New ownership has updated the menu with fried okra and green beans, but otherwise Top Notch is a local fast food restaurant still frozen in time – and that's why we love it. Get the Longhorn special.
Peppery brisket, crackling ribs, and spicy, coarse-ground sausage in a friendly setting. Go-to place for a casual family meal or to watch the game on a big-screen TV.
This trailer, on the back patio at Liberty, is an Asian fusion treasure. The gourmet yet budget-friendly menu includes the Poor Qui’s Buns and Fried Brussels Sprout Salad. We bow to the beet fries.
Stuffed with ingredients as wild as their celebrity namesakes (see: the Buffalo Bill, the Norma Jean), the burgers at this retro diner are big and beautiful. Hot dogs and salads round out the menu.
On site at the Shangri-La, this trailer is an Asian fusion treasure. The gourmet yet budget-friendly menu includes a green apple and kimchee grilled cheese sandwich. Good vegetarian and vegan options.
This trailer, on site at the Grackle Bar, is an Asian fusion treasure. The gourmet yet budget-friendly menu includes a fried beef tongue sandwich and Broccoli Pops glazed with sweet chili miso.
Chef Ray Tatum's porkalicious sliders and crackling meatloaf are sublime, as is his Asian fried chicken. Get a pairing suggestion from neighboring East End Wines and enjoy dining on the lovely patio.
A trip to Uchiko is a treat for the senses, with creative flavor pairings in dishes like rosemary-smoked duck with candied citrus or pork-belly-and-egg sushi. Decor is almost too beautiful to look at. Read more.
Bud's fans from Shoal Creek are happy he's now established in the Mueller food trailer park. His gumbo, étouffée, red beans and rice muffaletta, and po'boys are as good as ever.
The granddaddy of all Southern comfort restaurants, Threadgill's has still got it. We flip for the chicken-fried steak and airy yeast rolls, and terrific live roots music has us ever tapping our toes.
Detroit natives Zane and Brandon Hunt have thankfully introduced Austin to the wonders of Motor City-style pizza. We are officially addicted. You can't lose with the double-pepperoni "Detroiter."
Our favorite dishes here are the dahl makhani (lentils in a creamy sauce) and Malabar (lamb, coconut, onion). The level of spiciness here depends on who's in the kitchen, so it's a good idea to ask.
Superior micheladas, legit Interior Mexican cuisine, a beautiful patio, some of the best carnitas in the city, and killer mezcal and sotol cocktails. Viva Mexico! Read more.
West African fusion reigns at this darling trailer. We're still dreaming of the Couscous Moroccan, packed with cranberries, parsley, tomato relish, and set on a bed of mixed greens with cucumber.
You'd better circle the wagons early if you want to snag some of Franklin's world-famous brisket. It has a smoky and spicy bark, a deep smoke ring, and is exceedingly moist and tender. Perfection. Read more.
In addition to wispy, fruit-flavored shaved ice, this stand also sells homemade aguas frescas, fruit smoothies, Mexican-style fruit salads, tempting pork tortas, and divine migas tacos.
Think French comfort food in a cozy space. Crazy-good craft brews paired with creative sandwiches, intelligent noshes, and a burger and frites twofer worth the trip alone. Read more.
Back before Austin's Thai food boom, Satay owner Foo Swasdee was serving it up, delicious and authentic. She's still practicing her art with favorites like duck in red curry and grilled spicy snapper.
A proprietress as friendly as her food is good serves up huge portions of burgers and Cajun chow from a succinct menu. The dining room is communal and friendly, and Lola Stephens is a blessing.
Look out over Lady Bird Lake and transcend the usual hotel-dining scene. The focus is on unique and creative preparations of appetizers, side dishes, terrific steaks, and seafood. Read more.
Lucky Puccia's (pronounced poo-chah) cranks out some of the city's heartiest sandwiches. Try the Puccia Contadina with turkey, provolone, arugula, tomato, and olive tapenade. Feeling lucky, indeed.
This new-school, street-food star mashes up fresh and hyper-flavorful Southwestern and pan-Asian ingredients in the best way. Wake up the taste buds and think pad thai taco.
How can a corner store be so darn chic? Whether you're looking for chips, organic milk, or a bottle of Veuve, the Royal Blue's eclectic selections cater to just about anybody’s discriminating palate.
Unctuous rib meat barely clings to the smoke-stained bone before it melts in your mouth. John Mueller, the Yoda of beef ribs, dispenses fantastic barbecue in a relaxed, comfy trailer set-up. Read more.
A big, bustling ristorante complete with deli, bakery, coffee bar, and grocery, this family-friendly eatery has something for everyone looking for a casual Italian dining experience. Read more.
These easy-on-the-wallet, plentiful platters have delivered many Austinites from hangovers and Tex-Mex hankerings since 1980. For $4.50, the "Don Juan" El Taco Grande will challenge you to a duel.
Chef Iliana de la Vega operated a world-famous restaurant in Oaxaca. Lucky for us, she made the move to Austin, where her classically modern restaurant and traditional Mexican cuisine are a huge hit.
This food truck serves sophisticated, stellar versions of Asian street food, from Vietnamese bánh mì to Japanese rice boxes to Hawaiian specialties like the astoundingly elegant spam musubi rolls.
The first Mex-Korean truck in the ATX still makes the best bulgogi tacos and kimchi fries in the city. And if you get the burger, by all means get the optional fried egg.
A Mediterranean tree-house atmosphere, bold flavors, and iconoclastic taste combinations make for a cosmopolitan take on traditional bar fare. The pizza bianco is inspired. Read more.
When executive chef and owner Tyson Cole first opened shop in 2003, Uchi instantly became both a sushi and a fine-dining game changer. Quality and craft still out of this world. Reservations a must.
Individually crafted cocktails, an ingenious list of Euro-centric wines, and innovative food. In our increasingly sophisticated bar town, Bar Congress tops the list. Yep, we’ll drink to that. Read more.
Tuck in for a lovely, hearty meal while traveling the various tasting rooms along Hwy. 290. Your future wined-up self will thank you. Get the Pulled Pork on Fry Bread and be prepared to smile a lot. Read more.
Asti is one of the best midpriced neighborhood cafes in Austin. Food is consistently delightful, whether it is grilled octopus, a thin-crust pizza, or their ever-popular chocolate cannoli.
An early component of the East 11th Street renaissance, this is a restful, reliable spot for French-inspired snacks and light meals. The luscious, open-faced tartines are highly recommended. Read more.
Susan Post’s much-loved bookstore has provided a launchpad for women writers, a sanctuary for literary seekers, and a safe space for generations of feminists.
The atmosphere – we're tempted to say "art direction" – is superb, and the food's splendid, too. Meats and produce genuinely are farm fresh, often picked in the morning at neighboring urban farms. Read more.
The menu’s great for snacking and sharing, and unless your party’s big enough to fill a picnic table, you’ll get to know your neighbor, too. It’s that kind of place, and we really love this place. Read more.
Late night crowds looking for something to soak up the party flock to these fluffy flat bread wraps, packed with tender, succulent meat or falafel and abundant tangy cucumber tzatziki sauce.
Ambitious, delicious trailer food from caterer/chef Luke Bibby. Overdo it at next door Gibson Bar? Luke’s cheese fries and the Spicy Szechuan Chicken griddled sammy are gonna make everything alright. Read more.
This small, classy shop in the Arboretum offers an exemplary product line of flavor-infused extra virgin olive oils, truffle oils, and aged balsamic vinegars. Delectable flavors abound. Read more.
A tap wall decorated with over 50 various Texas beers, 2 cask engines, enthusiastic cicerones, and a bacon brewing bus in the backyard area. Come here to hone your craft of beer and bacon consumption. Read more.
East Austin native son Hoover Alexander packs 'em in with tempting renditions of Southern comfort food, complemented with a dash of Tex-Mex, a whiff of BBQ smoke, and a pinch of Cajun/Creole spice.
A laid-back place to watch the game while enjoying cold beer and good Louisiana-style food – especially the seasonal crawfish boils. On a sunny day, the patio overlooking the creek is hard to beat.
Start with shrimp 'n' grits, tofu popcorn, or a choose-your-own tasting plate, then wash down a sandwich with one of the tasty local brews on tap at the nation's first-ever cooperatively run brewpub.
Playful cuisine, delectable desserts, appropriate libations, and excellent service. The atmosphere can get boisterous, but a night at Swift's promises both a memorable meal and a super fun time. Read more.
Done up in white on antique white, Swan Dive is the place for all things piquant. Specializing in the eccentric, atmospheric, and anachronistic, they book music that marches to a different off-beat.
ESK's home on the Drag features trailer favorites like Poor Qui’s pork belly buns and beet fries. Creative and unique, fresh and flavorful, and located in one of the best funky watering holes around.
The Singh boys have built a loyal following with their contemporized Indian fare. The space is old, stone, and gorgeous, the crowd is watchworthy, and the food delish. Like a kick? Ask for desi-hot.
This cavernous campus-area space is a little fancy-pants for the average student, but quite reasonable for high-class delicious fare of this caliber and innovation. Read more.
Let your frea– we mean, geek flag fly while your eyes behold indie comics, 1st editions, figurines, manga, trade paperbacks, and graphic novels. The dedicated staff are friendly and know their stuff.
The chill vegan/vegetarian/cyclist-proud vibe isn't the only drawing card here. From a tofu scramble to the Renedict, a reimagined eggs Benedict, the breakfast menu is outstanding. Read more.
The phallic sign in the sky on South Congress is your beacon to one of the city's best places to kick your shoes off. If you don't have a reason to stay at this local lodging landmark, make up one.
The drink menu reads like the manifesto of a genius turned madman obsessed with suds, and the art of sausage making is shown through exotic franks. You'll want to do more than just graze this garden. Read more.
Their motto reads, "Ass, Cash, or Grass – Nobody Eats for Free." Whatever your method of payment is, stop by and pick up one of their huge, specialty pizzas. The exchange will be well worth it. Read more.
Barn chic, with a pleasant atmosphere, nice for a special evening out with friends. The gems on the menu dwell in the vegetables category: Brussels sprouts, fried smashed potatoes, and glazed turnips. Read more.
Reasonably priced and informal but still very fine dining, indeed. Rising star Ned Elliott’s seasonal menu is spare but stunning, with each well-conceived plate coming together in delicious harmony. Read more.
From the sublime teas and sandwiches to the stellar scones, cupcakes, and tortes, we adore this tea shop & bakery. Just as tranquil as the original Domain location, but without the stressful commute. Read more.
For two decades, Frank and Angie's has been serving superior pizza with Rat Pack panache, just the way we like it. Order the De Niro Sandwich and remember just one word when it's wine time: Masi. Read more.
For a restaurant this good, Cafe Josie is still surprisingly under-the-radar. The cafe uses local, sustainable ingredients to create dishes that are colorful, inventive, and consistently exceptional. Read more.
Pair the house-made merguez with a seasonal salad, and go ahead and order a bottle of wine; it beats getting back in line for another glass, and the ambience is so nice you're going to want to linger. Read more.
A sports bar that doesn’t cram the concept down your throat. We like the Greek Island Calamari as a starter and the bold flavors of the Hickory Burger. Share a dessert; the portions are huge. Read more.
Locals who lament the scarcity of down-home dinettes these days will cheer at East 12th's perfect platter of "meat and two." The fried catfish is fantastic; the peach cobbler is the stuff of dreams. Read more.
There’s something conspicuously ironic about the vibe – nightclub in front, little-old-lady-quaint in back – but the diverse menu has some sincere standouts, like the Ukrainian borscht and Uzbek plov. Read more.
Killer jukebox. Pool tables. Huge, juicy burgers. Psychotronic movies. Lounging with a post-apocalyptic flair. Casino keeps the best parts of dark and surly pub life alive and well.
Since 1976, the kitchen's been serving good burgers, Tex-Mex, and, of course, chili of all varieties (XXX, veggie, Frito, etc.). Tarantino devotees will note TCP as a 'Death Proof' filming location.
This trailer boasts a simple but scrumptious menu of Turkish wraps stuffed with Middle Eastern-style meats or falafel plus sides like tzatziki and hummus. Can't decide? Go with the Spoiled Brat. Read more.
An Asian oasis in the mayhem of Downtown, this gem serves legit Thai cuisine into the wee hours. Try the Tom Yum Firepot or the green curry and thank us later.
Built in 1916, the space has housed a grocery, a steak restaurant, and a speakeasy/brothel. These days the Tavern does bustling business with sports fans who enjoy the 50 TV screens and good pub grub.
Austin's oldest outdoor biergarten and dining hall was built by German immigrant August Scholz in 1866. They still serve some German dishes alongside nachos, and burgers to a largely politico crowd.
Onion rings, wings, fries, milkshakes, and blue plate specials are available, but the star items remain the messy, fresh-beef, oddly named burgers. Tuby’s Tickler, anyone?
The historic Nau's remains an old-fashioned independent drugstore with the last soda fountain standing in Austin. Breakfasts, grilled cheese, and fountain drinks best enjoyed on a counter stool.
This smoke-stained barbecue shack has been in business since 1943, offering mesquite-smoked brisket, pork loin, Elgin sausage, and chicken. No booze, no vegetables, no frills, no credit cards. Read more.
Quality has been Austin's signature fishmonger since 1938, and in 2012, it underwent a major expansion. Go for oysters, Gulf shrimp, and Cajun- and Creole-influenced seafood dishes. Read more.
Since 1948, Mrs. J's means doughnuts to generations of Austinites with late-night munchies. Hot doughnuts start rolling at 8:40pm, continuing till the place closes at noon.
State politicos, including LBJ, have wheeled and dealed for decades over the excellent migas, huevos rancheros, chorizo, biscuits, fajitas, and enchiladas that Cisco's serves for breakfast and lunch.
Serving the same classic combination dinners on the same Formica tables since 1954, El Patio dishes up Tex-Mex at its purest: enchiladas, crispy tacos, beans, rice, guacamole, and pralines or sherbet.
Opened in 1926, Dirty’s has been serving the same fresh-beef burgers, chicken-fried steak, fries, nachos, shakes, and beer ever since. On weekends, the campus crowd swarms in to soak up a boozy night.
Austin's only vegetarian/vegan Jewish sandwich trailer feels like a picnic in a friend's backyard. The matzoh ball soup is delish, a perfect consistency ball kissed by a light, almost buttery broth. Read more.
There’s plenty at Lustre Pearl to stimulate you if your company doesn’t. With ping pong tables, hula hoops, taco trucks, and roomy-by-room choice of decor, expect to be entertained… just not to park.
Half red-and-black lounge, half patio bar backed against a limestone cliff, Club de Ville’s sexy-yet-unpretentious vibe fills all of our needs for gathering, entertainment, and libation.
As Austin as bongs and ping pong, the Continental Club is a haven for bikers, hot mamas, New Age greasers, and tourists alike, hosting local rip-roarers and touring roots-rockers.
Symphonies in the park. Phenomenal SXSW line-ups. Bats at dusk. Pups diving into nearby Town Lake. Best yet: The town's best free entertainment venue boasts the Austin skyline as backdrop.
This family-friendly Italian eatery is comfortable and sedate, staffed with eager to please servers. Its Lincoln Village setting is a touch uninspired, but Verona is indisputably a good value. Read more.
Chef David Bull didn't bring foie gras to Austin but he surely helped evangelize it. Few other chefs use such precious ingredients so confidently. The cool kids always make it seem effortless. Read more.
The Nueces location (at the 360 condos) of this très chic local grocery chain has a kitchen, fresh flowers, and Mo's Bacon Bar – a chocolate and bacon confection that is a must-try.
With food so local it could run for City Council and an upscale vibe, Trace throws back to an era when the hotel restaurant was a destination spot. The perfect pre-show to a night at Moody Theater. Read more.
Laid-back Austin yet Downtown chic, Garrido's budget-conscious menu touts small but tasty selections for inventive, white-tablecloth Mexican fare. The bocaditos are tiny, but order them anyway. Read more.
The fastest tong-wielders in the South mix a bevy of fresh, local ingredients into a massive bowl of green goodness. Eco-friendly, too: The forks are made from from potato starch!
Manuel's excellent presentation of regional Mexican cuisine has made it a Downtown mainstay for more than 25 years. The menu offers a nice mix of new ideas and tried-and-true. Read more.
Fragrant barbecue smoke and soulful blues waft over the roof of this 19th-century brick edifice. It's noisy. It's fun. And that's just the way the crowd likes it. The fried pies are not to be missed. Read more.
Perennial fave La Condesa reflects the culinary trends of Mexico City's hip neighborhood Colonia Condesa. Feeling adventurous? Try the chapulines – a Oaxacan specialty of tiny fried grasshoppers. Read more.
Zax pairs contemporary American cuisine with a rotating bevy of local craft brews. Seating options include an airy, light-filled dining room and a restful patio. Cold beer, warm sun? Sold. Read more.
Three words: Big Ass Burger. Roaring Fork is actually a lot classier than the name of its signature dish would suggest – think luxe leather couches – but that burger is to die for, y'all.
An unlikely combo – South Austin-funky trailer meets très French menu – but it works. The crepes, both savory and sweet, are substantial. For dessert, we like the lemon curd with blueberry dressing. Read more.
A comfy old house with a brief but nicely chosen wine list, all at good prices, with additional daily specials ("happy hour every hour"). The food is simple but geared toward accentuating the wine.
Love the folk art-festooned interior, but the rooftop patio with Downtown view can’t be beat. Try the tangy guacamole al chipotle, served with a smoky chipotle crema and crunchy sunflower seeds. Read more.
The coolest midsized venue in town hosts the cream of the indie crop with two stages, multiple bars, and a wrap-around balcony and patio outside.
This place of worship often hosts musical acts and offers an intimate, echoey environment that can't be replicated in a club.
Not known for the best sound in town, it's still a big room with great sight lines and a decent balcony to make sure your favorite artist knows you're there.
The little sister to the Paramount Theatre does everything its sibling does, only with comfier seats. Seems like they've worked the kinks out of the sound issues, too.
The grande dame of Austin theatres is old, ornate, and awesome. Sit in the balcony for a better view of the ceiling mural, and don't forget a sweater – they like to crank the A/C.
The elegant, inviting Paggi House has just about everything going for it. Try Paggi’s take on sweetbreads: Softly roasted with cremini mushrooms, it melts into a creamy sherry vinegar sauce. Read more.
The beautiful limestone building on the National Register of Historic Places offers Deep South charm, with water served in mason jars, corn muffins, and broiled rainbow trout with cornbread stuffing.
Located in the Driskill Hotel, this cafe is a convenient and casual option for hotel guests and Downtown workers. Try the classic Ms. Corbitt's Cheese soup or the aptly named Hangover Burger.
A damned good burger for the budget-conscious carnivore who prefers meat not from some megafactory; Wholly Cow gets their grass-fed beef from Rocky Hill Orchards in Fredericksburg. Read more.
This Austin landmark, now under new ownership, has renovated its menu and its environs with a farm-to-table concept emphasizing fresh, locally sourced seasonal fare and a sleek, modern aesthetic. Read more.
A smart wine list and seasonal menu provide big-city sophistication here. Cheese and cured meat plates are available during brunch if you’re bored with Eggs Benedict. Read more.
Tableside s’mores and espresso cocktails are two things that make this hoppin’ corner joint so special. A coffehouse by day, bar by night, Halcyon has a fine selection of cigars and cigarettes, too.
This no-frills brasserie perched in a remodeled 1930s bungalow serves authentic Gallic comfort food and (more importantly?) people-gawking until the early-morning hours. Read more.
This cozy spot shares space with a 2,700-pound Neapolitan brick oven firing rustic, insanely good pizza. For antipasti, we flip for the roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta and Pecorino Romano. Read more.
One might question their definition of “dive,” but here’s what this ATX outpost indisputably offers up: an urban/industrial/aggressively "hip" space, legit fried chicken, and a superior brunch option. Read more.
Nothing fancy, just a European-style bistro with solid food. But with a glass of red and jazz standards on heavy rotation? This place makes us feel je-ne-sais-quoi kinda sexy.
It's worth navigating the Sixth St. circus for this divine bistro. Best as a late-night haven or at happy hour, when the half-price bar menu gets you steak frites & a killer martini for under $20. Read more.
Time to carb up, y’all: The street-level bakeshop serves up top-of-the-line breads and pastries; mosey on to the downstairs beer garden and you’ll find mouth-watering cured meats and excellent brews. Read more.
This once-sleepy outpost underwent a spit-shine with an interior remodel and the exterior strip mall's ongoing revitalization. Pizza + a bucket of beer + a Nineties Boy Band Sing-Along = perfection.
The Alamo expands to tony Circle C with all its charm intact, with inventive programming and a tongue-in-cheek menu that confirms whey we love the Alamo: Because they love movies as much as we do. Read more.
A luxurious menu is matched by an adventurous wine list and an intimate, bistro feel. Don’t skip the house-baked bread: It’s stunningly good, especially when dipped in the Mussels & Clams wine broth. Read more.
We can’t get enough of the Salty Balls – doughnut holes swimming in salted butter caramel sauce and topped with cream cheese icing and dry roasted peanuts. You can do gym penance later. Read more.
As much a punk rock clubhouse as record store, Trailer Space books the most in-store performances per week of any place in town with a stellar cast of up-and-coming rockers. Read more.
Winner of seven "Best of Austin" awards, End of an Ear harkens back to the glory days of Inner Sanctum and Sound Exchange, specializing in experimental, punk, psychedelic, dub, metal, jazz, and blues. Read more.
Widely considered one of the finest indie record stores in the world, Waterloo boasts an impressive selection of music, knowledgeable staff, fun in-store performances, and much more. Read more.
All you tech heads can go bang your digital drum elsewhere: We’ll be curled up with a good book at BookPeople, where the printed page is still king. Great selection, comfy chairs, and a coffee bar.
The new jewel of Zach's theatrical complex on the south shore of Lady Bird Lake, Topfer’s Karen Kuykendall Stage has 400-plus seats, and they’re all good. Two lounges provide pre-show libations. Read more.
There's a reason rock stars and onesie-wearing tykes alike flock to Daniel Johnston's distinctive frog mural: It's like a perfect storm of sweet and weird.
Story goes that when the owner of Jo's Coffee was having a bad day, her girlfriend stealth-tagged the storefront's south wall to put a smile on her face. Admit it: Now you're smiling, too.
An exemplary burger lineup in the $5 to $9 range. The line – regularly out the door – moves fast, and we’d do murder just to get our hands on the Caramel & Sea Salt milkshake. Read more.
The very cool Whip In boasts specialty beers, obscure wines, locally packaged gourmet foodstuffs, and a cafe menu that's a bricolage of Indian, African, European, and American flavors. Read more.
You access this swanky side lounge from the alley. Follow the red X to the snug, spy-themed interior; continuing the theme, craft cocktails bear names like Mata Hari and the Cyanide Pill.
This no-frills neighborhood bar is named for the patron saint of dogs and those who love them. Try the Leftover Cereal Milk, a perfectly named shot.
With its vintage funeral-parlor-meets-antique-taxidermy-museum vibe, the Volstead appears to pride itself on dirty cool. Sister bar Hotel Vegas next door has live music.
Our readers regularly vote Cheer Up the best LBGTQ hangout in Austin, but this this vegan bar/music venue is an all-inclusive haven for hipsters and slackmeisters, too. Kombucha on tap, y’all!
Think Parisian bistro, burlesque cabaret, and steampunk film set, with upscale food and bar menus based on seasonal, local ingredients. Execution can be spotty, but the ambience is always spot-on.
Cheap drinks + ESK curry buns and beet fries make this our go-to bar. Chances are you’ll run into someone you know on the back patio, and the communal benches mean you’ll be making new friends, too.
The kickass, always-packed patio here can keep us happily captive all evening. Even if you don’t feel like drinking, it’s worth the trip just for a steamed bun from food trailer East Side King.
With dark lighting, cool air, and the Beach Boys on the jukebox, this is a perfect after-work stop that holds up nicely into the night. The long, L-shaped bar is good for chill TV watching.
We seriously dig this bar’s sticky-floor aesthetic and convivial vibes. The room is dark, the music is hot, the crowd is diverse, and friendly barkeeps keep the margaritas and the Two Steps flowing.
A daytime coffee shop evolves into a comfortable bar after dark, offering fabulous drinks and a party-garage vibe. The Bloody Mary – deliciously pickled, rimmed with Creole seasoning – is a must.
Tiny, with a jukebox ranging from Hot Snakes to Otis Redding, the Brixton is a straight-up, no-fuss bar that highlights the beauty of tattoos, good folks, and bar talk.
It’s only open for tours and tastings for a few hours on Friday and Saturday afternoons, but that's plenty time to sample the fresh, seasonal craft brews. Don't forget Brew Biscuits for the pup.
The Scoot has been in business off and on for over 140 years, making it one of the oldest beer-slinging honky-tonks in Texas. We adore this dive bar, but the bathrooms are strictly to be avoided.
This NYC import ain't messin' around: It has a novella-length cocktail list and harvests its ice from 300-pound crystal blocks. That's the type ice sculptors use – perfect for craft cocktail art.
Classic cocktails, a short but uncommonly adventurous wine list, and an elevated bar food menu make the casual Yellow Jacket a winner. Snag an outside table and enjoy a pork belly bánh mì in the sun.
French technique, exotic ingredients, a judicious use of spice and heat, and strong Southeast Asian and Northern African influences on the three-course prix fixe menu distinguish this upscale option. Read more.
Vietnamese cuisine made with grass-fed meats, pastured eggs, local organic produce, and seafood fresh from the Gulf makes us happy, but not as happy as the dreamy drip coffee served iced or hot.
There's no better way to end a night on the town than by going down to this low-ceilinged, atmospheric basement club to enjoy live jazz and a drink or three.
This tiny snuggery seems like it jumped out of a postage stamp. Entrées include pulled pork and a terrific lentil soup, while bourbon buttermilk pie and ancho chocolate brownies are standout desserts. Read more.
We wouldn't say no to a maple bacon donut, but the real winners here are the elegant cake balls in flavors both traditional and adventurous, like the chai ball that is subtly spiced and not too sweet. Read more.
Ingredients are of the highest quality, quantities are large, service is friendly, prices are very reasonable, and the flavors are outstanding. This is how a sandwich should be made. Read more.
This vintage 1960 Comet trailer serves all kinds of meat, from duck sausage to smoked brisket, and they’re all flat-out delicious. Micklethwait Craft Meats belongs up with the elite of Austin BBQ. Read more.
Exhibits come and go at this top-flight art museum, but what never changes is the epic installation “Stacked Waters,” which gives the Blanton's atrium the feeling of a two-story-high pool of water.
At this 24-foot yellow chrome trailer, the pork ribs are St. Louis cuts and the pork loin is meltingly tender. Stay for the magnificent Pedernales Valley sunsets. Read more.
After struggles with the city over building permits, Junk King Vince Hannemann's 33-foot-high, 60-ton art installation is back to delight and stimulate the senses.
This zero-waste, packaging-free grocery store may be small, but it covers all the bases, from fresh farm veggies to bulk tahini and dishwasher soap to kombucha on tap. Bring lots of jars. Read more.
No such thing as giving the Pig too much love. From bread to bacon, everything is house-made, and they turn out some of the best sandwiches in town. The swine-free catfish sandwich is amazing, too. Read more.
This innovative Thai venture from ESK and Uchiko vets has even the staunchest center-city dwellers making the trek out to Cedar Park. The Thai basil mint sangria makes a refreshing coda to a warm day. Read more.
The orange-infused crème brulee at this wonderful Cajun-Creole eatery is the best example of this particular French delicacy we've ever had anywhere, in any year. Read more.
The Teishoku lunch specials are one of the best deals going: a bowl of savory clear noodle soup, a farm-fresh salad, soft steamed rice, homemade Japanese pickles, and an entrée all for $8-$12. Read more.
The chicken is tender and juicy, the breading perfectly crisp, and it washes down well with a Juicy Lucy frozen watermelon margarita or the spicy Bee Sting. Like being at an impeccably curated picnic. Read more.
Yes, the ramen is authentic and delicious, but it’s the spicy edamame tossed with citrus, fresh jalapeños, shichimi spice, and sea salt we're obsessed with. End your meal with the green tea mochi ice. Read more.
Nothing fancy – just great, dependable Chinese food. We especially like the hot & sour soup with a side of spicy dumplings. You can't go wrong with a meat entrée; they use good beef and cook it right. Read more.
The grownups can enjoy a flight of microbrews while the little ones groove on the arcade games. And while it may sound gross, the macaroni-and-cheese pizza is some tasty business. Read more.
Small plates, small space: Only 34 seats, so expect a wait. It’s worth it. A farm-to-table ethos and thoughtful flavor combinations distinguish this first brick & mortar from Bryce Gilmore. Read more.
One of Austin's premier rhythm-and-grub joints, and it has damn good barbecue. The Gospel Brunch on Sundays has become so popular that reservations are a must for both seatings.
When you need your Lone Star cold, your chicken-fried steak hot, and the ghost of Ernest Tubb on your shoulder, this historic honky tonk is the place to be. Two-step refreshers run 8-9pm Wed-Sat.
This festive corner taquería is all about fresh, fast, and portable. Don't miss the cochinita in homemade corn tortillas or the great paleta selection. Wash it all down with a frozen sangria.
Any ATX 'best burger' list has to include this round-the-clock spot, but don’t gloss over the upscale riffs on meatloaf and chicken & waffles. Save room for the roasted banana & brown sugar milkshake. Read more.
They had us at 4-hour validated parking. OK, there's also the terrific arthouse and foreign programming, the artisanal cheese plate and full bar, but it bears repeating: 4-hour validated parking! Read more.
This historic theatre has lived a lot of lives (including an early 80s incarnation as a punk club), but since 2007, new releases, midnight movies, and arthouse fare have found a home here. Read more.
The love child of a convenience store and a farmers market, this cozy spot's eclectic offerings include craft beers, vegan cupcakes, fresh organic produce, and even bicycle parts. Read more.
