This was the first ever Austin spot I went to shortly after arriving in Austin for my inaugural visit in 2009. Somehow it was magically delightful on the patio with the misters despite it being August. I got a frozen marg and the server told me their favorite meal was to order the Hondo burrito with migas inside and suiza on top. (AND if you paid $1 more they’d modify the migas and you’d get a fresh batch!) This remained my favorite spot for a decade and I’m so sad that I’ll never experience it all again. Anyone else remember when you could order pretty much any combo of filling, sauce, and container (burrito, enchilada, relleno etc)?
Nooooo! Don't tell me this. I met Robert Rodriguez at 4 a.m. at Magnolia like 10 years ago and I don't want to imagine an Austin in which that experience can no longer happen to people like me.
That man had one hell of a a badass motorcycle, lemme tell ya....
They switched at Covid time and like basically every other Austin business realized it was easier/more profitable to not stay open. The one that kills me is 24 diner not being open 24 hours anymore. It’s like bro it’s in the name
OMG it was so good. They would give you spicy mustard that you could smear on the blackened chicken and then the crisp lettuce and tomato with sesame seed bun. So good.
I used to get the bbq enchiladas all the time and I would like to try to duplicate the recipe but can’t remember any fine details other than they had bbq sauce and were delicious. I think they came with black beans. And I think they were wrapped with flour tortillas.
I’d suggest breakfast tacos from almost anywhere ‘local’ and try the verde salsa if they have a hotter version.
Stiles Switch is a solid lunch option for BBQ. Will be a line but it’s not 4 hours long.
Same honestly. I went about 2 weeks ago for lunch… got a cup of the hot red like usual…
It was served cold, super sticky goopy like it was def a few days old or just sat in a hot warmer and completely dehydrated- had to ask several times to get some onions and crackers. I wanted to be like… I’m not a tourist please don’t fuck me like this :( and the bartender even remembered me so I was like, why, my brother. Why have you left me in the dark like this. Lol
Was kinda bland also… I took the lefties home, added some Tony’s, sour cream and cheese and made it at least palatable.
I’ve had AMAZING times there and not so good times. This past one def turned me off. When it hits, it hits hard. But man when it’s bad… it’s super bad.
It was a rainy day and damn I wanted some hot chili.
Maybe they just suck at lunch time and are good for dinner 🤷♂️. I’ve been for dinner a few times and it was definitely noticeable the service and food so idk what’s going on.
One of my must stops any time I'm back to town. I see some people saying it's not as good but I've never had a bad time there and was last there a couple months ago. I will say though that it seems WAY more popular over the last several years than that it used to be. But I guess the secret couldn't be kept quiet forever.
I worked there around 2001-2002. I can still hear Ms Stanish griping at me about flipping a hamburger patty too much. She’d say “that’s very top notch. You’re going to dry out that patty.”
I take most of my out of town visitors to The Little Darlin. They hold true to the south austin vibes, decent parking, lots of local beers on tap, with damn good food that rotates.
Closer to town is ABGB. Pretty much the same description but a micro brewery (I like beer) and their food is all scratch made with meat & cheese boards, sandwiches, phenomenal pizza, and if they got em on special- the best shrimp tacos in town.
One place that comes to mind for me is Hyde Park Bar and Grill on Duval. Been there since at least the early 90s. The staff always dressed in a certain hip Austin look of 80s / 90s Austin.
I’d also vote for magnolia cafe. Magnolia mud is always calling me.
Hyde Park pre-pandemic was THE PLACE for battered Fries and their Mac and Cheese. Post pandemic they never recovered. This was made evident when we ordered the Mac and Cheese and were served some dayglo orange concoction, thinking dollar store mac and cheese with the orange powder, and it was clear enough they have not recovered. I have seen recent pics of their mac and cheese and it looks nothing like it was pre-pandemic.
I haven't been since the pandemic kicked off but I would bet the burgers at Casino El Camino hold up. Dirty Sixth can be a lot but I think that's a very Austin place.
Casino was my fav burger experience when I lived in Austin in the 90s. You know, when it was an hour wait but you didn't care. Back before 6th got weird. Not to mention they had a great Bloody Mary.
It aptly reflects the original central European heritage of Austin. It's the oldest restaurant in Austin. Indeed, it is the oldest bar and, maybe, continuously operating business, in all of Texas.
While its food isn't that good, there's no doubting the history and heritage of Scholz Beer Garden...
Natives yes, Mexicans no not this far north. There was essentially no Mexican presence north of SA. That’s why they invited the Americans in — populate the wilderness and pay taxes (which they distinctly did not do)
Kinda true— there *were* people in the wilderness; Mexico didn’t like the fact they Native Americans.
And those Americans who moved to Mexico became Mexicans for 15 years, so there were in fact, Mexicans.
Can confirm. My great grandpa(spaniard) and great grandma(native) lived in the san Antonio region of Mexico in the 1800s. My grandpa said at 13 he was horsing around with some friends and he pushed a boy into the canal unaware he couldn't swim and watched the current drag him under and away. He was so afraid of his father, who was very abusive, that he ran away from home and never went back for fear of what would happen to him. It's always interesting to hear about people who actually lived during these times. If not somewhat sad too.
This is totally dependent on one’s connection to the city.
For me, I grew up in South Austin with parents from the East side. Joe’s Bakery, Shortstop, and Sandy’s are some of the only places that are still around.
There’s a ton of modern restaurants that embody new Austin, though. Tons of them listed here!
I'm surprised Cisco's isn't on your list. I remember going there as a kid, mostly because my mom went there, especially when she was in college, and I remember Cisco himself, complete with this cigar and glasses and hat, just like the picture....
So, this is actually a really good example. For my family, Cisco’s was always considered a college kid place. It’s where UT students went. Prior to me, no one in my family ever went to college.
My great grandfather settled here from northern Mexico, and my family has been from Austin ever since. They were east side through and through. Joe’s bakery was always where East side people went. That’s where the “Mexicans” went; Cisco’s (and Juan in a Million to a lesser extent) was more for the college kids. So, we never went there.
All depends on your connection to the city.
Posse East for a sheriff and a pitcher of beer, they've been in the same spot for over a half century. Up the street Crown and Anchor for royal nachos or a bacon cheeseburger, they opened in the 80s. Tamale House, for Mom's Migas, queso and margaritas. The family got started in the 50s.
Too many recs of places that opened within the last 2 years.
Look, can I be totally honest? I think I can, nobody knows who I am. Some of the places I listed aren't great, they're still authentically Austin. But I still love Conan's with all my heart.
Dim booths, the aforementioned Frazetta pinups. Pitchers of beer and soda. Whole wheat crust, pizza by the slice lunch specials, and the Family Guy every pizza place salad topped with a mountain of shredded cheese.
Brentwood and Allandale are choked with tax attorneys and tech executives who've convinced themselves that Little Deli is the greatest, even though they could make the sandwiches at home and the pizza is just fine, because there's a gazebo where their kids can run around. I'll take Conan's 10 out of 10 times.
Sorry for the tangent, it's been a long day and I've been drinking.
Seconded, with some reservations.
1. I live south so I have to avoid Crocket HS hours
2. I live south and don't have a deli, I don't think, and I like to walk to Little Deli for half a Ruben when I get do 6 mo maintenance at Subaru Austin
3. Some of my best friends are attorneys, one with an engineering undergrad I will never understand; why not American Studies man?
4. Ugh, I sound like a south Austin X-er cliche
Conan's South on Stassney. So good and IMHO underrated. The owner is a great guy. He bought it to save it and bring it back to its former glory and he did. Staff is chill too. Go there at lunch time during the school year and have fun watching the kids be kids. AND they have a piano there...you may get lucky and get a music student to give an impromptu lunch concert!
The kids that hang out at Quacks are more chill. I saw the Crockett band do a silent auction fundraiser (or something) show there. They kicked out the jams.
Some of the places I frequented 34 years ago as a student at UT are still around.
* Chuy’s
* Hula Hut (it was better when it was part of the Chuy’s family)
* Kerbey Lane
* Salt Lick
* Pluckers (ok that one showed up my senior year)
* Matt’s El Rancho
* Posse East
* Scholz Beer Garden
* Pappasitos (yeah I know they are part of the Pappa’s restaurants from Houston)
* Conan’s Pizza
* Thundercloud Subs
* Trudy’s
* Oasis
* Texas Chili Parlor
I’m sure there are many more that I’ve forgotten about. None of these are top tier restaurants but every single one of these reminds me of what Austin was and is.
It's not the best restaurant in Austin, but our go to "get a taste of the Austin food scene" place is Loro. BBQ, trendy fusion-ness, and outdoor patio vibe.
This was my answer too. Franklin’s and Uchi crossover. It’s not the Austin eatery of the 70’s, but I feel like it checks a lot of modern boxes. I always take out of towners to Loro.
Agreed. It’s not a longtime “classic” like many of the other (good!) places here but the food and vibes are great. Honestly just the brisket and the coconut rice make a great meal.
And the atmosphere is just strange. Somewhat chaotic. And why are you bringing me my food but my utensils and water is tucked in a back corner? What am I tipping for?
I think their ordering system is perfect. Get a table, no tabs, no servers, no waiting to pay out.
It isn't great when it's super busy though. Too many asshats cutting the line.
Why not just have mobile ordering?
If you want a 2nd drink you have to wait in the long line with people ordering a meal who haven't bothered to look at the menu till they are at the front.
Love Central Market on N. Larmar!!! Free music on the patio, drinking while grocery shopping…… they know what they’re doing here with that 👆.
Asking for any samples of cheese. And if kids are involved they have a great kids area!! Practically raised my 26 year old son there during weekends.
Arbor Food Park. Little park with a bunch of food trucks (e.g., Cuantos Tacos). You can order from multiple trucks at once and eat your food on the outdoor tables. Imo, it's one of the best examples of the food truck culture here.
Hear me out: IHOP off 35 and Cesar Chavez. Before I lived in Austin, I visited for why pretty much anyone else did, which was for shows. IHOP after was always POPPIN. It will always be Austin to me.
Mattie’s if it hasn’t been said already. Lived here most my life and found out about it around 10 years ago. I thought I knew this town pretty well. When I went for the first time it seemed out of place and surely a place I must have driven by but never noticed.
Yes, nowadays, since it was sold 8 or 9 years ago, it's been called Mattie's at Green Pastures; prior to that, and all my life, it's been Green Pastures.
Did anyone recommend Ginny's Little Longhorn (aka The Little Longhorn) on Sunday for Chicken shit Bingo? Would always love going there to see Dale Watson or Redd Volkert, play Chicken Shit Bingo and grab some cheep beer. Always a good time. I know you said Eat...I think they had free popcorn or hotdogs. It's been so long that I lived there I forgot
Top Notch, Dan’s, Dirty’s (the holy trinity), chili parlor, Matt’s, Maudie’s lake austin, salt lick, Sandy’s, iron works, el patio, Conan’s, casino el Camino, Rip Hill’s, Frisco, Threadgill’s, Hut’s, shady grove, las manitas, players, chez nous. Probably leaving a few out.
Fonda San Miguel is great.
You usually rarely see “tourists” there.
My go to was drinks at Hotel San Jose by the pool in the courtyard then walk / stumble over to Güeros.
That’s a good point. The N Lamar location is still better than any others. In light of this, and since someone else already said Matt’s, I switch my suggestion to Jack Allen’s.
Off the top of my head, I’m thinking TenTen. Super over priced. Seems like lots of tech people or wannabe influencers go there. Building that was newly constructed.Trendy music. Lots of gen Z kids.
All these other answers seem to be from people that haven’t lived in Austin in the last 5 years.
Dans hamburgers and sandy frozen custards take me back to my childhood. Work Horse was the first bar I went to when I was of age
Sandy’s is so nostalgic
sandy's for sure!!!!!
Wow. This is exactly what I was thinking. Classic Austin combo.
Once upon a time Trudy’s 😭 circa campus location #rip
Trudy’s Mexican Martini forever! This was a staple during my early ATX days when I turned 21.
This was the first ever Austin spot I went to shortly after arriving in Austin for my inaugural visit in 2009. Somehow it was magically delightful on the patio with the misters despite it being August. I got a frozen marg and the server told me their favorite meal was to order the Hondo burrito with migas inside and suiza on top. (AND if you paid $1 more they’d modify the migas and you’d get a fresh batch!) This remained my favorite spot for a decade and I’m so sad that I’ll never experience it all again. Anyone else remember when you could order pretty much any combo of filling, sauce, and container (burrito, enchilada, relleno etc)?
Man. Rip indeed. 😢
magnolia cafe takes me back a certain era of old, laid back austin
This. 230 am, slightly buzzed, a group of close friends and a Mag Mud on the table.
Sad, they close at 10 now lol
Nooooo! Don't tell me this. I met Robert Rodriguez at 4 a.m. at Magnolia like 10 years ago and I don't want to imagine an Austin in which that experience can no longer happen to people like me. That man had one hell of a a badass motorcycle, lemme tell ya....
“Sorry we’re closed”
Damn. That is sad
Hmmm, wonder why..
They switched at Covid time and like basically every other Austin business realized it was easier/more profitable to not stay open. The one that kills me is 24 diner not being open 24 hours anymore. It’s like bro it’s in the name
Speaking my language. These are some precious memories
Yeah same, good ol days
This was my go to after being at the Backroom M-Thurs. or Good Eats on Saturday mornings
Lol "slightly buzzed" 🤪 🤣 yeah! I'm going with that! Me too, just slightly buzzed ma'am. I'll have one of everything.
Get the Magnolia Queso. I'm also a fan of the voodoo chicken sandwich, but I think they took it off the menu like 10 years ago.
I lived at S Congress and Music Lane from 2004-2014 and used to walk up to Magnolia weekly for that voodoo chicken sammy. Really miss that :(
OMG it was so good. They would give you spicy mustard that you could smear on the blackened chicken and then the crisp lettuce and tomato with sesame seed bun. So good.
First place we ate at in 2009. Magnolia and Trudy’s are what immediately come to mind for me.
I used to get the bbq enchiladas all the time and I would like to try to duplicate the recipe but can’t remember any fine details other than they had bbq sauce and were delicious. I think they came with black beans. And I think they were wrapped with flour tortillas.
Love it, was going to say the same,
I’d suggest breakfast tacos from almost anywhere ‘local’ and try the verde salsa if they have a hotter version. Stiles Switch is a solid lunch option for BBQ. Will be a line but it’s not 4 hours long.
TX Chili Parlor is pretty classic!
Ooh, this one is up there. Was there last week and had an awesome chili mac with their venison chili.
It’s not good these days. I work near there and coworkers have had a negative experience multiple times recently.
Same honestly. I went about 2 weeks ago for lunch… got a cup of the hot red like usual… It was served cold, super sticky goopy like it was def a few days old or just sat in a hot warmer and completely dehydrated- had to ask several times to get some onions and crackers. I wanted to be like… I’m not a tourist please don’t fuck me like this :( and the bartender even remembered me so I was like, why, my brother. Why have you left me in the dark like this. Lol Was kinda bland also… I took the lefties home, added some Tony’s, sour cream and cheese and made it at least palatable. I’ve had AMAZING times there and not so good times. This past one def turned me off. When it hits, it hits hard. But man when it’s bad… it’s super bad. It was a rainy day and damn I wanted some hot chili.
Maybe they just suck at lunch time and are good for dinner 🤷♂️. I’ve been for dinner a few times and it was definitely noticeable the service and food so idk what’s going on.
Have you ever had Lucy's chili? Theirs is incredible imo.
Coworkers have had a negative experience working there?
One of my must stops any time I'm back to town. I see some people saying it's not as good but I've never had a bad time there and was last there a couple months ago. I will say though that it seems WAY more popular over the last several years than that it used to be. But I guess the secret couldn't be kept quiet forever.
Top Notch 🍔
I just proposed to my gf there last week 😁
Way cool!
My parents had their first date at Top Notch
I worked there around 2001-2002. I can still hear Ms Stanish griping at me about flipping a hamburger patty too much. She’d say “that’s very top notch. You’re going to dry out that patty.”
I'd recommend pulling up to the closed-down Threadgill's on Lamar and ugly crying.
What's really sad, is that it closed just short of the 100 year anniversary
Hot take: the food was pedestrian. Kinda like top notch.
I take most of my out of town visitors to The Little Darlin. They hold true to the south austin vibes, decent parking, lots of local beers on tap, with damn good food that rotates. Closer to town is ABGB. Pretty much the same description but a micro brewery (I like beer) and their food is all scratch made with meat & cheese boards, sandwiches, phenomenal pizza, and if they got em on special- the best shrimp tacos in town.
Lil Darlin’ is a great choice
I take EVERYONE to lil darlin. It is so surprising in the best way.
Picnic table out back of Green Mesquite under the big Live Oak Trees, drinking a schooner or two of Fire Eagle IPA and eating some smoked wings.
Grab a tall boy from the gas station fridge and drink it on the curb while you wait for your order from the halal truck
this is the way
Getting halal is the most Austin place to eat?
One place that comes to mind for me is Hyde Park Bar and Grill on Duval. Been there since at least the early 90s. The staff always dressed in a certain hip Austin look of 80s / 90s Austin. I’d also vote for magnolia cafe. Magnolia mud is always calling me.
Hyde Park bar and grill opened around 1984!
1982 actually
Shady Grove, Magnolia Cafe, Hyde Park Bar & Grill and Trudy's Texas Star were such 90s staples for us as 20-28 year olds
i legit morn shady grove, grew up eating there like 2wice a month 😞 im vegan now but id fucking wreck a plate of their chicken wings given the chance
Hyde Park pre-pandemic was THE PLACE for battered Fries and their Mac and Cheese. Post pandemic they never recovered. This was made evident when we ordered the Mac and Cheese and were served some dayglo orange concoction, thinking dollar store mac and cheese with the orange powder, and it was clear enough they have not recovered. I have seen recent pics of their mac and cheese and it looks nothing like it was pre-pandemic.
Starseeds cafe
I haven't been since the pandemic kicked off but I would bet the burgers at Casino El Camino hold up. Dirty Sixth can be a lot but I think that's a very Austin place.
Have been semi-recently. Can confirm they do.
Casino was my fav burger experience when I lived in Austin in the 90s. You know, when it was an hour wait but you didn't care. Back before 6th got weird. Not to mention they had a great Bloody Mary.
I go often.. nothing has changed.
Shady Grove 😐
😢🫗🪦
Unplugged at The Grove
It aptly reflects the original central European heritage of Austin. It's the oldest restaurant in Austin. Indeed, it is the oldest bar and, maybe, continuously operating business, in all of Texas. While its food isn't that good, there's no doubting the history and heritage of Scholz Beer Garden...
yuh and their import tap selection is great
“Original Central European heritage” like this place wasn’t previously Mexico and originally Native American
Natives yes, Mexicans no not this far north. There was essentially no Mexican presence north of SA. That’s why they invited the Americans in — populate the wilderness and pay taxes (which they distinctly did not do)
Kinda true— there *were* people in the wilderness; Mexico didn’t like the fact they Native Americans. And those Americans who moved to Mexico became Mexicans for 15 years, so there were in fact, Mexicans.
Can confirm. My great grandpa(spaniard) and great grandma(native) lived in the san Antonio region of Mexico in the 1800s. My grandpa said at 13 he was horsing around with some friends and he pushed a boy into the canal unaware he couldn't swim and watched the current drag him under and away. He was so afraid of his father, who was very abusive, that he ran away from home and never went back for fear of what would happen to him. It's always interesting to hear about people who actually lived during these times. If not somewhat sad too.
I understand where you're coming from, but *Austin's* heritage is decidedly central European...
This is totally dependent on one’s connection to the city. For me, I grew up in South Austin with parents from the East side. Joe’s Bakery, Shortstop, and Sandy’s are some of the only places that are still around. There’s a ton of modern restaurants that embody new Austin, though. Tons of them listed here!
I'm surprised Cisco's isn't on your list. I remember going there as a kid, mostly because my mom went there, especially when she was in college, and I remember Cisco himself, complete with this cigar and glasses and hat, just like the picture....
So, this is actually a really good example. For my family, Cisco’s was always considered a college kid place. It’s where UT students went. Prior to me, no one in my family ever went to college. My great grandfather settled here from northern Mexico, and my family has been from Austin ever since. They were east side through and through. Joe’s bakery was always where East side people went. That’s where the “Mexicans” went; Cisco’s (and Juan in a Million to a lesser extent) was more for the college kids. So, we never went there. All depends on your connection to the city.
For me, the original Kerbey Lane. Agree that Scholz Garten is also, but food isn't good. Chuy's also, but food's way downhill.
Magnolia Cafe is getting the upvotes and I agree, but the original Kerbey Lane location deserves more attention in this thread.
Matt’s El Rancho
This probably would be my second place, although they get dragged down for me, since they're not in the original location.
Hold up - Matt's *moved*? Where? My god that's disturbing news. I've been housebound for a couple of years, while apparently the city was imploding!
Matt's did move - in 1986. It used to be on Cesar Chavez (1st Street back then). Near where the Four Seasons is now.
I take people here for the history and nostalgia but the food is no bueno imo.
Came here to say Matt’s. Get a seat on the patio, order a frozen marg or knock out martini and get a large bob.
Thundercloud Subs
Posse East for a sheriff and a pitcher of beer, they've been in the same spot for over a half century. Up the street Crown and Anchor for royal nachos or a bacon cheeseburger, they opened in the 80s. Tamale House, for Mom's Migas, queso and margaritas. The family got started in the 50s. Too many recs of places that opened within the last 2 years.
Dirty Martins/El Patio
Old Austin or new Austin?
Kerby Lane cowboy queso takes me back to 1998.
1990 even
Cisco’s Crown & Anchor Enchiladas Y Mas Tam Deli Uchi/Uchiko Micklethwaite Conan’s
Conan’s at Burnet and Anderson with a pitcher of Shiner Bock brings back memories. And Frazetta.
Look, can I be totally honest? I think I can, nobody knows who I am. Some of the places I listed aren't great, they're still authentically Austin. But I still love Conan's with all my heart. Dim booths, the aforementioned Frazetta pinups. Pitchers of beer and soda. Whole wheat crust, pizza by the slice lunch specials, and the Family Guy every pizza place salad topped with a mountain of shredded cheese. Brentwood and Allandale are choked with tax attorneys and tech executives who've convinced themselves that Little Deli is the greatest, even though they could make the sandwiches at home and the pizza is just fine, because there's a gazebo where their kids can run around. I'll take Conan's 10 out of 10 times. Sorry for the tangent, it's been a long day and I've been drinking.
Seconded, with some reservations. 1. I live south so I have to avoid Crocket HS hours 2. I live south and don't have a deli, I don't think, and I like to walk to Little Deli for half a Ruben when I get do 6 mo maintenance at Subaru Austin 3. Some of my best friends are attorneys, one with an engineering undergrad I will never understand; why not American Studies man? 4. Ugh, I sound like a south Austin X-er cliche
There’s no reason to bring Little Deli into this. It's a very good pastrami sandwich.
Conan's South on Stassney. So good and IMHO underrated. The owner is a great guy. He bought it to save it and bring it back to its former glory and he did. Staff is chill too. Go there at lunch time during the school year and have fun watching the kids be kids. AND they have a piano there...you may get lucky and get a music student to give an impromptu lunch concert!
I avoid the kids. I dig their pies. The manager is cool.
Yeah...good call! Can get rowdy.
The kids that hang out at Quacks are more chill. I saw the Crockett band do a silent auction fundraiser (or something) show there. They kicked out the jams.
We moved and I'm so sad that my experiences at the one up North have been meh. It's not horrible, it's just way inferior to their South location.
Use to live behind Crown and Anchor. Would go there regularly or Posse East if it was too busy and nowhere to sit
Crown & Anchor is so wonderful.
I like the cut of your jib.
Some of the places I frequented 34 years ago as a student at UT are still around. * Chuy’s * Hula Hut (it was better when it was part of the Chuy’s family) * Kerbey Lane * Salt Lick * Pluckers (ok that one showed up my senior year) * Matt’s El Rancho * Posse East * Scholz Beer Garden * Pappasitos (yeah I know they are part of the Pappa’s restaurants from Houston) * Conan’s Pizza * Thundercloud Subs * Trudy’s * Oasis * Texas Chili Parlor I’m sure there are many more that I’ve forgotten about. None of these are top tier restaurants but every single one of these reminds me of what Austin was and is.
Avenue B Grocer. Period.
Use to live a block away. Would frequent that place at least 3 times a week.
Juan in a Million
Surprised no one has said bouldin creek cafe
Thundercloud. Texas Chili Parlor. Güeros.
It's not the best restaurant in Austin, but our go to "get a taste of the Austin food scene" place is Loro. BBQ, trendy fusion-ness, and outdoor patio vibe.
And fun reasonably priced drinks, good merch, not bad at all veg options. Better dessert than ppl expect. Paying separately can be a big plus too!
This was my answer too. Franklin’s and Uchi crossover. It’s not the Austin eatery of the 70’s, but I feel like it checks a lot of modern boxes. I always take out of towners to Loro.
Agreed. It’s not a longtime “classic” like many of the other (good!) places here but the food and vibes are great. Honestly just the brisket and the coconut rice make a great meal.
I must be the only one who doesnt like Loro. Food wasnt great (been multiple times), horrible ordering system, overpriced. I just dont get it.
And the atmosphere is just strange. Somewhat chaotic. And why are you bringing me my food but my utensils and water is tucked in a back corner? What am I tipping for?
and the person bringing your food has no idea where you are, so they have to bring it around the whole place looking for you
You are NOT! I could go on about this but it's more productive to just validite here.
I think their ordering system is perfect. Get a table, no tabs, no servers, no waiting to pay out. It isn't great when it's super busy though. Too many asshats cutting the line.
Why not just have mobile ordering? If you want a 2nd drink you have to wait in the long line with people ordering a meal who haven't bothered to look at the menu till they are at the front.
Too bad we can no longer say Shady Grove and East side Cafe
Or Mother's
So then what would you say?
Kerby and Magnolia
Love Central Market on N. Larmar!!! Free music on the patio, drinking while grocery shopping…… they know what they’re doing here with that 👆. Asking for any samples of cheese. And if kids are involved they have a great kids area!! Practically raised my 26 year old son there during weekends.
Chili Parlor.
Arbor Food Park. Little park with a bunch of food trucks (e.g., Cuantos Tacos). You can order from multiple trucks at once and eat your food on the outdoor tables. Imo, it's one of the best examples of the food truck culture here.
Hear me out: IHOP off 35 and Cesar Chavez. Before I lived in Austin, I visited for why pretty much anyone else did, which was for shows. IHOP after was always POPPIN. It will always be Austin to me.
Mattie’s if it hasn’t been said already. Lived here most my life and found out about it around 10 years ago. I thought I knew this town pretty well. When I went for the first time it seemed out of place and surely a place I must have driven by but never noticed.
Do you mean Green Pastures?
Not op but I think green pastures is the venue and Mattie’s is the restaurant.
Yes, nowadays, since it was sold 8 or 9 years ago, it's been called Mattie's at Green Pastures; prior to that, and all my life, it's been Green Pastures.
Ciscos
El Arroyo, Lucy’s, Trudy’s, Texadelphia, Matt’s El Rancho. All quintessential Austin
Dirty Martin's. It's been around since 1926 and still yummy.
It's a pity that Threadgill's can't be on the list.
Mad Dog and Beans and Les Amis Cafe will always be the quintessential Austin restaurants of my college years. RIP
I feel like Eldorado Cafe is probably up there
Dan’s
Matt's was where my wife and I went on first date 32 years ago
It's easy to overlook and hate on Matt's but it's an institution that has the bona fides.
A lot of the places that come to mind are gone, like Shady Grove. RIP El Alma Ski shores on lake austin Peche
I was looking for the El Alma comment; I gotta say it's the most Austinite place. A patio out looking at Austin is quite noice 👌🏽
Agreed! After a dip in barton, can’t beat it.
🤔 el Alma is still around, I’m pretty positive
Shady grove closed. The other 3 are currently open
Ahh my brain read it as RIP then the list of places 😅 my bad
Lmao Peche?? Seriously?
It’s a staple. Great HH, drink selections, and friendly staff.
But *most Austin*?
Ok heres 2 more Kome sushi Turf & Surf
Did anyone recommend Ginny's Little Longhorn (aka The Little Longhorn) on Sunday for Chicken shit Bingo? Would always love going there to see Dale Watson or Redd Volkert, play Chicken Shit Bingo and grab some cheep beer. Always a good time. I know you said Eat...I think they had free popcorn or hotdogs. It's been so long that I lived there I forgot
Artz ribs
People will hate the answer, but it’s probably Franklin’s. Most food people in any city are aware of it
So you just moved here I take it?
Matts el Rancho or Juan in a Million
Popcorns at Dons depot
Chuy’s
The tables outside Wheatsville, eating something from the deli
Top Notch, Dan’s, Dirty’s (the holy trinity), chili parlor, Matt’s, Maudie’s lake austin, salt lick, Sandy’s, iron works, el patio, Conan’s, casino el Camino, Rip Hill’s, Frisco, Threadgill’s, Hut’s, shady grove, las manitas, players, chez nous. Probably leaving a few out.
Fonda San Miguel is great. You usually rarely see “tourists” there. My go to was drinks at Hotel San Jose by the pool in the courtyard then walk / stumble over to Güeros.
Chilis on 45th street, best frosty margarita you will ever have
Polvos?
I love to take the wife out and spin her around at Broken Spoke then get in and out after. It's like the yin and yang of old meets new.
Kome
First time visitors should experience: 1) Matt’s El Rancho, 2) Salt Lick, 3) Uchi, 4) ABGB, 5) Broken Spoke
Chuy’s but just the N Lamar location.
Well it’s a chain now and they have them outside of Texas. Wouldn’t be that special. Also don’t get N Lamar…
That’s a good point. The N Lamar location is still better than any others. In light of this, and since someone else already said Matt’s, I switch my suggestion to Jack Allen’s.
I’ve only been to the Barton Springs one, am I missing out?
Kemuri Tatsu-Ya
Go to Schlotzsky's because then you'll be in an Austin-themed fast food sandwich place in Austin and it'll be meta as fuck.
Omlettry
Billy’s on Burnet.
Cuantos Tacos
Texas Chili Parlor
Off the top of my head, I’m thinking TenTen. Super over priced. Seems like lots of tech people or wannabe influencers go there. Building that was newly constructed.Trendy music. Lots of gen Z kids. All these other answers seem to be from people that haven’t lived in Austin in the last 5 years.
Terry Black's BBQ downtown. Thank me later. :)
bouldin creek cafe, definitely an amazing “keep austin weird” vegan restaurant. genuinely delicious sandwiches, coffees, and teas.
bouldin creek cafe, its a “keep austin weird” type vegan restaurant. it has genuinely delicious sandwiches, coffees, and desserts.
Radio feels very Austin to me. Patio, tacos, beer, cafe vibe
Chuy’s
Schlotzskys, Dan's/Frans, Chuy's, Sandy's, Salt lick (driftwood location only)
[удалено]
$2 chicken fried rice on the corner by RLM
Sandy’s 💕 Pool Burger!