Vivian’s Guidebook to Austin
Grocery Stores
HEB is the grocery store that Austinites ADORE! There is a vast amount of groceries to choose from including ethnic ingredients, a wide array of cheese and deli options, prepared foods and quality produce and meat!
41 recommandé par les habitants
H-E-B plus!
14028 US-183HEB is the grocery store that Austinites ADORE! There is a vast amount of groceries to choose from including ethnic ingredients, a wide array of cheese and deli options, prepared foods and quality produce and meat!
If you're looking for high end ingredients, Central Market is another favorite for locals looking for a wide seafood selection, butcher and cheese.
765 recommandé par les habitants
Central Market
4477 S Lamar BlvdIf you're looking for high end ingredients, Central Market is another favorite for locals looking for a wide seafood selection, butcher and cheese.
Did you know Whole Foods is FROM Austin? Whole Food started the farm to table movement with a concentration on welfare for animals! Albeit a little pricey, but when you shop at Whole Foods, you support living wages, good animal welfare and a huge focus on supporting local brands from coffee, to chocolates, to produce and meat. Always excellent cheeses, wines and prepared foods.
1332 recommandé par les habitants
Whole Foods Market
525 N Lamar BlvdDid you know Whole Foods is FROM Austin? Whole Food started the farm to table movement with a concentration on welfare for animals! Albeit a little pricey, but when you shop at Whole Foods, you support living wages, good animal welfare and a huge focus on supporting local brands from coffee, to chocolates, to produce and meat. Always excellent cheeses, wines and prepared foods.
Favorite Spots in the City of Austin
In this section of the guidebook, we highlight some of our favorite dining spots in the city that offer good value and delicious food.
We love recommending this place to visitors because of the diverse menu selection. It's a fusion of Mexican and Asian flavors that will leave you craving for more. My personal favorite is the Laksa Noodles, Beef Fun Noodles and James loves the 3 taco selection. The cocktails are also fun and inventive. The best part is the price. It's an excellent place to go that's not too expensive.
90 recommandé par les habitants
The Peached Tortilla
5520 Burnet RdWe love recommending this place to visitors because of the diverse menu selection. It's a fusion of Mexican and Asian flavors that will leave you craving for more. My personal favorite is the Laksa Noodles, Beef Fun Noodles and James loves the 3 taco selection. The cocktails are also fun and inventive. The best part is the price. It's an excellent place to go that's not too expensive.
If you really enjoy trying a little bit of everything, this local favorite might be for you! In a group of 4, you could literally try just about everything on the menu because of the small plates and wide variety. It's really fun to eat here but they don't take reservations (last time I checked) so you could be waiting in line. They have a nice outdoor space.
374 recommandé par les habitants
Odd Duck
1201 S Lamar BlvdIf you really enjoy trying a little bit of everything, this local favorite might be for you! In a group of 4, you could literally try just about everything on the menu because of the small plates and wide variety. It's really fun to eat here but they don't take reservations (last time I checked) so you could be waiting in line. They have a nice outdoor space.
There is NOTHING guilt free about this place. In fact, some would describe it it as obscenely indulgent. I can't disagree with that! Whether you're in the mood for sweet or savory, bring you elastic waisted pants, because you're going to need it! Gourdough's is an absolute delight to go to. Instagrammable, delicious food & fun.
64 recommandé par les habitants
Gourdough's Big. Fat. Donuts.
1503 S 1st StThere is NOTHING guilt free about this place. In fact, some would describe it it as obscenely indulgent. I can't disagree with that! Whether you're in the mood for sweet or savory, bring you elastic waisted pants, because you're going to need it! Gourdough's is an absolute delight to go to. Instagrammable, delicious food & fun.
If you end up shopping or hanging out at The Domain, I love stopping into the Velvet Taco. Literally, anything you can think of for a taco can be found here, whether it's Chicken Tikka (my favorite) to gyro meat...just try it. It's Fun!
34 recommandé par les habitants
Velvet Taco
11501 Rock Rose AveIf you end up shopping or hanging out at The Domain, I love stopping into the Velvet Taco. Literally, anything you can think of for a taco can be found here, whether it's Chicken Tikka (my favorite) to gyro meat...just try it. It's Fun!
When we are craving tacos, this is pretty much the only place we go to. It's not "Texas" style taco's -- it's JUST tacos & tortes. It's ridiculously good. I recommend the lengua. Don't be scared. My friend said he doesn't like that, but he unknowingly tried it and he was blown away.
91 recommandé par les habitants
Papalote Taco House
3632 S Congress AveWhen we are craving tacos, this is pretty much the only place we go to. It's not "Texas" style taco's -- it's JUST tacos & tortes. It's ridiculously good. I recommend the lengua. Don't be scared. My friend said he doesn't like that, but he unknowingly tried it and he was blown away.
Barbecue - Deserves a category of its own
Asking someone about where to get the best bbq in Austin is like asking a New Yorker who has the best pizza. Everyone is going to give you a different answer, but the right answer, is MINE.
There are famous places like Salt Lick but there are the ones that the locals know. La BBQ is definitely one of the TOP bbq places in Austin. Not only is the bbq amazing, their sides are incredible too. Not many bbq places have the ability to have both.
421 recommandé par les habitants
La Barbecue
2401 E Cesar Chavez StThere are famous places like Salt Lick but there are the ones that the locals know. La BBQ is definitely one of the TOP bbq places in Austin. Not only is the bbq amazing, their sides are incredible too. Not many bbq places have the ability to have both.
Terry's is super efficient. You'd be surprised at how quickly the line moves even if there are hundreds of people out the door. Do not be dismayed. Worth the wait. We usually go with a large group of people and we share the family meal. The creamed corn is sweet and delicious and the gooey Mac and cheese is always a hit with the kids. I don't even mention the bbq right now because I don't want to ruin the REALLY FREAKING AMAZING EXPERIENCE for you.
372 recommandé par les habitants
Terry Black's Barbecue
1003 Barton Springs RdTerry's is super efficient. You'd be surprised at how quickly the line moves even if there are hundreds of people out the door. Do not be dismayed. Worth the wait. We usually go with a large group of people and we share the family meal. The creamed corn is sweet and delicious and the gooey Mac and cheese is always a hit with the kids. I don't even mention the bbq right now because I don't want to ruin the REALLY FREAKING AMAZING EXPERIENCE for you.
Expensive Meals #worthit
My husband and I really enjoy good food. There are people that spend their money on concert tickets, clothing or other hobbies. Our hobby, no doubt is food! Here are some of our favorite picks!
MUST RESERVE IN ADVANCE. Chef Mike is a personal friend of mine, if you need a reservation, pls let me know.
Japanese cuisine connoisseurs need to look no further than Tsuke Edomae for the best Edo style sushi in Austin. Chef Mike will blow your mind with the dining experience sharing how he got to where he is today, how he sources his ingredients and his life long devotion to the craft of nigiri. Once you taste his rice and the vinegar, it will ruin you. You'll never experience Japanese cuisine like this again. Omakase only. Respect the rules.
Tsuke Edomae
4600 Mueller BoulevardMUST RESERVE IN ADVANCE. Chef Mike is a personal friend of mine, if you need a reservation, pls let me know.
Japanese cuisine connoisseurs need to look no further than Tsuke Edomae for the best Edo style sushi in Austin. Chef Mike will blow your mind with the dining experience sharing how he got to where he is today, how he sources his ingredients and his life long devotion to the craft of nigiri. Once you taste his rice and the vinegar, it will ruin you. You'll never experience Japanese cuisine like this again. Omakase only. Respect the rules.
American fare done right at Fix Southern House, a local favorite. You'll find warm buttery biscuits, expertly prepared steak, including a 22oz bone in USDA Prime Ribeye or sea lubbers delight in the lobster and crawfish pot pie!
This restaurant even has a private dining space for those looking for a group dinner experience.
45 recommandé par les habitants
Fixe Southern House
500 W 5th StAmerican fare done right at Fix Southern House, a local favorite. You'll find warm buttery biscuits, expertly prepared steak, including a 22oz bone in USDA Prime Ribeye or sea lubbers delight in the lobster and crawfish pot pie!
This restaurant even has a private dining space for those looking for a group dinner experience.
TAKE SOME BISCUITS TO GO! and I'm serious about this! The beautiful setting, incredible food at Olamaie will leaving you craving for more, for days if not decades. The service and experience here is like a 1 or 2 star Michelin restaurant. Ambiance is quiet and fairly casual but the prices are reflective of the farm to table food and high service you can expect for special occasion dining.
39 recommandé par les habitants
Olamaie
1610 San Antonio StTAKE SOME BISCUITS TO GO! and I'm serious about this! The beautiful setting, incredible food at Olamaie will leaving you craving for more, for days if not decades. The service and experience here is like a 1 or 2 star Michelin restaurant. Ambiance is quiet and fairly casual but the prices are reflective of the farm to table food and high service you can expect for special occasion dining.
DIM SUM is excellent. Very high end and authentic Hong Kong taste with expertly prepared steamed dim sum dishes only the biggest Cantonese food connoisseur can appreciate (that would be me...). Dim sum is a science and craft and when I dined here, I could see why getting reservations are not easy. Definitely recommend any of the steamed dumplings, the truffle fried rice and the sizzling steak.
Go with a group of 4 or more to experience as many dishes as you can. If you're not familiar with Dim Sum, it's like Spanish tapas for Chinese food, where you get to experience many little dishes for about $12 each. Order 2-3 dishes per person.
22 recommandé par les habitants
QI Austin: Modern Asian Kitchen
835 West 6th StreetDIM SUM is excellent. Very high end and authentic Hong Kong taste with expertly prepared steamed dim sum dishes only the biggest Cantonese food connoisseur can appreciate (that would be me...). Dim sum is a science and craft and when I dined here, I could see why getting reservations are not easy. Definitely recommend any of the steamed dumplings, the truffle fried rice and the sizzling steak.
Go with a group of 4 or more to experience as many dishes as you can. If you're not familiar with Dim Sum, it's like Spanish tapas for Chinese food, where you get to experience many little dishes for about $12 each. Order 2-3 dishes per person.
Neighborhoods
South Congress is a tourist favorite place to go between the street performers, awesome cafes and restaurants and iconic Austin Murals, it's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Itinerary:
1. Begin at "Greetings from Austin" mural located at Address: 1720 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
2. Walk to Torchy's Taco - 1822 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 and get some breakfast tacos. Ask for the secret menu.
3. The Monkey See Toy Store
4. Big Vinny's BBQ for a little snack
5. Big Top Candy Store for some nostalgic treats
6. Yard Dog art gallery
7. Hey Cupcake for a dessert cupcake (red velvet is my fave)
8. Tesoros Trading Co - shop for some funky stuff!
9. Guero's for a cocktail, maybe Mexican Martini, there is usually live music in the afternoon
10. Lucy in Disguise costume shop
11. Willie for President Mural 100-130 E Elizabeth St, Austin, TX 78704
12. Before I Die wall - leave your mark! 206 E Elizabeth St, Austin, TX 78704
13. Home Slice - take home a half baked pizza! You'd be surprised how amazing the eggplant pizza is!
14. Joe Coffee for the "I love you this much" mural 1300 S Congress Ave Austin, TX 78704
15. Share a scoop of ice cream at Austin's favorite ice cream shop, Amy's
16. Drive to "You're My Butter Half" mural 2000 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702
650 recommandé par les habitants
South Congress
South Congress is a tourist favorite place to go between the street performers, awesome cafes and restaurants and iconic Austin Murals, it's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Itinerary:
1. Begin at "Greetings from Austin" mural located at Address: 1720 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
2. Walk to Torchy's Taco - 1822 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 and get some breakfast tacos. Ask for the secret menu.
3. The Monkey See Toy Store
4. Big Vinny's BBQ for a little snack
5. Big Top Candy Store for some nostalgic treats
6. Yard Dog art gallery
7. Hey Cupcake for a dessert cupcake (red velvet is my fave)
8. Tesoros Trading Co - shop for some funky stuff!
9. Guero's for a cocktail, maybe Mexican Martini, there is usually live music in the afternoon
10. Lucy in Disguise costume shop
11. Willie for President Mural 100-130 E Elizabeth St, Austin, TX 78704
12. Before I Die wall - leave your mark! 206 E Elizabeth St, Austin, TX 78704
13. Home Slice - take home a half baked pizza! You'd be surprised how amazing the eggplant pizza is!
14. Joe Coffee for the "I love you this much" mural 1300 S Congress Ave Austin, TX 78704
15. Share a scoop of ice cream at Austin's favorite ice cream shop, Amy's
16. Drive to "You're My Butter Half" mural 2000 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702