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Little Lucy’s Mini Donuts
Inspired by a childhood treat, this trailer serves the Rainey bar crowd well into the wee hours, and the Domain shopping crowd during the daylight. A pink paper bag full of tiny, sugary fried dough bombs sounds like the perfect accompaniment to a night of revelry or an afternoon of pretending to be Pretty Woman.
Fil N’ Viet
Married couple Kevin Truong and Rosie Mina-Truong celebrate their love through a revolutionary marriage of Filipino and Vietnamese cuisines at this pandemic-born food truck. We can’t get enough of their bánh mì with wild mushroom tofu adobo, Vietnamese egg meatloaf, tangy tamarind sinigang wings, Filipino-style citrus ceviche, or Vietnamese iced coffee infused with ube.
P. Terry’s Burger Stand
If you’re wondering how a burger drive-through earned a spot in our Hall of Fame, you haven’t earned your Austin stripes. Everyone recognizes the infamous Golden Arches, but thanks to Patrick and Kathy Terry, alongside architecture guru Michael Hsu, the futuristic aesthetic of this Central Texas mega-chain – more than 21 locations and counting –…
Sawyer & Co.
Ah, chérie, 2Dine4 Catering’s Stephen Shallcross knows just what he’s doing with this classic American diner and its New Orleans-influenced menu of breakfast spreads, gumbos, and boudin balls and remoulades and more, its blue-plate specials and patty melts and Big Easy coffees and cocktails, its deep Eastside Austin history.
Eldorado Cafe
Raise your hand if Eldorado margaritas got you through the pandemic. Just us? No? Okay then, how about the creamy queso and crispy house-fried chips? Or the generous, customizable breakfast tacos? The filling and comforting enchiladas? (We’re particularly fond of the Esme’s Magic, filled with smooth mashed potatoes to level-up that comfort factor.) OK, put…
Wasota Vegan Paradise
Lawrence Eguakun brings the traditional foods of Nigeria into a more plant-based manifestation and adds diversity (and plenty of spice) to the vivacious vegan enclave called Possum Park. The bestselling platter’s got “five items, and any one you eat, you’re going to enjoy the whole five,” says the longtime Austin chef, and we happily concur.
SXSE Food Co.
Gone are the days when greasy burgers were beer guzzlers’ best friend. Beer has evolved. Food has evolved. You’ve evolved. Showcasing an impressive fusion of South American and Southeast Asian flavors through rib-eye skewers, pork buns, and nam khao tod, this food truck is bringing Laotian flavors to the world that needed them most.
Trill Foods
Owner Nick Belloni knows how to have a good time. After changing up his formerly-known-as-Trill Taqueria truck, the chef extraordinaire added food from his Louisiana roots to fan-favorite tacos, notorious mesquite-charred broccoli, and specials like lobster roe tostadas at South Austin’s Vacancy Brewing.
Jjim Korean Braised BBQ
It’s all right there in the name: Koreans know barbecue and braising can’t be beat. Jjim puts it all together with Asian cuisine for the Lone Star heart. With a prime location right next to Alamo South Lamar, this place could be the start of quite a night.
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Qi Austin
Elegant, contemporary, and distinctly Chinese, chef Ling Qi Wu’s menu highlights her extensive culinary knowledge with super fresh organic produce from the partner farm, Wu Lanfang, in Manor. Her dim sum menu – apps for lunch and dinner, in full on weekends – is not to be missed. Where else will you find lobster dumplings,…
Hillside Farmacy
Old-school continental elegance and down-home Austin goodness mingle in this Eastside gem, where the refurbished pharmacy interior is as Instagrammable as the locally sourced food is delicious. Reckon you’ll feel like a Rockefeller no matter how you’re eating the fresh oysters that supercharge happy hours and more.
Bento Picnic
The effervescent Leanne Valenti’s local-as-can-be take on Japanese bento box dining is exactly the sort of homestyle freshness and rainbow flavor your midday meal demands – and reason to spend many a wine-sipping evening (with the Saba San’s crowd) on that landscaped patio along East Cesar Chavez. Washoku, FTW!
Spicy Boys
Lotsa folks subscribe to the pizza & beer dine-in ethos, while others are more inclined to the burgers & beer wonder tandem. But the real ones know that it’s the chicken & beer that makes Luda keep rappin’. That’s why fried chicken savants Spicy Boys became quick besties with two of the town’s greatest breweries…
Fluff Meringues & More
Sometimes you just need a little treat, you know? Just something to pop in your mouth for a little pick-me-up, like a li’l lemon meringue drop or a tidy macaron. Sometimes you need something more substantial, like a chocolate almond meringue cloud or a bananas foster tart that flips a flamboyant bird to your diet.…
BackDraft Pizzeria
There’s no firefighting Kurt Russell here, but there are tremendous pizza pies – bubbly crust, ooey gooey cheese, and badass toppings – all made in a shipping container. And what if we told you they also crafted thin and crispy Liège waffles into breakfast sammies? It’s not fiction; it’s BackDraft.
Tan My
Succulent slabs of meat immersed in blazing hot broth, crisp veggies buried in mountains of tender noodles, umami tinged with spiciness in effortless harmony. Pho is the perfect food when it’s done right – and it’s executed flawlessly here. Modest in appearance, generous with portions, and glorious no matter what you order.
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ
Valentina’s is a verified “Monsters of Barbecue” first stringer, and in 100 years their legendary Real Deal Holyfield taco will be rapped about by future Bay Area expats the same way modern-day Austinites opine about the gloriousness of the OG mustard blend cheesesteak sandwich. Valentina’s newest location in Austin FC’s Q2 stadium is the ideal…
Loro
No one thought, when brisket king Aaron Franklin and Uchi’s Tyson Cole decided to collaborate on, whoa, an Asian-inflected smokehouse and barbecue joint, that it would be anything other than astonishingly good. That was in 2018, and that’s still how it is now. Bonus: the big, tree-shaded, dog-friendly porch.
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Headlines / Quote of the Week
Here’s Council! City Council convenes today, July 29, in person at City Hall to tackle a generous 182-Item agenda. For our preview of the meeting’s anticipated highlights – including a long-awaited glimpse of what might (finally) replace the old Home Depot site at I-35 and St. Johns – click here. Democracy in the Streets: On…
Bao’d Up
Mmm, yes, bao: perfect, picnic-worthy, eat-’em-with-your-hands nourishment. The soft, steamed buns (stuffed with savory or sweet fillings) originated in Asia nearly 1,800 years ago, but are now revitalized with an array of classic and innovative flavors (Thanksgiving pumpkin bao, anyone?) by chef Ting Lin here in ATX at five locations.
Red Ash Italia
Starring the custom wood-burning grill, Red Ash offers a mashup of Northern and Southern Italian fare, featuring delights such as handmade tagliolini with blue crab, torn burrata panzanella, and osso buco milanese. For the aspiring sommeliers out there, they also boast extensive wine and cellar lists.
L’Oca d’Oro
Pasta may well reach its sauce-enhanced apotheosis at this Mueller-based bastion of Italian culinary good works via the skills of chef Fiore Tedesco and his crew, but it’s not only about the noodles. Locally sourced meats and veggies, wisely curated wines – everything gets that Golden Goose treatment. Perhaps even more extraordinary are Tedesco and…
Boteco ATX
Those priced out of the extravagance of Brazilian rodízio buffets (or simply with more forgiving tendencies toward indulgence/masochism) can explore the country’s street food offerings at this vibrant food truck – and with the blessings of Guy Fieri! Their claim to fame is picanha grelhada (rice bowl with top sirloin), but surprise yourself with the…
Suerte
How do we love thee? Let us count the ways. We love the goat picadillo pupusa with smoked tomato at brunch. We love the oyster mushroom carnitas and always perfect heirloom corn tortillas. We love the traditional Mexican cooking techniques and close partnerships with local farmers. And we love how much executive chef Fermín Nuñez…
Foreign & Domestic
With their patented nose-to-tail, farm-to-table approach to fine dining, chefs and co-owners Nathan Lemley and Sarah Heard marry Texas’ unpretentious friendliness with the finesse of fine French cuisine. Garden-fresh produce, mouthwatering meats, and biodynamic wines alike are locally sourced and given the space to speak – and shine – for themselves.
Bodhi Viet Vegan
It’s painfully easy to dine out. It’s hard to feel good about it. Thankfully, this Vietnamese vegan food truck – owned and operated by a collective of Buddhist nuns and volunteers who use homegrown vegetables to brighten up their delicious, nutritious, and mind-bogglingly cheap bánh mì, bao, and vermicelli – is good for you and…
1776 Cheesesteak Co.
Austin may not be known for our cheesesteaks, but this Buzz Mill-parked favorite has people pondering the question – with whiz or without? Their hearty East Coast-inspired menu is stuffed so full of meat you might need a fork, but they also offer a vegan option, falling perfectly in line with the other on-site trucks.
Aba
It’s really something when you almost can’t decide which is more gorgeous – a restaurant’s aesthetic or its Mediterranean-inspired fare. Lush greenery accents the multitiered patio, and the dark sexy interior insists you imbibe, but dishes like charred eggplant spread, black garlic shrimp scampi, and coconut cream shortcake steal the show. Pair with any cocktail…
Luke’s Inside Out
Having maybe the best crinkle fries in town is kind of a flex when you consider Luke’s Inside Out is right across the street from Shake Shack. Too bad, NYC, because this top-flight sandwich shop not only makes magic happen with meat and bread, but those fried taters are more than legit, too.
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Chef Hong Food Trailer
In a small orange truck, chef Hong (brother of Julie of Julie’s Noodles) is serving authentic Northern Chinese hand-pulled noodles and handmade dumplings. We’re big fans of his award-winning Chinese hamburger (roujiamo), especially with a side of liangpi. Pro tip: Order extra chile oil to take home and drizzle on everything.
Sammie’s Italian
Housed in the original Hut’s Hamburgers (closed in late 2019), this new MML Hospitality restaurant focuses on East Coast red sauce Italian food. Think chopped salad, rigatoni Bolognese, and house Chianti. The revamped, old-school vibes, complete with preserved classic black-and-red-checkered floors, add enough pizzazz to keep you around for tiramisu and cannolis.
Nixta Taqueria
Chef Edgar Rico takes the nixtamalization of corn to heights of savory goodness at this Eastside venue, then enhances his fresh tortillas with the likes of roasted beets, yellowfin tuna, duck confit, potato and chorizo puree – all served up in a stylish, intimate setting. Bonus: Host extraordinaire Sara Mardanbigi is a community-building star.
Buenos Aires Cafe
When you think of Argentinian food, all-you-can-eat steak, chimichurri, and empanadas come to mind. Thanks to this Eastside cafe, Austinites know this cuisine is more than just beef: It’s olives and cheese and bread and freaking excellent wine. But, you know, the steaks here are pretty tremendous, too.
Sweet Chive
Is there any bowl of yum more flavorful and satisfying than the rice and noodle concoctions from this venue of Taiwanese cuisine? That’s a rhetorical question, but the evidence – the fresh vegetables, the succulent meats, the unabashed spices – is brightly empirical and easy on the wallet.
JewBoy Burgers
Representing both his El Paso upbringing and Jewish heritage, Mo Pittle’s JewBoy Burgers cuts through the mishigas to elevate each culture’s classics to indulgent heights. Perfectly inspired choices abound, with pastrami-stacked burgers, burritos buffed up by chopped latkes, and hatch green chile studded queso. And oh, those latkes on their own are pretty swell, too.
Carabao Express
Though Filipino cuisine is meant to be a messy affair, owners Nick and Coleen Saunders tidy up that delicious culinary collision to offer a convenient and downright cute package in this casual, modern take on Filipino food. Start off with the Boodle Box to sample it all, then order it again and again.
888 Pan Asian Restaurant
With a menu representing all types of curries, Thai noodles, pho, and anything else you’re craving at prices that keep them busy from open to close, 888 remains the one true king of affordable and accessible pan-Asian restaurants in Austin.
Bombay Dhaba
We’re convinced that chef/owner Prabhakar Reddy might be a wizard, and if you taste his centuries-deep flavors of Northern Indian fare, zhuzhed up with modern flare, like tawa jalapeño cheese roti, veg korma, and beast mode samosas, you’ll understand.
El Naranjo
Friend, if you haven’t had a fresh, warm pan dulce to kick off brunch at chef Iliana de la Vega’s traditional Mexican restaurant, what are you even doing with your life? Recently relocated from Rainey Street to South Lamar, El Naranjo continues its tradition of culinary excellence, from chilaquiles to cocktails and everything in between.
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Espadas de Brazil
Robinson and Alina Figueiredo opened the “first churrasco on wheels in Austin” in 2017, and they’ve been slinging Brazilian-style steak cuts ever since. Try the picanha sandwich – Brazilian cheesesteak – with top sirloin, American cheese, sautéed onions, lettuce, tomato, and homemade spicy mayo served on a hoagie roll with fries.
Simi Estiatorio
This pandemic-born beauty might be the fanciest restaurant in Austin, but step inside the sleek interior – whitewashed with pale pink accents and oceanic textures – and you’re transported to an alternate Greek oasis. It’s a boat-to-table menu with “land” options, featuring wondrous dishes like seafood yiouvetsi, made with orzo in Moschofilero tomato sauce and…
Paperboy
The paperboy is now the paperman, having graduated from a parking-lot food trailer to a sleek and chic brick-and-mortar, where locals can roll out of bed and enjoy a greatly expanded breakfast and lunch menu of pastries, toasts, grain bowls, and sandwiches. Order an Aperol spritz or cereal milk punch alongside and the day’s news…
Casa Colombia
Standing out like an island in an ocean of Tex-Mex, Casa offers flavors from a bit farther south of the border: yuca frita, savory empanadas, arepas, tamales wrapped in plantain leaves, and chimichurri. Try the rum-based Coco Loco, served in a hollowed coconut, to kick things up a notch.
TaLad Thai and Lao Street Food
There is simply not enough space here to explain the level of deliciousness served at this beloved Thai and Laotian food truck, in dishes like tom yum goong, hat yai fried chicken, and khoa soi dumplings. They’ve just closed for the summer, but the whole city is holding their collective breath for a quick return.
Komé
This popular Japanese eatery on Airport embodies everybody’s favorite izakaya dreams, serving up a wide array of sushi, fried fish, salads, curry noodle bowls, and more – and great sake and beer to wash it down with – but is still on fresh-made, takeout-only status as the pandemic threatens to extend.
Epic Poke
Anchoring one end of a Highway 290/Cameron Road shopping mall is, hands down, our favorite poke place in town. Heartily portioned and incredibly fresh, options abound for the beautiful bowls. Make it raw, pescatarian, keto, gluten-free, vegan, or cooked. Make it spicy or, heck, make it nachos. It’s perfect to-go, but dine in to enjoy…
Artipasta Italian Food
Scratch-made pasta is what dreams are made of, and we share this Italian food truck’s obsession. Bring wine to complete your picnic of tagliatelle and gnocchi with a pal, or take it to go and you’ll have enough grub to last through all 17 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy
Churro Co.
A little bit of Juárez comes to Austin in Churro Co. through their traditional and eclectic cinnamony, sweet churros – an ancient pastry with Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Roman origins. “Churros tossed in vanilla wafer sugar, topped with homemade orange curd, Nutella sauce, Fruity Pebbles, and whipped cream.” What are you waiting for?
Salt Traders Coastal Cooking
It wasn’t enough for Jack Gilmore to make his Jack Allen’s Kitchen a Texas contemporary-dining success story. He had to go and expand to seafood? Oh, shut up and pass us another fresh oyster before we tuck into this sustainably caught and nicely roasted catch of the day. Perennial cioppino and a damn fine bar…
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Hopfields
When we think “gastropub,” we think Hopfields: Because we prefer local places, and we want the food we eat to be on par with the world’s finest bistros – thanks, chef James Flowers – and we know the joint also has 44 rotating taps of craft beer from Austin and beyond, and all sorts of…
Taquero Mucho
It’s all about ambience at Taquero Mucho, known for its dedication to all things rose-colored (pink tortillas, even!). Part of Gabriela Bucio’s unstoppable empire, the tasty tacos, tortas, elote, and choriqueso are complemented by sassy bevs served in a pouch or adorned with cheeky labels.
Patrizi’s
If you ever think that a food truck in the side yard of a theatre space off Manor Road can’t become a powerhouse of traditional Italian cuisine, talented chef (and relentless community champion) Nic Patrizi is going to prove you wrong, meal after meal after meal. Secret menu item: the Wop Burger.
Distant Relatives
It turns out that spice is the spice of life, and with Distant Relatives we have a new entry on the barbecue scene that knows exactly how to use it. Self-described as “modern African American,” this trailer (currently at Meanwhile Brewing) takes the familiar meats of Texas barbecue and creates a whole new world of…
Tender Thighs Chicken & Fries
Winning rhymes aside, Tender Thighs, located on the patio of Shangri-La, is a solid bar food follow-up to their treasured momma truck, Baton Creole, stationed in front of Sagebrush. Thighs and fries, chicken sandos, or a vegan tempeh and fries, they got all grounds covered.
Kreyòl Korner
Trailblazing chef Nahika Hillery brought ATX its first Haitian food truck, and now she’s a Food Network star after winning Guy’s Grocery Games and sharing wisdom on Taste of Haiti. Although the truck is hard to pin down, it’s part of the rotation at Austin FC’s stadium. Track it on Insta for news on upcoming…
Garbo’s Fresh Maine Lobster
The most dependable lobster roll joint in Austin, Garbo’s not only delivers the East Coast classic in two styles (hot with butter in the Connecticut roll; cold with mayo in the Maine roll), but other classic offerings like a rich lobster bisque, lobster mac & cheese, fish sandwich, and crab cakes. It’s a wonderful taste…
Brooklyn Breakfast Shop
Remember when hordes of people lined up for cronuts in New York? Brooklyn native Ryan Rosen has been busy inspiring that same energy level at his “farm-to-trailer” breakfast sandwich shop since 2019, and the weekend crowds still can’t get enough of those monthly fried chicken specials.
El Alma Cafe y Cantina
Chef Alma Alcocer’s tortilla soup all by itself could stand as synecdoche for the entire restaurant and its varied menu: rich, nourishing, and delicious in the best homecooking-by-way-of-Mexico-City way, unlike most tortilla soups you’ll find elsewhere, and served in a bright, welcoming space that complements the Palmer Events Center across the street.
Veracruz All Natural
Breakfast tacos just don’t get any better than migas with avocado at Veracruz. Sisters Reyna and Maritza Vazquez have been wowing us with their tacos and juices for over a decade now, and their continued success means there are now six blessed locations to visit.
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Honey Moon Spirit Lounge
Local musician Reed Calhoun’s passion project with Adrienne Wiggins, his bride-to-be, made waves earlier this year with its spooky, psychedelic take on cocktail culture. Elegant not ostentatious, fun not artificial, this fresh-faced arrival offers funky yet familiar bites from local legend Manuel Rocha, including rabbit confit, koji-aged steak frites, and vegan barbecue burnt ends.
Wu Chow
Offering farm-to-table Chinese cuisine via small plates and shareables, local legend C.K. Chin’s restaurant is an excellent choice for groups, but make reservations early! Braised eggplant in a sweet-savory sauce, honey-pecan Gulf prawns, and steamed dumplings are not to be missed, and plan way ahead for dim sum, available only on Sundays.
Rosewood Gulf Coast Chop House
With exciting twists on South Texas fare, this restaurant’s menu features local produce and Texas proteins – think duck confit queso, braised 44 Farms short rib, or blackened redfish with potato gnocchi and tomato butter. They’ve been busting their chops to accommodate diners during the pandemic, with quadrupled seating on their huge lovely patio, a…
Intero
We love the head chefs’ names as names – Ian Thurwachter and Krystal Craig – but it’s what they do in their acclaimed kitchen, with those robust Italian mains and sides, and chocolatier Craig’s amazing desserts, that fluently speaks our taste buds’ strongest desire.
The Cavalier
They’re serious about Southern comfort here, meaning you’ll find deviled eggs dotted with crispy bacon, po’boys dressed just right, and brunch with lemony, garlicky shrimp on cheesy grits. But their “Taco Fuego” pop-up celebrating canceled Taco Bell items and events like Drag Brunch show they know how to have fun, too.
Kuway’s Bánh Mì & Tea
If you’ve been searching for a hot skillet of bò né (Vietnamese steak and eggs), complete with a bonus hot dog and corn, give this little place a try. Order a Vietnamese coffee or boba tea to wash it down.
Himalaya Kosheli
It doesn’t get much better than multiple momos (dumplings) and mountains of (gobi) Manchurian, but throw in just about every classic Nepalese and Indian dish your heart desires, and you’ll be sending love letters to this Spicewood Springs shopping center spot.
Burgerlicious
If you and your beer-drinking buddies wind up at Southern Heights Brewing (or at the Arbor Food Park), make sure you come with an appetite for one of Vernetta Weston’s juicy mushroom Swiss burgers or a barbecue Harold burger and those jalapeño fries. IYKYK, you know? There’s even a vegan option, you lucky, ethical ducks.
Lenoir
Why Lenoir? Often cited as the best restaurant in town: Check. Incredible, artful food: Check. Super cute location in a house on South First: Check. Owners that are universally beloved: Check. Maybe the best service in all of Austin: Check. Why not Lenoir? We’ll get back to you.
The Beer Plant
For a night out in a chill joint that’s dripping with ambience (and saucy main dishes), nothing beats the Beer Plant for meat-free fare and creative botanical cocktails. So go ahead and wash down some sriracha-glazed Brussels sprouts with a lavender Earl Grey martini. We dare you.
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JP’s Pancake Company
You could be at home in your pajamas and not in West Campus at Austin’s first pancake food truck, conceived and operated by former Taco Cabana line cook JP Udenenwu. Instead of sad pita chips, you could be enjoying a chocolate chip pancake topped with fresh bananas, peanut butter, Nutella, honey, and whipped cream. Just…
Batch Craft Beer + Kolaches
What’s not to love about this one-stop shop? Anchoring the compound is the open-air beer garden and OG counter serving a full espresso bar plus savory klobasnek (including vegetarian sausage) and sweet options like PB&J kolaches. Their on-site craft brewery, Batch Brewhouse, churns out tasty bevs like hibiscus pilsner, summer stout, and a hybrid wine/beer…
Sassy’s Vegetarian Soul Food
Sassy’s brings the soul to the city’s hip and eclectic Eastside in a way that only vegan Chicon N Waffles can (yes, you read that right). So start chowing down on this food truck’s original recipe and don’t be surprised when you head back for an extra side of that cajun mac & cheese or…
J’s Hibachi
It’s still surprising that Austin hasn’t yet joined the hibachi fan club in full force, but with these hearty portions of fried rice peppered with grilled steak, teriyaki chicken, plump shrimp, and fresh charred veggies, plus yum yum sauce … it’s bound to happen soon.
101 by Teahaus
Asian American food in an Asian American shopping center, ready to delight all Americans of any heritage? “We transform the authentic OG tastes and recipes of our upbringing to the familiar presentations that we’re accustomed to,” the Teahaus gang tells us, and we’re smiling concurrence and eating the hell out of dumplings, burgers, curries, and…
Lutie’s
There’s a new oasis of culinary paradise in the Commodore Perry Estate across from H-E-B-anchored Hancock Center? Yes, and, in keeping with its resort-level surroundings, it’s elegantly appointed and redolent of how locally sourced foods can represent the finest of contemporary dining à la chef Bradley Nicholson. Not-so-secret weapon: pastry chef Susana Querejazu. We’re in…
House of Three Gorges
We’re forever grateful that this restaurant – named for the owners’ adolescence spent in China’s Three Gorges region – opened just before the pandemic hit. Without their delicious eggplant in garlic sauce, quarantine would’ve been way worse. The large menu features lots of hot pot, braised offal, fish dishes, and a killer mapo tofu.
Crema Bakeshop
Southies know that this is the place for handmade sweets for nigh on a decade. Pre-pandemic, it was a full-service restaurant with a brisk brunch trade; owners Jessica and Janessa Tomberlin pivoted the business into a de facto food bank during the hairiest and scariest days of the past year. Now, they’re pivoting again to…
LeRoy & Lewis
Now firmly ensconced on the EastSide, LeRoy & Lewis gives Austin one more top-notch craft barbecue joint. Corners are very much not cut here as items like Akaushi brisket and 44 Farms beef cheeks dot the menu. Combined with its new french fry-focused truck Mama Fried, this is a real meat-and-potatoes wonderland.
Better Half Coffee & Cocktails
They successfully pivoted to an expanded patio during the pandemic, no reservations necessary. Grab a macchiato early, chilled ramen for dinner. Here, the high- and low-brow collide: Note options like the “Milwaukee Mouthwash” – that’s a can of Miller High Life and a shot of Rumplemintz – or some fine natural wine. And ambience? You’ll…
Over 150 of the Best Restaurants and Food Trucks in Austin
Our annual celebration of the food and dining defining Austin now
Song La
If you’ve never tried Taiwanese street food, it’s high time you make a plan to visit this truck made for and by musicians (and everyone) and try their variety of boldly flavored bento boxes. Don’t forget an apple sidra.
Bobo’s Snack Bar
Owners Bethany Andrée and Karl Gilkey honor Austin’s weirdness and wonder at the long-awaited younger sister of dearly missed Snack Bar. Bobo’s arrived in style with a wide selection of snacks and beverages all from Central Texas purveyors, including plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. As a “community tasting room,” it’s the perfect place to…
Tsuke Edomae
Breathing new life into Kyo¯ten’s former Mueller space is the come-to-life dream of chef Michael Che, who trained under Otto Phan himself in Chicago. Che takes pride in the preservation methods of Edomae-style sushi (a more “orthodox” nigiri), offering an 11-course omakase to a small group of lucky patrons. Turn on notifications if you hope…
Justine’s Brasserie
These perennial First Platers have perfected the art of immersive dining. Their refined menu of French delicacies is complemented by an immaculate atmosphere and meticulously curated playlists that elevate evenings of fun into romance, and romance into fun. To eat here is to embrace the unknown and the nebulous possibilities within.
Bistro Vonish
Elevated vegan cuisine might not be the kind of fare you’d expect from a food truck, but chef Craig Vanis knows his way around the (tiny) kitchen, and his loyal fanbase can’t get enough of those rock star kolaches and gluten-free mac & cheese. The only question we’re asking now: “When are you opening that…
Nervous Charlie’s
Ah, the bagels at this place so near the big Half Price Books! Just chewy enough on the outside and soft enough on the inside, served up plain or filled with a variety of delicious breakfasty or lunchy insides (of which Willie’s Hot Pastrami may well be the ne plus ultra) and ordered online or…
Huckleberry Hospitality
Wait, seafood from a truck in the parking lot of a brewery? At Circle Brewing near the Q2 Stadium, to be precise? Yes, because chef Davis Turner’s got the direct Gulf hookup and creates such succulent, sea-sourced wonders (and equally craveable sides) that he’s in demand all over Central Texas.
District Kitchen & Cocktails
If, like us, you’ve been crushing on the Hajimalecki brothers’ expanding empire (hello, Keepers; hurry up, Roya), you should definitely be well-versed in their menu at District – it features contemporary American with Middle Eastern and Cajun flare all zhuzhed up with local farm goods. They offer a helluva happy hour (and a second location…
Lucky Robot Japanese Kitchen
Lucky Robot’s claim to fame as the first sustainable sushi restaurant in Texas is just the cherry on top of chef Jay Huang’s accolades. It’s Nikkei-style sushi (a contribution of the Japanese diaspora in Peru) with fusion items like ponzu verde. We’re big fans of the Tokyo weekend brunch, mixing familiar egg dishes with sashimi,…
Olive & June
An Austin date-night classic, Olive & June’s beautiful tree-covered patio is a perfect spot to savor well-made, balanced Italian fare. Start with decadent arancini in romesco sauce, then sample the spring herb ricotta ravioli or any other handmade-in-house pasta. It’s simple, rich food with perfect portion sizes and a diverse enough menu to share small…
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Texas French Bread
Chef Murph Willcott’s restaurant does not serve bread alone (although their daily loaves and pastries might make you weep for joy), but keeps a neighborhood (and anyone who knows enough to visit) satisfied with excellent lunches and highlight-your-calendar dinners, all locally sourced and worthy of the finest wines they feature.
Cherrywood Coffeehouse
We usually get The Wife’s Cheeseburger, because it matches our platonic burger ideal, but the menu’s chockablock with enough sammies, tacos, and all-day breakfasts to almost overshadow their impressive array of drinks (including 25 draft taps). The feeling of neighborhood is strong in this casual, welcoming place, with regular artist, musician, and comedian showcases.
Uroko
Co-owned by Komé chef Takehiro Asazu and Masazumi Saio of longtime Uchi fame, this spot at Springdale General’s food complex balances upscale food and casual atmosphere. Sushi classes and take-home temaki (hand roll) kits are part of the charm, and a quick temaki makes the perfect lunch. (Try the beef tataki with fried shallot, pickled…
Kemuri Tatsu-Ya
Another of Tatsu-ya’s unique concepts, Kemuri is a combination Japanese izakaya bar and Texas barbecue joint, offering brisket and ribs alongside smoked octopus and jellyfish salad. Inventive cocktails brighten the experience, and shareable skewers and munchies encourage communal dining. A perfect mix of casual vibes and unexpected flavor combos, Tatsu-ya does it again with Kemuri,…
Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery
Famous for its rarely seen approach to employee compensation of implementing a living wage and a no-tipping policy, the co-op also offers a solid selection of house craft brews and pub grub like addictive fish & chips, burgers, and crispy fried chicken.
The Peached Tortilla
Eric Silverstein’s masterful blend of Asian and American Southern cuisines continues to produce dishes that are often as surprising as they are comforting, whether it’s innovative tacos or sliders, brisket-boldened ramen, or Wednesday night’s Fried Chicken & Whiskey special. (Once you’re hooked, check out sister spot Bar Peached.)
Julie’s Noodles
Soup dumplings might be a more recent Austin fad, but they are a delicious, amazing fad that we hope sticks around. Those hot, plump, pillowly delights are only the beginning at Julie’s: Quality Chinese cuisine can be found up and down the menu. But seriously, those dumplings.
Jaipur Palace
International trips to the Pink City may have been thwarted by a global pandemic, but here you can sample a taste of owner Sunil Kumar Yadav’s home city in Northern India, one dish at a time. Though it’s a vegetarian wonderland of flavor, your carnivorous friends will be happy, too.
Otoko
Where’s Yoshi? When he’s not crafting exquisite modern Japanese cuisine at his 12-seat omakase restaurant, Austin’s very own Waldo is often found clad in black, flashing a megawatt smile anywhere fun is on the menu. The Tokyo-style sushi and Kyoto-style kaiseki tasting menu are one of the hottest tickets in town, thanks to unparalleled precision…
Otherside Deli
Ground Control to Major Tom: Take your protein pills and put your helmet on. Pastrami, the other brisket, is a star in this tiny, lovely shop. They offer a thoughtful natural wine selection, killer subs, house-made accoutrements, and good deli vibes. Known for their griddled Reuben, we’re also partial to the Roddy and new beet…
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Asador Tacos
Throw a rock and you’ll hit a taco in this town, but not everybody can boast cauliflower chorizo, mole amarillo hongos tacos, and a chile morita brisket quesadilla, now can they? Did we mention house tortillas?
Contigo
Contigo’s unique rustic atmosphere is modeled after their Fredericksburg ranch, meaning plenty of outdoor communal seating and hearty fare centered on fresh, seasonal ingredients – think tri-tip, quail, pickled okra, country pâté. A rotating menu means your faves may not stick around, but you can always count on the famed burger to hit the spot.
Vic & Al’s
When the pandemic hit, Nic Patrizi, owner of the Vortex’s beloved Italian food truck, quickly pivoted: He turned his then soon-to-open Cajun concept in the former Unit-D Pizzeria spot into a soup kitchen, serving gumbo and red beans and rice to anyone who asked. Now the restaurant, an ode to the Patrizi family’s rich Beaumont…
Kinda Tropical
At this gas station-turned-hang zone, everything’s, well, a little bit tropical. Pineapple and coconut find their way onto burgers and shrimp, and it’s an island oasis vibe on the Eastside. From the chill atmosphere to the daiquiri ice pops to the CBD-infused waffles complete with a pot leaf imprint, they’ve got laid-back on lock.
Budare’s
Carmen Rojas and her daughter Andrea Rincones are passionate about bringing their beloved Venezuelan fare – naturally gluten-free arepas, or griddled corn pockets stuffed with a mix of fresh sautéed veggies or proteins like pollo mechado – to the Austin masses. And we are so here for it.
Revelry on the Boulevard
Come for the gumbo, stay for the laid-back Louisiana brunch vibes. We’re partial to the blue raspberry Deep Eddy lemonade and specials like salmon croquettes and fried green tomatoes with lump crab meat. BTW, their patio is an excellent option for the soon-to-be-classic combo of boudin balls and streaming Austin FC matches.
Little Ola’s Biscuits
Born out of necessity and innovation, Little Ola’s picked up the Olamaie biscuit mantle and ran with it, slinging little bundles of Southern-style love in the form of tomato, egg, and cheese and fried chicken biscuit sandwiches – not to mention breathtaking desserts from pastry chef Jules Stoddart – at the original Olamaie location and…
La Tunita 512
The birria craze is warranted, and La Tunita has been slanging this style of beef taco since late 2019 from a nondescript trailer on Burleson. Consommé for dipping, rich stewed beef in guajillo peppers and spices, and melty beef birria tacos loaded with Monterey Jack cheese. Very rich, very tasty, San Luis Potosi-style. Look for…
Taste of Ethiopia
Yes, you do want to partake in the spicy East African wonders created in Woinee Mariam’s kitchen and served with delicate rolls of injera bread and coffee in a setting like a neighborhood eatery just beyond the city limits of Addis Ababa. Bring a few friends, too – it’s even better when shared.
Sammataro Pizza
If you’re curious about what goes into creating a standout pizzeria in the crowded Austin market, consider 48-hour fermented dough topped with legit tomato sauce and high-quality cheese and commitments to helping the community boosters at orgs like Free Lunch. These folks know.
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ATX Cocina
From the people that brought you Z’Tejas, Eddie V’s, and Hopdoddy comes a happening Downtown spot churning out contemporary Mexican cuisine for the increasingly glitzy masses. The focus here is on corn, maize, masa, and the end result is worth braving the newest burgeoning Downtown block. Please don’t skip the queso fundido.
Country Boyz Fixins
Country Boyz harkens back to an earlier time: Think Flo’s on E. Seventh and Virginia’s on S. First. Everything at CB’z is made from scratch. Wednesdays are for smothered pork chops and baked chicken, while Saturdays are for the hand-pounded chicken fried steak. Blue collar, friends. Call in your order and devour it at the…
Barley Swine
When we talk about restaurateurs that helped put Austin on the food city map, multiple James Beard Award finalist Bryce Gilmore – executive chef and co-owner of Barley Swine, Odd Duck, and Sour Duck Market – is up there with the best. In 2009, back when our farmers’ markets were small and the food truck…
la Barbecue
Recently scooted just a little farther east on East Cesar Chavez, LeAnn Mueller’s ’cue-linary triumph continues its reign of good eatin’ with a full menu of locally sourced, grass-fed meats smoked to perfection, offering hot plates or cold boards (supercharged with cheeses from Antonelli’s) in a casual neighborhood atmosphere.
Bufalina Due
The OG Eastside location sadly closed this year, but there’s a silver lining: Bufalina Due to the north is here for your wood-fired Neapolitan pizza needs. That perfect char! That melty, cheesy goodness! And take some of it to go, because you’ll want a slice of satisfying olive oil cake or mouthwatering tiramisu for dessert.
Sazan Ramen
This gem of noodly flavor in the bustling, Asian-centric Crescent setting is home to the rich, cloudy-brothed, paitan style of ramen – conjured in chicken or pork or, yes, vegan style – and a small, fierce array of craft cocktails. Ace in the hole: the curry rub of their Indomitable Fries.
Ng Cafe
Known for the 11 options of delectable bánh mì made with co-owner Nguyet Quach’s baked-fresh-daily baguettes (order à la carte to dip in soup), the menu also offers an assortment of Thai classics and scratch bakery goods. Step inside for their bonus Vietnamese menu. And if you’ve never had a brunch meatball with tomato sauce…
Li’l Nonna’s
Austin’s OG vegan pizza truck has more than just vegans tripping over themselves to get a pie on a Friday night (at either the truck or the new Big Nonna’s brick-and-mortar joint in North Austin). We won’t say it’s just because of the house-made vegan mozzarella and the fan-fave Chik-fil-Ain’t Special, but IYKYK.
Thai Fresh
Those of us who remember buying pad thai and mango sticky rice from Jam Sanitchat at the Downtown farmers’ market when our now-teens were babes in arms shed a proud tear when we think about her successful Thai restaurant and gluten-free bakery in Bouldin, not to mention the publication of her Thai Fresh cookbook in…
SLAB BBQ & Beer
For anyone who felt foolish queueing at any one of the world-famous joints around town, then curiously ordering the freakin’ sandwich instead of 15 pounds of steaming beef on a metal tray, SLAB has you covered with a streamlined experience serving over 10 different ’cue sandwich combos including brisket, chicken, and pork. No multihour line,…
Mr. Smarty Pants Knows
An epact is the number of days by which the solar year differs from the lunar year. According to Ohio State researchers, female vampire bats tend to form an egalitarian community within a roost. About 13% of Americans traded in a cryptocurrency this past year, according to a recent report published by University of Chicago…
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The Londoner finds his way to a Texas ranch
Burro Cheese Kitchen
Take the most comforting of comfort foods, make them artisanal and small-batch, add all the ingredients Austinites love, and boom! Burro grilled cheese. Of course the cheese is top-shelf with the likes of Gouda, havarti, and aged cheddar, but add-ons like brisket and balsamic apricot fig sauce seal the deal.
Cuantos Tacos
About to celebrate two years of serving suadero y salsa, chef/owner Luis “Beto” Robledo is still showing up in style with his Mexico City-style tacos. It’s a simple menu, but it sells out every night thanks to expert proteins decorated with fresh cilantro and onions and wrapped in fresh corn tortillas from the Colonial Tortilla…
Cisco’s
Classic. Legendary. Iconic. It doesn’t get more Hall of Fame-worthy than this East Sixth staple. Since 1953, when founder Rudy “Cisco” Cisneros opened his restaurant in a former meat-packing plant, Cisco’s has been slinging Tex-Mex dishes like enchiladas and migas to the masses. Folks even credit Cisco’s with making staples like huevos rancheros famous –…
Launderette
Sure, Rene Ortiz and Laura Sawicki’s popular eatery is a few blocks south of the relentless Restaurant Row that East Cesar Chavez has become, but that only makes it more attractive, right? Like it’s your little global-contemporary dining secret? Pro tip: Do not skip dessert.
China Family
When you’re on the hunt for spot-on Sichuan, look no further. All the classics are ridiculously well done and served in heaping portions, and pescatarians will appreciate the seafood options, like the crispy fried salt-and-pepper shrimp and fish fillet in chile oil.
Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew
This excellent epicenter of slow-cooked meats right there on North Lamar is no secret, but for some reason we’re always surprised by how it’s the equal of our town’s more famous barbecue spots. When we mentioned this to a certain co-worker, he replied, “Oh god, yesss! The pork loin, the pork loin!”
Peace Bakery & Deli
One of the few Palestinian restaurants in town, this cafeteria-style restaurant features fare from several Middle Eastern regions. They’re experts in classics like shawarma, falafel, baba ganoush, and more, but the coriander potatoes (fried and mixed with cilantro, garlic, sriracha, and lemon) are a can’t-miss. And the bakery? So many baklava choices, you’ll need to…
Los Danzantes ATX
A perfect evening in Austin includes a thick and cheesy Jalisco-style quesa-birria plate with rich consommé, live music, and tasty bevs, all enjoyed al fresco. This Oaxacan food truck at the Far Out Lounge is that destination station.
Carpenters Hall
With chef Jorge Hernández taking over as culinary director in early 2020, this gorgeous Zilker-area restaurant in the Carpenter Hotel has leaned away from the Central Texas Czech and German influences and leaned into Southern-kissed, seafood-forward coastal chic, with campechana, shrimp and grits, and plancha quail, but also tacos, burgers, and migas. Hip, accessible, and,…
Swedish Hill
When MML Hospitality acquired this longtime neighborhood bakery a few years ago, they changed its name away from a pun (for which we’re eternally grateful), but kept the spread of beloved comestibles intact, showcasing the bagels, pastries, pies, cakes, and a diverse variety of sandwich and snacking breads. Also: rotisserie chicken!
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Devil May Care
Sometimes we want to feast on the finest of high-end, impeccably crafted Mediterranean food. Sometimes we want to take guests to a modern nightclub that reminds us of our poshest nights of youth in Athens and Cairo. Surprise: We can fulfill both of those sensual desires right here in ATX.
Dai Due Butcher Shop & Supper Club
You want pies? You got ’em. You want antelope sausage? Say no more. You want a fried chicken dinner on Sunday? Come on in and sit for a spell. Driven by a hyperfresh and hyperlocal ethos, chef and hunting aficionado Jesse Griffiths has anchored the local foods movement in Austin for nigh on 15 years,…
Korea House
Long before Korean food was a popular cuisine in the Austin restaurant scene, Korea House opened in 1988, and legions of fans, new and old, still frequent what is considered the first Korean restaurant in town. Outside seating overlooking a lovely koi pond, twinkly lights, and peaceful music all contribute to their wonderful ambience, but…
Licha’s Cantina
Serving self-described “Mexico City soul food,” these folks specialize in distilled agave spirits, masa, and slow-and-low proteins and bold spices. Cochinita pibil sopecitos, mole con pollo huaraches, huitlacoche quesadillas? Yep, all of that, please. Licha’s also hosts one of the best happy hours in town, with $6 craft cocktails and munchies. The convivial patio space…
Citizen Eatery
Follow the pink rabbit to this chill, modern vegan dine-in spot and pull up a chair or belly up to the bar. Because yeah, this joint serves cocktails and mocktails alongside delightful dishes like burgers and omelettes. That’s right, breakfast is served all day, citizen, just like it should be.
Tumble 22
Of course this town’s gonna jump on the whole Nashville hot chicken trend. And of course that trend will establish itself beyond the moment, as the many combos and levels of fried poultry and peppery heat offered at this burgeoning local chain compel many return visits over a chicken- lover’s lifetime.
Salty Cargo
With two locations – a stand at Hana Food Market and the truck currently parked at Celis Brewing – you’ve got double the chance to become addicted to their Hawaiian Asian fusion dishes like mochiko fried chicken, char siu braised ribs, and Shanghai lumpia.
MOUR Cafe
Sure, we could highlight the delicious chimichurri hummus, (nondairy) crema de elote, or the brunchy duck carnitas, but we really want you to focus on the tlayuda. Big, bold, and eternally memorable, it’s a giant corn tostada topped with chorizo, asiento, black beans, queso Oaxaca, and lovely produce like watermelon radishes. Even mour, they source…
Da Boot Po’Boys
The legit New Orleans-style po’boys at this truck (currently parked at Radio Coffee) are full of soul. We’re talking bourbon chicken wings, buttery bread, fried shrimp, hella good collard greens, and creamy mac & cheese. Laissez le bon temps rouler, indeed.
Thai Kruefha
The comforting family Thai recipes like pad see ewe and tom kha soup from chef/owner Kruewan Chiangthuek stole our hearts and continue to inspire a regular trek to West Austin.
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HapPea Vegans
Quirky, colorful, and very frequently covered in edible glitter, it’s hard to resist posting a pic (or 12) of your extremely festive meal to the ’gram. We’ve got several posts about their crispy fried vegan-chicken sandwich topped with a tower of onion rings as tall as the miniature Schnauzer mix we adopted during the pandemic.
Dough Boys ATX
Serving Neapolitan-style 12-inch pies from an 800-pound wood-fired oven, Dough Boys is a welcome addition to Austin’s slow-ferment pizza scene. They use locally sourced flour from Barton Springs Mill and ferment the dough for 36 hours. Approaching their one-year anniversary, and opening smack dab in the middle of the pandemic, gives them – and us…
Mi Madre’s
You’ve seen their quirky, quintessentially Austin sign and enjoyed their fun-loving approach to social media, but did you know that this family-owned and -operated business has been around since 1990? Founders Aurelio and Rosa Torres opened their 10-seat Tex-Mex restaurant serving hella good tacos, and over the years made so many loyal fans that the…
Pepitos 512
Chef/owner Ramon Sanchez sets his food apart from other Venezuelan spots by specializing in pepitos, or open-faced sandwiches made Barquisimeto-style, Caracas-style hot dogs piled high with toppings, and Venezuelan-style barbecue served as parrilla bowls with homemade barbecue sauce made with Frescolita and rum.
DipDipDip Tatsu-ya
If you’re looking to play with your food, this nontraditional, decadent shabu-shabu experience is sure to please. It’s interactive: Swoosh your slices – wagyu beef, farm box veggies, kurobuta sausage, Hi-Fi Mycology ’shrooms – in your very own hot pot and dip (dip dip). Expect a gorgeous ambience, four lovable Tatsu-ya broths, and twists like…
Uchiko
Chef Tyson Cole’s Japanese-inspired cuisine excels in thoughtful flavor combinations, impeccable service, and the freshest ingredients around. They can make salmon taste like brown sugar and a humble trumpet mushroom masquerade as the elixir of life. Uchiko is at the top of the Austin food game, a true gem to treasure and tithe like the…
Seoulju Korean Kitchen & Bar
There’s nothing dainty about this Korean bar-food joint, so come ready to eat some of the best fried chicken anywhere, sip 50 different flavors of soju, and watch K-pop music videos on multiple screens. Their service team is wonderful, and the bulgogi kimchi fries are addictive (add brisket on the weekend). Familiar classics like dakgalbi…
Ovenbird
Adding to SoCo’s food tableau is this upscale hangover food destination with a European twist. Classic breakfast sandwiches are upgraded with shakshuka aïoli, radish leaf pesto, and Bavarian croissants. Marry any of the impressive teas with unexpected pastries like Ukrainian sweet cheese cookies or Franzbrötchen, a German cinnamon roll, for international panache.
Dee Dee
Fanatics of familiar Thai fare owe it to themselves to visit this spectacular trailer from chef Lakana Sopajan-Trubiana, the not-even-self-proclaimed “Thai Food Queen of Texas.” She serves street food straight from her childhood in Isaan in northeastern Thailand, from som tom Isaan (spicy papaya salad) to laab moo (minced pork with sticky rice).
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We Have an Issue: Chow’s On
Welcoming back our First Plates issue, celebrating the restaurants and food trucks defining Austin dining today
Hestia
The sultry dining room’s 20-foot custom hearth exalts the eponymous Greek goddess at this Emmer & Rye sibling restaurant. Smoky flavors abound, and bright bites like rockfish crudo with smoked blackberry pair with expert-level transformations of fresh and foraged produce – an umami crown jewel is the lion’s mane mushroom with blackened koji and charcoal.…
The Doughminican
The son-and-mother team behind Austin’s first Dominican food truck has been blessing our streets and taste buds for nearly five years, and they’ve got new digs to extend the reach of their impeccable empanadas. Red wine-and-oregano-soaked beef picadillo is their claim to fame, but don’t sleep on the restorative powers of ratatouille.
Musashino Sushi Dokoro
Once, on a first date in their original location off North MoPac, we may or may not have mistaken their oshibori (warm towel) as a complimentary facial, only to be gently guided by the angelic server to cleanse our hands before dinner. This is the kind of classy operation that is Musashino, which opened in…
Salt & Time Restaurant
You wouldn’t think that a butcher shop would also be the site of a stealth high-end restaurant, but you also wouldn’t not expect to be able to eat steak or a really excellent burger in a butcher shop, accompanied by a glass of crisp biodynamic rosé or a light summer red from the adjacent wine…
Easy Tiger
Bread, bread, and more bread – savory or sweet, plain or fancy. It’s what David Norman built this local favorite upon. But the Tiger’s culinary architecture also includes fine charcuterie and a plethora of rich, belly-pleasing pub grub to accompany the many craft beers and cocktails lubricating the destination mingle.
Uncle Nicky’s
An all-star team (Juniper, Via 313, Nickel City) brought the casual Italian cafe to Hyde Park in 2019, covering everything from antipasti (marinated sardines) to dessert (affogato). Classic salads, hearty “sandos,” and pane tostato (toasted focaccia) fill the in-between. A new Eastside location at the Hotel Eleven promises more of the same.
Smokin Beauty
Vietnamese cuisine is great. Texas barbecue is great. Guess what happens when these two meet? You get some mind-blowing creations, like a brisket bánh mì that packs a wallop. Frito pie, covered fries, and loads of meat-packed dishes are ready for the eating at this most Texas of establishments.
Tarka Indian Kitchen
Founder Tinku Saini has been quite busy over the last decade, expanding from one Southwest Austin location to 10 in Texas by the end of 2021. Austinites are fortunate to have four to choose from, where they’ll find approachable Indian cuisine like customizable curries, vegan pakora, and fresh lassi.
Four Brothers
This biz has been holding down the Venezuelan food fort since 2015 with their stuffed corn cakes and avocado sauce, and we should all say thanks. Are arepas the new tacos?
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