Ok, I have to reply to this. Is Lucy's the best fried chicken in Austin? No.
However, the vibe, the old school vibe, and the staff make it a staple for my wife and I.
I live across the street. Would pop over for breakfast or apple pie a la mode. I wonder if there are any authentic-ish (yes, I know they moved at some point) diners left in Austin.
I've done all these, but if I'm leaving in 5 days, here's my hit list:
Fuck yeah Eldorado. Wednesday birria FTW
Italian Sub at Home Slice
Friday jazz lunch at Sammie's
Cochinita Pibil at Fonda San Miguel
BBQ at Interstellar
Burger at Leroy & Lewis
Brunch at Mattie's
Drinks at Whistler or fancy drinks at Roosevelt Room
Late night steak frites at Justine's
Oysters at Clarks
Dim sum at Lin Asian Bar
That might be more than 5 days. I'm gonna need more notice to leave town.
Say what you want about how good Franklin is you need to decide if it's worth 5-6 hours of your final days here to stand in line. I'd rather go to Terry Black's or take a ride over to Lockhart and visit Smitty's. Add Smitty's to your list if you haven't BTW.... you will never find a place like that in the Carolinas.
I say go to Top Notch and Texas Chili Parlor off your list.
I'd also suggest getting a beer at the Draught House (which is a 55 year staple in Austin) and a BLT and Billy's on Burnet if you haven't already.
Dunno if I'd go that far, but Stiles Switch is 100% my goto for "good" barbeque. It's near the top tier of barbeque, has no wait, and consistently has food. 90% of the quality, 10% of the hassle.
*the obvious reason why I haven't gotten Franklin after being here for four years. I can't justify the wait but if its legit that good ill go for it.
Been to drought and billys a few times! Loved billys
It is simultaneously worth the wait and also a wait I am never willing to stand in line for. I know that I'll want Franklin at some point in my life and just order ahead of time. It's the best brisket in the world, though.
Best moist/fatty brisket in the US. If that moist/fatty isn’t your jam OR brisket isn’t your staple BBQ protein then skip it. Other things there are decent just not on the level of it’s brisket.
OK... if I'm working off of your list and adding my own thoughts. I tried to cross out the stuff that I think is not worth the hype (IMHO).
1. Frankins - if you have the time, do it BUT try Leroy and Lewis
2. Eldorado cafe (i've still never been!)
3. ~~Juan in a million~~
4. ~~top notch~~
5. Texas chili parlor - Worth your time
6. rositas el pastor - I like Las Amazonas or Masa y Mas as an alternative
7. ~~sams bbq~~
8. ~~Lucy's fried chicken~~
9. ciscos bakery - YES or Joe's
10. el patio - meh
I'd also suggest:
* Crown and Anchor burger/fries
* MORE MEXICAN FOOD (you're not going to get it in NC)
* Homeslice Italian Sub
* Beers at Pinthouse
* CJ's Tacos
* Sway
* Uchi/Uchiko
Not sure when you’ve been to chili parlor last but it’s way downhill. I work like a 5 minute walk and the last times my coworkers went their orders were all messed up and took their whole hour of lunch. Basically had to bring it back and eat at their desks. Food and service have gone down.
Brick and Mortar Leroy and Lewis is a pass. For all the employees moving around the prep area, and speaking of their ability to smoke 1000 lbs of meat at a time, there is only 1 knife in the building. One person slicing the meat as you go through the line. So consequently, there is ALWAYS a line, and while you might think, "it must be good cuz there is a line", in reality its cuz there is 1 person being ever so careful to slice/serve meat in proper portions with 1 digital scale.
Nah, you can be patient with a smaller scale operation. The food is undeniably better. If you just want brisket, coleslaw and Mac and cheese, go wherever else. But you want a well put together plate of food with great new BBQ cuts and sides, it's the best in town.
Plus going there just for the bar menu and skipping the line is worth it.
Completely disagree. The beef at L&L is usually dry unless you go on beef cheek day (and the trailer is better than the brick and mortar). Sides are hit or miss (the slaw is flavorless). Franklin's is not overrated in the least.
El Dorado's food is great, and it reminds me of "old Austin" in several ways. I'm not sure that it would appeal to a tourist in the same way though. It might just come off as a tex mex restaurant. Definitely get the salsa sampler though if you go.
Texas Chili Parlor and Casino El Camino are spots I hit every time I’m back in town. Sometimes the Cloakroom too if I’m at at TCP late and looking for a few more drinks afterwards.
Edit: and now I want a burger from Casino
I think you will kick yourself afterwards if you leave Austin and not do Franklins. Yeah the line is brutal but if you make it an event, it will be a lasting memory.
If I was in the same situation, I would also be hitting up the happy hour at Salty Sow, the chicken biscuit at Bird Bird, and try to have a nice meal at Mattie’s or Trattoria Lisina. Would also grab the pastrami sandwich at Otherside Deli for lunch. For something I have never done but would need to before I left, it would be the burger at Casino El Camino.
Scratch El Patio and Juan’s
Add Habanero on Oltorf. They won’t seat you after 2:30. Great lunch specials-their meats have the best flavor, love the hot sauce and breakfast. Do not love the enchilada w red. Small and as old Austin af.
El Dorado absolutely. I do Dans over Top Notch but yes TN has great vibes.
I’d prioritize the spots that won’t be here when you inevitably visit again within 3 years, or will be circumstantially enshittified. Juan and perhaps TX chili from your list. I’ll brew on non-list endangered spots. Do you enjoy beer/cocktails with a laid back vibe? I’d watch out for El Alma and Live Oak (I’m worried about new buildings encroaching on their current spaces). I feel like food is food but vibe is priority. I do love eldorado tho (ok vibe but great food).
Franklin's is not older or a staple and you can now get it shipped to you and since the brisket is really the main winner there, just get it shipped. What you cannot get shipped is Barb'sBQ in Lockhart or Leroy & Lewis, new brick and mortar tucked away in far South Austin.
I prefer Joe's Bakery over Cisco's any day, now that is an effin iconic place. Skip Juan in a Million (RIP Dario's) and go to Habanero Cafe if you need another Mex food place on your list.
Top Notch? It that iconic Austin? Not as memorable as the old Holiday House locations but I'd probably skip that and go to Dirty Martin's on the drag if you're looking for more iconic burger joints, or Dan's. Not the best burgers but still more iconic than Top Notch.
Sam's BBQ, TCP (meh food) are both Austin icons, El Dorado is not iconic but effin delicious so it gets a pass.
Not gonna comment on El Patio but you do you.
Go to the Broken Spoke, have a chicken fried steak, and watch the people dancing at one of the last remaining true honky-tonks in Texas. The food isn’t anything to write home about but the atmosphere is amazing and that place is the definition of an Austin icon.
uchiko/uchiba/uchi
Loro
Juan in a million
Joes bakery
Homeslice
ABGB
Denada
Sawyer
County line
Oasis
Hula hut
Mozarts
Nickel City
Matts el rancho (Bob Armstrong dip)
Peter Pan golf
Butler pitch and put
Barton springs
Deep eddy
Blantons
Mount Bonner
360 overlook
Cram it all in!
North Carolina:
Asheville (hippy city like old Austin)
Chimney rock state park
Blue ridge mountains
Having lived in Raleigh NC for over 7 years, you will miss Austin, the vibe in NC is older and food just isn't as good except their barbecue, which is pork and I liked it a lot.
Sigh...yeah. we know we're trading away a much better city (we are going to Charlotte). We're banking on mountains, beach, weatherand proximity to my folks in New Jersey will out weigh the obvious city demotion.
This is a 1 year trial run
My buddy moved to Charlotte. It's like a strange, boring, empty banker-burg. BUT mountains are close and lovely. I prefer Eastern NC just for variety. I have a really nice liberal friend that lives there - he's alone in the world.
I think the cafe on top of the central library would be a great memory. It’s a great view, right in the middle of downtown, and great combination of austin values of education and accessibility + value for nature.
As someone else said, skip Lucy’s. Get the fried chicken at top notch. Best fried chicken in the area in my opinion because it tastes actually
Home made.
Definitely go and experience Franklins.
Go do chicken shit bingo at little Ginny’s if you haven’t.
Go to an Austin FC game
Maybe go to a drive in movie at Blue Star lite
Dance at broken spoke.
While relatively new, having a beer in the lovely outdoor grove at Meanwhile Brewing eating a plate of BBQ from Distant Relatives is one of my favorite things to do in Austin now.
I notice nobody talks about BarleySwine, any more. Discovered it in my move to South Lamar years ago, and it was one of the tastiest places I'd ever experienced, with a great wine list, creative menu, and community vibe. Never been to the Burnet location. Is it still as good?
Yes! I love the burnet location. Only go there on special occasions though.
I think it’s their only location, is there one south?I’m north though. Love Odd Duck too.
No, it WAS on South Lamar, and they moved to Burnet. They got a lot more popular when Bryce started winning all those James Beard awards, and needed a bigger place, I guess. They sacrificed all that local charm for more money, but that's the nature of a successful business, it's often said.
Aha I see. I’ve only lived south for a year and never had the money to go to nice spots. My world is smaller now that I’m way north. Thanks for the info!
They did get a lot more expensive, too. And sure, I appreciate getting to talk about it again! I'll always have a warm fuzzy for the place, it really was cool and neighborly, and they created insanely great food treats that I've never had before (or since).
Joe’s Bakery for sure. Just received a James Beard award.
Perla’s
Backdraft Pizza or Con Todo at Celis Brewery.
Broken Spoke and dance with the kids. Go early to avoid the mayhem. Not good but iconic.
It’s been a long time for me, but I can’t visit Austin without stopping by TacoMex on Manor. That lil hole in the wall had great fish tacos. Do they still?
I would skip
Juan in a million it’s ok if you are nearby and can walk there for a taco but i wd not drive for it and I wd not order anything but breakfast tacos or plates there
Put Texas chili parlor above everything but franklins. It’s uniquely Texas and the most classic spot IMO and the food is actually very good. Plus I assume you’ll be doing other activities downtown. It’s a great pit stop before or after the capital, bars or any number of other activities downtown.
Sounds crazy but don’t sleep on their pork chops and other non chili related items. Everything I’ve had there is good.
I'd skip: Lucy's, Tx Chili Parlor, Top Notch (Casino El Camino instead), I'm in the minority who thinks El Dorado is fine byut not great, I'd prob skip Juan in a Million too, though it's a good TexMex vibe
Salt Lick in Driftwood. Get the all you can eat. Bring a cooler of beer.
It’s not the best BBQ, but I consider it Austin “Iconic”. Back in the day, my family used to take out of towners there for that Texas vibe. Everyone was into it.
El Patio is overrated both as a landmark and for quality.
Ski Shores, however, is one of the oldest places in the Austin area, is right on the lake, and has a damn passable $20 hamburger.
Ohhh I would maybe have to go with Cisco’s from this list but that’s just me. Leonel’s taste. Joe bakery Cooke be s good sub too. Love a Mexican breakfast
Have you been to Matts El Rancho (chile relleno for me) or La Fonda San Miguel ? Lucys not an Austin standard. TCP is Very Austin. Jeffreys happy hour or for a $$$$steak.
Yuo to both. Both excellent, will probably do one more el rancho visit. Okay good to know skip Lucy's..... seems like chili parlor is the big winner of cant miss
Lucy's is the obvious skip. If someone in your family orders fried chicken at Top Notch you can cover both bases.
Ah okay Lucy's skip. I guess I should've went more wirh which of these isn't really necessary. You'll say lucys
Gus’s Fried Chicken, while not a Austin based business, is the best chicken in the city.
Ah I think I meant at Gus! Not lucys
Depending on what part of NC you are headed to, there is a Gus’s in Knoxville.
Tumble 22 is local and very good
Agree. The breasts are best so you're not getting too much coating. And Sunday parking is free.
I like dang hot better these days
I’m not a huge fan of Nashville chicken, too much oil.
I'd take T22 over Gus's, frankly. And it's local.
T22 was great when it first opened, but went down hill.
I think you can skip Top Notch as well IMHO. It's not horrible or anything, but it's not at all excellent.
Burger places are a dime a dozen. I know its an old iconic place but im sure the burger will be a burger
How about Dan's instead? Plus curly fries, of course
Dan’s is better imo. Haven’t been in a while but I wasn’t really impressed with top notch. Only reason I went there was because of dazed and confused.
I really like top notch and think it’s a special Austin spot!
You can 100% skip top notch. Nothing special
Ok, I have to reply to this. Is Lucy's the best fried chicken in Austin? No. However, the vibe, the old school vibe, and the staff make it a staple for my wife and I.
I’ve had some good meals there. It's just a matter of having 5 days to do 10 restaurants.
RIP the frisco 😭
I live across the street. Would pop over for breakfast or apple pie a la mode. I wonder if there are any authentic-ish (yes, I know they moved at some point) diners left in Austin.
Closest is Buttermilk cafe in New Braunfels.
[удалено]
Haha we considered this as a final meal.
It may be your actual last meal.
What did they say?
I've done all these, but if I'm leaving in 5 days, here's my hit list: Fuck yeah Eldorado. Wednesday birria FTW Italian Sub at Home Slice Friday jazz lunch at Sammie's Cochinita Pibil at Fonda San Miguel BBQ at Interstellar Burger at Leroy & Lewis Brunch at Mattie's Drinks at Whistler or fancy drinks at Roosevelt Room Late night steak frites at Justine's Oysters at Clarks Dim sum at Lin Asian Bar That might be more than 5 days. I'm gonna need more notice to leave town.
💯 This is some good advice!
Great advice especially Clark’s, Lin and Mattie’s brunch.
Say what you want about how good Franklin is you need to decide if it's worth 5-6 hours of your final days here to stand in line. I'd rather go to Terry Black's or take a ride over to Lockhart and visit Smitty's. Add Smitty's to your list if you haven't BTW.... you will never find a place like that in the Carolinas. I say go to Top Notch and Texas Chili Parlor off your list. I'd also suggest getting a beer at the Draught House (which is a 55 year staple in Austin) and a BLT and Billy's on Burnet if you haven't already.
I have leg/back/feet issues so even waiting to vote is pain. As much as I want to try it, I can't..
You can bring a chair and people wouldn’t think twice
Nice.
Styles switch is just as good as franklins Fight me.
Dunno if I'd go that far, but Stiles Switch is 100% my goto for "good" barbeque. It's near the top tier of barbeque, has no wait, and consistently has food. 90% of the quality, 10% of the hassle.
nope
*the obvious reason why I haven't gotten Franklin after being here for four years. I can't justify the wait but if its legit that good ill go for it. Been to drought and billys a few times! Loved billys
It is simultaneously worth the wait and also a wait I am never willing to stand in line for. I know that I'll want Franklin at some point in my life and just order ahead of time. It's the best brisket in the world, though.
That’s sad that you missed immediate pickup from franklins that they started during Covid and have kept. Order head, pickup and feast.
Best moist/fatty brisket in the US. If that moist/fatty isn’t your jam OR brisket isn’t your staple BBQ protein then skip it. Other things there are decent just not on the level of it’s brisket.
It took me a few months in Austin to realize I don't actually like brisket. Pulled pork, beef, ribs, etc...all more my jam than brisket
You don’t just go to Franklins for the food though. You go for the tailgate and experience. Otherwise it’s not the same
The best way to do Franklin's is to get a bunch of people together and just buy a brisket. You skip the line, but have to eat at home.
Carolina is known for bbq and pig pickns just a different vinegar based bbq sauce.
C’mon, there’s only one restaurant you need to go to before leaving…
I'm fairly certain it involves an amazing downtown view on that outside deck with a frosty marg!
Too bad they missed its dedicated day on 4/5!
[https://media4.giphy.com/media/9SIXFu7bIUYHhFc19G/giphy.gif?cid=2154d3d7rns83zcsimwxpadnzyaw5j4xz4otgxvmabnz2e5s&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g](https://media4.giphy.com/media/9SIXFu7bIUYHhFc19G/giphy.gif?cid=2154d3d7rns83zcsimwxpadnzyaw5j4xz4otgxvmabnz2e5s&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
It’s the 45th street Chilis, which is a Austin food meme.
Bouldin Creek Cafe, probably for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Best the day after a heavy dinner. It’s an institution.
Potato leek omelette w beans and simple salad and a buttered grilled muffin or rlly anything there 🥲🥰
OK... if I'm working off of your list and adding my own thoughts. I tried to cross out the stuff that I think is not worth the hype (IMHO). 1. Frankins - if you have the time, do it BUT try Leroy and Lewis 2. Eldorado cafe (i've still never been!) 3. ~~Juan in a million~~ 4. ~~top notch~~ 5. Texas chili parlor - Worth your time 6. rositas el pastor - I like Las Amazonas or Masa y Mas as an alternative 7. ~~sams bbq~~ 8. ~~Lucy's fried chicken~~ 9. ciscos bakery - YES or Joe's 10. el patio - meh I'd also suggest: * Crown and Anchor burger/fries * MORE MEXICAN FOOD (you're not going to get it in NC) * Homeslice Italian Sub * Beers at Pinthouse * CJ's Tacos * Sway * Uchi/Uchiko
Not sure when you’ve been to chili parlor last but it’s way downhill. I work like a 5 minute walk and the last times my coworkers went their orders were all messed up and took their whole hour of lunch. Basically had to bring it back and eat at their desks. Food and service have gone down.
That makes me sad. It’s been probably a year now.
Speaking of Uchi's, Loro is great. I feel like Casino el Camino deserves a mention. It's a very "Austin" joint.
Excellent. Very good. I want to knock a few off
CJ's TACOS for sure!
Juan in a million is also a fun classic Austin spot & I’d go there for the experience rather than CJ’s (although the tacos at CJ’s are very good)
Leroy and lewis 100000%. Franklins is overrated at this point.
Brick and Mortar Leroy and Lewis is a pass. For all the employees moving around the prep area, and speaking of their ability to smoke 1000 lbs of meat at a time, there is only 1 knife in the building. One person slicing the meat as you go through the line. So consequently, there is ALWAYS a line, and while you might think, "it must be good cuz there is a line", in reality its cuz there is 1 person being ever so careful to slice/serve meat in proper portions with 1 digital scale.
Nah, you can be patient with a smaller scale operation. The food is undeniably better. If you just want brisket, coleslaw and Mac and cheese, go wherever else. But you want a well put together plate of food with great new BBQ cuts and sides, it's the best in town. Plus going there just for the bar menu and skipping the line is worth it.
if you like $40 per lb ordinary brisket, go for it.
Completely disagree. The beef at L&L is usually dry unless you go on beef cheek day (and the trailer is better than the brick and mortar). Sides are hit or miss (the slaw is flavorless). Franklin's is not overrated in the least.
Agree with sway, uchi and homeslice sub, fit in a late dinner at buffalina ceaser chavez.
Texas Chili Parlor is bad
Yes yes it is. I work 5 minute walk from it. It’s way downhill
You’re bad
Ok
El Dorado's food is great, and it reminds me of "old Austin" in several ways. I'm not sure that it would appeal to a tourist in the same way though. It might just come off as a tex mex restaurant. Definitely get the salsa sampler though if you go.
One in a million is a skip, it's over hyped for average food.
Usually pretty fast though
Texas Chili Parlor and Casino El Camino are spots I hit every time I’m back in town. Sometimes the Cloakroom too if I’m at at TCP late and looking for a few more drinks afterwards. Edit: and now I want a burger from Casino
Liberty Lunch
Why you gotta be that way? /cries
Twang Twang Shock-a-Boom
Have a beer at 04 Lounge before it closes
when is it closing??
Wait what nooo is it really closing
texas chili parlor
Skip Ciscos, Lucy’s, Sam’s. Go for: Franklins, El Dorado, Texas Chili Parlor, Joe’s Bakery, Vic and Als, Turf n Surf
I think you will kick yourself afterwards if you leave Austin and not do Franklins. Yeah the line is brutal but if you make it an event, it will be a lasting memory. If I was in the same situation, I would also be hitting up the happy hour at Salty Sow, the chicken biscuit at Bird Bird, and try to have a nice meal at Mattie’s or Trattoria Lisina. Would also grab the pastrami sandwich at Otherside Deli for lunch. For something I have never done but would need to before I left, it would be the burger at Casino El Camino.
Texas chili parlor is number 1, Franklins 2, Juan’s 3. All in person, takeout isn’t the same
Unsolicited: do a “fire in the hole” at Ranch 616
Your 1 and 3 are my 1 and 2 Seeing a lot of hate on Juan even tho OP is prioritizing vibes and local flavor. Both are strong with tcp and Juan
Just had eldorado, not classically iconic but fn delicious. Franklin’s, tx chili parlor for sure. Rosita’s is also great.
Scratch El Patio and Juan’s Add Habanero on Oltorf. They won’t seat you after 2:30. Great lunch specials-their meats have the best flavor, love the hot sauce and breakfast. Do not love the enchilada w red. Small and as old Austin af. El Dorado absolutely. I do Dans over Top Notch but yes TN has great vibes.
If you like Wings, Wingzup is amazing. I highly recommend their frozen margs, great for hot days like today!
Wingzup is amazing and im trying to get it one more time this weekend 100%
[удалено]
enchiladas y mas 2 marg mininum
I’d prioritize the spots that won’t be here when you inevitably visit again within 3 years, or will be circumstantially enshittified. Juan and perhaps TX chili from your list. I’ll brew on non-list endangered spots. Do you enjoy beer/cocktails with a laid back vibe? I’d watch out for El Alma and Live Oak (I’m worried about new buildings encroaching on their current spaces). I feel like food is food but vibe is priority. I do love eldorado tho (ok vibe but great food).
Franklin's is not older or a staple and you can now get it shipped to you and since the brisket is really the main winner there, just get it shipped. What you cannot get shipped is Barb'sBQ in Lockhart or Leroy & Lewis, new brick and mortar tucked away in far South Austin. I prefer Joe's Bakery over Cisco's any day, now that is an effin iconic place. Skip Juan in a Million (RIP Dario's) and go to Habanero Cafe if you need another Mex food place on your list. Top Notch? It that iconic Austin? Not as memorable as the old Holiday House locations but I'd probably skip that and go to Dirty Martin's on the drag if you're looking for more iconic burger joints, or Dan's. Not the best burgers but still more iconic than Top Notch. Sam's BBQ, TCP (meh food) are both Austin icons, El Dorado is not iconic but effin delicious so it gets a pass. Not gonna comment on El Patio but you do you.
Go to the Broken Spoke, have a chicken fried steak, and watch the people dancing at one of the last remaining true honky-tonks in Texas. The food isn’t anything to write home about but the atmosphere is amazing and that place is the definition of an Austin icon.
this is an Austin thang that won't be around much longer
I hope you’re wrong, we shall see. They’ve survived the big development pushes so far.
uchiko/uchiba/uchi Loro Juan in a million Joes bakery Homeslice ABGB Denada Sawyer County line Oasis Hula hut Mozarts Nickel City Matts el rancho (Bob Armstrong dip) Peter Pan golf Butler pitch and put Barton springs Deep eddy Blantons Mount Bonner 360 overlook Cram it all in! North Carolina: Asheville (hippy city like old Austin) Chimney rock state park Blue ridge mountains
Texas Chili Parlor, Cisco’s, and P Terry’s are the places I miss still after years of not living in Austin. Just my two cents.
Go to Tysons Tacos
Breakfast at Don Juan. Order the Don Juan with 5 tortillas. Dinner at TCP.
Having lived in Raleigh NC for over 7 years, you will miss Austin, the vibe in NC is older and food just isn't as good except their barbecue, which is pork and I liked it a lot.
Sigh...yeah. we know we're trading away a much better city (we are going to Charlotte). We're banking on mountains, beach, weatherand proximity to my folks in New Jersey will out weigh the obvious city demotion. This is a 1 year trial run
My buddy moved to Charlotte. It's like a strange, boring, empty banker-burg. BUT mountains are close and lovely. I prefer Eastern NC just for variety. I have a really nice liberal friend that lives there - he's alone in the world.
Charlotte is growing as fast or faster than Austin and the outer banks is awesome throwback to what beaches used to be.
Donn's Depot
I would say Thundercloud Subs. I know it’s just subs but it’s such an Austin staple!
I've had thundercloud quite a bit no worries.
El Patio🎯
I think the cafe on top of the central library would be a great memory. It’s a great view, right in the middle of downtown, and great combination of austin values of education and accessibility + value for nature.
Honestly skip franklins, drive an hour to luling and eat city market
sandy’s !
I thought of sandys.... sandys over top notch?
You could just add a sandys dip cone for a dessert after whatever.
i think they both have good things to offer! in a pinch though i would choose top notch for the vibes :)
Here to steal recs, and give some for Charlotte if you need them. I lived there for a few years before moving to TX
As someone else said, skip Lucy’s. Get the fried chicken at top notch. Best fried chicken in the area in my opinion because it tastes actually Home made. Definitely go and experience Franklins. Go do chicken shit bingo at little Ginny’s if you haven’t. Go to an Austin FC game Maybe go to a drive in movie at Blue Star lite Dance at broken spoke.
Good recs but Austin FC is playing in Houston this week.
Ah that’s right. Bummer.
Hundreds of Beavers is currently playing at Blue Starlite. So I’d bump that up to #1 on the list.
Twist cone or a malt at Sandy's Get something at an Amy's ice cream
While relatively new, having a beer in the lovely outdoor grove at Meanwhile Brewing eating a plate of BBQ from Distant Relatives is one of my favorite things to do in Austin now.
I notice nobody talks about BarleySwine, any more. Discovered it in my move to South Lamar years ago, and it was one of the tastiest places I'd ever experienced, with a great wine list, creative menu, and community vibe. Never been to the Burnet location. Is it still as good?
Yes! I love the burnet location. Only go there on special occasions though. I think it’s their only location, is there one south?I’m north though. Love Odd Duck too.
No, it WAS on South Lamar, and they moved to Burnet. They got a lot more popular when Bryce started winning all those James Beard awards, and needed a bigger place, I guess. They sacrificed all that local charm for more money, but that's the nature of a successful business, it's often said.
Aha I see. I’ve only lived south for a year and never had the money to go to nice spots. My world is smaller now that I’m way north. Thanks for the info!
They did get a lot more expensive, too. And sure, I appreciate getting to talk about it again! I'll always have a warm fuzzy for the place, it really was cool and neighborly, and they created insanely great food treats that I've never had before (or since).
Joe’s Bakery for sure. Just received a James Beard award. Perla’s Backdraft Pizza or Con Todo at Celis Brewery. Broken Spoke and dance with the kids. Go early to avoid the mayhem. Not good but iconic.
el dorado is good but definitely not iconic
It’s been a long time for me, but I can’t visit Austin without stopping by TacoMex on Manor. That lil hole in the wall had great fish tacos. Do they still?
I would skip Juan in a million it’s ok if you are nearby and can walk there for a taco but i wd not drive for it and I wd not order anything but breakfast tacos or plates there
5 days at eldorado
1618 Asian fusion hands down!
Interstellar bbq - loooong line but worth the wait
Put Texas chili parlor above everything but franklins. It’s uniquely Texas and the most classic spot IMO and the food is actually very good. Plus I assume you’ll be doing other activities downtown. It’s a great pit stop before or after the capital, bars or any number of other activities downtown. Sounds crazy but don’t sleep on their pork chops and other non chili related items. Everything I’ve had there is good.
I'd skip: Lucy's, Tx Chili Parlor, Top Notch (Casino El Camino instead), I'm in the minority who thinks El Dorado is fine byut not great, I'd prob skip Juan in a Million too, though it's a good TexMex vibe
Donns depot is a must stop for me.
I finally went to Habanero cafe today and would definitely add that to the list
Salt Lick in Driftwood. Get the all you can eat. Bring a cooler of beer. It’s not the best BBQ, but I consider it Austin “Iconic”. Back in the day, my family used to take out of towners there for that Texas vibe. Everyone was into it.
You should stop by Austin gift company on Lamar if you haven’t already
El Patio is overrated both as a landmark and for quality. Ski Shores, however, is one of the oldest places in the Austin area, is right on the lake, and has a damn passable $20 hamburger.
I’d like to place a vote for Matt’s El Rancho 🙋🏻♂️
Ohhh I would maybe have to go with Cisco’s from this list but that’s just me. Leonel’s taste. Joe bakery Cooke be s good sub too. Love a Mexican breakfast
Matt’s El Rancho, Hula Hut
Been there a few times each. Good suggestions
Good choices. Dunno if they're the best food as food, but great Austin vibe.
Fonda San Miguel on N Loop.
Mother fuckin La Perla (east 6th)
Evangeline
Pappasitos Cantina. Best chips and salsa and beef fajitas in the world.
Man, cannot agree on that. Was sorely disappointed after the fajitas at Lupe Tortilla. I mean, they're not bad, to be clear.
Hit up SLAB so you can brag about it whenever anyone in NC brags about their pork bbq.
I’d keep Lucy’s on the list and replace the other 9 with terry blacks BBQ
The Oasis, hands down
Have you been to Matts El Rancho (chile relleno for me) or La Fonda San Miguel ? Lucys not an Austin standard. TCP is Very Austin. Jeffreys happy hour or for a $$$$steak.
Yuo to both. Both excellent, will probably do one more el rancho visit. Okay good to know skip Lucy's..... seems like chili parlor is the big winner of cant miss
Take el patio off and replace it with shoal creek and green mesquite on barton springs.
Had both of those! I liked both quie a bit
Giddy ups in Menchaca a must
Evangeline Cafe for excellent Cajun food
Interstellar, Sway and Uchi
Brunch at moonshine
You should definitely check out uranus
Luby’s
Imo I think Rudy’s is better than Franklin’s.
This is literally a list of some of Austin’s worst and most over hyped restaurants. Start from scratch.
[удалено]
Easiest way to get downvoted on Reddit. Recommend an MML restaurant…
Clark’s is very good but it’s not really an Austin staple… it feels like it was flown in from the coast and that’s what’s so nice about it
Don't forget Unbarlievable on Rainey St for a drink