Major Artist Bebel Gilberto
“Brazilians are intense. We are not full of shit.”
Paul Simon, Still Tender After All These Years
Hit-maker supreme digs in at the first of three Austin shows
Local Tech You Didn’t Know You Needed
Globotix and Party Time! Hexcellent! make stuff no one else is making
Patrick Bullies School ISD Over Transgender Policy
Lt. Gov. calls for resignation of Ft. Worth superintendent
West Austin Studio Tour: Recommendations
Five suggested stops along the annual Westside visual-arts tour
DVDanger: Fursonas
Getting beneath the fur with director Dominic Rodriguez
Star Turns
The nominees for the 2015-16 Austin Critics Table Awards
Boyfrndz Back With “Gone”
Post-rock experimentalists foreshadow new LP Impulse
All That $10 Million Can’t Buy
Anti-Prop 1 faction celebrates referendum’s resounding defeat
Prop 1 Election Results
Uber and Lyft vs. Austin, the numbers through the night
DVDanger: Scherzo Diabolico
Director Adrián García Bogliano subverts Mexican preconceptions
I Like to Watch
Saying goodbye to The Good Wife
Mayor’s Office Promotes Don’t Rush Day
Adler really wants you not to drive during rush hour May 11
A Final Gina Chavez Diary: Back to Argentina
Embrujos, Malbec, and even “Kumbaya”
Sturgill Simpson, Sink or Swim
The Sailor’s tour kickoff searches for its sea legs
Captain America: Civil War
It’s a Marvel Universe, and we all just live in it
Ratchet & Clank
This animated video-game spin-off fails on every level
The Man Who Knew Infinity
Mathematics prodigy Srinivasa Ramanujan is the subject of this biopic
The Family Fang
Jason Bateman directs and co-stars in this dark comedy
Dough
A Jewish baker and his Muslim trainee douse their bread with marijuana
Rio, I Love You
All set in Rio de Janeiro, this is a collection of short films
1920 London
In this Indian horror film, an ill man is possessed by black magic
A Giant Dog Record Review
Pile (Merge)
The Common Law
Drone rules – the basics
Rosewood Courts Historic-Zoning Talks Continue
Future uncertain for the first African-American public housing complex in the country
Goodall’s Kitchen
Nestled in the lobby of the historic Hotel Ella, Goodall’s Kitchen is a welcome refuge from the ubiquitous spread of pizza joints and taco shops of West Campus. They have rotating seasonal offerings like pork belly tater tots, and their cocktail list is expansive and well thought out. Need we say more?
Austin Daily Press
Sure, we love the bánh mì-esque Lucy done up as tacos and the Baby Buffalo as a hearty salad, but the sammies at ADP are the real deal, served up on rolls from La Mexicana Panaderia and Sweetish Hill Bakery – and the jalapeño hush puppies always have us barking for more. Plus, anywhere with…
The Hightower
The outside might look a little like an Eastside dive bar, but the Hightower isn’t about pouring Jameson shots to denim vest-wearing beardos. Yes, there is a full bar, but the focus is chef Chad Dolezal’s quietly adventurous menu that blends the Lone Star State’s culinary traditions with a global palate. We’ll drink to that.
Noble Sandwich Co.
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was fond of saying “less is more,” but that’s probably because he never had a Noble sandwich. Take the seared beef tongue piled with smoked green onions, red pepper relish, and tangy aïoli. Who needs minimalism when maximalism is so delicious?
Xian Sushi and Noodle
We have to admit: We rarely order the ultra-fresh sushi because it’s all about the hand-pulled Chinese noodles at this pan-Asian eatery. Served dry (stir-fried and saucy) or soupy, the strands are pulled to order (you choose the shape and thickness). The incomparable texture of the noodles, fragrant broth, and complimentary fermented black vinegar and…
Sway
Sway’s extensive menu means there’s never a lack of exciting dishes to try, even though we can’t seem to forgo our favorites like prawn miange and blue crab fried rice. (We’ve learned to come with a group and share all the dishes.) Chef Martin Wilda’s special menus, celebrating events such as the recent Songkran, as…
Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar
This new favorite from District Kitchen + Cocktails chef/partner Amir Hajimaleki’s adventurous cuisine blends global influences like German (veal schnitzel), Caribbean (jerk pork tenderloin), and Irish (shepherd’s pie) foods without ever feeling disjointed. We love that he’s bringing the gospel of good food to the outskirts of Austin.
Playback – Sike Fest: Levitation Canceled
Levitation 2016, a bitter pill for all
Headlines
Early voting for the May 7 Proposition 1 election ended Tuesday with a remarkably high turnout, and Uber and Lyft’s spending at $8.1 million (with a bullet) facing off against numerous public interest and activist groups hoping to defeat the company-drafted proposition. For a snapshot of the spending, pro and con, see “Money Doesn’t Talk,…
Olamaie
We are not saying that the phrase “Jesus is a biscuit” has anything to do with Olamaie, but if any one biscuit is worthy of such religious thoughts, it’s the one made by chefs Michael Fojtasek and Grae Nonas. The rest of the contemporary Southern – from pickles to chicken dumplings – have us testifying,…
Cherrywood Coffeehouse
Come for the award-winning burger, stay for an outdoor film screening. It may bill itself as a coffeehouse, but Cherrywood is more like a community hub, satisfying the yogi, budding artist, videophile, live-music lover, coffee snob, and foodie in all of us. No wonder there is always a line at brunch.
Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile
Want to impress your parents the first time they visit you in Austin? Take them to Jacoby’s. Chef Albert Gonzalez’s elevated, but not precious cuisine will impress your mom, and the breathtaking views and decor of the patio will wow your other mom. It’s guaranteed to put them in a good mood before you ask…
Royal Jelly
The still-new, but ever-changing menu at Royal Jelly has us rushing back to try everything before the season dictates its expiration. Merguez lamb sliders with fennel-carrot-mint slaw and goat cheese is our current obsession. The all-Texas beer list ranges from sours to stouts, and the full bar makes a mean Mol’e Fashioned. It’s our favorite…
Asiana Indian Cuisine
In present-day Austin, we often forget that good isn’t a synonym for unaffordable. Asiana’s lunch buffet doesn’t require a late credit card payment, but it’s stocked with saag paneer, and lamb vindaloo, and rotating specials – in short, a showpiece for everything the bare-bones restaurant has to offer. If you don’t leave stuffed, you don’t…
Barlata Tapas Bar
Bringing authentic Spanish tapas by way of San Francisco, husband-and-wife team Daniel Olivella and Vanessa Jerez should be kissed for bringing this gem to South Lamar. What more could a person want than to be able to pick an assortment of small plates bursting with flavor, from squid ink paellas to traditional latas? Oh yes,…
Olive & June
Austin’s no longer lacking Italian options, but before last year’s flood of tagliatelle, Olive & June built a rep as a reliably great place to enjoy classics like cacio e pepe as well as creative interpretations like saffron-ricotta ravioli. There’s just enough upscale decor to make a plate of spaghetti feel elegant, with a wine…
Brandon Watson’s Top 10
1) Apis Restaurant & Apiary 2) Emmer & Rye 3) Olamaie 4) Odd Duck 5) Lenoir 6) Franklin Barbecue 7) Barley Swine 8) Juniper 9) Via 313 10) Dai Due
AISD Salaries Up for Debate
With cost of living going up, teachers need a raise
Taco Joint
There are few breakfast taco secrets left in Austin, but this campus-area hangover cure has been left largely untouched except for a steady stream of UT students and staff. It’s rare you’ll find eggs on a house-made tortilla in this town, even rarer to find one topped with such a gluttonous mound of cheese.
Contigo
Boasting one of Austin’s best outdoor spaces – modeled after its namesake ranch – and a creative assortment of Texas tapas, this is a pitch-perfect happy hour spot. It fills up fast with the neighborhood crowd, but you can sip an El Pepino, crunch popcorn and olive bar snacks, and throw horseshoes while you wait.
Juniper
Executive chef and partner Nicholas Yanes’ handsome Northern Italian eatery may be new, but it has already made its mark in the Eastside’s budding fine-dining scene. The kitchen team prepares delicate pasta dishes and innovative small plates that nod to Texas, like risotto with local strawberry, avocado, and mint. Beverage director Nic Vascocu’s refined drink…
Sala & Betty
The vision behind this neighborhood spot was to provide wholesome food quickly, and it does just that. Run by former Aquarelle owner, Teresa Wilson, Sala & Betty can still teach Austin’s food scene a thing or two on inventive ways to use vegetables, like its cauliflower tortillas and mushroom “meatloaf,” to name a few. What’s…
Evangeline Cafe
All the Cajun classics are here – gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée, red beans and rice – but owner/chef Curtis Clarke’s less traditional creations like Gold Band Creole (huge fried butterflied shrimp served on fettuccine with a spicy aïoli and a titular strip of Parmesan) steal the show. The frequent live music keeps things rockin’.
Cantine
If restaurants were greatest hits albums, Cantine would be burning up the charts. Hospitality veterans Lisa and Emmett Fox borrowed elements from their Hyde Park classic, Asti, and sorely missed Hollywood Regency stunner Fino for their new venture in the Lamar Union development. The result is an innovative Mediterranean restaurant with a bright dining room…
Pieous
You can bet that any restaurant with bacon marmalade pizza, soft pillowy crusts on Neapolitan-style pies, and a penchant for pastrami will have a dedicated following willing to make the Dripping Springs drive. Add in giant chocolate chip cookies and draft beer, and it’s practically a religion.
Walking the Fine-Dining Line
How much is too much for Austin diners?
Leaks Plague South Shore Residents
Tenants of the South Shore District, the luxury apartment complex that replaced the Shoreline Apartments in 2011, report to the Chronicle that they’ve been frustrated with developer Grayco Partners’ handling of water damage to several apartments. In a letter dated November 2015, Grayco president Jeff Gray informed South Shore residents of water damage sustained to…
Texas French Bread
One of the most pleasant things about Texas French Bread has nothing to do with the food. Owner Murph Willcott’s emails are part holiday newsletter, part memoir, and part photo essay, sharing anecdotes about restaurant life next to weekly specials. That personal touch shows in everything TFB does, from the Texas bistro cuisine to the…
Dai Due Butcher Shop & Supper Club
Most Austin restaurants are concerned with sustainability, but few walk the walk as thoroughly as chef/owner Jesse Griffiths. From Gulf seafood to locally sourced yaupon tea and loquats foraged across town, everything about Dai Due is seasonal and local (not to mention delicious). If there is such a thing as a wholly Austin cuisine, this…
Justine’s Brasserie
This “Best of Austin” and “First Plates” veteran continues to be our own private party. No matter how many times we traipse to Justine’s, every visit is a brand-new experience – thanks to nightly blackboard specials like flounder with spring onions, or bison- and bacon-stuffed cabbage. Mainstays like the steak frites and superlative pork chops…
Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew
You know that feeling you have every time Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” comes on? Stiles Switch is a little like that – comfortingly familiar, a little raucous, and a whole lot of fun. With superb barbecue from owner Shane Stiles and lead pitmaster Lance Kirkpatrick and a killer draft selection, Stiles is always…
Full English
The ramshackle dining room could have been decorated by one of Hyacinth Bucket’s sisters, and that’s only one of the many charms. Gorgeous pasties, fish and chips, and traditional breakfasts rule here, all handmade using local ingredients.
Chi’Lantro BBQ
Let’s be honest; you’re here for the kimchi fries. And they are amazing, especially topped with the spicy pork. With a fifth location on the way, Chi’Lantro is becoming something of a local empire; you might as well get in on the action before they go national.
Proof & Cooper
With simple fare like deviled eggs and fried pickles, Proof & Cooper doesn’t seem like it belongs on any “best of” lists. But those deviled eggs pop with smoked paprika, and the fried pickles are made from in-house bread-and-butters. Heck, even the ranch dressing is a work of art. There’s no pretention here, just perfectly…
Yoshi Dreams of (More Than) Sushi
Otoko isn’t what you think it is
Notes on Kamp: The Illusion of Safety
Prop 1 is terrible, but the regulations it seeks to overturn need work
Via 313
Forever famous for their Detroit-style square pan pies with a caramelized cheese crust, the newest locations (both full-service restaurants with a full menu) offer apps like stuffed artichokes, beet salads with candied prosciutto, and thin-crust “bar style” pizzas that are – gasp! – round. As devoted to the four corners as we are, we can’t…
Franklin Barbecue
So much has been written about Aaron Franklin and the restaurant that bears his name – the James Beard award, the lines, the religious experience of the brisket – that chiming in now really seems unnecessary. So instead, we’ll just say one thing: It really is that good.
la Barbecue
Much has been written about pitmaster John Lewis’ way with brisket and ribs, and we won’t deny the power in the smoke. But we will take a moment to herald genius sandwiches like La Frito Loco. It may start with pulled pork, but it adds chopped beef, corn chips, black bean salad, chipotle slaw, cheese,…
Titaya’s Thai Cuisine
A collective cry was let out when Austin’s mainstay Titaya’s closed for extensive renovations a few years back. Luckily when it reopened after its major face-lift, what came out of its kitchen was still exactly what customers wanted: amazing, non-fussy Thai food, like classic pad cha with crispy fried catfish.
Independence Fine Foods
The beef cheeks are braised for hours, the pork belly is cured in-house, and the brioche are baked on-site. Independence didn’t have to do any of that – after all, we are talking about sandwiches – but the effort pays off in some of the best food in all of South Austin.
Juliet Italian Kitchen
We can’t wait for drier weather so we can fold Juliet’s gorgeous patio into our happy hour rotation. From the polpo and pesce crudo to the pizzas and handmade pastas to the ample parking lot, Juliet beckons us back for her well-executed Italian dishes and stunning decor. The olive oil tastings offer a true touch…
Visconti Ristorante
A lot of new Italian restaurants have opened in the last year or so, but few can actually transport you to Italy. Housed in the luxurious Hotel Granduca, Visconti is a mini-vacation with the type of attentive service that is rare in America. Executive chef Tom Parlo’s cuisine completes the illusion with thoughtful Northern Italian…
Dear Glutton: Navigating First Plates
Where to eat in Austin now
Chef D’oeuvre
Austin pastry stars recount the dishes that made their careers
Pit’s End
Dog owners face an unwelcoming housing market
Grove PUD Neighbors Sue City
They say the city’s interpretation of Texas’ valid petition rights statute is wrong
Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden
The affable conviviality of this Rainey Street standby belies the seriousness of their sausage menu, which is as wide-ranging as it is delicious. And nothing goes better with a mimosa the size of your head than a plate of their biscuits smothered in outrageously creamy gravy.
Patrizi’s
Embodying the idea that simplicity is a marker of sophistication, the made-to-order fresh pasta is one of our favorites in town. Open for dinner, the unassuming food truck in the Butterfly Bar courtyard boasts house-made ricotta, local veggies and eggs, and dishes designed around time-honored family flavors. The Pomodoro’s roasted romas and garlic confit is…
Launderette
Chronicle readers endowed Launderette with Best New Restaurant honors last year in the annual “Best of Austin” poll, and we are perpetually wowed. Sweet lump crab toast, whole branzino, and burrata with black mission figs all induce audible sighs of bliss, but we’re most impressed by chef Rene Ortiz’s treatment of vegetables – his transformation…
Uchiko
Translated as “child of uchi,” Tyson Cole’s sequel to his now-multiplying Uchi restaurant has grown into an identity of its own. With a killer happy hour, exquisite Japanese farmhouse cuisine, and a kitchen that produces some of Austin’s most talented chefs, it’s no wonder Uchiko has been packed nonstop since its 2010 opening.
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ
In Texas, eschewing barbecue traditions is risky, but Valentina’s pulls off the rare feat of marrying tortillas and smoked meats with such finesse that even the grouchiest salt-and-pepper stalwarts could be convinced that fusion isn’t a dirty word. Bonus points for bringing barbecue into the realm of breakfast and offering the best pre-11am brisket in…
Odd Duck
Any person walking into Odd Duck for the first time will see the open kitchen and wood-fired oven and know they’re about to get both dinner and a show. Starting as a trailer by Barley Swine owner Bryce Gilmore, Odd Duck focuses on letting local ingredients speak for themselves through small plates, like the duck…
wink
Still going strong after 15 years, wink has seen more than its fair share of lit candles. That’s because the Old West Austin staple has always known how to make their customers feel special. With timeless cuisine, an irreproachable front-of-house, and a savvy wine list, wink is always a celebration.
Heroes on the Half Shell
The oyster is Austin’s world
Pet Resources
Resources for those who find themselves struggling to house their animals
Ott and Acevedo at Odds
City manager reprimands police chief for insubordination, sparking rumors
Counter 3. Five. VII
Intimate and personal, Counter 3. Five. VII is the perfect spot for a date where you want to show off your restrained good taste, or a solo outing when you’re in the mood to let someone else make the hard decisions. Just choose the three-, five-, or seven-course tasting menu, then sit back and enjoy.
Unit-D Pizzeria
The craveworthy menu offers Neapolitan pizza topped with fresh ingredients ranging from classic to creative, but it isn’t just about pizza at Unit-D. The chic ambience and excellent local beer and wine selection pair well with the 27-year-old sourdough starter, charcuterie, wood-fired olives, lovely Caesar salads, and quietly innovative desserts.
Nasha
Specializing in Indian soul food, this psychedelic Eastside spot blends traditional dishes like tikka masala and saag paneer with Texas’ culinary traditions. The lunch thali platter is a great deal, and options run aplenty with curries, flavored naan, biryani, samosas, and even tacos. The spicy curried margarita is our favorite summer tipple.
Din Ho Chinese BBQ
You know your restaurant offers something special when Austinites are willing to brave the journey from south to north just for a taste of the roast duck. Din Ho doesn’t have a hip interior or a trendy craft cocktail program, but none of that matters when your eyes are rolling back in your head.
Veracruz All Natural
In the preliminary round of the Chronicle’s breakfast taco competition, Veracruz beat out Torchy’s 60% to 40% – no easy feat. In addition to excellent Mexican hand pies, Veracruz slings incredible tortas, and the original location on Cesar Chavez still whips up fresh fruit smoothies and aguas frescas.
Sazón
This South Austin favorite visits different culinary regions of Mexico, with nuanced twists and an emphasis on a worldwide food staple – corn – with delectable crema de elote and handmade corn tortillas. Enchiladas de mole, or de pipián, are solid choices, and the garlic rice is a nice detour from oft-featured Spanish rice.
Pets in Abusive Relationships
Getting out of an abusive relationship is notoriously difficult. “Abusers tend to ostracize victims financially, from their friends, family, from the entire outside world,” says Victoria Rambo, a staff attorney at Texas Advocacy Project and volunteer animal advocate. Having a pet can further complicate matters, as “a pet is likely to be the victim’s therapeutic…
The Hightower Report
What happened to America’s train system?
The Driskill Grill
Suffering from quinoa fatigue? Get thee to the Driskill, where you can hide out in a dark wood-paneled room and have the sort of well-made, honest meal your grandfather would approve of: iceberg wedge salad and osso buco or a dry aged steak. And, of course there’s crème brûlée for dessert.
Asti
In 2001, Chronicle readers voted this Hyde Park mainstay the Best New Restaurant in our annual Restaurant Poll. Customers haven’t stopped raving since. It’s rare for a restaurant to have longevity over a more than 15-year span; it’s rarer still when a restaurant still feels relevant.
Paperboy
The humble, gravel-lot breakfast trailer sells out before many Austin slackers have left the house, but their brioche B.E.C. and steak & egg sandwiches are worth setting an alarm for. If the sandwiches are 86’d, the requisite 2016-style toasts (savory with goat chorizo or sweet with ricotta and tangerine marmalade) are equally eye-opening.
Fork & Vine
When we think of neighborhood restaurants, we usually think of dives. Chef Camden Stuerzenberger proves they can be sophisticated with hearty dishes that blend country club classicism (fried oysters, shrimp cocktail) with a global palate (shrimp & grits with a vanilla beurre blanc). The wine list is one of the best in the city.
The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.
With one of the biggest and best patios in town, bold and beautiful pizza pies, and an on-site brewery, it’s no wonder this warehouse spot has become a favorite hang spot. Sourcing from Johnson’s Backyard Garden and other local farms, the possibilities are endless.
Uchi
Rumor has it that Matthew McConaughey frequents this classy sushi joint and orders nothing but sea bream sashimi. We would be fine with just that as well – no soy sauce or wasabi needed on the immaculate cuts of fresh fish – but other menu items (Wagyu hot rock, tiger shrimp tempura, or the hakujin…
Imagining the Real
UT’s East Austin Stories documents evolving landscape
Public Notice: Think Globally, Vote Locally
Why your country is depending on you to vote no on Prop 1
Easy Tiger
With its relaxed beer garden vibes and extensive menu of smoked meats, Easy Tiger is the perfect refuge for grown adults dragged down to Sixth Street to see their friends’ jam bands. A vat of their beer cheese and a couple of their well-balanced cocktails would put anyone in a good enough mood to listen…
Chinatown
In 2013, after a couple of years of health problems, owner Ronald Cheng had an opportunity to reopen in the building where Chinatown started in 1983. He kept some of the former menu items, added some delicious new ones, and gave the whole place a new look – simultaneously reinvigorating his brand and cementing his…
Salt & Time Butcher Shop & Salumeria
Artisanal butchering may have been supplanted by other food trends nationally, but the movement hasn’t slowed down in Texas. Salt & Time still excel at the nose-to-tail tradition, evidenced by their in-house charcuterie and rotating offal specials. Their wide selection of meats ranges from popular cuts to the lesser-known ones, and lunch, brunch, and dinner…
Garbo’s Fresh Maine Lobster
With New England seafood flown in daily, and options for Maine- or Connecticut-style lobster rolls, the brick-and-mortar version of the popular food truck fleet is the flagship of a mini Third Coast empire. Try the delectable smoked fish dip served in mason jars with house pickles and the fish & chips made to perfection.
Alcomar
We don’t want to get too much into Lana Del Rey’s business, but maybe if she had a restaurant like Alcomar nearby, she wouldn’t experience so much “Summertime Sadness.” With an effortless interior, achingly fresh seafood, and heady margaritas, chefs Alma Alcocer-Thomas and Jeff Martinez preside over an instant pick-me-up.
VOX Table
The seasonally changing yet always-gorgeous platings (read: highly ’grammable) have us coming back to VOX on the reg. Chef Joe Anguiano’s albacore tuna tartare scooped with a delicate potato lavash is divine, and smoked Tasmanian trout at brunch had us swimming. Beverage director JR Mocanu is also doing some very innovative things behind the bar,…
Where Is Your Mind?
Stories of the Mind brings mental health issues to light
Wars of Heaven: Smackdown!
This Trouble Puppet Theater production takes the philosophic battle between good and evil into the pro-wrestling ring
Quote of the Week
“I hope they will stay, but if I have to choose – and I believe this city will choose – between public safety on one hand and Uber staying on the other, I don’t think it’ll be close.” – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, responding to Uber’s demand for weaker regulations, including ending fingerprinting requirement for…
Emmer & Rye
You know those annoying text threads that pop up every weekend? Where one friend wants to get crazy on Rainey, another wants to keep it classy, and a third just wants to eat as much as possible? Emmer & Rye is here to save the day, with small bites, big plates, and roaming dim sum…
Fonda San Miguel
Serving regional Mexican cuisine since 1975, Fonda San Miguel is as much of an Austin icon as it is a great happy hour spot. The walls of the expansive hacienda-style space showcase a fine gallery of Mexican art, and the dishes served are equally remarkable. Do not visit without ordering a ceviche and house margarita.
Toaster
The description of the baked mac on the menu says it all: “It’s fucking delightful.” From the avocado crema-topped Scotch eggs at brunch to classic cheese-and-potato pierogies at dinner, Toaster is all about hitting your pleasure centers – proving that in these tweezered and bespoke culinary times, food is still about how it makes you…
Greenhouse Craft Food
Who says that the ’burbs can’t have good food? Chef Rob Snow’s eclectic cafe brings the foodie gospel up north with serious sandwiches and burgers, locally sourced salads, and one of the best macaroni & cheeses in all of Central Texas. Don’t forget to check out the specials, ranging from grilled shrimp in strawberry cocktail…
Café No Sé
You could easily play hipster food bingo with Café No Sé’s menu (Avocado toast? Check! Kale salad? Yup!) but the execution here is flawless, simultaneously excessive and elegant. #foodporn-worthy bites for the Instagirl in your life that taste good enough that you don’t mind putting up with her.
Apis Restaurant & Apiary
This fine-dining hive nestled on the Pedernales is even better than its buzz. Chef Taylor Hall’s dedication to seasonal and local fare, plus the on-site apiary and new covered patio, make this an unforgettable dinner. Try the honeycomb-infused Texas bourbon craft cocktail and the buttermilk biscuits with honey butter.
Gay Place
It’s been a couple of big weeks for the pair behind Austin’s beloved GayBiGayGay
Out of Ink 2016: Carry On
As usual, ScriptWorks’ annual showcase of 10-minute plays is a bit rough but shows the promise of creative minds
Oops!
In last week’s “Public Notice,” the Chronicle described Political Action Committee Texans for Accountable Government as far right and funded by the Koch Brothers, neither of which is accurate. The Chronicle regrets the error.
Fixe
Louisiana native chef James Robert plates up elevated, playful Southern eats. The team executes a fine balance between classics-done-well (like their famed biscuits) and outside-the-box concepts (like lobster & crawfish pot pie). The bar stirs up reimagined cocktails – the barrel-aged Manhattan with house-cured bacon is a showstopper. Whimsy carries into the eclectic space made…
Threadgill’s Old No. 1
Calling Eddie Wilson’s down-home restaurant an institution is an understatement. Generations of Austinites have downed a beer (or two) at Threadgill’s while feasting on chicken-fried steaks that are as legendary as the musicians who performed there. The massive selection of sides still makes us hoot and holler.
Barley Swine
We were sad to see the intimate space on South Lamar close, but it didn’t take us long to warm up to the kitchen views, cozy tables, and full bar of the new location. The menu keeps on evolving too, as happens when you have one of the best kitchen teams in all of Austin.
Jack Allen’s Kitchen Round Rock
Chef Jack Gilmore’s locally sourced menu is about as Texan as it gets: hearty portions of comfort food jam-packed with big flavor, served in a sophisticated boots-and-starched-denim setting. Tacos, buns, grillin’s, and chicken-fried anything makes up the bulk of the menu, with surf, turf, and daily specials giving something for everyone in the family.
Central Standard Kitchen & Bar
How to land a deal: Take your client to Central Standard. Sit at the glistening bar, away from the hubbub of the dining room. Order one Standard Platter stocked with oysters, lobster, and clams, an order of the decadent potato bread, and two seriously boozy Salted Caramel cocktails. Clink your glasses and sign on the…
Cafe Josie
For most restaurants, all-you-can-eat is a concept meant to pack in the masses. For Cafe Josie chef Todd Havers, it’s an antidote to upscale dining that still leaves you hungry after a hefty bill. “The experience,” the name for the recently launched unlimited prix fixe, is proof that this Clarksville fixture can still teach this…
“McKay Otto: Ever or Ever” at CAMIBAart
The visually rich and meditative surfaces of these mixed-media works take the viewer to a space veiled in silence
Page Two: Pablo Picasso Was Never Called an A……
On money, politics, voting, and Daniel Johnston
Geraldine’s
The name might sound like one of your grandmother’s quilting bee partners, but there’s nothing dusty about this fourth-floor showstopper. Featuring contemporary cuisine from chef Frank Mnuk and pastry chef Callie Speer, and whimsical cocktails from beverage director Jennifer Keyser (plus local live music), this Geraldine is your guide to one of Austin’s best nights…
Vespaio
A SoCo staple from before it was called SoCo, the elegant eatery takes its name from the buzzing dining room. It’s classic Italian, with walls of wine, in-house butchery, a long list of house-made delights, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients. We love the calamari fritti arrabbiata, Scampi con Salsa all’Aglio, and the Sicilian cheesecake, so very…
Bullfight
Few local restaurants are as sexy as Shawn Cirkiel’s Bullfight. Maybe it’s the lighting, or the almost encyclopedic selection of sherries (nerds are sexy too), or the indoor-outdoor space. But we always have our rom-com moment when we bite into tapas like branzino crudo or veal sweetbreads a la plancha. We don’t even need a…
Kin & Comfort
The digs aren’t fancy (it’s a grocery store food court after all), but chef Ek Timrerk’s confident blend of Thai and Southern cuisines defies location. Dishes like the panang mac & cheese and the Thai meat loaf could work in the finest of dining rooms. Get them now while they are still a bargain.
Home Slice Pizza
This beloved hang spot might have the best mascot in town: a queen of pies with rockin’ ’stache and a sly wink. She knows why she rules – her New York-style and Sicilian pizzas are above reproach, and the garlic knots can build empires. But that doesn’t mean she won’t treat you like royalty too.
Clark’s Oyster Bar
Dining at Clark’s Oyster Bar is like being transported into a nautical J. Crew ad. The interior’s impeccable, the waitstaff and clientele are polished, and every dish is photo shoot-ready. Run by the same group behind Perla’s and Jeffrey’s, every detail behind Clark’s is deliberate and adds to the whole dining experience – though its…
Day Trips: Owl Drug Store Fountain & Grill, Coleman
Small-town pharmacy’s lunch counter grills a legendary burger
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Italic
Italic is the perfect neighborhood date night restaurant, with a menu of beautifully wrought Italian classics, and just enough original touches to keep things interesting. The slow-braised bolognese sets a new standard in carb-intensive comfort food.
Arlo’s
Curbing carnivorous cravings has never been so easy. When even the most devout meat-eater yearns for the Bac’n Cheeze Burger from Arlo’s, you know the kitchen’s doing something right. This fleet now satisfies appetites all across town with its three trucks, but we personally pine for the Chik’n Tacos and tots washed down with a…
Épicerie
Perfect for a casual Sunday brunch, this neighborhood French-American restaurant makes you feel just a little bit fancy and right at home all at once. The airy cafe and grocery shop offers simple but well-executed dishes like cured salmon toast, gnocchi, and a burger with a side of frites. If you’re only feeling peckish, get…
Ramen Tatsu-ya
One can’t go wrong with the Tonkotsu Original, but if you really wanna get your lip-smackin’ slurp on, get the Tsukemen – each dredge of noodles into the side of condensed pork-bone dipping broth is pure pleasure. The now very popular hashtag, #RTYslurp, says it all.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
It’s hard to resist the sirens’ call of a big juicy handcrafted burger, especially from a place that offers endless variations in toppings and proteins. Even though this Austin original opens its fourth location soon, it still packs the house – proving that craft burgers are more than just a trend.
Fabi + Rosi
Seems like no matter how many “hidden gem” lists Fabi + Rosi makes, there’s still never a long waitlist to deter us from dining at this European restaurant housed in a charming Craftsman bungalow. No complaints here – the schnitzel is worth the wait if you haven’t already tried it, as is the simple but…
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Hornography
The NBA Playoffs are in full force, entering the round of conference semifinals. We have two Texas alums still playing. And, technically, Austin does have an NBA (affiliated) team – owned and operated by the San Antonio Spurs organization – so I’m going to take a tremendous liberty, and preview the remaining games of the…
Daito
This humble mom and pop’s shop highlights exquisite handmade udon that’s difficult to find outside Japan. Their meticulously prepared dashi broth brings deep umami to comfort staples like chawanmushi. The manager Yoshi, currently pursuing saké sommelier licensure in Japan, enjoys introducing diners to lesser-known premium varieties.
El Naranjo
With its emphasis on intricate spicing and sauces complex enough to rival French haute cuisine, Oaxacan food is one of the driving forces behind Mexican cuisine’s recent designation as a UNESCO world heritage intangible resource. And El Naranjo, under the astute direction of chef Iliana de la Vega, is the best place in Austin to…
Buenos Aires Cafe
Chef Reina Morris brought her native Argentinian cuisine to Austin over a decade ago, and her restaurants have been a mainstay ever since. Now daughter Paola MG Smith is a co-owner, bringing contemporary touches like a new amaro-focused speakeasy in the basement. The family collaboration has brought renewed energy to the building, proving the classics…
Foreign & Domestic
Housed in a converted gas station, Foreign & Domestic offers a refreshing mix of American classics and more exotic European fare. Although the restaurant’s odd cuts of meat is a conversation piece (tongues of assorted animals often guest-star on its ever-changing menu), it’s the chef’s attention to detail that keeps customers coming back for more.
Saffron
Austin’s first dedicated Nepalese menu lives in a West Austin strip mall. Himalayan cuisine encompasses various regional Indian dishes, plenty of wonderful vegetarian options, and a Chinese influence. Mouthwatering tandoori dishes are equally matched by their samosa and chow mein counterparts, but we’re simply obsessed with the gobi Manchurian and the rosemary & cheese naan.
Lenoir
A rare affordable date spot in a crowded high-dollar dining scene, Lenoir’s three-course prix fixe remains the best value and one of the most dazzling meals in town, with dishes like masa-stuffed quail and cold crawfish salad defying categorization without confusing taste buds.
Jeffrey’s
Jeffrey’s is elegant; the kind of place where you can order foie gras and caviar, where the cocktail onions are house-made and the wine list runs to 40-plus pages. The kind of place where you get proposed to, where you celebrate decade birthdays and college graduations. If you’re a deep-pocketed romantic, you already have their…
Mr. Smarty Pants Knows
Corals, which are tiny animals, have even tinier plants living inside their cells. The lemming mass-suicide story is a myth, largely fabricated by a Disney nature documentary that faked its evidence. The Disney filmmakers drove the lemmings into the water because they wanted to make a memorable film. The hashtag symbol, pound sign (#), is…
Soccer Watch
For the second time in three years, it’ll be crosstown rivals Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid in the European Champions League final May 28 in Milan. In this week’s semifinals, Atlético edged Bayern Munich on the away goals tiebreaker, and Real ousted Manchester City, with an own goal by Man City’s Brazilian midfielder Fernando the…
Don Japanese Kitchen
Every day, hordes of UT students line up for Don Japanese’s pork belly or Veggie King bowls. Why? Because you are not likely to find a more harmonious marriage of price, quality, and taste (so what, it’s a triad) in all of Austin. A brief hiatus has us patiently waiting for May 12.
Swift’s Attic
Swift’s Attic has one of the best happy hours in town, where you can wash down your smoked edamame and pop rocks with a couple of New Fashioneds. The menu here is elegant and playful, rife with unexpected pairings and bold flavors. It’s the kind of place you should take a date to see if…
Bufalina
A custom-built 900-degree pizza oven takes up a sizable portion of Bufalina’s dining room, but they pack the rest of the space elbow-to-elbow with Austinites hungry for the most delicate Neapolitan crust in the city. The scope ranges from subtle sure shots like their must-order margherita to more ambitious options like braised goat with Catalan…
Komé
As one of Austin’s first food trailer-gone-brick and mortar success stories, Komé has grown from its Sushi-A-Go-Go roots to serve as an anchor in Airport Boulevard’s booming restaurant scene. The izakaya-style restaurant run by Takehiro and Kayo Asazu is still a cozy neighborhood shop featuring homestyle Japanese cooking and some of the most affordable, quality…
Tâm Deli & Cafe
Folks in the know talk about Tâm’s bánh mì with whispered reverence. It’s easy to see why. The pork has just the right amount of char, the baguette has just the right amount of chew, and the toppings are always garden fresh. Oh, and there’s those cream puffs too. They sell out daily but still…
Otoko
Like Buccellati engagement rings or the Olsen twins, good things come in small packages. Case in point: chef Yoshi Okai’s 12-seat tasting table in the South Congress Hotel where every detail – from the napkins to the impeccable omakase – has been carefully considered. It’s not cheap, but treat yo’self.
Jenna’s Asian Kitchen
Besides the relatively affordable cost of living, there’s another reason to move out to Cedar Park. Jenna’s namesake chef Jenna Choe can make something as workaday as crab rangoon into a tour de force, and her fresh takes on Korean classics like bibimbap give suburbanites something to throw back in the faces of their snobby…
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FoodHeads
This beloved little midtown cafe offers fresh takes on soups, salads, and sandwiches served at breakfast and lunch. Dine al fresco on the charmingly dishabille shaded front yard with their Tuna Niçoise Sandwich, soup du jour, and a side salad with blackberry balsamic vinaigrette.
Wu Chow
Like Edie Sedgwick or Karlie Kloss, Wu Chow’s Shanghai soup dumplings have been the muse for all sorts of artistic endeavors. Just last week, we rewrote Hamilton as a tribute to the tiny miracles. Maybe that was a bad idea, but when a place serves up Chinese food as delicious as Wu Chow’s, it deserves…
Fukumoto
Chef and owner Kazu Fukumoto embarked on an ambitious undertaking by incorporating an izakaya concept (which he defines as a “Japanese gastropub”) with yakitori (binchotan grilled skewers) and Edomae sushi that showcases top-notch fish. The chic saké-centric hangout is a go-to for unconventional eats like house-made tofu, firefly squid, and even grilled chicken butts.
La Cocina de Consuelo
Starting with a church fundraiser that turned into a famed catering business, the owner/namesake of “Connie’s Kitchen” made her dream come true at 63 with the family-operated Mexican restaurant. Try the homemade tortillas in her famous enchiladas and, arguably, the best breakfast burrito in town.
Thai-Kun
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of this kitchen. Chef Thai Changthong makes no concessions to milder palates in incendiary dishes like papaya salad and Chinese broccoli, but the flavor is never dulled in the rush of endorphins. If it gets too darn hot, no worries, you can always cool down with one…
Snack Bar
Shopping is hard work, but SoCo has a time-honored respite. A diner space adjacent to neighbor-with-the-best-sign Austin Motel for 70 years, this revamped space offers the best in tasty, consciously sourced and created eats and drinks. Rest your weary dogs, support local farms, and get in some stellar people-watching.
Jobell Cafe and Bistro
Owners David and Jessenia Bober took a risk when they left New York to open a restaurant on a winding Hill Country road, but the cuisine – saké-cured gravlax, lamb and pork pappardelle, steak frites – couldn’t be more assured. With one of the most cozy dining rooms in the area, it is the definition…
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May 7 City of Austin Special Municipal Election
Early Voting April 25-May 3; Election Day: Saturday, May 7.
Chronicle Endorsements
Vote no on Prop. 1
