Rodney Reed’s Attorneys Seek Retrial
Forensic experts believe Stacey Stites died before midnight
13th Floor Elevators to Reunite at Levitation Festival
Consciousness-raising pioneers headline ATX psych gathering
Food-o-File
Painting the town red
Four Events for Singles on Valentine’s Day
Happy Single Awareness Day!
A Place of Calm and Light
The Blanton to build a structure designed by Ellsworth Kelly
Hello, Lamp Post, Wha’cha Knowin’?
City art project lets you question lamp posts and get answers
First Plates Extra Helpings: The Perfect Pop
Popcorn gets under the fingernails and stays in the blood
Three Valentine’s Day Show Picks
Live music to put you in the mood
SXSW Announces Midnighters and Shorts
Henry Rollins, Jeremy Sisto join horror lineup
From the Vaults: Stewart Stern on Writing Rebel Without a Cause
In a story we ran in 2000, the screenwriter tells Chale Nafus all about it
Mayor Appoints Council Committees
10-1 Council members begin to take their places
At Last, a Grammy for Conspirare
CD of Russian music earns Austin choral ensemble its first win
First Plates Extra Helpings: Mardi Gras 2015: Good Time Rolls
Link to us when the heart’s Louisiana-bound, but the rest of you can’t be
Mo’ Music Monday: February 9
Now with even fewer Grammy nominees
1808 Annex Closes
Longstanding 12th Street venue leased out
Council: Digging a Firebreak
Council passes resolution regarding AFD
Mardi Gras 2015: Wendy Colonna to Home and Back, Pt.2
Her “strange little circle” led right back home and to the Real Thing™
First Plates Extra Helpings: Riding the Snackwave to Indulgentown
Calories, schmalories … that pizza is one bite closer toward equality
News Roundup: A Deadly Shooting, Rick Perry, and City Council
Police kill an armed man, Perry’s ready to run, and more
Lit-urday: Second Life
Follow Paul Griner’s troubled heroine into the meaty afterlife
DVDanger: Alexandra Essoe Gazes Through Starry Eyes
Horror star talks body image, body horror, and audition angst
Five Excellent Things to Do in Austin this Weekend
Aside from enjoying this, we mean, ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS weather
Food-o-File: Friday Lagniappe
A little extra Austin food news
Execution Issues Trip Jezebel
Second Austin eatery eliminated from Best New Restaurant
All Hail the King Cake
It’s not Carnival until you find the hidden baby
SXSW Music: List No. 6
Music conference adds 92 acts
One in a Crowd: Pioneers of African-American Cinema
Kino Lorber to curate remarkable historical document
First Plates Extra Helpings: The Best Chicken-Fried Steak Is the One in Front of You
Connoisseurs may know the truth, but can we talk about it after dinner?
The AggreGAYtor: February 6
What happened today in gay? Here’s your QILTBAG recap of queer news.
Lawsuit Accuses APD of Excessive Force
Alleges blood draw during DWI arrest involved chokehold
Shamitabh
Hindi drama.
Goodbye to Language
Jean-Luc Godard makes his best film in years – and in 3-D, no less.
Project Almanac
Teens discover plans for a time machine within found footage, but things go awry when they begin to construct it.
The Luv Doc: Why DNA?
Dear Luv Doc, Why DNA? – Zack I hate to break this to you Zack, but I am an advice columnist, not some all-knowing oracle able to unlock the mysteries of the universe. You want my take on whether you should continue seeing someone who shows up to a first date with exposed foot fungus…
The Loft
Five married men share a penthouse loft in which an unidentified woman turns up dead.
Jupiter Ascending
The Wachowskis’ space opera starring Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum is a visual dazzler but a narrative splice-and-dice.
Two Days, One Night
Marion Cotillard becomes the face of the working class in the latest Dardenne brothers’ gem of social realism.
Mommy
Canadian wunderkind Xavier Dolan creates a volatile drama about a violently hyperactive teen, his strong-willed mother, and the nice woman who lives across the street.
The Duke of Burgundy
This character study of mistress-and-servant lesbian role-playing is gratifying without being sexually explicit.
Malli Malli Idhi Rani Roju
Telugu romantic drama.
Kin & Comfort
Those who think all the joy of fusion was bled out in the Nineties have never had chef Ek Timrerk and Bonnie Wright’s quietly innovative cuisine. Their Southern-meets-Thai mix revels in unexpected flavors, but the “comfort” part of their name is never forgotten. The “kin” part? That’s in their always-warm hospitality.
Easy Tiger
A pioneer in the effort to class up Waller Creek, this German biergarten-inspired bakery-cum-gastropub specializes in handcrafted breads and pastries (gotta love that spicy Tiger Claw) from head doughpuncher David Norman, and sausages, mustards, and delectable pastrami from the creative and ambitious chef Drew Curren. A meticulously curated selection of whiskeys and beers rounds out…
The Hightower
There’s much to admire in chef Chad Dolezal’s cocktail-friendly menu. He’s a wizard with hanger steak and just as adept with tofu and green beans. But if he only served those fried chickpeas, we’d still be back every week. We’re not ashamed to admit we have a problem.
Fonda San Miguel
The first major Interior Mexican restaurant in the country will celebrate 40 years in 2015, still presenting exquisite versions of Mexican regional classic dishes in a graceful hacienda that boasts an enviable, museum-quality collection of Mexican folk art.
The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.
Affectionately known as ABGB, this South Austin brewery has already evolved into an essential venue for live music, craft beer, and sharing pizza pies with neighbors. Toppings galore include house-made sausage to local farm veggies, and bonus menu fare includes deviled eggs and a French Cuban. Try a pint of “Always” favorite, Industry Pilsner.
Jack Allen’s Kitchen
On-the-house pimiento cheese is just the start of a big ol’ ranch-style menu, made star-worthy by high-class ambience and born-and-bred Texas charm. Whether you wrestle the “Chicken Fried Anything” menu or opt for a heaping portion from the nightly, seasonal specials sourced from local farms, you’ll leave saying, “Yeehaw!”
An Actress Plays Herself in the Role of a Lifetime
AFS Doc Nights: Actress
Day Trips: Grand Central Cafe, Kingsland
Cafe from classic horror film still killin’ it
Headlines
A Special-Called meeting for City Council today (Feb. 5) will review land planning and housing policy, and wrestle with its first contentious issue: whether to re-enter negotiations with the Austin Firefighters Association over cadet hiring one last time, while moving forward with the Department of Justice consent decree. Defeated D4 Council candidate Laura Pressley filed…
Foreign & Domestic
This cozy and unpretentious neighborhood bistro with an open kitchen regularly puts out some of the most original food in town. Chef-owner Ned Elliott also has a flare for networking with other young chefs around the country, generously hosting pop-ups that showcase emerging national talent.
Mediterranean Chef Cafe
The owner is a food scientist and chef from Istanbul, and the cafe in front fittingly provides a view of the food-production process, as the crew makes fantastic hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, dolmas, spanakopita, gyros, and falafel, all with an emphasis on healthy eating and big flavors.
Fixe
Chef James Robert will use a dazzling array of techniques in service of a simple chicharrón. The work pays off, Fixe’s crispy beef tendon manages to be both featherweight and beefy, playful and refined. Why, it might even be a metaphor for their entire operation.
Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile
Only Ree Drummond has done more to glamorize the ranch. But unlike the celeblogger, owner Adam Jacoby has some bona fides. The prime beef raised for the restaurant comes from his folk’s land. And that fine-tuned sense of hospitality is another family tradition.
Tâm Deli & Cafe
A tiny spot with huge flavor and an even bigger heart. Tâm has a deceptively large menu with some nice surprises, including the bánh xèo crêpe and their bánh cuon (steamed rice wraps). Excellent pho, bun, and all of the standards, and the best bánh mì in Austin.
Elizabeth Street Cafe
Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, this charming, neighborhood delight is an epicurean’s dream. The Vietnamese cafe/French bakery offers báhn mì on house-made baguettes, pho, vermicelli bowls, a wide assortment of coffee, French baked goods, cocktails, and more. Enjoy the tranquility of the patio or the cheerful hum of the sunlit dining room.
The League Kitchen & Tavern
Featuring well-executed burgers and steaks, comfort-food classics, and reliable libations, Tony Ciola and Creed Ford IV’s League evokes the atmosphere of a comfortable country club sans snobbery and the membership fee.
Bigger and Better
The Bullock Museum IMAX Theatre completes digital conversion
The Common Law: Can a Friend Officiate the Wedding?
Marriage through the eyes of Texas
Point Austin: One Last Chance
Council moves to resume firefighter negotiations
Fork & Taco
Austinites will wrap anything in a tortilla, but somehow chef Casey Fannin’s tacos still manage to surprise. Fork’s broad palate and thoughtfully sourced ingredients are our favorite example of “think global, act local.”
Ramen Tatsu-ya
A tender ode to the Japanese soul-food staple, Ramen Tatsu-ya brought ramen to the masses as Austin’s first brick-and-mortar ramen shop. The small space is beautifully designed by McCray & Co., and the food is brimming with well-balanced flavor. Try the Tonkotsu Original and the gyoza. Slurp.
La Condesa
From the trio of guacamoles to the ceviches, elevated street fare, and wood-grilled entrées, you can’t go wrong at this sexy, modern Mexican standby. The bar gets packed thanks to expertly made signature cocktails and a spectacular selection of tequila and mezcal, and the patio is perfect for people-watching any time of day.
Justine’s Brasserie
Whether you’re there for one of their elaborate, raucous parties, or a quiet, late-night dinner, an evening at Justine’s makes you feel like a celebrity. It’s a hideaway you always hoped others didn’t find out about, but the secret’s out: The great wine list, enchanting atmosphere, and divine steak tartare rightfully earn our praise.
Cafe Josie
For a restaurant this good, Cafe Josie is still surprisingly under-the-radar. Literally tucked away on West Sixth, the cafe utilizes local and sustainable ingredients to create dishes that are colorful, inventive, and consistently exceptional. Open for lunch and dinner with nary a wait (for now), Cafe Josie does not disappoint.
Enoteca Vespaio
Vespaio’s little sister may have a more casual atmosphere, but the food comes from the same kitchen. The thin-crust pizzas and handmade pastas (oh, the pappardelle bolognese!) are stellar, but don’t overlook the daily specials. Also lovely for a glass of wine or cocktail with a house-made pâté, or a cup of coffee with one…
Pieous
Exemplary wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, wonderful house-smoked pastrami piled high on sourdough, homemade mozzarella, soups, salads, and desserts (especially the cheesecake, massive cookies, and pies!). The owners take pride in what they serve at this casual spot, and the proof is in the fresh, artisanal flavor.
Help Desk
Is arguing about anything other than the cuteness of cats and babies on Facebook worthwhile?
Full Agenda at Zimmerman’s D6 Swear-In
Council Member Zimmerman hosts his constituents
Public Notice: First, Do No Harm
Council dives in
Komé
If you have a hankering for Japanese comfort food, this star of Airport Boulevard serves the real deal. From hearty ramen bowls to super fresh, signature sushi, Také and Kayo Asazu’s home-style darling always excels. Expect superb teishoku, a new happy hour menu, and a happy belly.
Swad
Tucked into a nondescript strip mall on far-North Lamar, Swad has been quietly churning out some of this city’s best south Indian cuisine for nigh on a decade. The vegetarian menu includes enormous potato-stuffed dosa, a generous thali sampler platter, and sweet and creamy lassis. Bring a friend and a healthy appetite.
El Naranjo
Nestled among the often rowdy bars of the Rainey district, chef Iliana de la Vega’s eatery is a sleek and refined oasis. El Naranjo serves fresh and contemporary renditions of the classic dishes of de la Vega’s heritage, offering Mexican food aficionados something entirely new.
Kyōten
Holy mackerel! It’s difficult not to use a few mild expletives when describing Kyoten’s battera. It’s that dang good. That perfect cuts of extraordinarily fresh, ecologically responsible fish can come out of a tiny kitchen is perhaps our town’s best indication that we’re not quite done with food trucks.
Cipollina
When you’re in Clarksville and have a hankering for Italian food, Cipollina is your first and best option. The bistro, a younger sibling to the original Jeffrey’s, specializes in house-made pizzas and pastas, which fit the bill both for a quick bite with the kids or an elegant night out. Regardless of the occasion, be…
Green Pastures Restaurant
The grande dame of Austin restaurants offers the city’s most elegant Southern Sunday brunch buffet at the venerable Faulk-Koock family estate in South Austin. As always, it’s a favorite spot for weddings and special occasions.
Schmidt Family Barbecue
This suburban smokehouse is operated by the third generation of rural Central Texas barbecue royalty, the venerable Schmidt family of Lockhart. Chad Franks and Suzy Schmidt Franks uphold the Texas meat market barbecue joint tradition in fine style, developing their own following.
First Plates Top 10s
Brandon Watson 1) Dai Due (East) 2) laV (Lower East) 3) Lenoir (South Congress & South First) 4) TIE: Uchi (South Lamar & Barton Springs)/ Uchiko (Midtown) 5) Barley Swine (South Lamar & Barton Springs) 6) qui (Lower East) 7) Foreign & Domestic (Midtown) 8) Congress (Downtown) 9) Kin & Comfort (North & Northwest) 10)…
Mr. Smarty Pants Knows
Around 15 million children in the United States are allergic to certain types of food — meaning there are about two allergic kids in every classroom. The U.S. Census estimates that roughly 1 out of every 100 marriages is between a man and a woman at least 20 years his junior. Just 0.4% involve a…
Quote of the Week
“Give it a rest. Get a life.” – U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., in response to the 56th (and still futile) GOP House vote to repeal the national health care law, aka “Obamacare.”
Melvin’s Deli Comfort
Deli food isn’t a particularly hot topic on the Austin dining scene, but Melvin’s is an example of why we should be paying closer attention. For a little over two years, Melinda and Kevin Ellis have mastered the art of the monster sandwich, from house-cured pastrami Reubens to delightfully gooey croque monsieurs. Wear your loosest…
Taco More
The heavenly cabrito consommé, seasoned with chile pasilla and topped with fresh onion and cilantro, is a good enough reason to rise after a long night of overindulgence. Add the tasty antojitos, luscious shrimp cocktail, and the salsa and condiment bar, and you will be revived pronto. Both locations are great, but the north one…
Parkside
The flagship restaurant of celebrated chef Shawn Cirkiel, parkside was the city’s first gastropub. It’s still the standard-bearer of local sourcing, both of grass-fed meats and organic produce, as well as a first-class seafood destination. The top-quality fare is worth braving Sixth Street.
la Barbecue
La Barbecue brings out all the staples you’d expect in a barbecue joint – brisket, pulled pork, turkey, sausage, ribs, with sides like buttermilk potato salad rounding out the meat-centric spread. Pitmaster John Lewis, who honed his skills at Franklin Barbecue, cooks from a pit of his own design and his ingenuity reveals itself in…
Clark’s Oyster Bar
An upscale oyster bar from the restaurant group behind Perla’s and Jeffrey’s, Clark’s remains pristine yet unpretentious – no small feat when the menu includes caviar. An impeccable array of oyster varieties and an expertly curated wine list punctuate the offerings which include cioppino, crab cakes, and lobster rolls. Tightening the purse strings? Try lunch…
Habanero Mexican Cafe
The Ibarras have been holding court on Oltorf for more than a couple of decades, serving up tender fajitas and steaks grilled over mesquite, fantastic gorditas and tortas, and beautiful chile colorado, carnitas, and chuletas. The short wait for breakfast (get the machacado) and lunch is worth it.
Texas Honey Ham Company
When this West Lake stalwart reopened in October after spending the better part of 2014 closed due to a devastating arson, ravenous fans rejoiced to be reunited with their favorite menu items. While the breakfast tacos are the claim to fame, don’t miss the pig in a blanket (a slice of ham wrapped in a…
Thai-Brids
Blurring the lines of Thai cuisine
Council: Something’s Burning
Council wrestles again with AFD hiring
Michi Ramen
On a recent lunch visit to Michi Ramen, the place was packed with diners wanting a reprieve from the cold weather. But you don’t have to wait for an arctic chill; Michi is a welcome respite in any season. Even in our blisteringly hot summer, you’ll still welcome the warm fuzzies.
Blackbird and Henry
The North University area didn’t know it needed an upscale curry-and-pints gastropub, but chef Mark Schmidt has filled that niche beautifully. Go for the inventive salads or the raw bar, stay for the elegant preparations of rabbit, lamb, and beef. And don’t dare skip the chocolate ganache tart, the stuff dessert dreams are made of.
Swift’s Attic
Although barely 2 years old, this classy spot has garnered plenty of national attention with a fresh and playful cuisine that defies categorization. Local ingredients are widely used, portions are fit for sharing, the bar program is excellent, and service is always on. Great for brunch and happy hour, too.
laV
The elegant yet approachable laV has been a game changer, helping to establish a fine-dining scene on the Eastside. Run by one of the most talented trio of ladies in town, the elegant dining room offers expertly prepared Provençal cuisine complemented by refined and knowledgeable service and one of the most impressive French wine cellars…
Counter Cafe
Austin’s cozy go-to breakfast diner added a larger second outlet in late 2014, but we still prefer the cozy quarters and the camaraderie of the original. Both locations boast one of the best burgers in town.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
The original location of the mini-chain struck a surefire formula for success: high-concept crafted burgers (including bison, chicken, veggie, and tuna), beer from small, artisanal breweries, and craft cocktails. Throw in the hand-cut, Kennebec potato fries and it’s obvious why Hopdoddy is so popular.
Savory Characters
Cooking up the next generation of cocktails
Soccer Watch
Lots of Austin Aztex news this week, as we’re just a week away from the ATX Pro Challenge preseason tournament, which will bring three MLS teams to UT’s Myers Stadium (Friday and Sunday, Feb. 13 & 15; tickets on sale at all Austin H-E-B stores, or see www.austinaztex.com). Most notably, USL PRO unveiled their season…
Noble Sandwich Co.
Noble Sandwich has redefined our ideas of what a sandwich can and should be, elevating the genre to high art. The snappy duck pastrami with Russian dressing has become legendary among food cognoscenti. Stick-to-your-ribs breakfasts include luscious biscuits and gravy, as well as sweet and savory waffles.
The Carillon
Original chef Josh Watkins may have left, but his team carries on the legacy of high-quality, inventive New American cuisine – enhanced by friendly, professional service, an excellent wine list, fresh cocktails, and a serene atmosphere. Ideal for those seeking a fine-dining experience without Downtown parking hassles.
Vince Young Steakhouse
Ruth can have her Chris. Chef Phillip Brown outruns the competition with prime dry-aged steaks, pork chops, scallops, and sides that are considered dishes themselves. The contemporary dining room and sophisticated desserts may surprise you.
Licha’s Cantina
The hospitality served up at this East Sixth bungalow has captured our hearts, and the authentic Mexico City dishes have captured our stomachs. When you’re here, you’re treated like família, invited into mama Licha’s home for her flor de jamaica blue-corn quesadillas and orange-chipotle chicken sopecitos. Happy hour on their festive patio also can’t be…
Fabi + Rosi
Fabi + Rosi serves classic German cuisine with a sustainable, modernized twist in a cozy cottage just north of Deep Eddy. Look for fresh and handmade food that tastes like it just leaped off of the farm, great charcuterie, melt-in-your-mouth schnitzel, pristine seafood, and one of Austin’s best dry-aged steaks.
Lenoir
If you are looking to star in your own rom-com, Lenoir will set the scene. The glistening dining room makes everyone more attractive, and the seasonally focused menu amps up the amour. Better yet, the close quarters allow you to see every dish leaving the kitchen – so you can always have what she’s having.
The Meat of the Matter
Toward being a better carnivore
Lege Lines: Guns, Islamophobia, & Budget Cuts
The Lege takes on guns, Islamophobia, and sets the draft budget
The Peached Tortilla
Our love affair with this food trailer empire began with bánh mì tacos. Now their new brick-and-mortar has won us over with an artful blending of Asian and Southern cuisines. Dishes like Southern Fun – a take on chow fun noodles with brisket – and an impressive whiskey program have us praising this peach.
East Side King
The germinating seed of Paul Qui’s empire is still going strong, with two brick-and-mortar locations and an ever-expanding fleet of trucks and concepts, while holding the line with the classics. Want bánh mì hot dogs? Head to Cheer Up Charlies. Weird Japanese tacos? South Lamar’s your huckleberry. The fusion ramen at Hole in the Wall…
Contigo
The adventurous cuisine at this rustic outdoor venue is hard to define – certainly sophisticated, but unpretentious enough to fit the ranch-like ambience. The seasonal eclectic menu is matched by stellar cocktails, local brews, and well-selected wines. The dog-friendly patio is the perfect spot to quench your thirst and catch up with friends.
qui
Tom Colicchio called Paul Qui the “most talented chef” to ever compete on Top Chef. Duh, Tom, tell us something we didn’t know. We are just glad we can get to his wildly original flagship restaurant by a cab ride.
Jeffrey’s
McGuire Moorman reimagined Jeffrey’s as the company flagship back in 2013. The well-loved clubby ambience of the bar and distinctive personal hospitality remain, but are now paired with exemplary dry-aged beef and June Rodil’s extensive wine knowledge. Now the West Austin fine-dining landmark has settled into a new groove for a new generation of Austin…
Sway
Glamour and workmanship converge in this modern temple to Asian cuisine. Bold flavors reign uncontested through dishes like beef jungle curry, with coconut cream and fresh green peppercorns, and the decadent Son in Law – stewed pork in thick, sweet soy. Communal tables foster uncommon festivity.
Over a Barrel
Cask shortage plagues craft beer
Budget Breakdown
In 2013, Sen. Kirk Watson warned that Texas’ austerity budgets should not become the new normal. The first drafts of the 2015-16 spending plans from the House and Senate could leave the Austin Democrat disappointed. With trivial overall increases in both versions, and internal cuts to many agencies, the conservative agenda trumps all. In an…
Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew
Named for an old railroad station, this Austin original helped rehab an old North Lamar shopping center, Violet Crown. Pitmaster Lance Kirkpatrick is all about that meat, but the craft beer, uber-cheesy mac and cheese, lemon-vinaigrette slaw, and home-style peach cobbler will make you feel better than McConaughey at the Moontower.
Freedmen’s
The location in a historic 19th century stone building and a secluded dining patio are worthy attractions, but chef Evan LeRoy’s slow-smoked meats and award-winning hot sauces, not to mention the bar’s craft cocktails, keep people coming back.
Dai Due Butcher Shop & Supper Club
Dedicated locavore chef Jesse Griffiths garners our admiration because he lives the talk, creating regularly changing seasonal menus using the best ingredients that Central Texas has to offer. Griffiths surrounds himself with like-minded talent in a restaurant that reflects quality, sustainability, comfort, and hospitality.
Red Star Southern
Cheeky chef Erica Waksmunski gave the Austin restaurant scene an old-fashioned poke in the eye with the launch of Red Star. From quirky vegan renditions of meatloaf to fried chicken that would bring a tear to your mee-maw’s eye, this Airstream transports you to the Southern upbringing you never had.
wink
It’s difficult for a 14-year-old restaurant to remain in business, much less remain relevant, but wink’s locally focused menu continues to astound. There’s a timelessness in the ingredients that still manages to set trends. Some look to New York or San Francisco for the next big thing. We’d rather look to chef Eric Polzer.
Barlata Tapas Bar
The place for authentic Spanish cuisine, and perhaps the only one serving real tapas. Everything on the menu is flavorful, carefully crafted, and beautifully presented. Savory paellas, seafood latas, delectable entrées – heck, even a simple plate of hand-sliced jamón serrano is sublime. Add a great wine list, excellent cocktails, and friendly service, and you…
Hive Mind
The buzz about backyard beekeeping
Bill of the Week
Flynn files bill that would allow teachers to kill at schools in the name of defending property
Titaya’s Thai Cuisine
Our city waited with bated breath for Titaya’s 2.0 to finally reopen. It’s shinier and has some tasty new dishes, but our favorites – tom yum gai and green curry – are just as delicious as before. Long lines are common, but there’s always takeout. In or out, make sure to try the fried banana…
Fricano’s Deli
This campus-area eatery’s confidence in sandwich artistry is demonstrated in the Ainsworth, a custom build comprised of your deli worker’s choice of “the best ingredients of the day.” Add a bag of Zapp’s crunchy kettle-cooked chips and a cold can of microbrew, and we’ve got our favorite campus-area lunch spot.
Franklin Barbecue
When a small barbecue joint that’s only open for lunch rockets to national fame with a service line that has its own Twitter feed, there might be a tendency to assume hype is involved. Not so; the brisket is that good.
Salt & Time Butcher Shop & Salumeria
Sleek design meets old-world butchery at this unassuming Eastside spot. With plentiful craft beer options and a hearty menu (lunch, brunch, and dinner) ranging from small plates to honkin’ entrées, there’s something for almost every palate. And yes, they do have great vegetarian options.
Asiana Indian Cuisine
Affordable, fragrant Indian specialties abound here, on a very complete buffet for lunch and Sunday brunch, and à la carte for dinner. The space may not be fancy, but it is spotless. And service is friendly and helpful. An excellent choice for takeout.
Barley Swine
For $1, you can buy Bryce Gilmore’s hardworking staff a beer. They deserve it. The team sends out a bewildering array of small plates with perfect timing and precision, and with a sense of humor rare in a serious kitchen. Where else would you get a sunchoke tot?
Delighted Lee
Actor Lee Eddy is back onstage in Austin after five years away, and boy, is she happy
So Hot Right Now
2015’s trend ingredients are ridiculously good looking
Professor Dumpster Moves Out … And On
He’s leaving the Dumpster to a new, rotating cast of residents
Top Notch Hamburgers
A relic of Austin’s past, this old-timey burger joint has legions of dedicated fans who love their no-frills, classic char-grilled burgers, superb onion rings, and crispy, juicy fried chicken. The ultra-cool curb service stations are great, but dine inside for an awesome trip down memory lane.
Olamaie
Olamaie’s stunning space – lovingly adorned in slate and pomp – set the stage for a revolving offering of local, seasonal fare. The menu represents pristine Southern charm steeped in contemporary artistry. Yes, the much-lauded biscuits with sea salt-dusted honey butter are indeed divine, but so is everything else. Splendid, really.
Micklethwait Craft Meats
Not only did the little acorn-adorned trailer survive its 2nd anniversary, they’ve busted through Austin’s barbecue clique barriers. Rumor has it this list-topper is luring the cognoscenti with mouthwatering brisket, specialty sausages, and jalapeño cheese grits. Plus, with occasional live music, craft beer, and sweet treats like house-made moonpies, it’s a real good time.
Shhmaltz
Most famous for their vegan Reuben, this all-vegetarian Jewish deli trailer is almost out of sight behind Farewell Books and Flat Track Coffee, but serves up some of the best falafel this side of the Mediterranean. Rotating varieties of homemade kombucha and an incredible vegan potato salad seal the deal for one of our favorite…
Cafe Malta
This eclectic Mediterranean-inspired joint might not be on the radar of folks who live north of the river, but it should be. Despite rave reviews of the house-made pasta, brisket ravioli, and unusual desserts (chocolate chili créme brûlée, anyone?), this 3-year-old shop has yet to shake off its best-kept-secret status. Pro tip: Go for lunch…
El Mesón Taquería
Forget orange queso and gooey enchiladas. This South Austin spot spins out the vibrant palate of Interior Mexico. This means slow-cooked cochinita pibil, red and green moles, and zesty salpicon accented by pink pickled onions and leafy, fresh cilantro. The menu is criminally affordable.
Gay Place: $$ for Cats
Laugh out loud and support some baby Bobcats
Ingredient Fatigue
A restaurant critic’s lament
Lege Targets the Undocumented
Lawmakers would restrict access to work, education, etc.
Uchiko
One of the new pleasures of the still-glittering Uchiko is a monthly vegetarian omakase. Where other fine-dining empires might rest on laurels, Tyson Cole’s upscale farmhouse is still working for their raves, sending out revelations like a sunflower-seed risotto.
Salvation Pizza
The hook is this is New Haven-style “apizza,” but we doubt neither Sally Consiglio nor Frank Pepe had such an ornery streak. Salvation plays with tradition, adding Texas touches like jalapeño and bacon, but they never forget the foundation. The clam pie is the real deal.
Nubian Queen Lola’s Cajun Soul Food Kitchen
When it comes to a favorite plate at this cash-only, humanitarian hole-in-the-wall, we can’t decide between morning beignets, the shrimp po’boy for lunch, or the smothered potatoes and cornbread at supper. What’s certain is our favorite menu item: a meal donation to the homeless (pork chop and fries for $4).
Thai-Kun
Thai-Kun’s uncompromising cuisine should come with a warning. When they say “hot,” they don’t mean a deseeded jalapeño was chopped somewhere within a three-mile vicinity of the truck. They mean that they used enough heat to get your endorphins going. Few other Austin restaurants can get you that high.
Evangeline Cafe
The aromas of Cajun/Creole cooking seasoned with the thumping backbeat of swamp rock and zydeco transport guests to southwest Louisiana as soon as they cross the threshold. The food is authentic, the drinks are generous, and the hospitality is genuine. The good times always roll.
Henri’s Cheese & Wine
No longer just the comfortable spot to wait for a table at next door Barley Swine, Henri’s really came into its own this year with the addition of both happy hour and dinner service, with Keegan Archer back in the kitchen.
Death Waits for No Plan
Austin works on making its cemeteries more accessible to the public
Guitar Pedals
Gas prices are down, so the boutique guitar pedal boom is up
GABC Pictures Black Austin
#iamblackaustin showcases a diversity of black Austinites
Balkan Cafe & Grill
Balkan food might seem scary until you find out it’s all about comfort. The cafe serves excellent rotisserie lamb, rich and meltingly tender goulash, Austin’s best chicken sandwich, and an amazing “hamburger” patty.
Texas French Bread
Texas may be the first word, but the focus is on the second. The bistro can fry perfect frites, turn out a sublime coq au vin, and whip up any sauce ending with “aise.” It’s not trendy, and the interior isn’t sleek, but it’s always at the tip of our tongue. We guess it just…
Patrizi’s
Looking for some pasta baby this evening? There’s no need to eat your heart out. Patrizi’s rolls and cooks their semolina pasta to order, then tops it with gremolata, ricotta, or coddled egg. We like cacio e pepe the best. Those noodles don’t need another thing.
Via 313
The Detroit-style pizzeria has us hooked on their foccacia-style four-cornered crusts and caramelized-cheese edges. Combinations like prosciutto, fig, gorgonzola, and balsamic glaze have us lined up at this trailer, often 10 people deep, regardless if it’s 40 degrees out or 100. A second trailer on Rainey Street now means more bar-hoppers get a piece of…
Independence Fine Foods
Way down yonder in the far Southside bustles a pleasant surprise: a strip mall spot with a chef-created menu perfect for takeaway or dining in. They’ve got a full deli case, scratch soups, and house focaccia paninis. Nightly dinner specials are a star attraction and regularly include meats from local ranches and organic veggies.
Luke’s Inside Out
In a town oversaturated with food trucks, Luke’s has not only withstood the test of time, but sets itself apart. From sharable appetizers to an array of sandwiches – plus a hangover-curing brunch and daily specials like Cajun gumbo or duck confit – chef Luke Bibby definitely has it going on.
Playback: Meet the New Texas Music Czar
New Texas Music Office director, new Rock N Roll Rentals branch, and a new Foot Patrol fetish!
Dug Up and Fed Up
InThr3e Zisters, Salvage Vanguard disinters Chekhov’s famous siblings in a beautiful, fascinating, cutting way
A Kinder, Gentler SXSW?
City to tighten “temporary” permits
Chen’s Noodle House
This tiny hole-in-the-wall seems airlifted directly from a Chinese street corner. The kitchen rolls out inexpensive yet first-class meat dumplings and makes hand-cut noodles for their warming soups (beef and lamb) and stir fries. The stunning green onion pancakes flake apart like butterfly wings, while lamb skewers are seasoned with plenty of salt and curry.
Arro
Say mai oui to the unfussy French bistro fare at this sister restaurant to the Easy Tiger bakery, where you can always count on exceptionally crusty bread with flavored butters, moules frites, or a steak au poivre. Seasonally changing specials keep the menu from going stale. The metal chairs are too small for American butts,…
Bufalina
The intimate and cozy (read: tiny) Bufalina consistently offers up well-executed, seasonal pies that are well worth the wait. And you will wait. The steady stream of patrons filing in to the willfully understated dining room speaks fondly to their delectable, wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizzas. The dough shines here. As it should.
Apothecary Cafe & Wine Bar
When Apothecary first opened, it had the feel of a bohemian, if slightly generic, coffee shop. My, how times have changed. The sophisticated new interior (in Dorothy Draper gray) is only matched by the assured food. It’s a perfect perch for oysters and bubbles.
Sap’s Fine Thai Cuisine
An encyclopedic menu begs you to venture beyond pad thai. Sap’s generously spiced Thai dishes are deliciously made from fresh ingredients (owner Sap grows a lot of his own herbs and spices.). Both locations are visually stunning and comfortable, with plenty of options for the vegetarians, but we’re still loyal to the original.
Odd Duck
Odd Duck’s sublime sourdough bread has become a cult item, perhaps the best indication that Barley Swine’s sibling is on to something. Simplicity is the order of the day, whether it’s a lamb sausage or a perfectly roasted beet. The Duck’s not about doing things flashily; it’s about doing things right.
The Five Austin Public Cemeteries
Oakwood 1601 Navasota Established: 1839 Size: 40 acres Unsold plots: None Status: The city’s original municipal graveyard, it was completely sold out by the early 1900s. There are still occasional burials on family plots. Notable interments: Susanna Dickinson Hannig (1814–1883), most notable survivor of the Battle of the Alamo; James Stephen Hogg (1851–1906), first native-born…
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
The Chicago troupe’s dances, grounded in contemporary ballet, ranged from ceremonial to intimate to absurd
Unpermitted MLK Billboard Removed by Owner
Permitting violation, not vandals, led to the takedown of Eastside’s MLK Jr. billboard
Daawat Indian Cuisine
The menu at Daawat offers spicy, no-compromise, southern-style specialties, with a buffet that’s kept fresh. They coax every bit of flavor from Chettinad goat curry, Andhra catfish pulusu, natu kodi chicken curry, and Tamil chicken 65. Their naan is exceptional.
Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden
A stellar craft beer lineup, a killer brunch complete with a michelada bar, and an alluring variety of sausages can be expected at Banger’s. Try the jalapeño cheddar brat with an Austin Beerworks Black Thunder schwarz and better yet, add a plate of fried cheese curds to an order of poutine. It’s more than acceptable…
Eden East
Chef Sonya Coté’s darling offers weekly showcases of fine cuisine created directly from the farm’s bounty. Al fresco dining gives a delightful glamping vibe, complete with twinkle lights, chickens, and charm.
Asti
A perfect little slice of Italian dining culture in a casual, modern spot, Asti is a place where neighbors can meet and share apps and wine, pasta and mains (luscious carbonara and braised shortribs), and always-creative sides. It’s also ideal for aperitifs and dessert after an evening stroll.
St. Philip Pizza Parlor & Bakeshop
Uchi’s DNA continues to infiltrate the Austin restaurant gene pool. The most recent offshoot is their pizza-centric palace in Sunset Valley. In addition to the wood-fired pies, other menu standouts include luscious meatballs, inventive brunch dishes, and an outstanding interpretation of a Twix bar in the bakeshop.
Olivia
Olivia is a civilized restaurant for grown-ups, with comfortable seating, subdued light, and upscale decor. Unlike many hot spots, you can actually have a conversation here (even at a large table). Locally sourced ingredients, carefully prepared by chef/owner James Holmes and his stellar staff, are a reminder of the “fine” part of fine dining.
100 Restaurants: Defining Austin Dining Now
From the very first day I took on the Food Editor position, the most frequently asked question has always been the same: “What are the best places to eat in Austin?” In answer, I would hem and haw, doing my best to avoid the subject. “You’ll find out soon enough,” I would say. “Just wait…
Finding Refuge
UT theatre students cross borders with the acclaimed artists of the Moving Company in Refugia
The Hightower Report: Shoveling America’s Wealth to the Top
Rich get richer; poor get poorer
Garbo’s Fresh Maine Lobster
Heidi Garbo’s lobster truck has branched out into a brick-and-mortar, serving New England-style seafood, including fried clams, raw oysters, salt cod dumplings, and chowder – as well as their flown-in-overnight fresh lobster. It’s a mini-vacation without the plane ticket.
Congress
Chef David Bull didn’t bring foie gras to Austin, but he surely helped evangelize it. Few other chefs use such precious ingredients in such a confident way, more matter-of-fact than “look-at-me.” The cool kids always make it seem effortless.
Gardner
This much-discussed newbie is the intersection of maximilism and minimalism. Beautifully presented bites, small plates, and entrées might employ a bounty of hay and hazelnut or squid ink and sorrel, but each mouthful is a testament to a love for freshness and simplicity.
Épicerie
Since 2012, chef Sarah McIntosh has been gracefully translating the French cafe to an Austin audience. That means on-point salads with seasonal and local ingredients, très bon macarons, and richly marbled charcuterie. And oh, that cheese. Fantastique!
Veracruz All Natural
Six years in food-trailer years is like, what, 120 dog years? Founder and co-owner Reyna Vazquez clearly tapped into some latent taco need among Austinites through an insistence on quality and freshness. While the migas taco is the gold standard here, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the Queen’s menu. All three locations…
Uchi
Tyson Cole’s flagship has garnered so many accolades that it is now shorthand for Austin restaurant success. Other upscale Japanese restaurants have opened during Uchi’s 12 years in business; not one has escaped a comparison to the standard.
The Good Eye: Boyhood, Girlhood, Personhood
Lorelei’s girlhood in dad’s Boyhood
“Sara Frantz: Between Borderlands”
The artist’s gouache-and-graphite, abstracted renderings of landscapes and buildings are how a machine might see the world
