space so your kids don't have too walk a long way. It has a photo-booth, and little games inside. They sell T-shirts for your kids to wear to school (free advertising), and give the kids lots more options on the menu.

Kirby Lane, on the other hand, is oriented toward college students. It is a place where you can cram before a test, or relax in the post-exam lull. It is a great place to bring one friend, or ten. However, this restaurant is not nearly as family oriented. Restaurant locations are downtown or in shopping areas (not near neighborhoods). They have little parking because of this--and unless you live nearby (because you are a student) there will be a good deal of walking involved.

All in all, it depends on who you are and what kind of restaurant you are looking for. Students go to Kirby Lane, while family's can have fun at Chuy's.