Neighborhood Faves
Coffee Needs (two blocks away)
We have two wonderful coffeeshops, each two blocks away from our house in opposite directions, Bennu Coffee and Thunderbird Coffee. We love them both, here's how they differentiate:
Bennu has the kindest staff and the most heart, and the environment, while warm and friendly, is geared towards focus and work. It's usually filled with grad students. We'd rate the coffee drinks a solid A-minus.
Thunderbird is a little more hipster, a little more of a scene, and more socially oriented, with a more inviting outdoor area. We'd rate the coffee just a tad bit higher than Bennu's, but really they're both great.
223 recommandé par les habitants
Bennu Coffee
2001 E Martin Luther King Jr BlvdWe have two wonderful coffeeshops, each two blocks away from our house in opposite directions, Bennu Coffee and Thunderbird Coffee. We love them both, here's how they differentiate:
Bennu has the kindest staff and the most heart, and the environment, while warm and friendly, is geared towards focus and work. It's usually filled with grad students. We'd rate the coffee drinks a solid A-minus.
Thunderbird is a little more hipster, a little more of a scene, and more socially oriented, with a more inviting outdoor area. We'd rate the coffee just a tad bit higher than Bennu's, but really they're both great.
We have two wonderful coffeeshops, each two blocks away from our house in opposite directions, Bennu Coffee and Thunderbird Coffee. We love them both, here's how they differentiate:
Bennu has the kindest staff and the most heart, and the environment, while warm and friendly, is geared towards focus and work. It's usually filled with grad students. We'd rate the coffee drinks a solid A-minus.
Thunderbird is a little more hipster, a little more of a scene, and more socially oriented, with a more inviting outdoor area. We'd rate the coffee just a tad bit higher than Bennu's, but really they're both great.
251 recommandé par les habitants
Thunderbird Coffee
2200 Manor RdWe have two wonderful coffeeshops, each two blocks away from our house in opposite directions, Bennu Coffee and Thunderbird Coffee. We love them both, here's how they differentiate:
Bennu has the kindest staff and the most heart, and the environment, while warm and friendly, is geared towards focus and work. It's usually filled with grad students. We'd rate the coffee drinks a solid A-minus.
Thunderbird is a little more hipster, a little more of a scene, and more socially oriented, with a more inviting outdoor area. We'd rate the coffee just a tad bit higher than Bennu's, but really they're both great.
Favorite Eateries Within Walking Distance
Of all the places within a short walk from our house, Salty Sow is probably the nicest, but also the most expensive. They call themselves mindfully-sourced contemporary farmhouse fare, and that seems about right. We go there as a special treat with our out of town friends.
We highly recommend going at Happy Hour and just ordering a meal's worth of their incredible appetizers and small plate dishes, which are all half off then. It's makes the whole thing pretty reasonable.
Tip: Order the Crispy Brussel appetizer. Or order two if you’re not a good sharer.
381 recommandé par les habitants
Salty Sow
1917 Manor RdOf all the places within a short walk from our house, Salty Sow is probably the nicest, but also the most expensive. They call themselves mindfully-sourced contemporary farmhouse fare, and that seems about right. We go there as a special treat with our out of town friends.
We highly recommend going at Happy Hour and just ordering a meal's worth of their incredible appetizers and small plate dishes, which are all half off then. It's makes the whole thing pretty reasonable.
Tip: Order the Crispy Brussel appetizer. Or order two if you’re not a good sharer.
Austin is rich in tacos and taco stands. El Chilito holds its own against any of best taco joints in town. Their offerings range from pretty simple and traditional tacos, to some nuevo hipster varieties. They're all great. And two will fill you up.
They have a breakfast taco section of the menu, and a lunch-and-dinner taco section. You can order from either at any time of day.
It's a taco window with plenty of outdoor seating, but no "dining room" per se.
Tip: They have a drink called the Ojo Rojo, which is a horchata with a couple shots of espresso. So good. And it will turn you into a goon.
302 recommandé par les habitants
El Chilito
2219 Manor RdAustin is rich in tacos and taco stands. El Chilito holds its own against any of best taco joints in town. Their offerings range from pretty simple and traditional tacos, to some nuevo hipster varieties. They're all great. And two will fill you up.
They have a breakfast taco section of the menu, and a lunch-and-dinner taco section. You can order from either at any time of day.
It's a taco window with plenty of outdoor seating, but no "dining room" per se.
Tip: They have a drink called the Ojo Rojo, which is a horchata with a couple shots of espresso. So good. And it will turn you into a goon.
Southern Fare done right. The majority of the menu is of the "Meat-And-Three" variety where you get a main meat entree with your choice of three sides. The sides are great, top to bottom. You could make a meal of just the sides, if you want. Just don't pretend that any of the vegetable sides are remotely vegetarian.
I'm pretty partial to the chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken (even better). But they've also got some great barbecue mains, tasty burgers, and even some pretty great (and large) salads.
You will not leave hungry. They always come by at the end to offer up some of their "famous" desserts, and usually the table spontaneously laughs at the suggestion.
163 recommandé par les habitants
Hoover's Cooking
2002 Manor RdSouthern Fare done right. The majority of the menu is of the "Meat-And-Three" variety where you get a main meat entree with your choice of three sides. The sides are great, top to bottom. You could make a meal of just the sides, if you want. Just don't pretend that any of the vegetable sides are remotely vegetarian.
I'm pretty partial to the chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken (even better). But they've also got some great barbecue mains, tasty burgers, and even some pretty great (and large) salads.
You will not leave hungry. They always come by at the end to offer up some of their "famous" desserts, and usually the table spontaneously laughs at the suggestion.
Patrizi's is set up as a permanent food truck on the property of the Butterfly Bar, but don't think of this as "food truck" fare . . . they serve truly outstanding homemade pasta dishes. The menu is small and limited, that's how they pull off the food truck thing, but man, it's delicious.
They have lots of seating, much of it under cover, on the Butterfly's property, and If the weather is pretty, this is a really great casual delicious meal and hang out.
The whole scene exudes what has made Austin great for years: cool and funky, but not too-cool-for-school, no frills, casual, super friendly, and an ethic of excellence. The cocktails are reasonably priced and delicious, Patrizi's is yummy, and the whole vibe in the yard will make you feel good about the community.
Note of warning: The line at Patrizi's can be pretty intimidating at dinner rush time, so come early or come late, especially on a date night.
182 recommandé par les habitants
Patrizi's
2307 Manor RdPatrizi's is set up as a permanent food truck on the property of the Butterfly Bar, but don't think of this as "food truck" fare . . . they serve truly outstanding homemade pasta dishes. The menu is small and limited, that's how they pull off the food truck thing, but man, it's delicious.
They have lots of seating, much of it under cover, on the Butterfly's property, and If the weather is pretty, this is a really great casual delicious meal and hang out.
The whole scene exudes what has made Austin great for years: cool and funky, but not too-cool-for-school, no frills, casual, super friendly, and an ethic of excellence. The cocktails are reasonably priced and delicious, Patrizi's is yummy, and the whole vibe in the yard will make you feel good about the community.
Note of warning: The line at Patrizi's can be pretty intimidating at dinner rush time, so come early or come late, especially on a date night.
El Chile is the best interior Mexican cuisine you'll find in Austin for a reasonable price. It's kind of a poor-man's Fonda San Miguel. They keep things pretty authentic, while throwing in a little bit of innovative flare. Not the biggest and broadest menu, but the whole menu is good . . . as are their micheladas and mojitos!
141 recommandé par les habitants
El Chile Cafe y Cantina
1900 Manor RdEl Chile is the best interior Mexican cuisine you'll find in Austin for a reasonable price. It's kind of a poor-man's Fonda San Miguel. They keep things pretty authentic, while throwing in a little bit of innovative flare. Not the biggest and broadest menu, but the whole menu is good . . . as are their micheladas and mojitos!
Dai Due is truly amazing, but it's also not for everyone. So I recommend looking them up online and reading more about them to see if it suits you. It's fairly pricey, but we've never experienced a place as committed to the responsible and self-sufficient sourcing and preparing of food, and of cooking with integrity as Dai Due. The restaurant (and butcher shop) grew out of a philosophy, and they’re quite serious and sincere about it. Serious foodies hold this place in high esteem.
They do have nightly specials that are more reasonably priced, so it's worth calling ahead and seeing what they're serving.
263 recommandé par les habitants
Dai Due
2406 Manor RdDai Due is truly amazing, but it's also not for everyone. So I recommend looking them up online and reading more about them to see if it suits you. It's fairly pricey, but we've never experienced a place as committed to the responsible and self-sufficient sourcing and preparing of food, and of cooking with integrity as Dai Due. The restaurant (and butcher shop) grew out of a philosophy, and they’re quite serious and sincere about it. Serious foodies hold this place in high esteem.
They do have nightly specials that are more reasonably priced, so it's worth calling ahead and seeing what they're serving.
We love Mi Madre’s. They're family owned and operated, and they’re sweethearts. The place is super casual and easy-going. The menu is pretty run of the mill Texmex, and nothing on the menu is bad, but also nothing on the menu stands out as especially outstanding. We eat there a lot cause we love the place more than we especially love the food.
Tip: Their Chicken Rito Burrito is my favorite thing on the menu. The diablo sauce, which comes on the side, is very flavorful, and also legit spicy. Also, their free chips and salsa are very good.
180 recommandé par les habitants
Mi Madre's Restaurant
2201 Manor RdWe love Mi Madre’s. They're family owned and operated, and they’re sweethearts. The place is super casual and easy-going. The menu is pretty run of the mill Texmex, and nothing on the menu is bad, but also nothing on the menu stands out as especially outstanding. We eat there a lot cause we love the place more than we especially love the food.
Tip: Their Chicken Rito Burrito is my favorite thing on the menu. The diablo sauce, which comes on the side, is very flavorful, and also legit spicy. Also, their free chips and salsa are very good.
Sour Duck is another place (like Patrizi's) that has a really lovely outdoor vibe, and a delicious varied menu that I fail to see the stylistic connection between the various offerings, so I don't know what you'd call it. I think of Sour Duck as a place to go when you want a nice relaxed outdoor hang, some great cocktails, a place where the kids can run around and no one will look at you ugly, and some very delicious food of various sorts that won't quite fill you up.
Tip: Their bakery is outstanding. If you’re staying in and cooking a beautiful meal, it’s well worth a run down to Sour Duck to pick up an artisanal loaf of bread.
152 recommandé par les habitants
Sour Duck Market
1814 E Martin Luther King Jr BlvdSour Duck is another place (like Patrizi's) that has a really lovely outdoor vibe, and a delicious varied menu that I fail to see the stylistic connection between the various offerings, so I don't know what you'd call it. I think of Sour Duck as a place to go when you want a nice relaxed outdoor hang, some great cocktails, a place where the kids can run around and no one will look at you ugly, and some very delicious food of various sorts that won't quite fill you up.
Tip: Their bakery is outstanding. If you’re staying in and cooking a beautiful meal, it’s well worth a run down to Sour Duck to pick up an artisanal loaf of bread.
Favorite Treats Within Walking Distance
Amy's is an Austin institution. I'll swear by my statement that Amy's invented the process of folding "crushed" goodies into your ice cream, and the whole rest of the world stole it later. Carrie thinks I'm an Austin-centric idiot, but I'm right on this one.
Amy's is two blocks away, and if you want a treat for yourself or your kiddos, you can't go wrong. The place exudes joy.
397 recommandé par les habitants
Amys Ice Creams
1301 S Congress AveAmy's is an Austin institution. I'll swear by my statement that Amy's invented the process of folding "crushed" goodies into your ice cream, and the whole rest of the world stole it later. Carrie thinks I'm an Austin-centric idiot, but I'm right on this one.
Amy's is two blocks away, and if you want a treat for yourself or your kiddos, you can't go wrong. The place exudes joy.
Juices and Smoothies, that's all they do. And they're a bit pricey, in my humble opinion. But they're also really good top-quality smoothies. So if you’re feeling like treating yourself to a little extravagance . . . or, I’ll say it, if you’re a little hung-over and in need of some nutritional recharge (or some “brain juice for papa” as our daughter says) . . . then JuiceLand is totally worth the indulgence.
519 recommandé par les habitants
JuiceLand
1625 Barton Springs RdJuices and Smoothies, that's all they do. And they're a bit pricey, in my humble opinion. But they're also really good top-quality smoothies. So if you’re feeling like treating yourself to a little extravagance . . . or, I’ll say it, if you’re a little hung-over and in need of some nutritional recharge (or some “brain juice for papa” as our daughter says) . . . then JuiceLand is totally worth the indulgence.
Favorite Bars Within Walking Distance
We love the Butterfly Bar. In fact, our recommendations for nearby watering holes is kind of limited, cause we rarely choose to go anywhere but the Butterfly Bar. Why would we?
The drinks are good, they’re reasonably priced, and the outdoor yard seating is such a great relaxed perfectly frills-free environment to hang out and enjoy yourself and your company. And it's all just a short four blocks from the house, so you can drink as much as you want and get home safely and easily afterwards.
145 recommandé par les habitants
The Butterfly Bar Austin
2307 Manor RdWe love the Butterfly Bar. In fact, our recommendations for nearby watering holes is kind of limited, cause we rarely choose to go anywhere but the Butterfly Bar. Why would we?
The drinks are good, they’re reasonably priced, and the outdoor yard seating is such a great relaxed perfectly frills-free environment to hang out and enjoy yourself and your company. And it's all just a short four blocks from the house, so you can drink as much as you want and get home safely and easily afterwards.
When we're looking for some place to drink nearby that's not the Butterfly Bar, we do like School House Pub quite a bit. They do have a great beer menu. And they have some pretty decent happy hour food offerings. They also have some indoor seating (which Butterfly really doesn't), so that's a plus . . . the inside and outside are on the smallish side, though. Nice friendly casual vibe, all around.
153 recommandé par les habitants
School House Pub
2207 Manor RdWhen we're looking for some place to drink nearby that's not the Butterfly Bar, we do like School House Pub quite a bit. They do have a great beer menu. And they have some pretty decent happy hour food offerings. They also have some indoor seating (which Butterfly really doesn't), so that's a plus . . . the inside and outside are on the smallish side, though. Nice friendly casual vibe, all around.
I'm doubling up Sour Duck in this section and the restaurant section, cause though it's advertised more as an eatery, I actually think to go there more often when we're looking for a nice place to have a beer with friends, and Sour Duck is great in that capacity, as well. Especially if the weather’s pretty.
152 recommandé par les habitants
Sour Duck Market
1814 E Martin Luther King Jr BlvdI'm doubling up Sour Duck in this section and the restaurant section, cause though it's advertised more as an eatery, I actually think to go there more often when we're looking for a nice place to have a beer with friends, and Sour Duck is great in that capacity, as well. Especially if the weather’s pretty.
Special Restaurants In Austin
Franklin's has become the most famous barbecue joint in the nation, and believe it or not, it actually lives up to the hype if you're willing and able to wait in the multi-hour line to get some.
It's only 1.5 miles from the house, so you can walk there if you choose, or it's a short drive. People start lining up at 8:00 or 9:00 in the morning to be served when it opens at 11:00. They sell out by about 1:00pm.
If you are on a pilgrimage for Texas barbecue, it really is worth the wait. The line, while long, is also kind of a scene, and a part of the "experience" of going to Franklin's. And the brisket . . . THE BRISKET . . . it is, without hyperbole, the finest brisket that you will ever experience. Everything else that comes off their smokers is top flight, as well. But the brisket is something different, and something special, and it doesn't matter how high your expectations are set, it somehow exceeds them. Get the marbled brisket, cause if you're going to all this trouble, the little extra fat in the meat will be worth the smile on your face when you keel over with a heart attack.
919 recommandé par les habitants
Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th StFranklin's has become the most famous barbecue joint in the nation, and believe it or not, it actually lives up to the hype if you're willing and able to wait in the multi-hour line to get some.
It's only 1.5 miles from the house, so you can walk there if you choose, or it's a short drive. People start lining up at 8:00 or 9:00 in the morning to be served when it opens at 11:00. They sell out by about 1:00pm.
If you are on a pilgrimage for Texas barbecue, it really is worth the wait. The line, while long, is also kind of a scene, and a part of the "experience" of going to Franklin's. And the brisket . . . THE BRISKET . . . it is, without hyperbole, the finest brisket that you will ever experience. Everything else that comes off their smokers is top flight, as well. But the brisket is something different, and something special, and it doesn't matter how high your expectations are set, it somehow exceeds them. Get the marbled brisket, cause if you're going to all this trouble, the little extra fat in the meat will be worth the smile on your face when you keel over with a heart attack.
Straight up, the finest interior Mexican cuisine in Austin. It's an old institution in town. Fonda is quite pricey, but it's where we'd go as a family to celebrate a special milestone (graduation, etc). There's nothing on the menu that's not outstanding.
Mostly, I recommend making a Sunday brunch reservation. It's a buffet-style spread of amazing amazing Mexican dishes that will let you experience the full range of offerings at a pretty reasonable price for what you get.
162 recommandé par les habitants
Fonda San Miguel Restaurant
2330 W N Loop BlvdStraight up, the finest interior Mexican cuisine in Austin. It's an old institution in town. Fonda is quite pricey, but it's where we'd go as a family to celebrate a special milestone (graduation, etc). There's nothing on the menu that's not outstanding.
Mostly, I recommend making a Sunday brunch reservation. It's a buffet-style spread of amazing amazing Mexican dishes that will let you experience the full range of offerings at a pretty reasonable price for what you get.
Curra's is our favorite Tex-Mex restaurant in Austin. Top to bottom, you can order anything on the menu and be confident you will enjoy it. I'm particularly partial to their Tacos Al Pastor plate, but you can't go wrong with anything.
I do highly recommended ordering these two things along with whatever else you get:
1) Their Salsa Sampler appetizer. They make all their salsas in-house, and they are amazing. It's a really fun spread to explore and experience.
2) Their Avocado Margaritas. You will forever be trying to deconstruct them and make them for yourselves at home. But you will fail.
200 recommandé par les habitants
Curra's Grill
614 E Oltorf StCurra's is our favorite Tex-Mex restaurant in Austin. Top to bottom, you can order anything on the menu and be confident you will enjoy it. I'm particularly partial to their Tacos Al Pastor plate, but you can't go wrong with anything.
I do highly recommended ordering these two things along with whatever else you get:
1) Their Salsa Sampler appetizer. They make all their salsas in-house, and they are amazing. It's a really fun spread to explore and experience.
2) Their Avocado Margaritas. You will forever be trying to deconstruct them and make them for yourselves at home. But you will fail.
Here's the thing about Polvos . . . they've got pretty solid Tex-Mex across the board. But we're including them here because they happen to offer the finest fajitas you will ever experience. The only reason to venture out of your way to Polvos is to order this:
- The Fajitas Al Guajillo with beef on flour tortillas.
I've eaten there with a party of twelve before, where the waitress went around the table, and each and every person, every single one, ordered that same dish, exactly that way. They're phenomenal fajitas. They have other fajita offerings as well, but get this one. Memorize it, or write it down.
277 recommandé par les habitants
Polvo's Mexican Restaurant
2004 South 1st StreetHere's the thing about Polvos . . . they've got pretty solid Tex-Mex across the board. But we're including them here because they happen to offer the finest fajitas you will ever experience. The only reason to venture out of your way to Polvos is to order this:
- The Fajitas Al Guajillo with beef on flour tortillas.
I've eaten there with a party of twelve before, where the waitress went around the table, and each and every person, every single one, ordered that same dish, exactly that way. They're phenomenal fajitas. They have other fajita offerings as well, but get this one. Memorize it, or write it down.
Uchi is quite expensive, but also a special dining experience. I highly recommend making a happy hour dinner reservation where they intentionally set a lower-priced more accessible menu for people who want to experience Uchi but can't afford the full menu.
It's sushi, it's really outstanding sushi. But more, they really want people to explore, and understand sushi and Japanese food culture. They do a lot of a explaining different dishes and offerings, making expert recommendations. I've used the word "Experience" about a dozen times in this little review . . . but that's what makes Uchi special, in my opinion. They also have a really great saki list, and can talk you through which ones might suit your taste.
688 recommandé par les habitants
Uchi
801 S Lamar BlvdUchi is quite expensive, but also a special dining experience. I highly recommend making a happy hour dinner reservation where they intentionally set a lower-priced more accessible menu for people who want to experience Uchi but can't afford the full menu.
It's sushi, it's really outstanding sushi. But more, they really want people to explore, and understand sushi and Japanese food culture. They do a lot of a explaining different dishes and offerings, making expert recommendations. I've used the word "Experience" about a dozen times in this little review . . . but that's what makes Uchi special, in my opinion. They also have a really great saki list, and can talk you through which ones might suit your taste.
Favorite Places To Eat w/Kiddos
Central Market is a high end grocery store, but they also have a great in-house cafe. And best of all, they have a huge outdoor patio with a giant playground and running-around area. The selections offered in the cafe are widely kid-friendly (pizza, pasta, burgers . . . but nice versions of each) along with more sophisticated fare for the grownups.
Every Friday in warm weather seasons, they have live happy hour music on the patio . . . and it's not cheesy background cover bands, it’s good legit Austin bands, playing family-friendly fun energetic music that the kids can boogey to.
Everything about the joint is geared towards family and kids. And it's situated such that the kids can entertain themselves, safely away from any traffic, so you don't need to keep your eyes on them every second. Everyone always leaves happy.
765 recommandé par les habitants
Central Market
4477 S Lamar BlvdCentral Market is a high end grocery store, but they also have a great in-house cafe. And best of all, they have a huge outdoor patio with a giant playground and running-around area. The selections offered in the cafe are widely kid-friendly (pizza, pasta, burgers . . . but nice versions of each) along with more sophisticated fare for the grownups.
Every Friday in warm weather seasons, they have live happy hour music on the patio . . . and it's not cheesy background cover bands, it’s good legit Austin bands, playing family-friendly fun energetic music that the kids can boogey to.
Everything about the joint is geared towards family and kids. And it's situated such that the kids can entertain themselves, safely away from any traffic, so you don't need to keep your eyes on them every second. Everyone always leaves happy.
Nearby Grocery Stores
This is our favorite nearby grocery store. They do an amazing job of straddling that line between having a broad selection of organic and artisanal options, while also maintaining their accessibility and affordability. We really love this HEB.
1667 recommandé par les habitants
H-E-B
5808 Burnet RdThis is our favorite nearby grocery store. They do an amazing job of straddling that line between having a broad selection of organic and artisanal options, while also maintaining their accessibility and affordability. We really love this HEB.
Central Market is owned by HEB, and this particular store is their answer to Whole Foods' flagship store downtown. They are quite comparable to Whole Foods in their carefully sourced produce and artisanal offerings, and also comparably priced. There's a decent bit of overlap with what you can find at our neighborhood fave HEB, but if you're looking for very particular higher end items, and don't mind driving a few minutes further, than Central Market is a good choice.
765 recommandé par les habitants
Central Market
4477 S Lamar BlvdCentral Market is owned by HEB, and this particular store is their answer to Whole Foods' flagship store downtown. They are quite comparable to Whole Foods in their carefully sourced produce and artisanal offerings, and also comparably priced. There's a decent bit of overlap with what you can find at our neighborhood fave HEB, but if you're looking for very particular higher end items, and don't mind driving a few minutes further, than Central Market is a good choice.