Spicy Roasted Chickpeas
Picnic Recipes Galore
Corner-Store Party Food on the Fly
9 Chili Recipes, Bison to Vegan
How to Choose the Best Strawberries
Sausage Recipes of the Month
Restaurants and Bars
SPLURGE
Aquarelle
606 Rio Grande St., 512-479-8117
Tues.–Thurs., 6 p.m.–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat., 6 p.m.–10 p.m.
$$$
A cozy converted 1920s bungalow serving impressive French-influenced cuisine made with seasonal, market-fresh ingredients. Dishes such as rabbit loin with artichokes and sunchokes, and cold foie gras with green grape chutney and sancerre syrup, are elegant and delicious without being precious or stuffy. No vertical towers of food or little drops of sauce you can’t make use of. A great wine list with French, American, and notably Texan selections (see The Best Local Beer and Wine). If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, this cozy, quiet restaurant is the place to go. Reservations recommended, especially during SXSW. (Downtown)
Driskill Grill
604 Brazos St., 512-391-7162
Tues.–Sat., 5:30–10:30 p.m. (bar until midnight; until 2 a.m, Fri.–Sat.)
$$$
An expense account is a plus here, but the cost is worth it. Exciting, exuberant, innovative New American cuisine with Texas nods by executive chef David Bull, served up in Austin’s most gorgeous, historic hotel. Standout dishes include beef tartare with fried oysters, caviar, and hot mustard; pistachio-crusted scallop with chanterelles; and veal tenderloin with sweetbreads, papardelle pasta, and mornay sauce. Be sure to check out the bar as well. During SXSW, it’s packed with entertainment-industry bigwigs (see Power Bars). (Downtown)
Uchi
801 S. Lamar Blvd., 512-916-4808
Sun.–Thurs., 5:30–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat., 5:30–11 p.m. (bar opens at 5 p.m.)
$$–$$$
We know what you’re thinking: Fusion, sushi, and Texas are three words that sound really scary together. But trust us: The bluefin belly meat with dried cranberries, almond slivers, and white soy is great. So is the yellowtail with ponzu, shiso oil, and Thai chiles. Executive chef Tyson Cole has garnered major attention (like being named one of Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chefs of 2005). But his fusion sushi really does live up to the hype, and he also does traditional combos. Colorful digs in a comfortable old house, impeccable service, a superb bar, and food that looks like art. (South Austin)
Vespaio
1610 S. Congress Ave., 512-441-6100
Tues.–Sun., 5:30–10:30 p.m. (bar, 5 p.m.–midnight)
$$–$$$
One of Austin’s busiest restaurants, with crowd-pleasing Italian dishes such as mascarpone risotto with lamb loin and fresh peas, and butternut squash ravioli with sage and an amaretto butter sauce. A full bar, a deep wine list, friendly service, and a no-reservation policy guarantee there’s always a wait. Co-owner Alan Lazarus was a chef for Whole Foods Market before opening Vespaio in 1998. Eat at the bar if you’re short on time, or do like the locals do and enjoy a glass of wine and a plate of antipasti at its more casual sister restaurant, Enoteca Vespaio, next door while you wait for a table. (South Austin)
another good option that's not right downtown is Patsy's (Cowgirl) Cafe...on your way to/from the airport if you're super hungry! Live music every night and a great happy hour...we love the burgers and it has a deck to sit outside too! maybe check this out on your next trip to Austin :)
that's not possible to include ALL of the great places to eat in Austin. However, if you one day decide to enhance the listing, remember about Hoboken Pie from downtown (Red River st) http://www.hobokenpie.com :)
I like The Foundry as well. Great beef ribs.
Polvo's is right, but I'd suggest the "exotic" enchiladas.
Wink is the place for a splurge during SXSW. It has happens to have the best win bar in Austin. The happy hour is a steal, serving apps from next door for half off.
Uchi is great but way too expensive and way too hyped. Sushi Zushi is fabulous fish without all the crushed ice with 3 ft tall floral arrangements.
Also Korea House on Anderson (for bulgoki and kimchee), Chinatown Restaurant on Greystone (for dim sum including chicken feet), and the cluster surrounding the MT Supermarket on Lamar.
For Mexican cuisine that isn't Austin kitsch, Fonda San Miguel at North Loop, Manuel's on Congress and Vivo's on Manor, in descending order of price.
I have been relying on Chow for information on good food in cities I dont know about, and I must say that this Guide has completely destroyed my faith in its editors' judgment, palate, and work ethic. Whoever put this list together has no idea what the food scene is in Austin and made no effort to find out.
In recent years Austin has become a fantastic place to eat, IF you know where to go. I...+READ
I have been relying on Chow for information on good food in cities I dont know about, and I must say that this Guide has completely destroyed my faith in its editors' judgment, palate, and work ethic. Whoever put this list together has no idea what the food scene is in Austin and made no effort to find out.
In recent years Austin has become a fantastic place to eat, IF you know where to go. I would have thought that was the purpose of an online guide for foodies, eh?
Visitors wishing to avoid cliche Austin food should eat at Vespaio's Enoteca, FINO, Sushi Zushi, Lambert's, ASTI, East Side Cafe, etc.
What a disgrace.-COLLAPSE
Vespaio's is amazing. Try their homemade mozzerella cheese made daily. Nothing can touch the risotto. The service is always friendly and never the phoney Hello my name is ---- and I will be taking care of you this evening attitude.
Sucky list. Try better next year. Kudos to Austinites that cried foul. Better food can be found with street vendors than some of these picks.
It's almost travesty that you neglected to mention Stubb's BBQ, which has fabulous smoked turkey and amazing sides although their brisket might not be the best. They always have the best SXSW bands play there too. As far as BEST bbq in Austin, try the following: 30 miles southeast of town Krew's (pronounced Krite-says) has out-of-this-world pork chops, so good there is no sauce served with them,...+READ
It's almost travesty that you neglected to mention Stubb's BBQ, which has fabulous smoked turkey and amazing sides although their brisket might not be the best. They always have the best SXSW bands play there too. As far as BEST bbq in Austin, try the following: 30 miles southeast of town Krew's (pronounced Krite-says) has out-of-this-world pork chops, so good there is no sauce served with them, ask if you dare. Rudy's is a fantastic gas station/bbq joint and they have great brisket, beans, and ribs.-COLLAPSE
Where to eat for SXSW 2008? KENICHI! Kenichi will be offering bar food at their location on 5th and Colorado. The bar will be opening at 4pm daily all week long. This is a limited menu just for the bar, that includes items like yaki udon, thai fried chk wings, vietnamese chicken curry, tuna tacos and japanese hot dogs. This food is reduced in price and will cater to the sxsw crowd. All of the...+READ
Where to eat for SXSW 2008? KENICHI! Kenichi will be offering bar food at their location on 5th and Colorado. The bar will be opening at 4pm daily all week long. This is a limited menu just for the bar, that includes items like yaki udon, thai fried chk wings, vietnamese chicken curry, tuna tacos and japanese hot dogs. This food is reduced in price and will cater to the sxsw crowd. All of the items will be from $8-$15. Kenichi will also have drink specials, and a regular happy hour menu. Come on by and see us!!!-COLLAPSE
Am confused as to why this feature would show up in a stories sidebar in August but figured I'd put in my 2 cents. No Threadgill's or La Zona Rosa?
It was apparently destroyed by fire but just reopened about a month ago in a new location:
http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=171303
do go.
ok, i know this isn't a place where someone in town for sxsw may go but one MUST visit Dot's in North Austin, if it is still there. Cafeteria style southern food run by Dot and her family. There's roast beef, fried chicken, super butter potatoes, sweet potatoes, greens, sweet potato pie, homemade lemonade. God I used to love this place when I went there. Prepare to leave ridiculously stuffed.
You forgot to mention Kreuz's! http://www.kreuzmarket.com/ My 90-yr old granddad STILL drives out of his way to get some of that!
No one paid to be in this list, nor anywhere on the site, and it's not meant to be comprehensive. As it says in the intro, it's geared toward SXSW attendees - "We’ve concentrated our attention around SXSW venues" – and not towards locals. They already know where to go.
I can't believe y'all left off Rudy's and the County Line. As a native Austinite living in New England for school, just thinking about Rudy's sausage and egg breakfast tacos with Sause or fresh baked County Line bread is making my mouth water.
Other restaurants that should have made the cut, in my opinion: Z Tejas (tex-mex), Dan McKlusky's (steak), and The Alligator Grill (cajun; a scene from...+READ
I can't believe y'all left off Rudy's and the County Line. As a native Austinite living in New England for school, just thinking about Rudy's sausage and egg breakfast tacos with Sause or fresh baked County Line bread is making my mouth water.
Other restaurants that should have made the cut, in my opinion: Z Tejas (tex-mex), Dan McKlusky's (steak), and The Alligator Grill (cajun; a scene from Office Space was filmed there). I could easily come up with more, but I'm getting too hungry.
And if you're ever visiting Austin from a Northern state, stop by a Chik-Fil-A and try the original chicken sandwich. I never properly appreciated them until I discovered that Chik-Fil-A's are just a southern thing.-COLLAPSE
How could you leave out places like Rudy's from the list? I know it is a chain, but it is definitely an Austin favorite. And to include Ruby's is an abomination. I lived in Austin for sometime, went there once, and vowed never to go back.
I would still say that one of my favorite places though, was Cooper's up in Llano, TX. A bit of a drive (1.5 hour), it is more than worth the drive.
I have to add that I had a fantastic meal at Lambert's on 2nd and Guadalupe. It hadn't been reviewed at press time, but this place has fantastic barbecue, great appetizers, and killer pies in a beautiful historical space. I highly recommed it for those who want a slightly more upscale Austin dining experience. (Great bar and live music upstairs too!)
I found the Saltlick to be 90 percent hype. It reminded me of those crab houses here on the east coast that after a little success turn into huge factory feeding operations. I could get better BBQ at a Bob's Big Boy. And maybe the locals know to bring their own beer, but if you're marketing to tourists, spring for the damn license, huh? Or, if it's a matter of local regs, move to a place that...+READ
I found the Saltlick to be 90 percent hype. It reminded me of those crab houses here on the east coast that after a little success turn into huge factory feeding operations. I could get better BBQ at a Bob's Big Boy. And maybe the locals know to bring their own beer, but if you're marketing to tourists, spring for the damn license, huh? Or, if it's a matter of local regs, move to a place that lets you sell beer.
Ruby's was just okay. Had a decent BBQ lunch at a place downtown. Think the name was The Foundry, or some metalworking theme like that.
Austin's a great town, though.-COLLAPSE
the alamo drafthouse's original location is downtown (4th and Colorado) but your right, the south lamar is the best.
Wow, this is an abomination. I can’t believe anyone would write/print such junk let alone read it. Your bit on “how to drink more” is unbelievable. SXSW is a wonderful Austin experience and to cloud the image of our out-of-town guest with lessons on gluttony is just unfortunate. I hope that the people coming to town for this wonderful, educational and unique celebration don’t think you are our...+READ
Wow, this is an abomination. I can’t believe anyone would write/print such junk let alone read it. Your bit on “how to drink more” is unbelievable. SXSW is a wonderful Austin experience and to cloud the image of our out-of-town guest with lessons on gluttony is just unfortunate. I hope that the people coming to town for this wonderful, educational and unique celebration don’t think you are our ambassador.
Nor do I hope that they think this list is all inclusive of the wonderful offerings this town has both culinary and culturally.-COLLAPSE
Not very comprehensive. Is this an unbiased list (in which case you could add a lot to it) or did these businesses pay to be included?
You might elicit input from Chowhound members?