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RBG

Loving look at the Supreme Court member, and unlikely pop culture icon

by Kimberley Jones

Texas Platters

Adrian Conner rocks lead guitar in AC/DC tribute Hell’s Belles and suits up in Judas Priest tribute Belles Bent for Leather. Clementine Drums beats Led Zeppelin tribute Zepparella. Now please check your Seventies rock expectations. As Beaux Cheveux (Good Hair), the pair leans more toward St. Vincent. Ro Sham Bo opener “We’re Open Now” wafts…

by Christina Garcia

Papadom

“The best of Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, and Vietnamese flavors, all in one place, every day.” Whoa, right? It’s like some Optimus Prime of Asian cuisine, expertly transforming any meal into a globally satisfying array of options, in an elegant and comfortable Downtown setting.

by Chronicle Staff

Roland’s Soul Food & Fish

The Roland brothers dole out some of the best soul food in Austin. The menu, featuring smothered pork chops and mac & cheese anyone would happily drown in, is made with so much care you might expect it to hug you.

by Chronicle Staff

Winner Winner

Sarah Lindsey spent over eight years developing recipes at Royal Blue Grocery before she opened this restored 1949 railway car as a grab-and-go scratch kitchen about four miles from the Y in Oak Hill. Specializing in rotisserie chickens, porchetta, and roast lamb – all from local farms – plus soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts, the…

by Chronicle Staff

la Barbecue

For a line that’s much shorter than Frank­lin’s epic stretch – and barbecue that’s arguably just as droolworthy – head to this trailer-turned-brick-and-mortar, which shares a space with Quickie Pickie. The buttery brisket is mandatory and the beef ribs are legendary, but that moist and flavorful turkey might be their best-kept secret. Can’t decide? Order…

by Chronicle Staff

Épicerie

This French and NOLA-inspired restaurant ought to be an essential staple on the brunch rotation. It offers the comfort of dining at (your very lovely) home to enjoy chef-created croque madames, beignets, and duck & grits with your cappuccino, but with absolutely no dish duty.

by Chronicle Staff

Honest Mary’s

This healthy fast-casual spot partners with local farmers and vendors that offer customers options that leave them fulfilled inside and out. Order one of their signature warm bowls or build your own with energizing ingredients like hand-line caught wild ahi tuna, crispy chickpeas, and black forbidden rice.

by Chronicle Staff

Central Standard Kitchen & Bar

Chef Casey Wilcox took over Central Stand­ard’s kitchen this past year, refreshing the South Congress Hotel restaurant’s brunch and dinner menus with items like pierogi ravioli, Akaushi carpaccio with bacon remoulade, and a big fat chicken Kiev. His tasty spin on classics will have you floating to the top of those lovely high ceilings like…

by Chronicle Staff

JeonJu Korean Grill

Cheese and kimchi is a wildly underrated combo, but the good people at Jeonju have brought it to the masses with their wildly popular kimchi-stuffed quesadilla. It’s a little spicy, a little savory, crispy-edged, and soaked with melting cheese. Do you really need to know anything else?

by Chronicle Staff

Texas Platters

Josh Buckley’s effortlessly sweet tenor pitched toward Gram Parsons on promising 2014 debut Blind Side of the Heart, but four-star follow-up Las Cruces throttles toward Neil Young & Crazy Horse territory from the outset. On the high desert howl of “Bakersfield,” Buckley’s keening regret feeds off a blur of electric guitar roar and whine, as…

by Doug Freeman

Arlo’s

Ask vegans where to get the best burger in town and you’ll most likely be sent to Arlo’s. Hell, even non-vegetarians dig these greasy late-night trailers. And with three locations around town, there’s never one far away. Get the double bac’n cheezeburger and tots. You won’t regret it.

by Chronicle Staff

Russian House

You’d think, being the only Russian restaurant in town, this place could slack off and phone it in. But, nyet, Vladimir Gribkov and Varda Salkey create such a tasty, authentic menu that not even overindulging with their bar’s 100-plus vodkas could make you forget that they’re dedicated to doing it up – borscht and all…

by Chronicle Staff

Salty Sow

A favorite among the happy hour set, Harold Marmulstein’s American gastropub is all about approachable snout-to-tail dining, from rich, delectable duck fat fries to house-made charcuterie. The cocktail menu is seasonally appropriate, and the beer menu boasts a rogues’ gallery of local brews.

by Chronicle Staff

Bufalina

When it comes to Neapolitan pizza, it doesn’t get better than the pies at Bufalina. Now with two locations (lower East Austin and Brentwood), you’ve got even more reason to go get you some house-made mozzarella, seasonal small plates (oh hey, ricotta gnocchi with pesto), and exceptional wines, all served in cozy neighborhood spots.

by Chronicle Staff

La Matta

Masterminded by two Italians, La Matta is a sunny shop that features classic Italian paninis, salads, and salumi boards. Much of the bread is made in-house and pairs excellently with the slow-cured meats and exceptionally creamy burrata, which you should really use as butter instead of cheese (on everything).

by Chronicle Staff

Foreign & Domestic

Foreign & Domestic has redefined itself more than once. Last year, founder Ned Elliott sold the North Loop mainstay to talented chefs Sarah Heard and Nathan Lemley. The co-owners are staying true to the roots (we see you, popovers) while making it their own (the nose-to-tail tasting menu), and their ability to adapt is a…

by Chronicle Staff

Nancy’s Sky Garden

After years anchoring the Georgetown dining scene, Nancy’s Sky Garden has finally brought its Asian-inspired fare to Northeast Austin. Open for weekday breakfast and lunch, Nancy’s offers fresh soups, fruit and veggie plates with added protein, and poke bowls. A no-brainer for a fast, healthy workday lunch.

by Chronicle Staff

Churro Co.

Since 2014, childhood friends Leo Mendoza and David Martinez have offered up the sweet treats of their Ciudad Juarez youth: churros made from scratch and topped with creative compotes, silky chocolate, and more. Look for a second location soon.

by Chronicle Staff

Juliet Italian Kitchen

This Barton Springs-adjacent patio has become the see-and-be-seen spot. Their brilliantly executed classic Italian-American fare – that cioppino! that chicken piccata! that gnocchi hash! – has seared itself into our collective Instagram-tinged mind with good reason. And yes, of course they have a list of rosé by the bottle.

by Chronicle Staff

Texas Platters

“Let’s keep the lonely places lonely as long as we can,” mourns Red Shahan on the title track to sophomore outing Culberson County. Shahan’s voice rings an elegiac tone, simmering with the fading inevitability that lingers like the long West Texas horizon, but the Fort Worth-based troubadour isn’t just clinging nostalgically to the past. Lead…

by Doug Freeman

Don Japanese Kitchen

This newly minted brick-and-mortar is a shining light of umami in a storm of frat-star hangouts and chains. Rice bowls topped with all types of proteins and endless add-ons like veggie croquettes make the trip to the Drag worth more than its weight in panko.

by Chronicle Staff

Wu Chow

The kitchen at Wu Chow serves up some of the city’s most consistently inventive dim sum. You might miss the chaotic jostle of carts, but inventive takes on dishes like hot & sour soup with wood ear mushrooms, or crispy soft turnip cakes studded with sausage, bring the excitement straight to your plate.

by Chronicle Staff

Taco-Mex

A papas rancheras taco at 9pm? Yes, please. Chicharron with onion and cilantro at 9am? Most definitely. This Manor Road institution serves mega-solid tacos sans gourmet frills all day and night. And yes, you really do order through that tiny little window to heaven.

by Chronicle Staff

Curcuma

Curcuma (aka turmeric in science-speak) offers healthy alternatives to the typical food truck fare. The ayurvedic meals like the kitchari bowl and raw pecan tacos are as full of flavor as they are nutrients, and the charcoal lemonade and Golden Mylk beverages have amassed a cult following.

by Chronicle Staff

Licha’s Cantina

Fixer Upper stars Chip & Joanna Gaines would go nuts for the shiplap-centric interior, but we’re particularly fond of this little gem’s Mexican soul food dishes like sopes and huaraches. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is an added bonus to the dizzying list of mezcals and tequilas.

by Chronicle Staff

Guild

Helmed by former Uchiko Executive Chef Sterling Ridings, this highly anticipated new seafood-focused restaurant features a raw bar fit for Aquaman himself, along with cooked ocean treasures like Chilean sea bass poached in marrow and oyster sabayon. Guild also dances delightfully with luxurious land-dweller dishes like double-cut pork tomahawk and Wagyu teres major. They’ve got…

by Chronicle Staff

Saffron

Austin’s first dedicated Nepalese menu? Yes, which means that the buffet of this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it eatery in a strip mall is loaded with deep goodness from several regions of India and China, but it’s all we can do to not fill up on endless rounds of that OMG rosemary & cheese naan.

by Chronicle Staff

Elizabeth Street Cafe

Located in the lovely and bustling Boul­din Creek area, this neighborhood bistro and its exquisite French Vietnamese offerings – oh, those escargot! that bánh mì! – will have you offering prayers of prosperity to McGuire Moorman Hospi­tal­ity. Garlic and butter and lemongrass and broth and bread have seldom been so well-wielded.

by Chronicle Staff

Loro

Oh, look who it is (again)! Restaurant rookies Tyson Cole and Aaron Franklin have combined forces to bring us a Texas-Asian smokehouse. Flavor explosions like Malaysian chicken bo ssam, Thai green curry sausage, and smoked beef brisket with chili gastrique and Thai herbs will have you wondering when someone is finally going to notice these…

by Chronicle Staff

Texas Platters

Kacey Musgraves could’ve been Swiftified or Cyrused. The country-pop crossover star is a cultural phenomenon familiar enough to border on trope at this point. So the vocoders on the disco-drenched “High Horse,” Musgraves’ breakout single from third release Golden Hour, spiked anxiety she was headed down that well-trodden path. After such a lobotomy-proof indulgence, the…

by Abby Johnston

Hopfields

Their menu may list saisons and duck confit, but Hopfields ain’t no ostentatious gastropub. A communal bar in the front plus a formal dining room in the back make for the malty, French-inspired Choose Your Own Adventure of your drinking years’ dream.

by Chronicle Staff

Abo Youssef Mediterranean Food

With colorful signage resembling oversized alphabet fridge magnets, it’s hard to miss this chrome Airstream trailer at the Gulf gas station on Manor Road. And you wouldn’t want to, because the shawarmas and falafel are some of the best in the city. Get cozy on the floor pillows in the tapestry-lined tent while you wait…

by Chronicle Staff

Unit-D Pizzeria

Why shouldn’t pizza come on wood-fired naan? The answer is that it absolutely should. With nine pizzas consistently on the menu and a 10th often on special, the rotation never gets old, especially when paired with one of their fresh salads that pique your palate with hints of Indian spices.

by Chronicle Staff

Dee Dee

Northern Thai street food made with fresh, high-quality ingredients is the name of the game at this trailer that’s recently made its first move to behind the new Eastside bar La Holly. In addition to spicy favorites like laab moo and pad kaprow, find newer additions like tofu stir-fry and som tom tod (shredded papaya…

by Chronicle Staff

Lua Brazil

Gluten-free, grain-free, but definitely not cheese-free, Lua Brazil offers cheese bread that is a pull-apart globe of satisfaction. They’ve also recently begun offering tapi-tacos, which are exactly what you would expect, except the “tortilla” is made out of tapioca flour.

by Chronicle Staff

Komé

Irasshaimase! The customary Japanese welcome greeting – announced in unison by the staff for each new guest – embodies the casual but chic comfort of this wonderful (and recently revamped/expanded) restaurant. Their insanely fresh sushi and sashimi plates are arguably the best lunch deals in town, and now that there’s a full bar, we plan…

by Chronicle Staff

Veracruz All Natural

Thanks to sisters and co-owners Reyna and Maritza Vazquez, households across the country know what a migas taco is – and that the best one is in Austin. The crunchy, homemade tortilla chips and smoky salsa will tide you over while waiting for the main event. You should probably drink a watermelon agua fresca, too.

by Chronicle Staff

June’s All Day

Part retro fern bar, part Parisian brasserie, this all-day cafe on South Congress features one of the city’s best wine lists and a wide variety of small and large plates ranging from matzo ball caldo to salt cod croquettes to a fried chicken sandwich. Pub nights on Sundays feature Indian-inspired specials and discounted pints.

by Chronicle Staff

Odd Duck

We can thank Barley Swine’s more casual sister restaurant for keeping Austin weird with a rotating cast of playful dishes like goat chili Frito pie and chicken-fried fish heads with burnt orange habanero hot sauce. However, veggies are equally important at this South Lamar favorite and they always star in a number of cocktails and…

by Chronicle Staff

Olamaie

Everyone talks about the biscuits at chef Michael Fojtasek’s restaurant, and sure ’nuff they’re golden portions of tender and buttery heaven-on-a-plate, but Olamaie’s entrées – based on Southern comfort foods – is what fancy dining is supposed to be, especially when accompanied by a honeyed Peraperfecta cocktail.

by Chronicle Staff

Batch Craft Beer + Kolaches

Since August, Austinites have had the distinct pleasure of enjoying coffee, beer, and scratch kolaches made with fresh, seasonal fruits, Micklethwait brisket and sausage, and regular collaborations with craft breweries. Add live music from local jazz and swing outfits and you’ve got a heady brew.

by Chronicle Staff

Xian Sushi and Noodle

There are few things better than hand-pulled noodles, and Xian makes ’em better than anyone else in the 512. The chicken tom yam noodle soup is the best cure-all you never knew you needed, especially with a couple of lobster dumplings on the side.

by Chronicle Staff

Eden East

Eden East extols the values of intentional eating and intends to do so even as Springdale Farm closes. The tiny on-site kitchen will continue farming the land and serving up hyperlocal seasonal food for the foreseeable future by supplementing their prix fixe menu with more à la carte items. Show ’em some love, Austin.

by Chronicle Staff

Pitchfork Pretty

Stylish new restaurants are a dime a dozen on the Eastside these days, but with its sleek eco-modern A-frame design and flavor-forward approach to Southern classics like pimento cheese and (yes!) that infamous spicy fried chicken, Pitchfork Pretty stands out from the herd.

by Chronicle Staff

MezzeMe Mediterranean Kitchen

It’s easy to have low expectations of a fast-casual Mediterranean joint, but that just means that you’ll be blown away by the freshness and flavor of this build-your-own pita/bowl concept from Turkey native Moody Ugur. Visitors to the Triangle restaurant should definitely not miss the kofte meatballs and falafel.

by Chronicle Staff

888 Pan Asian Restaurant

Priced to please even the stingiest pho lovers, this place makes a lackluster travel schedule more tolerable with a swath of legit Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese dishes. Go bold with frog legs or flank steak two-yellow curry, or full comfort with one of a trillion noodle soups and vermicelli bowls. And yes, Becky, they make…

by Chronicle Staff

La Mexicana Bakery

Open 24/7, this bakery fulfills your everyday Mexican food needs. With around-the-clock antojitos, like tortas and huaraches, plus killer breakfast tacos and enchiladas, La Mexicana offers a variety of authentic goodness. They also boast an array of lovely pan dulce, including Día de Muertos and Día de Reyes specialties.

by Chronicle Staff

Ramen Tatsu-ya

Opened by two former DJs in 2012, Ramen Tatsu-ya has since been named one of the best ramen joints in the entire damn country. Belly up to a warming bowl of tonkotsu broth filled with hand-cut fresh noodles, a wedge of pork, a shoyu egg, and a spicy butter bomb, and you’ll understand how they…

by Chronicle Staff

Via 313

When two brothers from Michigan decided to invade the ATX with their Detroit-style pizza, who’da thunk that the whole city would roll over and say, “Yes, please!” quite so quickly, scarfing up the divinely encrusted creations topped with both classic and surprising ingredients? We did.

by Chronicle Staff

Cherrywood Coffeehouse

This welcoming venue is the Cherrywood neighborhood, it seems, since everybody for miles around hangs out here for the best of coffee and breakfast tacos and especially – listen – that beefy hunk of sandwich perfection called The Wife’s Cheeseburger. Bonus: cheesesteak tacos, killer dinner specials, and daily appearances from John Aielli.

by Chronicle Staff

Yuyo

Led by chef Maribel Rivero, this contemporary Peruvian concept was opened (in the former El Sapo location) by El Chile Restaurant Group this past year. Enjoy pisco punch and one of several cebiches on the sunny porch for happy hour and stay to enjoy the rest of the seafood-focused menu (Hi, Pescado Luisa) for dinner.

by Chronicle Staff

El Sunzal

This quintessential hole-in-the-wall eatery maintains only a bare-bones appearance on the outside, but every dish is complex in flavor. Pupusas, fried yucca, chicharrónes, plantains, and seafood soup – all of the sweet and salty notes are married in ways best described in a Romance language.

by Chronicle Staff

Salt & Time Butcher Shop & Salumeria

This welcoming, no-frills butcher shop showcases fresh cut meats from sustainable ranches in its glass cases, and uses that same high-quality meat in its restaurant. They’ve got all three meals covered for meat-eaters: shareable steak and Butcher’s Bolognese make a top-notch dinner, corned beef hash with veggies and potatoes nail brunch, and a Roast Beast…

by Chronicle Staff

Picnik

Anybody with a gluten, corn, peanut, or soy allergy can easily eat at Picnik, but other folks seem pretty pumped about it, too. The paleo-popular grass-fed butter coffee is always front and center, but exec chef Dan Salivar also knocks it outta the park with beef stew, Cobb salad, and creamy cashew queso.

by Chronicle Staff

Asiana Indian Cuisine

Strip mall secret Asiana makes a mean dosa. And a goat curry that’ll leave you licking the bones. And a saag paneer so rich and creamy you could drink it out of a glass. Careful with that move though – you might get asked to leave before you can head back to the buffet for…

by Chronicle Staff

Lenoir

This tiny restaurant mastered that vintage chic aesthetic you’ve been curating on Pinterest for years, but they’ve also got a lovely three-course prix fixe menu. With an option each for Field, Sea, Land, and Dream, the seasonal dishes draw inspiration from cuisines of other face-of-the-sun locales. Pair craveworthy snacks like smoked fish tartine with half-off…

by Chronicle Staff

Sundaze

Fried chicken. It’s a simple concept, and one not restricted to omnivores. Get it in three forms at the Sundaze food truck: sandwich, nugget, and wing. There is crunchy, breaded, peppery fried chicken and homemade seitan No Frick’n Chick’n (for the vegans).

by Chronicle Staff

Seen / Soon: May 4

Recapping the fifth Greater Austin High School Musical Theatre Awards and anticipating the 33rd Funniest Person in Austin semi-finals

by Chronicle Staff

ATX Cocina

The kitchen at ATX Cocina has an inventive approach to Mexican classics, paying off in impressive dishes like lamb adobo braised with guajillo chiles and blue corn dumplings, or butter-poached corn topped with queso fresco and smoked aïoli. No wonder Westlake High graduate and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles – aka the 2018 Super Bowl…

by Chronicle Staff

Colleen’s Kitchen

Come for the cocktails, stay for the tasty appetizers and people watching at the most recent addition to the Mueller restaurantscape. An homage to co-owner Ashley Fric’s aunt, Colleen’s is the perfect place to knock back some house punch and gossip about the neighbors. Biscuits required.

by Chronicle Staff

Blue Dahlia Bistro

Pull up a chair and savor the moment with strangers. At Blue Dahlia, tables are arranged so that diners brush elbows while they enjoy a midmorning tartine or fill up on French classics like ratatouille. The idea is to create community around a baguette. After all, that’s what breaking bread is all about.

by Chronicle Staff

Grizzelda’s

Grizzelda’s lured us into their handsome dining room with striking wallpapers and impressed us with perfectly tender birria de res, but the “ATX-Mex” concept from the Jacoby’s fam won us over with “flaming mezcal.” Why yes, we would like to add a shot of mezcal to our queso fundido and light the whole thing on…

by Chronicle Staff

Suerte

We could marvel all day at the colorful custom front door by local wood artist Aaron Michalovic, but once inside, Suerte’s food impresses with standout “frio” (read: raw) offerings and masa-driven small plates. With a stellar cocktail menu that’s as culinary as it is crafty, the new kid on the block is already making big…

by Chronicle Staff

Pinthouse Pizza

PHP is not Austin’s alpha pizza joint, no, but the combination of elite IPAs paired with one of their decidedly delicious pies makes them a top-shelf pizza/beer experience. As their development team smokes overtime to bring us things like the Burgler, a cheeseburger-inspired pie, we can rest assured knowing we’ll never reach the load baseline…

by Chronicle Staff

Cafe Nena’i

This Argentine mother-daughter operation is churning out great coffees alongside savory arepas, sweet alfajores and other pastries, and addictive fried (or baked) empanadas. The chimichurri alone is worth a visit, but the fresh-squeezed juices deserve mention, too.

by Chronicle Staff

LeRoy & Lewis

It’s hard to improve on the art of traditional Texas barbecue, so the way to stand out from the salt-and-pepper-rubbed masses is to reinvent the brisket. LeRoy & Lewis do just that, using left-field proteins like beef tongue and eschewing beans and slaw for inventive sides like barbecue fried rice.

by Chronicle Staff

Apis Restaurant & Apiary

How many people have been proposed to at Apis? It has to be a lot, right? Between the spectacular Hill Country setting (that deck!) and a meandering series of set menus focused on fresh global takes on high-quality local ingredients, Apis will make your heart skip a beat.

by Chronicle Staff

Boiler Nine

There are three levels to this enclave wrought within the old Seaholm Power Plant: Jason Stevens’ inviting cocktail cave all flooded with classic libations, the main floor’s wood-fired glory via the menus of chef Jason Stude, and then that Observatory Bar letting you play tipsy lord-of-all-you-survey amid the glittering skyline.

by Chronicle Staff

Dai Due Butcher Shop & Supper Club

Chef Jesse Griffiths is over here serving approachable yet refined dishes like chicken fat mashed sweet potatoes and beer-battered crawfish with ricotta-stuffed squash blossoms. Oh, and good luck finding a guy more dedicated to local sourcing: He’s the dude that tracks a feral hog 15 minutes east of his restaurant. Make sure to grab a…

by Chronicle Staff

Bouldin Creek Cafe

This may be one of Austin’s oldest and most reputable vegan and vegetarian restaurants, but even omnivores can’t get enough of the Renedict and sweet potato and pecan tamales at this longtime favorite. Between the ever-changing exhibits by local artists and the blueberry cornbread, brunch will be worth the wait!

by Chronicle Staff

Hummus Among Us

This under-the-radar East Austin jewel focuses on velvety smooth hummus. Whether you try a hummus plate with brisket and hatch chiles, or a pita pocket with boiled eggs and eggplant, expect a bold interplay between Texas and Middle Eastern flavors.

by Chronicle Staff

Barley Swine

Chef Bryce Gilmore was at the forefront of Austin’s farm-to-table movement, and he continues to cook with the same inspiration and creativity at his Brentwood restaurant. Barley Swine guests can opt for the chef’s tasting menu experience or order à la carte from the constantly changing menu, which surprises and delights with creations like fried…

by Chronicle Staff

Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew

While other barbecue joints in town see their names splashed all over TV shows and headlines, this Brentwood joint has been quietly pumping out top-notch ’cue since 2011. Don’t sleep on the banana pudding, either.

by Chronicle Staff

Emojis Grilled Cheese Bar

Of course Austin would have a food trailer dedicated to the simplest of childhood pleasures: grilled cheese. But don’t expect the greasy, Velveeta-stuffed basics of your formative years. Between grilled chicken with pesto and provolone, and the classic tomato, basil, and mozzarella, this grilled cheese is all grown up.

by Chronicle Staff

Mattie’s

This fine-dining destination underwent a glamorous face-lift and name change in 2017, and though they’ve kept their Baby Boomer origin story, the beautiful grounds (attention millennials, there are peacocks) are very Instagrammable. With unique dishes like grilled Spanish octopus and countryside farm duck, there’s something for everyone at Mattie’s.

by Chronicle Staff

Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

This newly opened all-day cafe features an early menu (until 3pm) with comforting dishes like waffle iron hash browns and cauliflower tots with beet ketchup. The late menu (served 3-10pm) offers chicken-fried steak, crispy mushrooms, and savory churros. As for drinks, choose your poison: well-crafted draft cocktails or coffee beverages by the team behind Wright…

by Chronicle Staff

Soccer Watch

MLS2ATX is holding a series of civic engagement meetings on the McKalla Place stadium proposal starting today, Thu., May 3; see the Civic Events page for details. www.austintexas.gov/mckalla. Columbus Crew drew a season high 11,479 fans last week as they snapped a four-game winless streak, but still dropped to last in the MLS in average…

by Nick Barbaro

Emmer & Rye

If heritage grains, fermentation, and seasonal ingredients are your jam, you’ve probably already discovered the wonder that is Emmer & Rye. Chef Kevin Fink weds a love of forgotten flavors with a Scandinavian ethos, culminating in American-style dim sum on Rainey Street.

by Chronicle Staff

Delray Cafe

If you’re still wishing you were an Oscar Meyer wiener, you have obviously not tried this delicious coney dog. (You’re also a weirdo.) Located just outside of the “anytime bar,” Nickel City – in the old Longbranch Inn space – this late-night trailer slings dogs, burgers, and chili fries, and they all go perfectly with…

by Chronicle Staff

The Clay Pit

Vegetarians and spice lovers rejoice when they walk into the sumptuous, aromatic interior of the Clay Pit. Although sticklers for authenticity may disagree, this restaurant has elevated Indian cuisine for Austin. If you’re around for lunch, make sure to check out their buffet, where you can indulge for a very economical price.

by Chronicle Staff

Il Brutto

With its shiny teal walls and fairy-light-strung patio, Il Brutto is anything but ugly. The menu is dedicated to classic Italian dishes like squid ink tagliolini (don’t even think about asking for Parmesan!) and delightfully crisp-edged wood-fired pizzas, perfect with a glass or two of spumante.

by Chronicle Staff

Be More Pacific

Like so many so-hot Austin restaurants, BMP started out as a food truck in the early 2010s, slinging Filipino-inspired fare like longanisa tots (tater tots topped with longanisa sausage and plantain sauce). Owners Mark Pascual and Giovan Cuchapin have recently expanded service at the joint to include the Kamayan Experience, a family-style meal served on…

by Chronicle Staff

T22 Chicken Joint

What started out as Salty Sow chef Harold Marmulstein’s hot chicken food truck side gig has now blossomed into a full-blown Allandale restaurant that has snatched the fried chicken crown from all other local competitors. Thanks for the inspo, Nashville, but Austin will take it from here.

by Chronicle Staff

Karam’s Tamale Company

We’re not going to discuss the San Antonio-Austin foodie debates, but we will be the bigger city and thank our South Texas neighbor for hosting the first iteration of Karam’s Tamales for more than 60 years. But they’re ours now. The eponymous menu items have a perfect ratio of filling to masa, and there’s also…

by Chronicle Staff

Otoko

There’s no chef in town like Yoshi. The manic Kyoto-born punk rocker is obsessed with ingredients, transforming fish flown directly from Tokyo and obscure don’t-call-them-weeds from HausBar Farms into an intimate 12-seat kaiseki experience that tastes like nothing else in town.

by Chronicle Staff

Clark’s Oyster Bar

The sunny patio of this classy Clarksville cafe is an excellent choice for pristine oysters, cold bar offerings, lobster rolls, and crab cakes – but regulars also know they serve a mean burger. Try their brand-new Clarified Pisco Punch: pisco, Herbsaint, bitters & citrus, warming spices, coconut green tea, and clarified milk wash.

by Chronicle Staff

Headlines

One Solitary Man: City Manager Spencer Cronk named interim Police Chief Brian Manley as the lone finalist being considered to permanently replace Art Acevedo. Next up: a vetting process, with community forums and stakeholder meetings. See “Putting Brian Manley to the Test.” No City Council meeting today (May 3). Members are still catching up on…

by Chronicle Staff

Fareground

All six concepts at this upscale food court add twists to their flagship spots’ menus to create an assemblage of new, excellent iterations. Antonelli’s Cheese Shop carries their signature hand-picked cheeses plus meal options like their ultra top-notch creamy mac & cheese. Emmer & Rye’s fast-casual sibling Henbit has you covered for three seasonal squares:…

by Chronicle Staff

Habesha Restaurant and Bar

Good Ethiopian food is all about scooping up that saucy, spiced, fork-free goodness with injera, the spongy sourdough pancake made from teff, and the version at this family-owned spot is perfect. The word Habesha celebrates unity, so if you and your crew haven’t tried this cuisine, start that group text. Try the lentil sambusas and…

by Chronicle Staff

Din Ho Chinese BBQ

From the moment you spot the rows of roasting ducks hanging in the foyer, you know Din Ho is here to party. This northern mall Chinese favorite would earn their place in the hall of fame for their whole roasted pig alone, but, honestly, you can’t go wrong with the pea shoots either.

by Chronicle Staff

Intero

Austin’s newest Italian eatery revived the space Bud’s Motorcycle Shop occupied for over 30 years. The original sign out front honors the building’s past, and the house-made pastas, delectable small plates, and artisan chocolates promise good things to come. Happy hour on the sun-striped patio (with half-off bar snacks) shouldn’t be missed.

by Chronicle Staff

The Big Kahuna

Hawaiian slang for “big shot,” the Big Kahuna is the biggest, if not the only, game in town for real Hawaiian food. Anchored in the Rosedale food court on Burnet Road, the truck slings generous, heartbreakingly fresh poke bowls, the classic Loco Moco (rice topped with a burger patty, fried egg, and gravy), and simply…

by Chronicle Staff

Titaya’s Thai Cuisine

Sometimes we’ll shop at the Half Price Books on North Lamar only for an excuse to go back to nearby Titaya’s a third time in the same week, because the expansive menu of Thai classics is so gustatorily compelling. Or maybe it’s just how their tom kha soup’s made us, ah, coo-coo for coconuts? (Pro…

by Chronicle Staff

Puli-Ra

Chef Deepa Shridhar designed her “low country Indian meets Hill Country Texan” menu using only local, seasonal ingredients. It changes often, but features dishes like spicy Caesar salad with sourdough roti churros, barbecue lamb dirty rice, and signature roti tacos, samosa pies, and naan croissants.

by Chronicle Staff

Perla’s

Perla’s often comes to mind when the sun’s shining in the ATX and we’re craving chilled oysters and country club vibes. But don’t forget about the tender charred octopus with papas bravas or baked mac & cheese with lobster – the hunt for parking on SoCo is worth it.

by Chronicle Staff

Nightcap

It’s the ultimate fancy casual: dining al fresco, atop Astroturf, by candlelight. This West Sixth option (outside of the melee!) is known for sweet indulgences, a hearty soak-up-the-whiskey burger on brioche, and cheeky cocktails like the French Sixty-Nine, the Nookie Cookie, and Straight Up D*ck. In other words, it’s perfect for date night.

by Chronicle Staff

Holy Roller

This funky punk rock diner has quickly become one of Austin’s favorite spots for an irreverent dose of hair of the dog, with a menu of hot takes on nostalgia-inducing classics. It’s sort of like brunch at your grandma’s house, if your grandma used to hang out with Millions of Dead Cops.

by Chronicle Staff

Kyoten Sushiko

If a seafood-craving Goldilocks had broken into Ky¯oten Sushiko, she would have found everything exactly to her liking. From the not-too-flashy decor to phenomenal omakase dinners (reservations only, mind you, Fancy), owner/chef Otto Phan has created a dining experience that’s just right.

by Chronicle Staff

Fabi + Rosi

This European gastronomic exploration exudes taste inside and out. The love story that started it all continues through the care and craftsmanship incorporated into everything from the homemade bread to the house-cured Metzger board. Perhaps the very best part, however, is that the price point of this luxe-sounding menu makes it accessible to most.

by Chronicle Staff

Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile

Ranchers know good food, y’all. Go early for happy hour and watch the sun set over the Colorado River before staying for a dinner of Texas-inspired comfort food like chicken-fried steak, deviled eggs, and mac & cheese.

by Chronicle Staff

Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery

The award-winning craft beer is brewed in-house, the elevated pub grub is a locavore’s dream come true, and the fish & chips would make Christopher Lee smile from beyond his British grave. Oh, and the whole industrially inflected joint’s run cooperatively, FTW, right there where Airport snugs into North Lamar.

by Chronicle Staff

Uchiko

Like the classic little black dress, Uchiko has become a mainstay on the Austin dining scene. From the economical social hour to a date-night splurge with a shellfish allergy, there’s something for everyone at this beloved modern, innovative Japanese restaurant. The menu is in a league of its own: Not even Bon Appétit can nail…

by Chronicle Staff

Rosita’s Al Pastor

True to its namesake, this longtime stand dishes out (dare we claim) the very best tacos al pastor in town. Their succulent yet crispy red-tinged pork is so good that some of the Chronicle Food section writers have been known to battle I-35 rush-hour traffic for a taste.

by Chronicle Staff

Phoebe’s Diner

Although it opened just last year, Phoebe’s already has the feeling of a neighborhood institution, pairing barbecue with indulgent diner staples like French toast (here it’s deep-fried sourdough bread) and breakfast burritos (with smoked cheddar and coffee-rubbed brisket, natch).

by Chronicle Staff

Irene’s

Master sommelier meets blue plate special: That’s Irene’s. They’ll hook you up with boozy punch while chef Andrew Curren whips up classic Southern sandwiches. Grab coffee, loaded toast, and, you know, cigarettes from the window in the morning, and chill on the swanky patio any time of day.

by Chronicle Staff

L’Oca d’Oro

Ingredients for the soulful Italian fare at this bright spot in Mueller are sourced seasonally from all-Texas farms. As if chef Fiore Tedesco’s current five-pasta tasting menu wasn’t enough of a draw, this restaurant also supports One Fair Wage for their employees and makes a mean carbonara. (Pro tip: Happy hour means half-priced wines and…

by Chronicle Staff

Franklin Barbecue

We’ve been loving those brisket burnt ends since Aaron Franklin’s trailer was located not far from the Chron offices near I-35, way back in 2009. The smoke signals at the now Eastside restaurant are nationally recognized – an Obama fist bump, a James Beard award, and even bad boy Bourdain’s unabashed obsession. Even the notorious…

by Chronicle Staff

Juniper

Embracing the time-honored ways of Italian fare alongside our modern Central Texas pride, chef Nicholas Yanes is consistently raising the bar. Here you’ll find locally and thoughtfully sourced ingredients from distilleries to groves that are incorporated into handmade dishes that reinvent the term “classic.”

by Chronicle Staff

Bonhomie

Philip Speer’s bistro on Burnet is smooth like clarified butter. Go visit those bartenders squeezin’ gallons of fresh grapefruit juice for your morning-after pick-me-up, and remember that their brunch boasts such tasty hangover-banishing fare as Rum Baba French Toast and a rosti with thick-cut bacon, Boursin, and a perfectly cooked soft scrambled egg that warrants…

by Chronicle Staff

Van’s Banh Mi

The newest kid on the North Loop block proves itself a master with Vietnamese sandwiches that epitomize the flawless combo of spicy, fatty, and crunchy. If the baguette-enveloped tour de force isn’t your thing, opt for a vermicelli bowl or the pork egg rolls, but always, always say yes to extra house-made hot sauce.

by Chronicle Staff

Soursop

Soursop is the trap music of Austin food trucks, and it’s far too melodious and hype to be held down by its current food truck medium. This Pan-Asian nano-sized masterpiece is a sophisticatedly layered smash-hit of kick drum percussion and 808 bass samples like char siu pork belly, Thai chile sambal wings, kaeng kua barbecue…

by Chronicle Staff

Sway

Strip mall-style Thai will always be a staple, but Sway was the first in Austin to elevate Southeast Asian food to a special occasion with curries, noodles, and extravagant coursed feasts that make for one of the best communal dining experiences in the city. Extra points for a must-order vegetarian app, the salt and pepper…

by Chronicle Staff

Mr. Smarty Pants Knows

Washing machines are teeming with bacteria that find their way onto your clothes – and then onto you. Hot water and bleach are the answers. On his first-ever attempt at a horseshoe toss, at Camp David in 1990, Mikhail Gorbachev threw a ringer. Duct tape has been brought on every NASA mission since the Sixties…

by Mr. Smarty Pants

Kebabalicious

On the scene since 2006, this favorite with a cult following cooks up Turkish-style wraps. You choose the heat level, and they’ll take care of the rest. It’s the fresh-made falafel, though, that gets noncarnivores nomming just as happily. Extra: The zucchini fries, available only on Tuesdays, are alone worth a trip.

by Chronicle Staff

Mi Madre’s

Mi Madre’s didn’t create the breakfast taco, but they’ve damn near perfected it. Since 1990, Austinites have started their day with their massive #8 migas, but the Manor Road institution isn’t resting on melted cheese laurels. They’ve expanded to a mini empire with neighborhood haunt School House Pub and one of the city’s finest mezcal…

by Chronicle Staff

Jeffrey’s

Jeffrey’s is a rare classic establishment where heart-stopping prices actually equate to fine dining. The centerpiece of the menu revolves around perfectly seasoned and seared steaks, but even those who aren’t carnivores can make a meal of the sides and salads that are just as legendary as the delectable meat.

by Chronicle Staff

Justine’s Brasserie

You could stick to the classics like escargots à la bourguignonne or steak tartare, but you’d be remiss to pass up the ever-changing chalkboard specials. Then again, maybe you’re just popping in for a late-night cocktail/rendezvous with a lover, or perhaps a glass of bubbles before your photo sesh with Lumiere Tintype.

by Chronicle Staff

The Brewtorium

We don’t know what it was like to be some Eighties German pud who drank hectolitres of the world’s only source of excellent beer during America’s down years of brewing, but we do know what it’s like to enjoy the post-millennium renaissance of American brewers emulating German bierhalle precision. With a surprisingly thoughtful menu of…

by Chronicle Staff

Biderman’s Deli

While Austin isn’t exactly suffering from a dearth of brisket, good corned beef can be hard to come by in these parts. And chopped liver? Fuggedaboutit! That’s why we were so excited to welcome newcomer Bider­man’s, serving up Jewish deli classics with Texan flair.

by Chronicle Staff

Tuk Tuk

Hidden near a South Austin mini-mall, Tuk Tuk makes some of the best Americanized Thai food in town. Try the smoky sweet panang curry and a couple of orders of their fabulously thin-skinned steam dumplings, with a Thai iced tea, of course, to wash it all down.

by Chronicle Staff

Tito Adobo

With most of Austin’s Filipino restaurants located north of the river, Tito Adobo’s south location is something we all need (and want). The tangy adobo fried rice and purple yam ube horchata are the perfect primer to the delicious playground that is Filipino-American cuisine.

by Chronicle Staff

Texas Platters

In December, Shakey Graves tweeted, “Next album. New sound. Sell your suspenders.” Droll, but even then it was hard to imagine Austin son Alejandro Rose-Garcia forgoing the sound that collages his growing body of work. Out of his trademark suitcase kick-drum, 2011 debut Roll the Bones tumbled forth bedroom intimacy and playfulness, an old-timey, distinctly…

by Alejandra Ramirez

La Condesa

When La Condesa burst onto Second Street back in 2009, most Austinites understood “interior Mexican food” to mean eating inside at Chuy’s. They changed the landscape, not only by elevating Mexican cuisine past cheese enchiladas, but with a design-minded space that foreshadowed the look of countless new Austin restaurants.

by Chronicle Staff

Micklethwait Craft Meats

Everything is made from scratch at this renowned barbecue spot, from the smoked meats to the jalapeño cheese grits to the peanut butter pie. They may be known for the ever-changing sausage menu, but the sides are real good, too. (We’ll see you in Smithville soon.)

by Chronicle Staff

Joe’s Bakery & Mexican Food

Since 1961, the Avila family has been providing Austinites with some of the best greasy spoon Tex-Mex in the 512, with homey takes on classics like huevos rancheros, breakfast tacos, and, of course, their infamous hangover-busting menudo. Make sure to stop by the bakery out front for a concha after breakfast.

by Chronicle Staff

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya

This Texan izakaya concept from ramen gurus Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto marries barbecue-inspired Asian dishes with a wide variety of beer, sake, shochu, Japanese whiskey, and inventive cocktails. Start with playful snacks – like their take on a Hot Pocket and chili cheese takoyaki – before moving on to yakitori, kushiyaki, and a menu…

by Chronicle Staff

Bullfight

The rustic, wood-lined dining room and chicly rough-hewn stoneware plates match the kitchen’s stylish but casual approach to Spanish cuisine. Dishes like arroz valencia, or grilled octopus with chorizo and verdina beans, beg to be shared, ideally with a glass of sherry or two to wash it all down.

by Chronicle Staff

Charm Korean BBQ

Korean barbecue is a multisensory experience, and from the moment you sniff the meat fat and sweet, chile-laden air at Charm, you know you’ve come to the right place. Of course, the grilled dishes are fabulous, but the menu is packed with not-to-be-missed stunners like cold buckwheat noodles with raw stingray and egg.

by Chronicle Staff

Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ

If Valentina’s doesn’t scream “puro Tejas,” we don’t know what does. From the handmade tortillas to the expertly smoked brisket, this food trailer-turned-restaurant is the epitome of Texas foodways. One Real Deal Holyfield and you’re fixed for the day – not that you’ll want to stop at one.

by Chronicle Staff

Aviary Wine & Kitchen

Aviary gets an A+ for their extensive wine list (and knowledgeable staff to help navigate), the house-made pastas and pastries, and half-priced bottles on Wednesdays. Extra credit for the always-perfect risotto. And bonus points for the clever bathroom signage.

by Chronicle Staff

Texas Platters

Throat cancer nearly felled Jerry Jeff Walker last year as he wrapped recording for It’s About Time. That brush with mortality now adds a reflective tinge to the progressive country stalwart’s first album in nearly a decade. Even as his voice settles into a lower key, Walker continues spinning gorgeously easy melodies and true narratives…

by Doug Freeman

Le Politique

Aside from Chez Nous, French food never really had a moment in Downtown Austin, which makes Le Politique stand out even more. Copious al fresco dining space nods to Parisian cafes, their croque madame drowned in Mornay screams French indulgence, and their fruits de mer adds a much-needed new seafood option.

by Chronicle Staff

Paperboy

Now two locations strong, this stationary trailer specializes in breakfast and brunch with a short, ever-changing menu. The bacon, egg, and cheese on a buttermilk bun is a mainstay, as is the Texas hash, made with sweet potato, pork shoulder, kale, and pecan mole. Each new day brings a variety of other bowls, toasts, salads,…

by Chronicle Staff

Artessano

There aren’t a ton of places to get arepas in Austin, but this tiny trailer on East Sixth Street undoubtedly offers the best. Carlos Quitian opened up this Colombian food walk-up in November 2014, serving authentic empanadas and cooling ice pops in a casual spot in the middle of the Pangea Lounge.

by Chronicle Staff

Killa Wasi

Nestled in the cutest little turquoise school bus off Airport, this bright jewel-toned Instagram darling delivers as much substance as style, with Austin-influenced spins on Peruvian flavors. Think yucca hummus with white miso and kale chimichurri, or eggs Benedict with boar instead of bacon.

by Chronicle Staff

Citizen Eatery

Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and paleo items on one meat-free menu? From flapjacks at brunch to a barbecue “pulled plant” sandwich for dinner, this nondescript from the outside, but charming on the inside spot is full of surprises. Be sure to get a selfie with the pink rabbit on the wall before your third cocktail.

by Chronicle Staff

Garbo’s Fresh Maine Lobster

Mainers know lobster rolls, and Garbo’s is owned by Mainers. This food truck (yes, their brick-and-mortar is stellar, too) blurred the Mason-Dixon line, making Austin forget the days when New Englanders kept that buttery crustacean all to themselves. The only question now is: butter or mayo?

by Chronicle Staff

The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.

ABGB is the Zack Morris of Austin’s brewery scene: oozing charm and always the first one invited to the party. But really, they’ve got great sound (their live music lineup is always packed), their brews are winning national awards right and left, and those big, greasy farm-to-table-veggie-heavy pies will make you as happy as Screech…

by Chronicle Staff

El Chipirón

More than just a (very) pretty face, the stylish dining room at El Chipirón serves up some of the best tapas in Austin, with flawless renditions of classics like pan con tomate, gambas a la plancha, and blistered padrón peppers with Catalan alioli sauce. Come on a Tuesday to try their fabulous paella.

by Chronicle Staff

Texas Platters

As the bridge between the roots-oriented Waller Creek Boys (with Janis Joplin on autoharp) and the 13th Floor Elevators, Powell St. John’s impact on Austin music history is hard to overstate. His contributions to the Elevators’ recorded canon easily earn this album’s honorific. Several get reimagined here in a manner highlighting St. John’s essential strengths…

by Greg Beets

El Naranjo

Oaxaca is often called the gastronomic heart of Mexico, and Iliana de la Vega and Ernesto Torrealba take their mission of bringing those traditions to Austin seriously. They put their own unique spin on dishes like mole nero, which is used here to top enchiladas filled with roasted duck meat and topped with panela cheese.

by Chronicle Staff

Patrizi’s

Fresh pasta, pork, lemon, tomato, egg yolk, cheese – Patrizi’s doesn’t overcomplicate the simplistic and breezy nature of Italian food. There’s almost always a line, but the outdoor seating also has a real “Grandma’s porch” vibe going on, so it’s actually the perfect place to relax. Sorry, we just made your Sunday plans.

by Chronicle Staff

Baton Creole

Serving self-proclaimed “authentic badass Cajun,” Baton blurs that Louisiana-Texas line with ease, bringing Cajun-inspired, Austin-friendly twists on old faves. Dark roux gumbo, jambalaya batons, and poutine fries with brie are only a few of the mouthwatering bayou flavors on this menu.

by Chronicle Staff

Kreyòl Korner

It might be an island thing, but Kreyol Korner’s gourmet Caribbean combinations have become an Austin thing. Specializing in Haitian dishes, they are bringing the Creole culture to Texas with their fresh herbs and spices and options like fried pork shoulder or legume combo plates with red beans & rice and plantains.

by Chronicle Staff

Eldorado Cafe

Open less than a year, this homey, funky Tex-Mex comfort food joint has Austin cred out the yin-yang. Chef/owner Joel Fried pairs his creative spin on classic combo plates (mashed potato enchiladas, anyone?) with loving gestures toward Austin’s culinary history in the form of specials like the Lost Amis and the Cocina del Sur. We’re…

by Chronicle Staff

Haru Sushi

Hanabi’s sushiya (soon to be rebranded as Haru Sushi) presents the freshest sashimi in the most exquisite platings, especially if you splurge with the omakase. The hotate crudo and the blackened pepper tuna salad with goat cheese are also very smart decisions.

by Chronicle Staff

Café No Sé

Why, yes, we do want ricotta hotcakes and the grilled shrimp burger for brunch. And pastry chef Amanda Rockman has the power to make a decidedly dessert-free diner (blaspheme!) into a believer with that tres leches oat cake and the pistachio chartreuse semifreddo with orange caramel jus. Amen.

by Chronicle Staff

Confituras Little Kitchen

Ex-nurse Stephanie McClenny has turned her tiny jam-making operation into a biscuit emporium and cozy space where folks can gather for coffee and baked goods. Baking and crafting classes put the “yum” in “community.”

by Chronicle Staff

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