Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!
Mango Hill treat at Hay Elotes satisfies the sweetest sweet tooth (Credit: Sam Saenz)
When Austin reaches triple-digit temperatures, nothing makes me smile like tropical frozen treats.
Here are five of my favorites in town, all delectable and thoroughly “researched.” These inspired, frosty creations are difficult to beat when it comes to bringing down the heat. [Read more…]
Parkside’s second floor patio overlooks historic 6th Street
Parkside on Sixth Street has been a significant influence in the developing culinary landscape of Austin. The restaurant opened back in 2008 as one of the first to bring the farm-to-table concept to our city.
Parkside’s newest event, Summer Social Series, is designed to introduce Austinites to creative, upscale bar food prepared by some of the most talented chefs in the country. Three summer 2017 events feature three guest chefs who will work alongside Parkside’s own executive chef, Nathan Lemley. [Read more…]
Ricotta and blackberry sauce top Paperboy’s breakfast toast (Credit: Dan Oatis)
Austin rocks at brunch. We show up in droves for yummy breakfast foods and casual socializing. Fantastic brunch options can be found throughout the city, but one East Austin intersection stands out as a hipster brunch triangle extraordinaire. Bring your dog, too—each of these places has a dog-friendly area. [Read more…]
Queso verde with nopalitos at El Chile (Credit: Susannah Haddad)
¡Salud! Manor Road staple, El Chile, is rolling out new menu items in time for summer fun. You’ll enjoy the festive patio, a fun happy hour spot for sipping margaritas and visiting with friends. [Read more…]
Grilled cheese. Simply saying the words conjures up memories of creamy Velveeta toasted between two slices of bread, with a bowl of tomato soup on the side. The standard “visiting grandma” lunch.
Luckily, here in Austin, it’s easy to relive those memories with a wide variety of takes on the childhood classic. From the simply delicious to the decadently complex, Austin’s grilled cheese options are as diverse as our city itself. Here are some of the best. [Read more…]
A few months back, my petite French friend Agnès and I spent a day driving around Austin in search of the most authentic croissant. This important research gave us an opportunity to drink coffee, eat pastries, and chat all day long! We liked it so much, it’s no wonder that we decided to do another “research” project: this time for the best macarons in Austin.
I have good news and bad news for you. The bad news is we couldn’t find authentic French macarons anywhere. Some were very close, but not quite the same. The good news is you can find a lot of delicious macarons in Austin that will make your day brighter. [Read more…]
Aaron Franklin helped Rebecca Masson of Houston’s Fluff Bake Bar serve “Thurston S’moores” during The Thurston Moore Group’s performance at The Mohawk (Credit: Daniel Cavazos)
Hot Luck founder Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue, along with partners James Moody of The Mohawk and Michael Thelin of Feast Portland, just wrapped up a successful four-day food and music festival that featured more than 50 celebrated chefs from around the country, over half of whom reside right here in Austin.
The concept was inspired by intimate and informal gatherings–drawing on the nostalgia of foods that comfort, and then are reimagined for a new generation. Hot Luck was for anyone who could appreciate a thoughtfully curated sensory experience, minus any pretension. (Note: you’ll find the words “hoedown” and “hootenanny” used to describe the event on the festival’s website. Boots were optional, koozies were required.)
Humble in presentation, but certainly not lacking in creativity and innovation, samplings were designed to be utensil-free and enjoyed in a picnic atmosphere. [Read more…]
If I’ve learned anything from a year of living in Texas, it’s the fact that every Texan has a strong opinion about how BBQ should taste. Actually, “opinion” is a weak word in this case. “Indisputable truth” better explains the situation.
In a state where brisket is king, opening a BBQ joint that specializes in creative meats and unusual cuts is an act of courage. On a regular weekday, you won’t find the oh-so-familiar trio of brisket, ribs, and sausage on the menu of the newly opened LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue food truck. Instead, you might come across beef cheeks, quail stuffed with macaroni and cheese, and pork shoulder. [Read more…]
School House Pub
It’s a shame that more people aren’t talking about Manor Road. Located in northeast Austin, across I-35 from The University of Texas, these few blocks are packed with shops, bars, bakeries, and restaurants.
Actually, there are over a dozen spots to grab a cold local beer or unique cocktail. Some are classic Austin dive bars, while others are funky joints where you can bring the whole crew. High-end dining options are also available for extraordinary happy hours.
Starting at the 1800 block and heading east, the bars and restaurants below come one after another on Manor Road. It really is a perfect spot for a bar crawl or night out, and it’s easy to tailor your adventure to what you want to eat, drink, or do! [Read more…]
Mattie’s main dining room (Credit: Jaclyn Hubersberger)
Mattie’s Southern charm is evident before you even walk through its doors. Upon entering the gates surrounding the Green Pastures estate, located off South First Street, I was immediately taken aback by the impressive 120-year-old Victorian home with wrap-around veranda and giant Live Oak trees, under which peacocks freely roam. Yes, you read that right: peacocks.
As I walked through the front doors into a foyer with a dramatic staircase opening up to the second floor, warmly-lit gathering spaces on either side of me, it felt more like I had arrived for dinner at a celebrity’s home than a public restaurant. The space is undeniably cozy and dripping with Southern hospitality. [Read more…]