On Man v Food, Adam takes on the Four-Horsemen Challenge: a half-pound burger topped with the spiciest chilies in the world, including the infamous ghost chili
Attention to detail wins the Noble Pig a spot on our list; the fact that they have the best sandwiches in Northwest Austin doesn't hurt, either. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
There are few better places to lay down a layer of food before a night of heavy drinking on the Dirty Sixth, and their burgers are a well-deserved Austin institution. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Great, reliable, locally sourced food mid-century building; Jack Allen's has the makings of an Austin classic. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Crazy condiments (ever had Bagna Cauda on a sandwich?) and creative combinations make FoodHeads a North Campus favorite; we just wish they were open a little longer. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Two words: Salsa. Doña. The tacos themselves have earned their reputation, but it's this verde sauce that is really why we keep coming back. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Makes an art of bar food. See: the spicy fried pickles, the Bar Congress that you can add foie gras, an egg, avocado, pork belly, double meat & double cheese, should you so choose. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Cheap, fast, and insanely delicious Vietnamese. Get the cream puffs. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
The kind of Mexican restaurant it seems like Austin should have more of: an unassuming but unerringly delicious neighborhood spot for breakfast and lunch. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
It occupies the ground floor of a luxe new condo building--not my preferred restaurant location, but I'll go anywhere for executive chef David Bull's distinctly American comfort food.
Bouldin is a South Austin staple for breakfast and coffee. Their menu is vegetarian and vegan with menu items like "Wanna-BLT" which is made with tofu 'bacon'. Breakfast taco's start at $1.75. Read more.
Breakfast tacos start at $2 for 3 ingredients like potato, egg and cheese. Specialty tacos range $3-4. They have monthly specials and have ingredients like fried avocados, and chicken fried steak. Read more.
If you like BBQ this is an Austin staple. Located just south of downtown. Specials include $8.99 for a three meat plate with two sides on Wednesday's and ½ chicken BBQ plate $6.99 on Thursday's. Read more.
Hut's never frozen, locally purchased burgers can be replaced with Buffalo, Boneless Chicken, Longhorn Grassfed Beef or a 100% fat free veggie burger for an extra charge. Try the onion rings. Read more.
The Jackalope is in the heart of downtown Austin, and is a staple for Austinites. Wednesday's are half price bugers, and Tuesday's their gigantic pizza's are half off. Read more.
Happy Hour is from 4-7pm and offers $2.25 domestic beers and $3.50 house margaritas. With the purchase of a drink you get unlimited tortilla chips, beans, salsa, queso, and taco meat. Read more.
Austin is well known for their trailer park eateries. The Mighty Cone is one of the most popular and centrally located. 'Hot & Crunchy' cones come in chicken, avocado, shrimp or even a venison dog. Read more.
After grabbing a Mighty Cone, stop at Hey Cupcake! (a neighboring trailer) for a sweet dessert. They offer chocolate, vanilla, velvet, or carrot cake with many flavors of frosting. Read more.
If you're looking for a good atmosphere, Paggi House has great happy hour deals. Between 5-7pm cocktails start at $4 and use only midlevel or high end liquors. Their bar snacks range from $2.50-7. Read more.
Every day is a special at The Screaming Goat. Sunday's and Thursday's are 75cent flautas, other days include $1.50 tacos and 2 for 1 burrito's. There are also $2 beer specials every night. Read more.
One of the more popular places to get breakfast in Austin. Breakfast taco's start at $1.95 and the “Don Juan” El Taco Grande is enough to feed two for only $3.80. Ask for extra tortilla's. Read more.
Their mission: "to make Japanese-inspired cuisine affordable, healthy and fun." Sushi rolls start at $2.59 and their bowls start at $4.25 for veggies and $5.25 for meat. Read more.
A staple for East Austin, Cisco's is only open til 2pm every day, but is always busy. Their breakfast migas have won local awards, the food is cheap and their service is always quick. Read more.
2 ingredient tacos start at $1.50 and extra ingredients are 40cents each. There are 25 ingredients to choose from and you can also add three kinds of cheese. Lunch specials are also available. Read more.
Maria's is one of the most popular destinations for quick cheap food in Austin. The dining area is packed on the weekends, and they have daily specials. They have horchata and sweet Mexican drinks. Read more.
Landscaped with lush native varietals, their green bona fides include using only nontoxic fertilizers and pesticides and biodegradable paper goods. Rooms from $137.
One of our Top 10 Best New Restaurants in America. Chef James Holmes gathers his culinary inspiration from (and in) his backyard vegetable garden. The lamb fries are a must-have.
Part cooking school, part butcher shop, Dai Due sells superb buttermilk biscuits with country-style breakfast sausage on Saturdays. Read more.
Until baker Barrie Cullinan opens her retail spot this summer, you'll find her butter croissants, honey-pecan bâtardes, and whole wheat loaves at Austin restaurants, Boggy Creek Farm market, and La Bo Read more.
This Asian restaurant's offerings buck the green-tea-ice-cream trend. Must order: sweet corn sorbet with polenta custard. Read more.
Enjoy a pulled pork sandwich at Jo’s Coffee, located in the hotel parking lot at this stylish favorite of visiting musicians. Rooms from $95.
Bon Appétit named this Eastside spot one of our Top 10 Best Boutique Coffee Shops. With Owl Tree coffee and fresh biscuits, it’s the best hangout in town.
At this Sixth Street newbie, chef Shawn Cirkiel serves elevated bar food like crab fritters, ricotta ravioli, classic steak tartare, and loup de mer with fennel vinaigrette.
Since 2003, Uchi has received raves for avant-garde creations such as foie gras sushi with pomegranate. Bon Appétit named it one of our Top 10 Sushi Spots in the Country.
The farm is literally a step from the table at this longtime favorite. Choose a spot in the garden room near the new henhouse, which provides eggs for the "yard egg" French toast.
This college town has its fill of pizza joints, but none quite like this eco-oasis. Pair a thin-crust sausage and mushroom pie with something from (512) Brewing Company, named for the city's area code
Simply presented and mouthwatering fare in a clapboard house with a down-home feel. Try the orange pork tacos (the pork is slow-cooked in orange juice and beer) made with meat from Richardson Farms.
Owners Jam Sanitchat and Bruce Barnes source ingredients from the area and use their own crops to turn out favorites like free-range Berkshire ham with garlic and pepper sauce.
Amid a collection of mobile vendors is this truck from Hudson's on the Bend, famous for local game. Don't pass up the grass-fed venison with mango-jalapeño slaw.
Tacos aren’t the only street food in town, thanks to Nessa Higgins and Andrea Day Boykin, who flip and fold both savory and sweet crepes inside their Avion trailer.
Compensates for its stark dining room with some of Austin's best service. Order the heirloom tomato salad, Texas Hill Country quail (roasted to perfection) and the grass-fed rib eye (a local favorite)
This 80,000-square-foot store is a site to behold. Sign up for cooking lessons; buy fresh Texas peaches, local Pure Luck Farm goat cheese, and Flat Creek Flat Creek Estate's "Super Texan" Sangiovese.
Hip and stylish and permeated with South X Southwest musical ambiance.-Ilene Chaiken
Entirely girly in looks and merchandise, this favorite stocks all the essentials a ladylike Austinite could desire: Nanette Lepore dresses, Rebecca Taylor chiffon tops, and Trina Turk frame purses. Read more.
The 30+ booths at this ingeniously curated antiques spot range from a carnival-inspired stand dedicated to vintage gaming paraphernalia to a cabin-like nook laden with uncommon Western collectibles. Read more.
Items crafted by more than 200 young talents—many of whom live in the Austin area—are on offer, from cheeky T-shirts to offbeat jewelry. Read more.
Kick Pleat is our preferred destination for clothing by rising names like Apiece Apart and Richard Chai, plus the latest from established indies, including Humanoid, Rachel Comey, and Acne. Read more.
Every vintage piece here is a winner, whether it’s a batwing-sleeved dress, a Stevie Nicks–ish crystal pendant, or an appliquéd silk peasant blouse. Read more.
Fine jewelry from emerging names is the focus at this expertly edited spot. Everything is first organized by designer, then sorted according to price. Read more.
The second, more streetcentric outpost of this venerable Austin retailer features labels such as Isabel Marant, Etoile, and Steven Alan. Read more.
Since 1979, this venerable retailer has staunchly supported emerging talent. The upscale designer department is flush with Lanvin bags and Marni dresses. Read more.
The eclectic mix of old cowboy boots, Western-themed blouses, Votivo candles, and dramatic beaded jewelry that fills this shop has one unifying theme: Almost everything is black. Read more.
Meander through the gorgeous, succulent-filled gardens that surround this nursery, then step into the adorable restored bungalow that houses its trove of perfect-for-gifting vintage and new treasures. Read more.
When a couple of Uchi alums wanted to put out some fun Asian food, East Side Kings was born. Located on the back patio of the Liberty Bar, you’ve got to be in the know about this food trailer; their s
As authentic of a noodle house as you can get. Don’t be scared that it’s a tiny restaurant in a strip mall – if you’re a noodle-hound like me, it’s worth it! -Monica Pope, Top Chef
If you have only one restaurant to eat at in Austin, make it Uchi. Chef Tyson Cole puts out Japanese food like you’ve never had – inventive, fun, immensely addictive. -Monica Pope, Top Chef
Chef Larry is throwing down on American favorites. -Tiffany Derry, Top Chef
The best Tex-Mex in town. Visit the original on Lake Austin Boulevard for queso, migas, or the Maggie's Plate and of course a margarita or two! -Stacie Scott Turner, Real Housewives of DC
Uncorked has a world-class, thoughtful, hand-picked wine selection and fabulous gourmet fare. The outdoor deck is the best kept secret in Austin with an amazing downtown view!-Stacie Scott Turner,RHDC
For those of you who thought that your love of tacos and professional Mexican wrestling couldn't coexist, look no further. These gourmet tacos are "punch you in the face" good! - IFC Viewer
Austin: This museum/home in East Austin features a baroque display of oddities and curiosities including Victorian lab equipment, two-bodied chickens, and Marilyn Monroe's last cigarette. -IFC Viewer Read more.
Austin: It's little dive bar that's both trapped in the 70's AND it's Christmas all year. Beware of elves dropping from the ceiling. You've been warned. -IFC Viewer
Austin: It is a part of the boozy fabric of old Austin where young lovers and old timers come to dance the Texas two-step to the best live country, folk and Americana in Austin. - IFC Staff
Check out the largest of Austin's downtown parks. This is a community gathering space like no other in the city and besides, what's not good about a park?
The Little House Courtyard is perfect for young kids - a well-shaded area with tree stump stools, a framed hut, and large pots for digging up plastic lizards and insects. Powered by ParentsConnect.com
It's where the politicos are shaking in Texas, well, at least for 90 days every other year. And the dome is 6 ft higher than the U.S. Capitol!
Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. More than 1.5 million bats fly out near dusk from the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Best viewing dates: April-Oct.
'The Story of Texas' museum offers exhibits, theaters, films and interactive computer displays. The museum, which opened in 2001, also has Austin's only IMAX theater.
The Driskill bar serves up the Batini! Roll like a cattle barron at this landmark of Texas hospitality. Since 1886 the Driskill has offered luxury and great service. Just don’t longboard in the lobby.
81 beers on tap. If you're from out of town - try something local. Ask for a St. Arnolds - I personally prefer their Lawnmower variety.
Go upstairs to the photo gallery and try to guess all the singers/bands in the pictures!
The Granddaddy of all local music venues, the Continental Club has enjoyed a coast-to-coast reputation as the premiere club for live music in Austin since 1957.
The bathrooms here are startlingly pristine compared to most other concert venues in the city, so don't hesitate at your first chance of relief.
This club has no age limits and some very talented musical groups, such as the Black Eyed Peas, have taken the stage.
Top notch staff here. These guys know their stuff so don't hesitate to ask any questions. Hands down this is Austins best record shop.
They distribute produce grown by local farmers. Check out their events with local musicians while you're there.
Don't miss the bacon, avocado and charred poblano pepper sandwich with smoked aoli! Read more.
Check out the hiking trails available around the hotel, which is built on a nature preserve! Read more.
Take advantage of this wellness destination by trying out one of their discovery programs -- or even just a yoga class. Read more.
For something different, try the Texas-sized offering that's the size of a dozen regular doughnuts. Read more.
Texas' capital is home to the world largest paddle-board manufacturer, SUP ATX. Paddlers love the waters of city-center Town Lake. The company rents boards and sponsors free demos and group outings. Read more.
Rimming one edge of the clear blue-green waters are a limestone grotto and a 50-foot waterfall; here you can play in the shower or find a shady seat on the rocks beneath its overhang. Read more.
Meat's cooked outside over giant pits of oak wood embers, sending flavorful smoke all over the small Hill Country town. Choose from beef brisket, ribs, pork shoulders or even goat Read more.
Go for a summer and early fall bat paddle, when hundreds of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at dusk from the world's largest urban bat colony under the Congress Avenue bridge. Read more.
Patrizi's is the trailer reincarnation of a 60yr Italian institution that's now posted up behind the Vortex & Butterfly Bar, where, in addition to expanding one's hips, you can also shake them. Read more.
In Texas, there's no greater alchemy than turning beef into brisket, except of course turning that smoked brisket into... bourbon (!!!), a task taken up by the mad mixologists at CU29. Read more.
Tim and Corey Sorensen whip up a couple of flavors every day and augment cones, cups, shakes, and floats with a variety of sauces and toppings. Best treats are the stackers – sundaes made in layers.
Behold the P. Scary: A massive, four-patty P. Terry's burger. Read more.
Yoshi over at East Side King has got you covered with their first-ever selection of cold ramen dishes. Oh, and also: BACON BALLS. Read more.
