[LU] Austin Chronicle Badge - Austin, TX

Austin Chronicle: Look out over Lady Bird Lake and transcend the usual hotel-dining scene. The focus is on unique and creative preparations of appetizers, side dishes, terrific steaks, and seafood. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: West African fusion reigns at this darling trailer. We're still dreaming of the Couscous Moroccan, packed with cranberries, parsley, tomato relish, and set on a bed of mixed greens with cucumber.

Austin Chronicle: Any ATX 'best burger' list has to include this round-the-clock spot, but don’t gloss over the upscale riffs on meatloaf and chicken & waffles. Save room for the roasted banana & brown sugar milkshake. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Chef Iliana de la Vega operated a world-famous restaurant in Oaxaca. Lucky for us, she made the move to Austin, where her classically modern restaurant and traditional Mexican cuisine are a huge hit.

Austin Chronicle: Our favorite dishes here are the dahl makhani (lentils in a creamy sauce) and Malabar (lamb, coconut, onion). The level of spiciness here depends on who's in the kitchen, so it's a good idea to ask.

Austin Chronicle: You'd better circle the wagons early if you want to snag some of Franklin's world-famous brisket. It has a smoky and spicy bark, a deep smoke ring, and is exceedingly moist and tender. Perfection. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: This comfy spot with its welcoming vibe and kid- and dog-friendly patio has been whole-heartedly embraced as the neighborhood hangout in Cherrywood. Get the soul-satisfying Sol taco or a muffaletta. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Superior micheladas, legit Interior Mexican cuisine, a beautiful patio, some of the best carnitas in the city, and killer mezcal and sotol cocktails. Viva Mexico! Read more.

Austin Chronicle: A proprietress as friendly as her food is good serves up huge portions of burgers and Cajun chow from a succinct menu. The dining room is communal and friendly, and Lola Stephens is a blessing.

Austin Chronicle: Detroit natives Zane and Brandon Hunt have thankfully introduced Austin to the wonders of Motor City-style pizza. We are officially addicted. You can't lose with the double-pepperoni "Detroiter."

Austin Chronicle: Asti is one of the best midpriced neighborhood cafes in Austin. Food is consistently delightful, whether it is grilled octopus, a thin-crust pizza, or their ever-popular chocolate cannoli.

Austin Chronicle: Peppery brisket, crackling ribs, and spicy, coarse-ground sausage in a friendly setting. Go-to place for a casual family meal or to watch the game on a big-screen TV.

Austin Chronicle: A big, bustling ristorante complete with deli, bakery, coffee bar, and grocery, this family-friendly eatery has something for everyone looking for a casual Italian dining experience. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Unctuous rib meat barely clings to the smoke-stained bone before it melts in your mouth. John Mueller, the Yoda of beef ribs, dispenses fantastic barbecue in a relaxed, comfy trailer set-up. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: These easy-on-the-wallet, plentiful platters have delivered many Austinites from hangovers and Tex-Mex hankerings since 1980. For $4.50, the "Don Juan" El Taco Grande will challenge you to a duel.

Austin Chronicle: East Austin native son Hoover Alexander packs 'em in with tempting renditions of Southern comfort food, complemented with a dash of Tex-Mex, a whiff of BBQ smoke, and a pinch of Cajun/Creole spice.

Austin Chronicle: Their motto reads, "Ass, Cash, or Grass – Nobody Eats for Free."  Whatever your method of payment is, stop by and pick up one of their huge, specialty pizzas. The exchange will be well worth it. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: The chill vegan/vegetarian/cyclist-proud vibe isn't the only drawing card here. From a tofu scramble to the Renedict, a reimagined eggs Benedict, the breakfast menu is outstanding. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: A tap wall decorated with over 50 various Texas beers, 2 cask engines, enthusiastic cicerones, and a bacon brewing bus in the backyard area. Come here to hone your craft of beer and bacon consumption. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: An early component of the East 11th Street renaissance, this is a restful, reliable spot for French-inspired snacks and light meals. The luscious, open-faced tartines are highly recommended. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: This charming bistro transplants guests to the heart of France. The prix-fixe menu gets you three courses, with plenty of options in each. Unpretentious and respectful, and most of all, delicious.

Austin Chronicle: This cozy spot shares space with a 2,700-pound Neapolitan brick oven firing rustic, insanely good pizza. For antipasti, we flip for the roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta and Pecorino Romano. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: The drink menu reads like the manifesto of a genius turned madman obsessed with suds, and the art of sausage making is shown through exotic franks. You'll want to do more than just graze this garden. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: 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.

Austin Chronicle: Lucky Puccia's (pronounced poo-chah) cranks out some of the city's heartiest sandwiches. Try the Puccia Contadina with turkey, provolone, arugula, tomato, and olive tapenade. Feeling lucky, indeed.

Austin Chronicle: Austin's oldest outdoor biergarten and dining hall was built by German immigrant August Scholz in 1866. They still serve some German dishes alongside nachos, and burgers to a largely politico crowd.

Austin Chronicle: An Austin champion for organic produce, this Manor Road beauty serves an exquisite bounty of freshness, with dishes ranging from artichoke manicotti to beef and goat cheese enchiladas.

Austin Chronicle: This trailer, on site at the Grackle Bar, is an Asian fusion treasure. The gourmet yet budget-friendly menu includes a fried beef tongue sandwich and Broccoli Pops glazed with sweet chili miso.

Austin Chronicle: On site at the Shangri-La, this trailer is an Asian fusion treasure. The gourmet yet budget-friendly menu includes a green apple and kimchee grilled cheese sandwich. Good vegetarian and vegan options.

Austin Chronicle: This trailer, on the back patio at Liberty, is an Asian fusion treasure. The gourmet yet budget-friendly menu includes the Poor Qui’s Buns and Fried Brussels Sprout Salad. We bow to the beet fries.

Austin Chronicle: Bud's fans from Shoal Creek are happy he's now established in the Mueller food trailer park. His gumbo, étouffée, red beans and rice muffaletta, and po'boys are as good as ever.

Austin Chronicle: This food truck serves sophisticated, stellar versions of Asian street food, from Vietnamese bánh mì to Japanese rice boxes to Hawaiian specialties like the astoundingly elegant spam musubi rolls.

Austin Chronicle: Chef Ray Tatum's porkalicious sliders and crackling meatloaf are sublime, as is his Asian fried chicken. Get a pairing suggestion from neighboring East End Wines and enjoy dining on the lovely patio.

Austin Chronicle: In addition to wispy, fruit-flavored shaved ice, this stand also sells homemade aguas frescas, fruit smoothies, Mexican-style fruit salads, tempting pork tortas, and divine migas tacos.

Austin Chronicle: Back before Austin's Thai food boom, Satay owner Foo Swasdee was serving it up, delicious and authentic. She's still practicing her art with favorites like duck in red curry and grilled spicy snapper.

Austin Chronicle: The granddaddy of all Southern comfort restaurants, Threadgill's has still got it. We flip for the chicken-fried steak and airy yeast rolls, and terrific live roots music has us ever tapping our toes.

Austin Chronicle: The first Mex-Korean truck in the ATX still makes the best bulgogi tacos and kimchi fries in the city. And if you get the burger, by all means get the optional fried egg.

Austin Chronicle: A Mediterranean tree-house atmosphere, bold flavors, and iconoclastic taste combinations make for a cosmopolitan take on traditional bar fare. The pizza bianco is inspired. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Playful cuisine, delectable desserts, appropriate libations, and excellent service. The atmosphere can get boisterous, but a night at Swift's promises both a memorable meal and a super fun time. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Late night crowds looking for something to soak up the party flock to these fluffy flat bread wraps, packed with tender, succulent meat or falafel and abundant tangy cucumber tzatziki sauce.

Austin Chronicle: Barn chic, with a pleasant atmosphere, nice for a special evening out with friends. The gems on the menu dwell in the vegetables category: Brussels sprouts, fried smashed potatoes, and glazed turnips. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: This cavernous campus-area space is a little fancy-pants for the average student, but quite reasonable for high-class delicious fare of this caliber and innovation. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: ESK's home on the Drag features trailer favorites like Poor Qui’s pork belly buns and beet fries. Creative and unique, fresh and flavorful, and located in one of the best funky watering holes around.

Austin Chronicle: Start with shrimp 'n' grits, tofu popcorn, or a choose-your-own tasting plate, then wash down a sandwich with one of the tasty local brews on tap at the nation's first-ever cooperatively run brewpub.

Austin Chronicle: A laid-back place to watch the game while enjoying cold beer and good Louisiana-style food – especially the seasonal crawfish boils. On a sunny day, the patio overlooking the creek is hard to beat.

Austin Chronicle: Susan Post’s much-loved bookstore has provided a launchpad for women writers, a sanctuary for literary seekers, and a safe space for generations of feminists.

Austin Chronicle: The atmosphere – we're tempted to say "art direction" – is superb, and the food's splendid, too. Meats and produce genuinely are farm fresh, often picked in the morning at neighboring urban farms. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: The phallic sign in the sky on South Congress is your beacon to one of the city's best places to kick your shoes off. If you don't have a reason to stay at this local lodging landmark, make up one.

Austin Chronicle: Perla's has transformed a land-locked SoCo corner into a beachy cafe. It's hard to beat this place on a sunny afternoon for fresh oysters, grilled octopus, and a Caesar cocktail on the shady patio. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: From the best tortas anywhere, period, to quesadillas and tlacoyos, this is the closest we get here to real street-style antojitos. Superb pan dulce and tres leches cakes will satisfy the sweet tooth. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: What it lacks in looks, Asiana makes up for with flavor. You'll find an array of dishes from the Subcontinent, from ubiquitous tikka masala to goat curries and less-known Southern Indian specialties.

Austin Chronicle: Symphonies in the park. Phenomenal SXSW line-ups. Bats at dusk. Pups diving into nearby Town Lake. Best yet: The town's best free entertainment venue boasts the Austin skyline as backdrop.

Austin Chronicle: A comfy old house with a brief but nicely chosen wine list, all at good prices, with additional daily specials ("happy hour every hour"). The food is simple but geared toward accentuating the wine.

Austin Chronicle: Pair the house-made merguez with a seasonal salad, and go ahead and order a bottle of wine; it beats getting back in line for another glass, and the ambience is so nice you're going to want to linger. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: 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.

Austin Chronicle: With its vintage funeral-parlor-meets-antique-taxidermy-museum vibe, the Volstead appears to pride itself on dirty cool. Sister bar Hotel Vegas next door has live music.

Austin Chronicle: Chef David Bull didn't bring foie gras to Austin but he surely helped evangelize it. Few other chefs use such precious ingredients so confidently. The cool kids always make it seem effortless. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: This tiny bistro delights with well-executed Italian classics and quaint elegance. Can sometimes be too loud for dinner conversation, but that just adds to the NYC neighborhood trattoria feel. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: How can a corner store be so darn chic? Whether you're looking for chips, organic milk, or a bottle of Veuve, the Royal Blue's eclectic selections cater to just about anybody’s discriminating palate.

Austin Chronicle: Think French comfort food in a cozy space. Crazy-good craft brews paired with creative sandwiches, intelligent noshes, and a burger and frites twofer worth the trip alone. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Four words: Perry's Famous Pork Chop. But "famous" is too vapid a term. Legendary. Mythical. Magnificent. Glorious. Stunning. Dazzling. Don't miss it.

Austin Chronicle: When executive chef and owner Tyson Cole first opened shop in 2003, Uchi instantly became both a sushi and a fine-dining game changer. Quality and craft still out of this world. Reservations a must.

Austin Chronicle: Individually crafted cocktails, an ingenious list of Euro-centric wines, and innovative food. In our increasingly sophisticated bar town, Bar Congress tops the list. Yep, we’ll drink to that. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: The independently owned Austin Land & Cattle serves steaks that are succulent, tender, and cooked as-ordered, and you get three sides with your entrée. One downside: Parking can be a real bitch.

Austin Chronicle: The menu’s great for snacking and sharing, and unless your party’s big enough to fill a picnic table, you’ll get to know your neighbor, too. It’s that kind of place, and we really love this place. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Ambitious, delicious trailer food from caterer/chef Luke Bibby. Overdo it at next door Gibson Bar? Luke’s cheese fries and the Spicy Szechuan Chicken griddled sammy are gonna make everything alright. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: This small, classy shop in the Arboretum offers an exemplary product line of flavor-infused extra virgin olive oils, truffle oils, and aged balsamic vinegars. Delectable flavors abound. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: What started as a supper club has grown into a full-fledged bistro with limited menus that change frequently. Solid farm-to-table, Cali-Med fare, and ideal for the neighborhood. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Neapolitan-style thin-crust dough brings the aficionados to this old house remade into a pizza joint. The patio out front makes a cozy spot to suck down an icy brew while downing a tasty pie.

Austin Chronicle: Done up in white on antique white, Swan Dive is the place for all things piquant. Specializing in the eccentric, atmospheric, and anachronistic, they book music that marches to a different off-beat.

Austin Chronicle: Time to carb up, y’all: The street-level bakeshop serves up top-of-the-line breads and pastries; mosey on to the downstairs beer garden and you’ll find mouth-watering cured meats and excellent brews. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: It’s only open for tours and tastings for a few hours on Friday and Saturday afternoons, but that's plenty time to sample the fresh, seasonal craft brews. Don't forget Brew Biscuits for the pup.

Austin Chronicle: Thai food fanboys love the joint for its authenticity, its spice level, and the value-to-price ratio. Ditch the pad thai and explore more of the menu, which explores all corners of the nation.

Austin Chronicle: An elegant and playful twist on the so-serious steakhouse m.o, this temple to former Longhorn football star Vince Young is a luxurious (if pricey) option for watching the game or wooing a date. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: As much a punk rock clubhouse as record store, Trailer Space books the most in-store performances per week of any place in town with a stellar cast of up-and-coming rockers. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: The orange-infused crème brulee at this wonderful Cajun-Creole eatery is the best example of this particular French delicacy we've ever had anywhere, in any year. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: From the sublime teas and sandwiches to the stellar scones, cupcakes, and tortes, we adore this tea shop & bakery. Just as tranquil as the original Domain location, but without the stressful commute. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: The evidence: High-quality meats. Big portions. Freshly baked breads. Fair prices. A healthy dose of sass from the staff. The verdict: Among the best sandwiches in town. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: This smoke-stained barbecue shack has been in business since 1943, offering mesquite-smoked brisket, pork loin, Elgin sausage, and chicken. No booze, no vegetables, no frills, no credit cards. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Austin's only vegetarian/vegan Jewish sandwich trailer feels like a picnic in a friend's backyard. The matzoh ball soup is delish, a perfect consistency ball kissed by a light, almost buttery broth. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: An exemplary burger lineup in the $5 to $9 range. The line – regularly out the door – moves fast, and we’d do murder just to get our hands on the Caramel & Sea Salt milkshake. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Let your frea– we mean, geek flag fly while your eyes behold indie comics, 1st editions, figurines, manga, trade paperbacks, and graphic novels. The dedicated staff are friendly and know their stuff.

Austin Chronicle: No such thing as giving the Pig too much love. From bread to bacon, everything is house-made, and they turn out some of the best sandwiches in town. The swine-free catfish sandwich is amazing, too. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: The Singh boys have built a loyal following with their contemporized Indian fare. The space is old, stone, and gorgeous, the crowd is watchworthy, and the food delish. Like a kick? Ask for desi-hot.

Austin Chronicle: This trailer boasts a simple but scrumptious menu of Turkish wraps stuffed with Middle Eastern-style meats or falafel plus sides like tzatziki and hummus. Can't decide? Go with the Spoiled Brat. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: El Mesón boasts a lavish tequila selection and authentic Mexican fare. We adore the amuse-bouches here, like the unexpected tiny bowls of fideo or a little street-style corn on the cob. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Little screams South Austin as loudly and proudly as Maria's. Expect simple, fast fare like the hangover-curing gorditas, a brunch build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, and lots of folks keepin' it weird.

Austin Chronicle: Eclectic, upscale, and seasonal fare, an excellent wine list, private tables, and exemplary service flawlessly converge in a gorgeous, Michael Hsu-designed space. Simply one of our city's best. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Interior and traditional and a South Austin gem. The empanadas de huitlacoche of handmade corn masa are stuffed with corn truffle or "corn smut" to make a real delicacy. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: 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.

Austin Chronicle: To-die-for sandwiches, package wine sales, charcuterie, and an inviting, inspiring cheese case. We heart the Beecher's cheddar with house-roasted turkey and avocado. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: This ATX institution has never strayed from its winning formula of authentic Mexican food made from scratch, on the premises, and according to revered family recipes.

Austin Chronicle: At this 24-foot yellow chrome trailer, the pork ribs are St. Louis cuts and the pork loin is meltingly tender. Stay for the magnificent Pedernales Valley sunsets. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: This family-friendly Italian eatery is comfortable and sedate, staffed with eager to please servers. Its Lincoln Village setting is a touch uninspired, but Verona is indisputably a good value. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Nothing fancy – just great, dependable Chinese food. We especially like the hot & sour soup with a side of spicy dumplings. You can't go wrong with a meat entrée; they use good beef and cook it right. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Opened in 1926, Dirty’s has been serving the same fresh-beef burgers, chicken-fried steak, fries, nachos, shakes, and beer ever since. On weekends, the campus crowd swarms in to soak up a boozy night.

Austin Chronicle: Laid-back Austin yet Downtown chic, Garrido's budget-conscious menu touts small but tasty selections for inventive, white-tablecloth Mexican fare. The bocaditos are tiny, but order them anyway. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Manuel's excellent presentation of regional Mexican cuisine has made it a Downtown mainstay for more than 25 years. The menu offers a nice mix of new ideas and tried-and-true. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Fragrant barbecue smoke and soulful blues waft over the roof of this 19th-century brick edifice. It's noisy. It's fun. And that's just the way the crowd likes it. The fried pies are not to be missed. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Perennial fave La Condesa reflects the culinary trends of Mexico City's hip neighborhood Colonia Condesa. Feeling adventurous? Try the chapulines – a Oaxacan specialty of tiny fried grasshoppers. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: An unlikely combo – South Austin-funky trailer meets très French menu – but it works. The crepes, both savory and sweet, are substantial. For dessert, we like the lemon curd with blueberry dressing. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Love the folk art-festooned interior, but the rooftop patio with Downtown view can’t be beat. Try the tangy guacamole al chipotle, served with a smoky chipotle crema and crunchy sunflower seeds. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: A damned good burger for the budget-conscious carnivore who prefers meat not from some megafactory; Wholly Cow gets their grass-fed beef from Rocky Hill Orchards in Fredericksburg. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: A smart wine list and seasonal menu provide big-city sophistication here. Cheese and cured meat plates are available during brunch if you’re bored with Eggs Benedict. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: One might question their definition of “dive,” but here’s what this ATX outpost indisputably offers up: an urban/industrial/aggressively "hip" space, legit fried chicken, and a superior brunch option. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: A luxurious menu is matched by an adventurous wine list and an intimate, bistro feel. Don’t skip the house-baked bread: It’s stunningly good, especially when dipped in the Mussels & Clams wine broth. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Winner of seven "Best of Austin" awards, End of an Ear harkens back to the glory days of Inner Sanctum and Sound Exchange, specializing in experimental, punk, psychedelic, dub, metal, jazz, and blues. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: 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.

Austin Chronicle: All you tech heads can go bang your digital drum elsewhere: We’ll be curled up with a good book at BookPeople, where the printed page is still king. Great selection, comfy chairs, and a coffee bar.

Austin Chronicle: The very cool Whip In boasts specialty beers, obscure wines, locally packaged gourmet foodstuffs, and a cafe menu that's a bricolage of Indian, African, European, and American flavors. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: This vintage 1960 Comet trailer serves all kinds of meat, from duck sausage to smoked brisket, and they’re all flat-out delicious. Micklethwait Craft Meats belongs up with the elite of Austin BBQ. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: One of Austin's premier rhythm-and-grub joints, and it has damn good barbecue. The Gospel Brunch on Sundays has become so popular that reservations are a must for both seatings.

Austin Chronicle: The chicken is tender and juicy, the breading perfectly crisp, and it washes down well with a Juicy Lucy frozen watermelon margarita or the spicy Bee Sting. Like being at an impeccably curated picnic. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: Stuffed with ingredients as wild as their celebrity namesakes (see: the Buffalo Bill, the Norma Jean), the burgers at this retro diner are big and beautiful. Hot dogs and salads round out the menu.

Austin Chronicle: There's no better way to end a night on the town than by going down to this low-ceilinged, atmospheric basement club to enjoy live jazz and a drink or three.

Austin Chronicle: After struggles with the city over building permits, Junk King Vince Hannemann's 33-foot-high, 60-ton art installation is back to delight and stimulate the senses.

Austin Chronicle: Exhibits come and go at this top-flight art museum, but what never changes is the epic installation “Stacked Waters,” which gives the Blanton's atrium the feeling of a two-story-high pool of water.

Austin Chronicle: The Alamo expands to tony Circle C with all its charm intact, with inventive programming and a tongue-in-cheek menu that confirms whey we love the Alamo: Because they love movies as much as we do. Read more.

Austin Chronicle: The little sister to the Paramount Theatre does everything its sibling does, only with comfier seats. Seems like they've worked the kinks out of the sound issues, too.

Austin Chronicle: This once-sleepy outpost underwent a spit-shine with an interior remodel and the exterior strip mall's ongoing revitalization. Pizza + a bucket of beer + a Nineties Boy Band Sing-Along = perfection.

Austin Chronicle: The grande dame of Austin theatres is old, ornate, and awesome. Sit in the balcony for a better view of the ceiling mural, and don't forget a sweater – they like to crank the A/C.

Austin Chronicle: 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.

Austin Chronicle: This historic theatre has lived a lot of lives (including an early 80s incarnation as a punk club), but since 2007, new releases, midnight movies, and arthouse fare have found a home here. Read more.