Vanessa’s Austin Guidebook
BBQ
You’re in central Texas, land of brisket. There are out of town excursions, like Snow’s or the Salt Lick, and well known local establishments, like Black’s, Terry Black’s, and Franklin’s (I haven't stood in line, but my Texas native husband has and says it's the best brisket he's ever had), but I’m highlighting personal favorites.
Located in the same strip that featured the pool hall in Dazed and Confused, Stiles Switch is a solid bbq option, and the closest one to the rental unit! They even make turkey taste good. TURKEY. It’s wizardry. Consistently good brisket that is often transcendent, and the best ribs in town. If you order the Brussel sprouts, ask that they take them from off the top, otherwise there's too much sweet sauce. The cornbread casserole is a must.
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Stiles Switch BBQ
6610 N Lamar BlvdLocated in the same strip that featured the pool hall in Dazed and Confused, Stiles Switch is a solid bbq option, and the closest one to the rental unit! They even make turkey taste good. TURKEY. It’s wizardry. Consistently good brisket that is often transcendent, and the best ribs in town. If you order the Brussel sprouts, ask that they take them from off the top, otherwise there's too much sweet sauce. The cornbread casserole is a must.
Probably the best central Texas style bbq in town. It’s pricey, and you’ll stand in line, but they offer a complimentary cup of Lone Star at checkout, and the food is worth it.
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La Barbecue
2401 E Cesar Chavez StProbably the best central Texas style bbq in town. It’s pricey, and you’ll stand in line, but they offer a complimentary cup of Lone Star at checkout, and the food is worth it.
The collaboration of Aaron Franklin of Franklin’s BBQ and Tyson Cole of Austin’s best sushi, Uchi, Loro is Asian-inspired smoked meats and you will love it. Ribs are available on Sunday and Monday. Ample outdoor seating among gorgeous oak trees. Order the corn fritters. And everything else. Literally have not been anything but blown away by whatever I’ve ordered there. Not in the mood for meat? The salmon bowl is great, and I've heard positive things about the tofu.
Happy Hour is from 2-5 with great deals on food and drinks. Try the mango sake slushee. I had my doubts, but it pairs really well with the smoked meat.
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Loro
2115 S Lamar BlvdThe collaboration of Aaron Franklin of Franklin’s BBQ and Tyson Cole of Austin’s best sushi, Uchi, Loro is Asian-inspired smoked meats and you will love it. Ribs are available on Sunday and Monday. Ample outdoor seating among gorgeous oak trees. Order the corn fritters. And everything else. Literally have not been anything but blown away by whatever I’ve ordered there. Not in the mood for meat? The salmon bowl is great, and I've heard positive things about the tofu.
Happy Hour is from 2-5 with great deals on food and drinks. Try the mango sake slushee. I had my doubts, but it pairs really well with the smoked meat.
You’re going to wait in line for this one and it’s going to be the best decision you’ve made since deciding where to book your Austin stay ;) You can't go wrong with any of the meats, but the sides are what blow me away. Best mac and cheese I've ever had. The beans--which are free, btw--are excellent. And the scalloped potatoes!? An emotional experience. So grab your self some beers for the line and head over there.
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Interstellar BBQ
12233 Ranch Rd 620 NYou’re going to wait in line for this one and it’s going to be the best decision you’ve made since deciding where to book your Austin stay ;) You can't go wrong with any of the meats, but the sides are what blow me away. Best mac and cheese I've ever had. The beans--which are free, btw--are excellent. And the scalloped potatoes!? An emotional experience. So grab your self some beers for the line and head over there.
Breweries
Austin has many, but I’ve been to five that I can recommend.
Classic brewery experience—great beer, brewery tours, and a food truck. Airy indoor space plus outdoor seating in an industrial center. Big fan of the Pearl Snap. Stick to the beers, though- the frozen rosé wasn’t particularly interesting. Fun merch. Have a house party you’re going to this trip? Ask about the Peacemaker. It’s a box that holds 100 beers. I don’t know how you’re supposed to transport it, but it will make a statement.
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Austin Beerworks
3001 Industrial TerraceClassic brewery experience—great beer, brewery tours, and a food truck. Airy indoor space plus outdoor seating in an industrial center. Big fan of the Pearl Snap. Stick to the beers, though- the frozen rosé wasn’t particularly interesting. Fun merch. Have a house party you’re going to this trip? Ask about the Peacemaker. It’s a box that holds 100 beers. I don’t know how you’re supposed to transport it, but it will make a statement.
Interesting beers and bar pizza I can't recommend, but also the location of KG BBQ's truck, and their food is excellent. Pricey, but excellent. Indoor/outdoor siting options, though lacking the post and live oaks that make Austin dining great; more of a “patio and parking lot” vibe. However, they have a mini arcade and a TV with a VHS player and an admirable collection of videos, and only one screen broadcasting inside, which I think is a plus.
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Oddwood Ales
3108 Manor Rd Interesting beers and bar pizza I can't recommend, but also the location of KG BBQ's truck, and their food is excellent. Pricey, but excellent. Indoor/outdoor siting options, though lacking the post and live oaks that make Austin dining great; more of a “patio and parking lot” vibe. However, they have a mini arcade and a TV with a VHS player and an admirable collection of videos, and only one screen broadcasting inside, which I think is a plus.
One of the best build-outs in town and they must have a talented graphic designer on call— their merchandise is great. Overwhelmingly family-oriented on weekends (there’s a playground and soccer field) but the property is huge, so no one gets underfoot. Parking can still be a challenge, however. Ditto the line at the bar.
The beer is great (though a pint of their stuff is less at the dive bar up the street than at the brewery…curious) and their Mango Sticky Rice frozen cocktail is my favorite frozen beverage in town. The food truck offerings include Distant Relatives, modern African American bbq—get the chicken. The brisket is good but the chicken is epic.
There’s also a stage on site with regular concerts— check their website for info.
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Meanwhile Brewing Company
3901 Promontory Point Dr One of the best build-outs in town and they must have a talented graphic designer on call— their merchandise is great. Overwhelmingly family-oriented on weekends (there’s a playground and soccer field) but the property is huge, so no one gets underfoot. Parking can still be a challenge, however. Ditto the line at the bar.
The beer is great (though a pint of their stuff is less at the dive bar up the street than at the brewery…curious) and their Mango Sticky Rice frozen cocktail is my favorite frozen beverage in town. The food truck offerings include Distant Relatives, modern African American bbq—get the chicken. The brisket is good but the chicken is epic.
There’s also a stage on site with regular concerts— check their website for info.
Good sour beers and diverse cider options for the gluten free folks. They have a fun “tasting experience,” where the purchase of four beers (draft or canned) gets you a piece of their glassware. I recommend the chalice. Very regal.
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Blue Owl Brewing
2400 E Cesar Chavez StGood sour beers and diverse cider options for the gluten free folks. They have a fun “tasting experience,” where the purchase of four beers (draft or canned) gets you a piece of their glassware. I recommend the chalice. Very regal.
Shares a property with Better Half Cocktail bar. Parking lot in front as well as another, larger one in back. The happy hour burger is legit.
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Hold Out Brewing
1208 West 4th StreetShares a property with Better Half Cocktail bar. Parking lot in front as well as another, larger one in back. The happy hour burger is legit.
Local Dives That Aren’t Too Divey
Nearby spots with great drink prices where you can enjoy a solid burger in an unpretentious setting among colorful Austonians.
The dream on the 90s is alive at The Workhorse. There’s always a movie on, beers are cheap, burgers are good. I have not personally used the restrooms but I’m told that things go a little downhill there.
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Workhorse Bar
100 N Loop Blvd EThe dream on the 90s is alive at The Workhorse. There’s always a movie on, beers are cheap, burgers are good. I have not personally used the restrooms but I’m told that things go a little downhill there.
Closer to the university so game days are to be avoided, unless you’re here for that, in which case, hook 'em. Big covered porch with picnic tables, as well as indoor seating and a pool table. Multiple screens, but they (generally) keep the volume off.
One of the regulars is a guy who sits just to the right of the door with a floofy little white dog. The dog seems very happy to be there. The dog gets it.
No data on restroom quality.
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Crown & Anchor Pub
2911 San Jacinto BlvdCloser to the university so game days are to be avoided, unless you’re here for that, in which case, hook 'em. Big covered porch with picnic tables, as well as indoor seating and a pool table. Multiple screens, but they (generally) keep the volume off.
One of the regulars is a guy who sits just to the right of the door with a floofy little white dog. The dog seems very happy to be there. The dog gets it.
No data on restroom quality.
Novel Drinking Establishments
Places to imbibe that have something a little special about 'em.
A former dive (directly beside a moon tower!), purchased by a chain and given some degree of a facelift, but still retains its divey feel. At Christmas, it’s a tiki hut. For a few weeks in the fall of 2021, it was Moe's Tavern. Literally.
If you’re a whiskey/bourbon fan, make a point of dropping in for Whiskey Wednesdays, where they have a collection of hard to get bottles at a severe discount. A food truck out back offers sliders and mini corn dogs. It’s also a Bill’s bar, kind of? Just be aware during football season.
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Nickel City
1133 E 11th StA former dive (directly beside a moon tower!), purchased by a chain and given some degree of a facelift, but still retains its divey feel. At Christmas, it’s a tiki hut. For a few weeks in the fall of 2021, it was Moe's Tavern. Literally.
If you’re a whiskey/bourbon fan, make a point of dropping in for Whiskey Wednesdays, where they have a collection of hard to get bottles at a severe discount. A food truck out back offers sliders and mini corn dogs. It’s also a Bill’s bar, kind of? Just be aware during football season.
It has a POOL. Initially, it was just for feet, but when I was there last folks were sitting in the pool in swimsuits and seemed to be pretty stoked about it. The frozen drinks are great--embrace the swirl. There's also a print of Burt Reynolds's 1972 Cosmo spread in up the ladies’ room.
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Kitty Cohen's
2211 Webberville RdIt has a POOL. Initially, it was just for feet, but when I was there last folks were sitting in the pool in swimsuits and seemed to be pretty stoked about it. The frozen drinks are great--embrace the swirl. There's also a print of Burt Reynolds's 1972 Cosmo spread in up the ladies’ room.
THE ONLY HAPPY HOUR THAT MATTERS (to me)
This is the most important Happy Hour in Austin. Uchico is the less-pricey but still $$$ sister restaurant of Uchi, which is generally considered the best sushi in the city. The drink specials fur this HH are good, but this one is all about the food. If you care about sushi, you have to make it to Uchiko's happy hour;
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Uchiko
4200 N Lamar BlvdThis is the most important Happy Hour in Austin. Uchico is the less-pricey but still $$$ sister restaurant of Uchi, which is generally considered the best sushi in the city. The drink specials fur this HH are good, but this one is all about the food. If you care about sushi, you have to make it to Uchiko's happy hour;
Miscellaneous Greats: Austin Eateries Edition
Individual must-visit places to eat that didn't fit into any other category.
The best burger in town. They have other offerings, hot dogs with chili, burritos, but the burger is what you want. If you can't think of where to eat, always go to Jewboy. Unless it's a Monday, because they'll be closed.
Check by the soda fountain to see which character is the current manager on duty. Is it Mongo, from "Blazing Saddles," or perhaps Chet of "Weird Science" fame? Better go find out.
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Jewboy Burgers
5111 Airport BlvdThe best burger in town. They have other offerings, hot dogs with chili, burritos, but the burger is what you want. If you can't think of where to eat, always go to Jewboy. Unless it's a Monday, because they'll be closed.
Check by the soda fountain to see which character is the current manager on duty. Is it Mongo, from "Blazing Saddles," or perhaps Chet of "Weird Science" fame? Better go find out.
Theres' a reason why I include the drive time to this establishment on the rental listing-- it's just that good.
Mochi donuts. They're gluten free and incredible, with a fantastic chew, excellent flavor combinations, and adorable decoration. They also sell macarons, taiyaki (soft serve) bubble teas...follow them on Instagram for a current menu.
Also, be prepared to wait. Since being featured on an episode of the Austin season of Queer Eye, OMG SQUEE has consistently sold out of donuts hours before their schedule closing time of 6 PM (but if you're in line at the point they sell out, stick around because they do a raffle for two lucky winners to buy a half dozen each).
That said, you never know what the line will be like. I've been there are opening and still waited 40 minutes, only to walk outside to zero line. Best to just drive by ;)
Open Thursday-Sunday, 11-6 (or sold out)
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OMG Squee
4607 Bolm RdTheres' a reason why I include the drive time to this establishment on the rental listing-- it's just that good.
Mochi donuts. They're gluten free and incredible, with a fantastic chew, excellent flavor combinations, and adorable decoration. They also sell macarons, taiyaki (soft serve) bubble teas...follow them on Instagram for a current menu.
Also, be prepared to wait. Since being featured on an episode of the Austin season of Queer Eye, OMG SQUEE has consistently sold out of donuts hours before their schedule closing time of 6 PM (but if you're in line at the point they sell out, stick around because they do a raffle for two lucky winners to buy a half dozen each).
That said, you never know what the line will be like. I've been there are opening and still waited 40 minutes, only to walk outside to zero line. Best to just drive by ;)
Open Thursday-Sunday, 11-6 (or sold out)
Bird Bird Biscuit was a determining factor in my decision to move to Austin, and once you try it, you'll understand why. Fried chicken sandwiches on a biscuit have never been better. My favorite is the Firebird (spicy chicken and aloe with pickles? Very yes).
They're recently opened a second location on West Koenig, and while both are equidistant to the rental, the Koenig location is usually less busy and has a car-friendly parking lot. Order ahead or at the kiosk.
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Bird Bird Biscuit
2701 Manor RdBird Bird Biscuit was a determining factor in my decision to move to Austin, and once you try it, you'll understand why. Fried chicken sandwiches on a biscuit have never been better. My favorite is the Firebird (spicy chicken and aloe with pickles? Very yes).
They're recently opened a second location on West Koenig, and while both are equidistant to the rental, the Koenig location is usually less busy and has a car-friendly parking lot. Order ahead or at the kiosk.
I'm not usually one for a gourmet donut, but these are exceptional. My personal favorite is the horchata donut, but the Texas chocolate sheet cake donut is excellent, as is...everything else I've tried, to be honest. As a bonus, the buildout is gorgeous, and their patio is great first thing in the morning.
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The Salty Donut
2000 S Congress AveI'm not usually one for a gourmet donut, but these are exceptional. My personal favorite is the horchata donut, but the Texas chocolate sheet cake donut is excellent, as is...everything else I've tried, to be honest. As a bonus, the buildout is gorgeous, and their patio is great first thing in the morning.
In the mood for a more savory breakfast? Curious about kolaches, but not big on fruit fillings?
Go to Kerlaches.
Located in the tidiest food truck park in Austin, local BBQ joint Kerlin BBQ is serving up pastries filled with their bbq brisket, pork, burnt ends, and sausage, with vegetarian options as well. Open Wednesday-Sunday.
Kerlaches
2505 Webberville RoadIn the mood for a more savory breakfast? Curious about kolaches, but not big on fruit fillings?
Go to Kerlaches.
Located in the tidiest food truck park in Austin, local BBQ joint Kerlin BBQ is serving up pastries filled with their bbq brisket, pork, burnt ends, and sausage, with vegetarian options as well. Open Wednesday-Sunday.
Always reliable, SourDuck has an excellent happy hour from 3-6. A burger for $6! $6 for their on-tap cocktails, the Paloma and Turmeric Mule (I get it blended with the frozen margarita). Plus, a solid option for breakfast and brunch, without getting as $$$ as other options in town.
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Sour Duck Market
1814 E Martin Luther King Jr BlvdAlways reliable, SourDuck has an excellent happy hour from 3-6. A burger for $6! $6 for their on-tap cocktails, the Paloma and Turmeric Mule (I get it blended with the frozen margarita). Plus, a solid option for breakfast and brunch, without getting as $$$ as other options in town.
I knew about Tiny's after trying their Houston location and only just learned that there was one here, too. Great coffee, folks swear by their ice cream, and I recommend the molasses cookies. However, the can't-miss item is the everything croissant. I bought one my first visit because they were out of plains, and I've never looked back. Masterful lamination with everything bagel topping and the perfect little line of cream cheese down the center. It's bliss.
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Tiny's Milk & Cookies Austin
1515 W 35th StI knew about Tiny's after trying their Houston location and only just learned that there was one here, too. Great coffee, folks swear by their ice cream, and I recommend the molasses cookies. However, the can't-miss item is the everything croissant. I bought one my first visit because they were out of plains, and I've never looked back. Masterful lamination with everything bagel topping and the perfect little line of cream cheese down the center. It's bliss.
The last great deal in Austin. The charcuterie board has the only pate and smoked fish I've ever cared about. The drinks are reasonable, the food portions are huge, and I've been happy with everything I've eaten there (though if you order the Farmer's Salad, tell them to go easy on the dressing, otherwise it's like a slaw). It's also close to the property. The fried chicken thighs are excellent.
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Salty Sow
1917 Manor RdThe last great deal in Austin. The charcuterie board has the only pate and smoked fish I've ever cared about. The drinks are reasonable, the food portions are huge, and I've been happy with everything I've eaten there (though if you order the Farmer's Salad, tell them to go easy on the dressing, otherwise it's like a slaw). It's also close to the property. The fried chicken thighs are excellent.
Breakfa$t
Proper sit-down with a cup of coffee and possibly pay upwards of $6 for a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice kind of places. Hence the clever inclusion of the $ for the "s" in the section title. Breakfast is a meal I don't often explore beyond my own kitchen, so when I go for it, I want to GO for it. Maybe you do, too!
I've eaten here a few times and fully support this place. The salmon bowl is great, the banana bread, divine. I know; no one has ever said that about banana bread, but here we are. Alas, it is paid parking on South Congress now, but try your hand at a back-in, angled space (they all are down there, there's no escape) and pop in. Great coffee, too.
Two Hands
I've eaten here a few times and fully support this place. The salmon bowl is great, the banana bread, divine. I know; no one has ever said that about banana bread, but here we are. Alas, it is paid parking on South Congress now, but try your hand at a back-in, angled space (they all are down there, there's no escape) and pop in. Great coffee, too.
This one is $$$. They also really need to figure out the sound proofing situation. All types of fancy coffees. I had a turmeric...latte? Something. It was delightful. The ricotta hotcakes were an experience, though a bit too sweet; consider sharing that one. Everything I've seen come out of that kitchen is gorgeous. Plus, they have a parking lot. This can be very important.
Proud Mary Coffee
This one is $$$. They also really need to figure out the sound proofing situation. All types of fancy coffees. I had a turmeric...latte? Something. It was delightful. The ricotta hotcakes were an experience, though a bit too sweet; consider sharing that one. Everything I've seen come out of that kitchen is gorgeous. Plus, they have a parking lot. This can be very important.
For the life of me, I can't remember what I ate here, just that it was good, thought the homemade Pop Tart was underwhelming. There can be a wait here, but the patio is nice even in the cold, should you be visiting on one of those very, very rare chilly days.
The lot closest to the establishment is fine, but the overflow parking has a curb that is WAY too steep when you're exiting; sparks fly every time, so be mindful.
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Paperboy
1203 E 11th StFor the life of me, I can't remember what I ate here, just that it was good, thought the homemade Pop Tart was underwhelming. There can be a wait here, but the patio is nice even in the cold, should you be visiting on one of those very, very rare chilly days.
The lot closest to the establishment is fine, but the overflow parking has a curb that is WAY too steep when you're exiting; sparks fly every time, so be mindful.