paternite's Profile
Visiting from California
Hmmmm. OK. Think you are missing the boat. Even though La Condesa is in Napa - this one is in Austin. Ans it's a vibrant part of downtown...
Visiting from California
Being a former Bay Area resident, I really like La Condesa downtown. Great Mex standards with an ecclectic flare. Beautiful space, too.
As for BBQ. One word. Franklin's. It's worth the wait. Bourdain recently claimed it's the best brisket he has ever had. Ever.
NYC'ers first time in Texas
You might want to search this board a bit. You'll find out a lot about what Austin has going on.
My recommendations would be - Downtown: La Condesa. Refined Mexican flavors in a vibrant setting. North Central: Uchilko. If your watching Top Chef you'll know something about this place. I've been impressed each and every time I've been. BBQ - Franklin. You can travel out of town for BBQ (and that's fun to do) or eat what I think is the best around. Go early and stand in line. It's actually fun and won't be hot outside. Not to mention the delicious reward at the end.
The brussel sprouts at La Condesa
I am a fellow fan of these Brussels sprouts. A stand-out on an equally awesome menu. Have you tried the brussels sprouts at Uchiko? Equally excellent.
Visiting from San Francisco -- Need some suggestions!
Check out La Condesa. Great food - eclectic atmosphere. The ceviche is a must.
http://www.lacondesaaustin.com/
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La Condesa
400-A W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Any good BBQ near South Congress?
If you line up at Franklin by 10:30, you'll most likely be eating at 11:30. Definitely worth an hour out of your schedule.
Need opinions on 4-day BBQ-plus plan
I think Wednesday is your strongest day. Franklin's rivals anything in Lockhart.
Might want to get there a tad earlier just to majke sure you get in. Uchiko is great. The early "social" menu is fantastic and a great value. Try the brussel sprouts.
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Uchiko
4200 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78756
austin itinerary - any edits/suggestions?
Hmmm. What's the beef with Ned Elliot? He seems like a good guy. Treated us very well when we ate at the chef counter. We also shared some time in Cincinnati.
As for La Condessa. This was my one and only time there but the food was excellent.
We had a special halibut ceviche, a venison taquito, a crazy good rabbit salad with a quail egg and a bunch of other things I can't recall. Overall, quite delicious.
austin itinerary - any edits/suggestions?
The downtown portion looks pretty solid. La Condesa is great. Had a memorable meal there last week. Franklin's is really, really great - but you have to be willing to spend the time in line. And it's pretty hot right now. But, man, it's good. It's a cab ride but you might also enjoy Uchiko. Or Foreign & Domestic, too.
http://www.uchiaustin.com/
http://fndaustin.com/new/
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La Condesa
400-A W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Uchiko
4200 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78756
Foreign & Domestic
306 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751
solo dining/take out options near Lavaca and 6th downtown?
Had an excellent meal at La Condesa last weekend.
http://www.lacondesaaustin.com/
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La Condesa
400-A W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
New to town-need central austin recs please!
I really like Foreign & Domestic on North Loop. Eclectic food and really nice people. Sit at the chef counter for the full experience. http://fndaustin.com/new/
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Foreign & Domestic
306 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751
Fonda San Miguel
My take is that the brunch is overpriced for what you get. If I'm going to spend that kind of money I'd like to be drinking. Have a few cocktails (all thoughtfully constructed) and cruise the appetizers. Cordero is great. (4 grilled baby lamb chops served with chile pasilla salsa. 13.50).
Lunch in Austin
Two solid choices - opposite ends of town.
http://www.eastsidecafeaustin.com/index.html
http://www.lasombra-austin.com/
Family oriented restaurants with good food and music?
Don't count out Central Market. They have a large outside eating area and a huge play structure.
Music most nights on a small stage. The best part, I think, is the ability to buy things from the store (especially beer and wine) and enjoy outside. If you eat off the patio menu, consider the steak salad and the chinese chicken salad. Both excellent. Kids can eat pasta, grilled cheese etc. with steamed veggies.
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Central Market
4477 S Lamar Blvd Ste 100, Austin, TX 78745
Visiting Austin WHERE TO EAT??
You might consider Foreign & Domestic. Eclectic menu (if you like the pig) and interesting people. Sit at the Chef's counter if you can. http://fndaustin.com/new/
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Foreign & Domestic
306 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751
Which Phil's Ice House better for kids??
The Phil's on Burnet shares it's space with Amy's Ice Cream. Nuff said.
Anniversary Dinner for (out of the loop) foodies
I think Fonda is back. Have had several great meals there lately.
Anniversary Dinner for (out of the loop) foodies
Uchiko is a great choice. Foreign & Domestic is also worth considering. Had fine meals at both.
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Uchiko
4200 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78756
Foreign & Domestic
306 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751
New Peruvian Food restaurant in Austin? Anyone tried it?
Went there today for lunch. As mentioned, they are stationed in the middle of a somewhat desolate food court. I love the idea that this food court could someday be destination dining. I had the carapulcra, which was delicious. The perfect thing to have on a chilly day. Next time I'll try the ceviche, which they said was great. I then went for a surreal walk around what's left of Highland Mall. Good deals to be had at Macys as they are almost completely out of business.
Good food near Ikea, in Round Rock
I've eaten at the Ikea cafe a few times and it's actually not bad. Plenty of stuff for the kid to eat.
No booze, though. Which I suppose is a downside for you parents. :)
Phil's Ice House or Shady Grove for 2 yr old bday family dinner
With Amy's Ice Cream right next door and an adjacent play structure, Phil's is a lot of fun.
Plus the burgers are pretty darn good.
Good Italian, south or central?
Mandola's at the Triangle. Family friendly in the sense that there is something for everybody.
Wood-fired pizza is good as is the gelato.
Breakfast in Austin
I like the Austin Diner on Burnet.
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Austin Diner
5408 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756
Alamo Drafthouse
I hesitate to even bring this up because I'm such a fan of the Drafthouses. And to be honest, I've never expected fine dining when eating in the dark. But I've noticed over the past few months that the food has gone from being marginal to downright inedible. I think I had one of the worst hamburgers I've ever eaten while watching Toy Story 3 at the South Lamar location. Subsequent forays into the menu have resulted in the same below lackluster experience. And the locations don't seem to matter. I've had horrible food at all of them. Anyone else had similar experiences?
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Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX
Best Fish and Chips Ever?
I agree that Cook's is probably the best on the Peninsula. But if you are going more for an adventure, you might try Barbara's Fish Trap. The fish & chips aren't bad but you really go here for the atmosphere - and the view. The Half Moon Bay Brewery is right across the street and they also have fish & chips. And beer !!
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Barbara's Fish Trap
281 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
suggestions for baby-friendly restaurants in sf/peninsula
If you find yourself in Redwood City, a great place is Main Street Coffee Roasters.
They have great coffee (roasted on site) and eclectic breakfast/lunch menu and, best of all, a great outdoor area, complete with a big box of toys and games for the kids.
We've been taking our 3 year old here for a long time. A great place to be with kids and adults.
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Main Street Coffee Roasting Company, Ltd.
150 Elm Street, Redwood City, CA
Menlo Park good eats?
My two favorites are Carpaccio for excellent Italian and Naomi sushi.
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Carpaccio
1120 Crane St, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Naomi Sushi
1328 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025
The state of coffee in Austin
Thanks for this info. How about coffeehouses in general? Any particular favorites I should know about?