Sure, you’ve got your hands busy with SXSW programming. But you don’t want to go home without sampling some of the places and things that make Austin so special.
So what’s not to miss? Why not ask our readers?
Since 1990, Austin Chronicle readers have voted annually in our Best of Austin Awards, naming their favorites in an eclectic, ever-changing ballot that spans everything from Best Burger to Best Art Gallery, Best Politician, Best Plumber, and Best Bathroom. Here, we highlight some of last year’s winners that might be of special interest to out-of-towners. (We’ve thrown in a few of our staffers’ “Critics Picks” too.)
And if you happen to fall in love with anything while you’re visiting, don’t keep it to yourself: Voting in the 35th annual Austin Chronicle Best of Austin Awards kicks off March 27 at vote.austinchronicle.com.
Best Barbecue: Terry Black’s BBQ
“The barbecue rivals any of the best here in Texas. The briskets are moist, and the beef ribs are huge. Even when it has a long line on their busiest moments, it moves very quickly.” – Hai Do
1003 Barton Springs Rd., terryblacksbbq.com
Best New Restaurant: Craft Omakase
“Craft Omakase was the single best meal I’ve had in my life. The entire experience is exceptional.” – Tristan Marquez
4400 N. Lamar #102, craftomakase.com
Best Pizza: Home Slice
“Always perfect. Consistency is key. Meatball and onion any day of the week.” – Norman Thornhill
1415 S. Congress, 501 E. 53rd, homeslice.com
Cleanest Bathrooms on Dirty Sixth: San Jac Saloon
In a pissy pinch, there’s probably no better place to relieve yourself on Dirty Sixth than San Jac Saloon. These guys have toilet paper. We repeat: There is toilet paper. Pee on the seat? Not usually! The doors close properly. The sinks work well. And crucially, the lighting is bright – a good indication they have nothing to hide.
300 E. Sixth, sanjacsaloon.com
Best Solo Dining: Ramen Tatsu-ya
“Delicious ramen, and slurping noods is much less awkward when you’re dining alone. ” – Kay Marley-Dilworth
1600 E. Sixth, 8601 S. Congress (find additional locations online), ramen-tatsuya.com
Best Frozen Cocktail: Loro
“Gotta love a frozen G&T.” – Jenna Henderson
2115 S. Lamar, loroeats.com
Best Shop for Sober Spirits: Dear Dry Drinkery
This zero-proof liquor store with a boutique feel provides a welcome, non-triggering shopping experience for people who live an alcohol-free lifestyle, but still like to sip interesting drinks. The homey Cesar Chavez space, containing a comfy little nook for reading or listening to 8-tracks, also has a cooler full of nonalcoholic beers and spritzers, plus a solid selection of non-inebriating wines and various THC-infused drinks.
2226 E. Cesar Chavez, deardrydrinkery.com
Best Men’s Clothing: Stag
“Aspirational brands and style, great quality, the staff doesn’t bug you.” – Dennis Gleason
1423 S. Congress, stagprovisions.com
Best Whiskey Selection: The Grackle
“A crazy good whiskey selection, without all the fancy-pants BS.” – Lloyd Thompson
1700 E. Sixth, fb.com/thegrackleaustin
Best Austin Gifts/Souvenirs: Atown
“It’s funky, has a great selection of Austin-specific products, and the staff is amazingly helpful.” – Mary Baker
5502 Burnet Rd., keepatownweird.com
Find The Austin Chronicle’s entire Best of Austin archive at austinchronicle.com/best-of-austin.
This article appears in March 14 • 2025.