photo by John Anderson
Since 1975, Fonda San Miguel has focused on serving mouthwatering Mexican cuisine inside not a hacienda, but a finca: an agricultural country estate that has something beautiful everywhere you look. Together, the artwork, decor, and plant-filled dining room create a lush, tranquil atmosphere unlike any other in Austin.
Fonda San Miguel
2330 W. North Loop
512/459-4121
fondasanmiguel.com
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Having an excellent outdoor atmosphere in which to lounge, nibble, and sip comes naturally to Cosmic Coffee & Beer Garden, but it goes beyond a vibe to permaculture. Look for shady spots, mini-waterfalls, and intentional functionality, not to mention the chill chickens foraging among the fresh-grown herbs.
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
121 Pickle #111
512/481-0694
cosmichospitalitygroup.com
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photo by Jana Birchum
photo by Jana Birchum
Meanwhile is not as much a brewery as it is a contortionist act: yes, a fantastic beerhouse, but also a food truck hangout, soccer burnout safe space, coffeehouse, and kids party station. Meanwhile’s wood-and-metal playscape, which takes center stage in the brewery’s shady biergarten, wins the day while mom and dad enjoy a latte or a Pilsner.
Meanwhile Brewing Co.
3901 Promontory Point
512/308-3659
meanwhilebeer.com
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Mozart’s is a bit of a do-it-all establishment, with not only the coffee you’ll smell roasting on their expansive lakeside deck but empanadas, personal pizzas, and, of course, dessert available as well. Listen to some tunes on their outdoor stage, or just read or study like so many locals do.
Mozart's Coffee Roasters
3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
512/477-2900
mozartscoffee.com
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photo by John Anderson
via website
Come for the view and stay for the sunset. There’s plenty of burgers and Tex-Mex on the menu to fill you up, but the true satisfaction comes from sitting back on one of the many decks and taking in Lake Travis, low water levels or not, for one of the best sights in Central Texas.
The Oasis
6550 Comanche Trl.
512/266-2442
oasis-austin.com
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Each professional at this eternally excellent fusion wunderkind has earned forever-clout for their understanding of Japan-meets-Austin flavors, sake and cocktail pairings, and sushi details. Continuously hailed as the local pièce de résistance, our pals in other cities now have the great fortune to also experience their impeccable taste and outstanding service.
Uchi
801 S. Lamar
512/916-4808
uchiaustin.com
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photo by Jana Birchum
via Facebook
Everything you need to know about brunch at Chez Zee is the first item you see on the menu: A bowl of bacon. Nothing but green flags from here on out, friends. Here’s a variety of Eggs Benedict offerings including beef tenderloin and lobster iterations, omelets, quiche, migas, a Belgian waffle. And that blessed bowl. Take home a slice of lemon rosemary or coconut tres leches cake for later; you’ll thank us when you finally get hungry again.
Chez Zee
5406 Balcones Dr.
512/454-2666
chez-zee.com
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Mickie Spencer must have been channeling the Wes Anderson aesthetic when designing the South Lamar restaurant’s communal commode. Accentuated by old New York tavern occupancy lights, royal blue walls, and gold accents, these water closets are more palatial than plebeian. Take your mind off your need to go, soaking in the design while you wait for a stall.
Eberly
615 S. Lamar
512/916-9000
eberlyaustin.com
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photo by Jana Birchum
photo by Jana Birchum
Whether you’ve drawn the short straw for food sensitivities/allergies or you’re just skipping inflammatories in your quest to feel better, take solace in ordering food strategically designed to work with your bod and your dietary needs. (Note: Tree nuts are not an accommodated allergen.) We love their tomato-based tortilla soup and verde vegan spinach enchiladas.
Mr. Natural
1901 E. Cesar Chavez, 512/477-5228
2414-A S. Lamar, 512/916-9223
www.mrnatural-austin.com
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Is this the Chateau Marmont of East Fifth? Possibly. See and be seen, seduce a new lover, or gaze adoringly at your longtime squeeze. No matter the heartsy-artsy occasion, share some oysters, escargot, and bubbly in celebration of fashion, love, and sexy French bistro vibes. Bonus if you make a tintype photo to commemorate the evening.
Justine's Brasserie
4710 E. Fifth
512/385-2900
justines1937.com
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photo by John Anderson
photo by Jana Birchum
Variety is the name of Loro’s happy hour game, and on weekday afternoons, guests at the South Lamar smokehouse and bar can enjoy a bounty of $6 snacks like brisket tostadas and smoked salmon dip, $7-$9 sandwiches like Loro’s famous cheeseburger, $4-$5 wine, beer, and sake, and $5 boozy slushies like mango sake and Vietnamese coffee.
Loro
2115 S. Lamar
512/916-4858
loroeats.com
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“Fresh oysters delivered to your home” is Austin Oyster Co.’s pretty self-explanatory tagline. They’re experts in the delectable bivalve, throwing slurping parties all over the area. Hell, you can even book them to come shuck and serve oysters in your backyard. You definitely want to catch these guys if mollusks are your thing.
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courtesy of Austin Oyster Co.
photo by Jana Birchum
I’m at the brewery. I’m at the winery. I’m at the combination brewery and winery. I’m at the cabin inn. I’m at the wedding site. I’m at the combination cabin inn and wedding site. I’m at the scratch kitchen. I’m at the cidery. I’m at the combination scratch kitchen and cidery. I’m at the goat pen. I’m at the concert hall. I’m at the combination goat pen and concert hall. I’m at the hemp farm. I’m at the hiking trail. I’m at the combination hemp farm and hiking trail. I’m at the …
Jester King Brewery
13187 Fitzhugh
512/661-5736
jesterkingbrewery.com
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For foodies, this event is akin to an F1 racing roster of local and national superstar chefs. Kiosks as far as the eye can see churn out thousands of handcrafted bites and sips. New tastes are crowd tested by legendary brands and the wine keeps flowin’ all day. Stay chic with a shady water break so you don’t become that guy.
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photo by Jana Birchum
photo by John Anderson
The influencer love child of Peter Pan Mini-Golf and a gastropub, the Dirdie Birdie gives locals a deliciously fun reason to be in the Domain (no mean feat in itself). Fantastically detailed fairways and a rich menu make it probably the only brunch spot where you can play a round between courses.
The Dirdie Birdie
10910 Domain Dr., #120
dirdiebirdieatx.com
