No One Asked You

No One Asked You 2024, NR, 100 min. Directed by Ruth Leitman. Documentary about Lizz Winstead – co-creator of The Daily Show, activist, and self-described “abortion comedian” – and the movement to keep abortion safe, legal, and readily available in America. No surprise, Texas – and protests pushing back on the state’s draconian abortion ban…

Separated

Separated 2024, NR, 93 min. Directed by Errol Morris. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Errol Morris confronts one of the darkest chapters in recent American history: family separations. Based on NBC News Political and National Correspondent Jacob Soboroff’s book, Separated: Inside an American Tragedy, Morris merges bombshell interviews with government officials and artful narrative vignettes tracing one…

The Herricanes

The Herricanes 2023, NR, 87 min. Directed by Olivia Kuan. Winner of the Documentary Spotlight award at the 2023 SXSW Film & TV Festival, this doc tells the little-known story of The Houston Herricanes, part of the first women’s full tackle football league in the 1970s.

Drive-Through

“Anticipation for the burger grows while waiting in the drive-thru line, and because they are so efficient I never wait long for my reward.” – Andy Vasquez Finalists: Buddy’s Burger, Dan’s Hamburgers, El Tacorrido, Fresa’s

Korean

“A classic for a reason. They do bulgogi right and they don’t skimp on the banchan.” – Innes Walker Finalists: Chosun Galbi, An Nyeong K Tofu & BBQ, Koriente, Oseyo

Dumplings

“I crave the soup dumplings.” – Marty Hand. Finalists: Fat Dragon, Dumpling World, Julie’s Noodles, New Fortune 2

Distillery

“Amazing bourbons, and a very unique gin.” – Matthew Brown Finalists: Deep Eddy, Fierce Whiskers, Tito’s, Treaty Oak

Most Wonderful 1am Burger

“Sometimes you want to eat a burger after midnight, and sometimes you don’t want to fire up your hot girl IBS on the level that In-N-Out or Whataburger is certain to do. If what you seek is a juicy chonk of meat cooked by people who are classy enough to ask for your preferred doneness,…

Fine Dining

“I always feel pampered here.” – Keena Miller Finalists: Barley Swine, Este, Intero, Jeffrey’s

Mediterranean

“Lush Mediterranean food. Short rib hummus is amazing!” – Marie Coleman Finalists: Cafe Malta, Gràcia Mediterranean, MezzeMe, Yamas Greek Kitchen + Bar

Enchilada

“Rene’s Awesome is my fav, but they’re all great, and the sauces are killer.” – John Haug Finalists: Cisco’s, Enchiladas y Mas, Matt’s El Rancho, Vivo

Frozen Cocktail

“Gotta love a frozen G&T.” – Jenna Henderson Finalists: Austin’s Very Own Saltt, The Golden Horn, Lao’d Bar, Lil’ Easy

Patio

“Superb food, love the patio dining. Austin original!” – Phyllis Barron Finalists: Armadillo Den, Easy Tiger, The Grove, Justine’s

The Hungry Vegan’s Best Bet for Last-Minute Lunch

“Girl, I always forget to eat lunch on time and that leaves me starving but indecisive. Yet East Side King’s veggie bento – stacked with tofu karaage, a roasted Brussels sprouts salad, beet home fries, and a fried avocado bao bun – gets me fed without weighing me down. Star-maker use of Thai basil puts…

Food Truck

“Migas taco on corn for the win! An all-time favorite, and we always take out-of-towners here.” – Jenny Corman Finalists: Cuantos Tacos, Feral Pizza, KG BBQ, Nocco’s Napoletana

Mexican

“Fonda perfectly combines freshness, quality, service, and heart in their dishes. The margaritas will turn you upside down too.” – Alyson Newman Finalists: El Naranjo, La Condesa, Suerte, Veracruz Fonda & Bar

Juice/Smoothie

“Simply the best. I love the Percolator.” – Rachel Clark Finalists: Blenders and Bowls, Conscious Cravings, The Soup Peddler, Wonky Blends

Playscape

“KIDS! KIDS EVERYWHERE!” – Mary Mendez Finalists: The Boat, Phil’s Icehouse, Redbud Icehouse, Waterloo Ice House

Best of Austin Restaurants 2024

For this year’s Best of Austin: Restaurants Readers Poll, an offshoot of our long-running Best of Austin Awards, we invited our readers not just to vote on the winners, but to leave comments explaining their votes. Some went negative (“All the others suckkkkkkk”), some surprisingly erotic (“I have dreams about their espresso martini – sensual…

Late-Night Dining

“Justine’s menu checks all of the late-night dining boxes: comforting, indulgent, and absolutely delicious.” – Francey Grund Finalists: Kerbey Lane Cafe, Rockin’ Rolls, 24 Diner, Yellow Ranger

Middle Eastern/Arab

“Such a unique combo of flavors. Never knew I’d LOVE pomegranate and nuts with my BBQ.” – Joe Gerhard Finalists: Ezov, Peace Bakery & Deli, Reem’s Falafel, Usta Kababgy

Noodles/Ramen

“The vibes, the broth, the tunes!” – Rafael Santamaria Finalists: Bluefin Sushi Bar & Ramen, Julie’s Noodles, Michi Ramen, Ramen512, Sazan Ramen

Margarita

“Nothing hits like a De Nada margarita in the iconic pink plastic cup!” – Alee Jablonsky Finalists: El Alma, Eldorado Cafe, Matt’s El Rancho, Trudy’s

Pop-Up

“Hands down, the top 5 hot dogs I’ve ever had in my life came from Zee’s. This guy is so passionate, so kind, and truly cares about his customers.” – Nelida Downie Finalists: Chilly’s Phillys, Custard Prison, El Pizza Boys, Sicc Palette (Deepa Shridhar)

Place to Take Your Kids

“Food EVERYONE enjoys, fun menus, and dough balls to keep kids placated.” – Susan Alexander-Wilson Finalists: Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches, JuiceLand, Meanwhile Brewing, Waterloo Ice House

New American

“EVERYTHING: the vibe, the chef counter, the staff, the FOOD, the drinks… ALL STAR CREATIONS.” – Jennifer Mimms Finalists: Barley Swine, District Kitchen + Cocktails, Foreign & Domestic, Maie Day

Pizza

“Always perfect. Consistency is key. Meatball and onion any day of the week.” – Norman Thornhill Finalists: Bufalina, East Side Pies, Pinthouse, Via 313

Milkshake

“Our kids always tell us they’re hungry and want P. Terry’s. An hour later, the burgers are uneaten in the back seat, but the milkshake is empty.” – Seth Johnson Finalists: Amy’s Ice Creams, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Milky Way Shakes, Sandy’s

Place to Take Your Parents

“This place is an old standby for taking out-of-town visitors for its beautiful decor and building. The pumpkin seed dip is a must have every time.” – Colleen Reilly Finalists: Chez Zee, Loro, Matt’s El Rancho, Mattie’s

Seafood

“It gets no fresher in Austin. The throwback vibe, the staff, and yeah… it’s where every other restaurant picks up their seafood.” – Brian Miller Finalists: The Boat, Este, Garbo’s, Mongers Market + Kitchen

Salad

“I love the giant live oak, I love the food, I love the location, I love how the patio feels cool despite how unbearably hot Austin is. It’s a little slice of heaven.” – Avery Pearson Finalists: Bartlett’s, Bouldin Creek Cafe, Chez Zee, Jack Allen’s Kitchen

Mocktail

“The bartenders really make this place special! The Fords Ranch Water is my favorite and so refreshing.” – Steven Fuller Finalists: The Cavalier, The Dirdie Birdie, Sans Bar, Vinaigrette

Service

“They truly anticipate your needs before you do.” – Mary McMullen Finalists: Craft Omakase, Emmer & Rye, Odd Duck, Olamaie

Solo Dining

“Delicious ramen, and slurping noods is much less awkward when you’re dining alone. ” – Kay Marley-Dilworth Finalists: Bouldin Creek Cafe, Casa de Luz, Garbo’s, Hopfields

South American

“Their empanadas are out of this world.” – Chinemerem Nwokolo Finalists: Arepitas, Four Brothers, Inka Chicken, Lima Criolla

Sandwich

“Their Italian was my first meal after giving birth and it SLAPPED.” – Erika Snell Finalists: FoodHeads, Little Deli & Pizzeria, NeWorlDeli, ThunderCloud Subs

Tequila Selection

“The servers know so much about the tequilas that I was tempted to just admire them. But I ended up drinking them too.” – James Renovitch Finalists: De Nada Cantina, La Condesa, La Holly, Las Perlas

View

“Sunset at Oasis is simply the best view in the Hill Country.” – Danny Moyer Finalists: Nido, P6, Steiner Ranch Steakhouse, Sway

Chef

“The things this man can do with a pig…” – Hugh Killis Finalists: Alexa Mejia (Emmer & Rye), Yoshi Okai (Otoko), Amanda Turner (Olamaie), William Wong (New Fortune 2)

African

“Flavorful dishes served in an authentic style. My favorite experiences include having someone at my table ask for a fork, and having the staff erupt in laughter at the thought of eating with anything besides injera. Now *that’s* authentic Ethiopian dining.” – Christopher Chang Finalists: Aster’s Ethiopian Restaurant, Habesha, Palatable Nigerian Cuisine, Selam International Mart…

Southern/Soul

“I met my spouse for the first time at Hoover’s. I immediately wanted to dive across the table and embrace her on sight. Then I was like, I don’t want to spill the fried okra on the floor. I’ll never forget how delicious that okra was.” – Seth Johnson Finalists: Fixe, Moonshine Grill, Olamaie, Whip…

Steak

“Best in class.” – Jennifer Carlson Finalists: ALC Steaks, J. Carver’s Oyster Bar & Chop House, Justine’s, Maie Day

Whiskey Selection

“A crazy good whiskey selection, without all the fancy-pants BS.” – Lloyd Thompson Finalists: Kinfolk, Lamberts, Seven Grand, Watertrade

Weekend Brunch

“The outside when it’s a little cooler is sublime.” – Robert Cahn Finalists: Chez Zee, District Kitchen + Cocktails, Maie Day, Moonshine Grill

Emerging Chef

“The flavor, textures, and presentation of each dish is incredible. He is a rising star in Austin.” – Courtney Alvarez Finalists: Sam Bordagaray (Craft Omakase), Dan Castro (Mabuhay Austin), Je Wallerstein (Fabrik), Jeremy Young (Yellow Ranger)

Barbecue

“The barbecue rivals any of the best here in Texas. The briskets are moist, and the beef ribs are huge. Even when it has a long line on their busiest moments, it moves very quickly.” – Hai Do Finalists: Franklin Barbecue, KG BBQ, LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, Stiles Switch BBQ

Tex-Mex

“All the different salsas, house margaritas are the bomb, high-quality Tex-Mex, super nice staff.” – Lisa Roe Finalists: Enchiladas y Mas, Matt’s El Rancho, Maudie’s Tex-Mex, Curra’s

Sushi

“Consistently fabulous with a great selection. The happy hour is a great deal as well.” – Lynn Robinson Finalists: Komé, Nori, Otoko, Uchiko

Wine Selection

“Happy hour wine pricing!!! Great curated selection.” – Mark Norton Finalists: Justine’s, LoLo, Three Legged Goat, Wink

Wild Card: Outside the Box

“OBSESSED with Soupleaf. Everything is so fresh and the ambience is delightful.” – Carson Arkinson Finalists: ATX Beer Party (beer community events), Cabana Club (pool/clubhouse/remote workspace), Space Cowboy (robot service), Wanderlust Wine Co. Speakeasy (multicourse tastings in a wine cave)

Established Restaurant

“The food is of high quality but the place isn’t stuffy or pretentious. The service is fabulous, the menu changes with the season, they source all of their food locally, and everything is delicious!” – Shelbi Davis Finalists: Barley Swine, Chez Zee, Justine’s, L’Oca d’Oro

Cajun

“Great Louisiana food. I’ve tried every dish that they have. The owner and staff are friendly and courteous. Don’t forget the music!” – Deb Petrikat Finalists: Cypress Grill, Lil’ Easy, Shoal Creek Saloon, Vic & Al’s

Thai

“OMG hands down best Thai I’ve ever had in any city. Truly no wrong item on the menu, but I have to give a special shout-out to their curries. I moved out of state and still think about their food.” – Kathryn Tyson Finalists: Madam Mam’s, P Thai’s Khao Man Gai & Noodles, Sway, Titaya’s…

Taco

“I’ve had a LOT of their tacos and they ALWAYS deliver the goods. It’s a quick little trip back to Mexico.” – Roberto Pena Finalists: Cuantos Tacos, Nixta, Tacodeli, Torchy’s Tacos

Winery

“A real Texas winery that has fabulous wine, location, and more and more recognition from the world of wine.” – Tina Melcher Finalists: The Austin Winery, C.L. Butaud, Duchman Family Winery, Wanderlust Wine Co.

Worth the Drive

“There is something serene about sitting at one of the picnic tables in the shade, sipping amazing sour beers, and eating some of the on-site pizza. It’s always a treat at JK.” – Michael Piehl Finalists: Kreuz Market, The Salt Lick, Tillie’s, Trattoria Lisina

Most Missed/Dearly Departed

“That Muffuletta will never be forgotten. The burger will live in my dreams.” – Joseph Poenisch Finalists: 1417 French Bistro, Citizen Eatery, Diner Bar, Try Hard Coffee Roasters

Caribbean

“I had a tres leches cake that I wanted to live inside of like James and the Giant Peach.” – David Morley Finalists: Bikkle, Habana, Plantain Bar, TrapHouse

Vegan/Vegetarian

“Best service while keeping Austin weird and fed, with the widest variety of vegan options for breakfast (any time of day), lunch, and dinner.” – Tierra Chapman Finalists: Casa de Luz, JuiceLand, Nori, Rebel Cheese

Veggie Burger

“Black beans are king.” – Jed Taylor Finalists: Arlo’s, Bouldin Creek Cafe, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Mission Burger Co.

Allergy-Friendly

“Very appreciative of servers’ sensitivity to customers’ allergies and requests.” – Pamela Ellen Ferguson Finalists: Emmer & Rye, Odd Duck, Picnik, The Well

Best Curation of Crestview Cold Cuts

“Ever since I watched The Sopranos for the first time last year, all I ever crave is an Italian sub. Austin’s got many a sandwich artist to choose from, but I rate Little Deli’s Classic Italian at No. 1. The shop stacks its buns with the most delicious, generous portions of capicola, salami, ham, and…

Conclave

Ralph Fiennes stars in a papal thriller from Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front)

New Restaurant

“Craft Omakase was the single best meal I’ve had in my life. The entire experience is exceptional.” – Tristan Marquez Finalists: Austin’s Very Own Saltt, Bambino, Poeta, Yellow Ranger

Chinese

“Best braised eggplant on the planet.” – Lila Oshatz Finalists: China Family Restaurant, Din Ho Chinese BBQ, House of Three Gorges, Ling Wu

Vietnamese

“Obsessed with their Tofu Spring Rolls. Will drive across town to pick them up.” – Jena Umstattd Finalists: Hai Ky, Sip Pho, Sunflower Vietnamese Cuisine, Tan My

Wings

“Can anyone compete with Dr Pepper sauce? Also the official wings of the Texas Longhorns and the Verde.🤘⚽️” – Regina Bogan Finalists: Hiwings, Lao’d Bar, Tommy Want Wingy, Wingzup

Ambience

“It’s all in the details. The art, the menu, the lighting, and creative energy that goes into the Winter Tent and every single special event. Merci, Justine’s!” – Tobin Levy Finalists: Fonda San Miguel, Honey Moon Spirit Lounge, Lutie’s, Odd Duck

Best Deployment of Peanut Butter Since PB&J

“At this Springdale pizzeria, you can follow up a slice of pie (pizza) with a slice of pie (chocolate peanut butter). The pizza’s great, but it’s the latter this peanut butter addict drools for. You think you know creamy peanut butter? Chef Fiore Tedesco’s PB mousse is downright luscious – airy and sky-high, piped on…

Pastry Chef

“I cry tears of joy each time I take a bite.” – Carlos Ruiz de Chavez Finalists: Sarah McIntosh (épicerie), Augusta Passow (Barley Swine), Ariana Quant (Uchi, Uchiko, Uchiba), Jules Stoddart (Little Ola’s Biscuits)

French

“Best place for a date night.” – Alfonso Hernandez Finalists: Bureau de Poste, épicerie, Hopfields, Péché

Breakfast Sandwich

“The Queen Beak is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten in my life! And I love these people!” – Regina Bohmfalk Finalists: Brooklyn Breakfast Shop, David Doughie’s, Little Ola’s Biscuits, Nervous Charlie’s Bagels

Beer Selection

“Brew it, we will come!” – Lance Reichert Finalists: Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden, Draught House Pub & Brewery, Turnstile, Workhorse Bar

Bathrooms

“Every inch of this place is classy and fun.” – Vanessa Miller Finalists: Busty’s, Casa Bianca, Codependent Coffee + Cocktails, Juniper

Best Pepperoni Pizza on a Patio

“This pepperoni pizza is so delicious, probably my current favorite in the city. The addition of Calabrian chiles takes it over the top, and I’ve had it an embarrassing amount of times in the last couple of months. I appreciate that Love Supreme feels casual, yet still a culinary treat. Their spacious patio is perfect…

Bakery

“The cinnamon buns. That’s it. That’s the quote.” – Annabel Osburn Finalists: Comadre Panaderia, Easy Tiger, Quack’s, Sour Duck Market

Indian

“The curry mussels are the best!” – Sara Hamza Finalists: Nasha, Saffron, Sangam Chettinad Indian Cuisine, Tarka Indian Kitchen

Breakfast Taco

“The National Migas Taco of TX.” – John Gross Finalists: Joe’s Bakery & Coffee Shop, Lazarus Brewing Co., Tacodeli, Taco Joint

Brewery

“Every beer here is always the best beer I’ve ever had. Most beautiful tap room in Austin, with the most kind and educated staff.” – Samuel Junk Finalists: Jester King, Lazarus Brewing Co., Pinthouse, Zilker Brewing Co.

Dog-Friendly

“Our dog’s favorite place besides Zilker.” – Tom Ricks Finalists: The ABGB, Cherrywood Coffeehouse, Meanwhile Brewing, Redbud Icehouse

Best Way to “Have Dinner” in Milwaukee Without Suffering Through AUS

“On Sunday nights at Uptown Sports Club, Aaron Franklin’s restaurant in East Austin, diners can indulge in a very Midwestern culinary adventure known as Frankie’s Supper Club. This pop-up draws inspiration from Wisconsin dining traditions, serving hearty dishes like French onion soup, ribeye with blue cheese sauce, pork chops with balsamic-glazed peaches, and chocolate mousse…

Breakfast

“I can’t say enough about their to-die-for gingerbread pancakes.” – Norma Hawes Finalists: Bouldin Creek Cafe, Counter Cafe, Little Ola’s Biscuits, Sawyer & Co.

Italian

“dear lord, everything here is good, amen.” – Samuel Junk Finalists: ASTI Trattoria, Intero, L’Oca d’Oro, Red Ash

Burger

“The green chili burger is the best!” – Annette Donaldson Finalists: Casino El Camino, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, P. Terry’s Burger Stand, Turnstile

Cider Selection

“Love the rosé!” – Emily Landgren Finalists: The Brewtorium, Cidercade, Fairweather Cider Co., Texas Keeper Cider

Food Event/Festival

“It’s our city’s premier foodie festival.” – Kevin Scawthorn Finalists: Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival, Field Guide Festival, Hot Luck, Jester King’s Funk n’ Sour

Best Way to Wow Others With Your Understated Sophistication

“I recently found myself at a dinner party at Launderette. A friend, a connoisseur of music and much else, ordered wine for the table and two of each appetizer. Then, two of each vegetable. A hazy hour later, the entrées arrived. I won’t attempt to describe the exquisite broth wherein bathed a mound of opened…

Coffee Shop

“Amazing coffee, great vibe and event curation, food trucks, stellar service.” – Alexandra Morton Finalists: Desnudo Coffee, Epoch, Texas Coffee Traders, Turnstile

Chicken-Fried Steak

“No one makes ’em like this anymore.” – Richard Martinez Finalists: Chez Zee, Jack Allen’s Kitchen, Moonshine Grill, Waterloo Ice House

Creative Cocktail

“HELL YEAH. I dream about their boat drinks.” – Natalie Swartz Finalists: DrinkWell, Here Nor There, Holiday, The Tigress Pub

Happy Hour

“Love their patio, the Big Breezy, and the variety of food offered. I’ve tried all items on the Social Hour menu and they are all amazing.” – Kristi Nybro Finalists: Bufalina, Lil’ Easy, Loro, Uncle Nicky’s

Most Spotlight-Stealing Dip

“Baba ganoush is the better hummus. However, it’s rare that this eggplant-tahini paste, usually a side dish, is so good that you no longer crave a main course. I’ve experienced this in Israel and in Arab backstreet restaurants in Berlin. And at Ezov. I was there for my birthday. This baba ganoush was smoky and…

Mr. Smarty Pants Knows

In 1957, for the first time, more Americans crossed the Atlantic by air than by ocean liner. In 1916, Piggly Wiggly became the first self-service supermarket in the U.S. when it opened at 79 Jefferson Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee. A winze is a connection between different levels in a mine. If it’s dug out from…

Best of Austin: Restaurants 2024 Critics’ Top 10s

Chronicle Restaurant Critic Melanie Haupt’s Top 10 Favorite Austin Restaurants 1) Eldorado Cafe 2) De Nada Cantina 3) Ling Wu 4) Flo’s Wine Bar + All Day Pizza 5) Canje 6) Veracruz Fonda 7) Micklethwait Craft Meats 8) OMG Squee 9) Bird Bird Biscuit 10) Dalia’s Tex-Mex Chronicle Restaurant Critic Taylor Tobin’s Top 10 Favorite…

Headlines / Quote of the Week

Police Contract (Maybe) Blocked: By the time you read this, there will be new developments. As we went to press, a group of police oversight advocates had taken eleventh-hour legal action in an attempt to halt City Council from approving a long-term police contract that the advocates fear would set the city down a path…


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