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Half Pound Burger and Hand-cut Fries at Jacoby’s (Credit: Jacoby’s Restaurant)
There’s no shortage of meat in this town. And while I do fancy a good steak or a BBQ feast, there’s nothing better than a cheeseburger to satisfy my meat tooth. Narrowing down the burger joint choices in Austin can cause some unwanted anxiety, though. I think I found the solution: letting my mood dictate the burger.
It’s no secret that running a restaurant or bar is difficult, especially in Austin. With so many opening every month, only the truly exceptional have what it takes to compete long term. So how admirable is it when an establishment can keep the doors open for 15, 20 or even 50 years?
The purpose of this article is to celebrate 15 restaurants and bars in Austin that have served hungry and thirsty Austinites for 15 years or more. My list comes from Austinites who have lived here long enough to remember when quarter beer night was a thing.
This isn’t a ranking by any means. My goal is to focus on what led to the success of each establishment. To do so, I sat down with someone at each business to get the real story. I’ve included their explanations for the lasting success of their local businesses (spoiler: customers come first). Without further adieu, here are Austin’s 15 over 15.
Don’t miss the live music on Tuesdays and Fridays
Bouldin Creek Cafe Jodi Hart via Flickr CC
What’s brunch without crispy bacon, spicy sausage, or maybe some brisket hash?
If you’re at Bouldin Creek, you’ll find that brunch is exactly the way it should be.
Bouldin Creek Cafe has been providing Austin with uniquely delicious vegetarian options for 14 years now, most of which can also be made into vegan dishes. During its lifetime, the artistically inclined cafe has developed quite a brunch following made up of vegetarians and carnivores alike. [Read more…]
Editor’s Note: The Food Lab was renamed Food+City in mid-2015.
You’ve embraced farm to table, but have you considered the path of your food in a scientific and cultural manner? That may sound like a lot to take in. But in my food loving reality, I can honestly say I don’t spend nearly enough time acknowledging this aspect of my cooking, nourishing and noshing enjoyment.
The Food Lab based at The University of Texas at Austin (UT) is awakening the exploration, experimentation and innovation that forms the underlying map of our global food system. [Read more…]
Bialys in the oven at St. Philip Bakeshop Erica Wilkins Photography
Editor’s Note: As of Nov. 2, 2015, St. Philip is ceasing operations. Uchi Restaurant Group President John Baydale announced, “We learned many lessons with St. Philip, made some mistakes, but also realized where our strengths lie.”
Editor’s Note: As of September 2015, St. Philip is closing its bakeshop to focus on the restaurant.
It all began with St. Philip, who iconically holds a basket filled with bread and is the patron saint of pastry chefs and bakers.
Today, Executive Pastry Chef and Director of Culinary Operations for Uchi restaurants, Philip Speer, is embracing the representation of the patron saint.
Speer has found his place as chef and partner at St. Philip Pizza Parlor and Bakeshop, Uchi’s newest yeast devoted concept. [Read more…]
Parkside at 301 E Sixth Street
Parkside holds a special place in my heart. Over the last several years, my wife and I have shared anniversaries, birthdays and many other special moments there, and the memories flood back every time I visit.
We’ve often sat in the same booth, overlooking the Sixth Street sidewalk and the passers-by who provide such quality entertainment throughout our meal.
Our repeated visits have proven that Parkside is able to deliver something rare and important: consistency. I’m always satisfied when I leave because the service, food and drinks are always top notch, no matter the day of the week or time. [Read more…]
Smokey Denmark’s food truck
According to Bill Dumas, head pitmaster at Smokey Denmark’s, “Barbecue is the most bastardized word in the English language.” And it’s true. When most people hear the word barbecue, they imagine the Fourth of July with burgers, hotdogs and pool parties. But if you live in Texas, you know better – or at least you should.
You might not be totally familiar with the name Smokey Denmark’s, but I’m certain you’re familiar with their product. They’ve been smoking sausages and other meats since 1964. Their smoked sausages are served in several restaurants around town, such as Banger’s Sausage House on Rainey Street, where you can get Smokey Denmark’s andouille sausage.
After smoking meats for 50 plus years, they’ve decided to venture into the food truck world, taking their meats to the open road. Or in this case, right next to their meat shop at 3505 E 5th St. [Read more…]
Guest article by Mia Moore
Like many others, as soon as the first autumn breeze hits, I go nuts for all things pumpkins spice. But I’ll be the first to admit that pumpkin is not the be-all, end-all of fall flavors. Apple, cinnamon, pecan, salted caramel, chai…there is so much more to choose from than your typical pumpkin spice latte.
This fall, why not challenge yourself to enjoy ALL the flavors of the season? Luckily, with Austin’s focus on keeping it local, many businesses offer seasonal treats for your delight. Here are a few of my personal favorite local Autumn treats.
Kerbey Lane Cafe pumpkin cinnamon pancakes (Credit: Kerbey Lane on Facebook)
It’s no secret that Kerbey Lane Cafe has a weekly pancake flavor. But once Autumn hits, Kerbey begins serving pumpkin pancakes and sometimes even pumpkin-cinnamon roll pancakes. With a pumpkin flavored base and cinnamon sugar swirl, one taste of these pancakes may inspire [Read more…]
Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile on East Cesar Chavez in East Austin
Austin just gained something special, an exciting new addition to our city’s already impressive repertoire of dining and drinking options.
Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile opened its doors on August 20, 2014. Austinites are welcomed into a modern dining room with rustic overtones that leads out to an equally charming, breezy back porch. This ranch to table spot is located on East Cesar Chavez at the far east side of town, along the banks of the Colorado River. [Read more…]
Edgar and Christina Torres outside School House Pub
School is back in session, and there’s no better place to get “studious” than School House Pub in East Austin. Located off Manor Road among what seems to be an ever expanding collection of go-to bars and restaurants, School House Pub brings you inside the classroom where food and drinks are always allowed.
The small, but cozy interior is cleverly decorated with schoolbooks, chalkboards and charts galore. Their cocktails are quirkily named (Teacher’s Pet, Intro to Spanish, Extra Credit) and are some of the most reasonably priced in town ($7-9). When you walk in, look up and you’ll be staring at the pub’s flagship school bell hanging from a well-lit tower. [Read more…]