Interesting: this building used to be the home of the Armadillo World Headquarters as one of the early catalysts of the Austin music scene. Janis Joplin got her start at the original at 6414 N. Lamar!
Qui captures so much of what is driving the Austin restaurant scene forward. Qui's mixture of fine dining, molecular, and Filipino influences makes for a unique dining experience. [Eater 38 Member]
Onion rings, wings, fries, milkshakes, and blue plate specials are available, but the star items remain the messy, fresh-beef, oddly named burgers. Tuby’s Tickler, anyone?
Tried a lot- best BBQ in Austin. The El Sancho was the best BBQ sandwich I have ever had, period.
The hype is absolutely for real: this is the best BBQ in the U.S. You can't go wrong regardless of what you choose, but the brisket is the MVP of the lineup. But get here early, they will sell out.
Three decades serving Interior Mexican cuisine (cochinita pibil, pescado veracruzano) surrounded by vibrant art and an organic garden makes this fine dining spot one of the loveliest anywhere.
This tucked-away East side bistro is well worth the trip for its romantic outdoor space, well-executed classic French cuisine, & reasonably-priced wine list. [Eater 38 Member]
Quality Seafood has been providing Austinites with fresh Gulf seafood for over seventy years. The shrimp tacos are some of the best in town. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Since 2003, Uchi has received raves for avant-garde creations such as foie gras sushi with pomegranate. Bon Appétit named it one of our Top 10 Sushi Spots in the Country.
This spot's got tongue-bending Japanese cuisine w/ signature makimono rolls like the "Jiiro" (smoked loch duart salmon, avocado, preserved lemon) & has one of the most impressive sake lists in town. Read more.
The historic Nau's remains an old-fashioned independent drugstore with the last soda fountain standing in Austin. Breakfasts, grilled cheese, and fountain drinks best enjoyed on a counter stool.
Migas taco is AMAZING. The salsa in the big bowl also rocks - it has avocado in it. Can't get enough.
Some of the best tacos in Austin are served by two trucks with national acclaim. Their aguas frescas are not to be missed, and they serve up the best migas taco in Austin. [Eater 38 Member]
Exceptionally good food at heart-stopping prices: You could drop 100 bucks for a single – and delicious – dry-aged steak. The must-have made-to-order soufflés take 20 minutes to make, so plan ahead. Read more.
Buckee's for hipsters. A crucial stop when you find yourself en route between Austin and Houston. Have some authentic kolaches amidst country kitsch. Bathrooms are lemony-fresh
Easy Tiger has the winning Austin formula: in-house bread and pastries, craft beer, ping pong, and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere, in the most improbable of places: Dirty Sixth. [Eater 38 Member]
Flavors ranging from "Roasted Beets and Fresh Mint" to "Caramelized Carrots and Tarragon" to more familiar flavors like "Caramel Salt Lick."
Do a tequila taste test with more than 80 varieties, all offered by this eclectic Mexican restaurant. One unique & favorite dish is the costillas de Puerco: pork ribs with plaintains, onions, & cheese
Contigo's beer garden, craft cocktails and locally sourced, inventive food from Chef Andrew Wiseheart embody everything that's key to a great Austin restaurant right this second. [Eater 38 Member]
Think Parisian bistro, burlesque cabaret, and steampunk film set, with upscale food and bar menus based on seasonal, local ingredients. Execution can be spotty, but the ambience is always spot-on.
43 years of draught beer excellence, & brewing their own in a tiny brewhouse since about 1994. Best beer bar in Austin, with new brews daily. Great Beer Garden out back, dog friendly too.
Chicken and waffles are the go-to, but I'm also a huge fan of the mixed green salad with the shallot vinaigrette (add the pulled chicken if you're into that sort of thing).
Indie bookseller since 1970, BookPeople is a winner of Bookstore of the Year by Publisher’s Weekly. Employee-written reviews, a coffee shop and tons of book signings and events make it a must-see.
Widely considered one of the finest indie record stores in the world, Waterloo boasts an impressive selection of music, knowledgeable staff, fun in-store performances, and much more. Read more.
The vibe is relaxed and rustic with vintage-inspired jewelry that looks like they jumped out of model (and Texan) Erin Wasson’s wardrobe. -Katie Connor, Fashion Editor
The best store in what's becoming one of the country's freshest cities. Stag offers antiques, apparel, and an apothecary; in fact, everything is for sale.
Hands down coolest music venue in Austin. Head outside to the main stage or up the stairs to the rooftop deck that looks over the stage. If you want a more intimate experience head to the back stage.
Operated by the University of Texas, this taste-making venue opened in 1979 and has featured performances by Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, Townes Van Zandt, and Lucinda Williams.
The real deal as far as Austin's dive bar culture is concerned. Chances are the closing act on weekend nights will demonstrate why Austin's local music scene is a force to be reckoned with.
This South Lamar club has been around for more than 20 years and is a staple of the Austin music scene.
No matter who's playing -- though Alejandro Escovedo's traditional Sunday night gig is preferable -- you gotta pay respects to this classic honky tonk heavy-drinkin'/rockin' establishment.
Since 1979, this venerable retailer has staunchly supported emerging talent. The upscale designer department is flush with Lanvin bags and Marni dresses. Read more.
We love this intimate neighborhood shop, where curious patrons can taste everything, ask a million questions, and have divine cheese selections cut to order by the expert and devoted staff. Read more.
Knowledgeable staff are more than happy to answer all of you brewing, wine making or cheese making needs! These guys are great.
How cool are these all natural body products from Germany? We are a bit obsessed with our new 'Stop The Water While Using Me' collection. Come check it out!
Nice Kicks is like a sneaker-geek porn house. The shop has a coveted Tier 0 account, which is basically a shoe dealer's Black Card.
Built in 1878 and cited as Texas’ oldest dance hall, the venue has hosted gigs by Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bo Diddley, and George Strait. Famously features no air conditioning.
They had us at 4-hour validated parking. OK, there's also the terrific arthouse and foreign programming, the artisanal cheese plate and full bar, but it bears repeating: 4-hour validated parking! Read more.
The company began as a second-run movie theater, and distinguished itself by the food and drink service offered inside the theater, including cold beers.
You may be surprised by the fine sausages created here. If you love bacon, go with the Hogzilla: a bacon, pork and onion sausage topped with pulled pork & fried onions. Frank also has veggie specials Read more.
It has a Gutenberg Bible and holdings that include documents of authors such as John Steinbeck, Tennessee Williams and Norman Mailer, along with Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein's Watergate notes.
Raise your City iQ: The enormous oak bar is rumored to have been around since the pre-automobile days. Read more.
Congratulations, you've found one of Esquire's Best Bars in America. The appeal here is simple, and it’s held for a half century: You drink, you smoke, you talk. $6 pitches of Lone Star help, too. Read more.
Congratulations, you've found one of Esquire's Best Bars in America. Play Chicken Shit Bingo on Sundays. We'll let you figure out how they pick the numbers. Read more.
We seriously dig this bar’s sticky-floor aesthetic and convivial vibes. The room is dark, the music is hot, the crowd is diverse, and friendly barkeeps keep the margaritas and the Two Steps flowing.
Laid back dive bar that takes cash only and serves up a limited selection of down to earth beers and setups (BYOL). Also has shuffleboard and a jukebox full of country tunes.
Cheap drinks + ESK curry buns and beet fries make this our go-to bar. Chances are you’ll run into someone you know on the back patio, and the communal benches mean you’ll be making new friends, too.
The Scoot has been in business off and on for over 140 years, making it one of the oldest beer-slinging honky-tonks in Texas. We adore this dive bar, but the bathrooms are strictly to be avoided.
Al pastor pork is a must: glistening red from a dry-chile marinade, citrusy, charred, & tender; on a homemade flour tortilla and doused with an amazing green salsa – a contender for the best in town.
People get religious about the extra-hot Dona sauce, for good reason: It's just that delicious. Don't overlook the handmade mole, and the brisket Tacoloco may be the best four bucks you ever spent.
To sneak up front, go to the east bar, look to the right, and you'll see a walkway that’s usually guarded by a worker. No big deal! Just walk by, go around the balcony, and you’ll be up front! – Artur
How can you go wrong with a former massage parlor/brothel converted to a speakeasy from the people behind the Drafthouse? NOTE: Have to visit midnightcowboymodeling.com for reservations.
MUST go here. But first, grab a "pickle shot" next door from the jackalope. Definitely worth the small ticket price. Assortment of odd items and CRAZY sideshow at the end! Remember to tip!
French technique, exotic ingredients, a judicious use of spice and heat, and strong Southeast Asian and Northern African influences on the three-course prix fixe menu distinguish this upscale option. Read more.
Brad Sorenson brings "homespun twists on upscale classics" and clean, modernist-inspired design to Rainey Street. NO VA serves up dinner, late night, and brunch with a craft-forward cocktail menu.
This is hands down the best cocktail bar in Austin. Ask any reputable bartender in any city, this is the best place to drink cocktails in Austin. Also, Chris is a renowned cocktail artist!
This tiny South Austin restaurant features global dishes from Texas-sourced ingredients. Make reservations early--there are only about thirty seats available. [Eater 38 Member]
Banger’s laid-back biergarten aesthetic is a great break from the übercool ethos of Rainey St. Wash down the delish housemade sausages with 100+ taps of craft brew. Stellar vegetarian options, too. Read more.
Best BBQ in Austin. About half the wait you'd expect at Franklin. Get here at least an hour before opening. Totally worth the wait, plus free beer while you're in line on weekends. Get the brisket!!
This new-school, street-food star mashes up fresh and hyper-flavorful Southwestern and pan-Asian ingredients in the best way. Wake up the taste buds and think pad thai taco.
