Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!
Credit: Mitchell Hallmark, Found Media Group
Guest article by Angela Bowers
Calling all foodies! Have you heard of Taster’s Table Club? It’s a group that dines together monthly at new and delicious restaurants around Austin. The types of restaurants cross a wide range of tastes, to offer variety and style for each member.
Among the best queso in Austin at Torchy’s Tacos (Credit: Zach Copley via Flickr CC)
Almost as sacred as the mighty breakfast taco, queso is Austin’s liquid gold.
But not all queso is created equally. Some comes plain, some with garnish and some “cowboy style.” But one thing’s for sure. This ooey-gooey goodness has been perfected in our capital city.
While I do have an opinion on who reigns the queso kingdom in Austin, I’ve decided to simply share with you the top six quesos every person must try in order to be considered an Austinite. You can decide for yourself which one is the best. [Read more…]
Everything you need to create your own craft cocktails is delivered in an aged bourbon barrel (Credit: Sourced)
Much like James Bond, I love a good cocktail. I’ve spent many an evening transfixed by the hands of a bartender as she mixes, measures, muddles and presents fabulous concoctions that tantalize my tastebuds.
The art of cocktail-making is one the eager hostess in me dreams of mastering. But more than just skill and a penchant for measuring, proper mixology requires a great deal of tools and ingredients. Thankfully, Sourced Craft Cocktails is a new company in Austin that can make anyone’s dreams of hosting grandeur a reality. What’s better: they deliver everything to your door. [Read more…]
Though they’re overlooked in the bakery case, in favor of trendier desserts, there are few things as transcendent as warm-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies. One bite into a perfectly baked, handcrafted cookie, and it’s obvious why this humble dessert is an American classic.
Armed with a giant glass of milk and a deep love for all things sweet, I uncovered a few Austin bakeries that have been churning out these swoon-worthy cookies by the dozen, some for decades.
[Read more…]
Vino Vino’s Wisconsin cheese plate with butternut squash puree, honey and toasted pecans (Credit: Edwin Ochoa)
Vino Vino on Guadalupe Street
Guest article by Laurie Engle
It’s the first date. You want it to be casual, but not careless, low-key, but not boring. The first date should give you both a chance to converse and get to know one another, without competing with too many distractions. The right romantic setting helps set the tone. You want something calming and special.
As a single woman in our fair city of Austin, I’ve been on my share of first dates. In fact, I’m a bit of an expert. And my “go-to” when asked to suggest the place to meet? I’m a huge fan of Vino Vino. [Read more…]
Torchy’s Tacos flagship location on South Congress (Credit: John Cabuena)
Guest article by Jonatan Contreras
I’m new to Austin, and I was (quite unreasonably) excited to find out it has a pretty big Mexican food scene. Let me back up.
I’m from El Paso, Texas, land of the border culture. In El Paso, every time a new Mexican restaurant pops up, we tend to wonder “Another one?” Needless to say, I know my way around a taco. Which, ironically, was the reason I was excited to try out Austin staple Torchy’s Tacos. Word in town was, a flagship location had just opened on South Congress Avenue, where Fran’s Hamburgers used to be.
Torchy’s Tacos, you did not disappoint. [Read more…]
Dirty Sixth Street (Credit: Ian Aberle via Flickr CC)
Whether you love it or loath it, Sixth Street is one of the most iconic streets in Austin. It’s the epicenter of what made Austin the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
There are three sections of Sixth Street in Austin: West, East and what locals refer to as Dirty. West Sixth is the section of Sixth Street that runs west from Congress Avenue. For the most part, the nightlife scene ends at North Lamar Boulevard.
Technically, and according to street signs, East Sixth starts at Congress Avenue and runs east, but that’s not what you’ll hear from locals. We refer to the section of Sixth Street that stretches from Congress Avenue to I-35 as Dirty Sixth. Then East Sixth is anything east of I-35. Don’t get confused by the street signs; you’ll be talking like a local in no time.
There are actually quite a few wonderful businesses on Dirty Sixth that aren’t as “dirty” as you might imagine.
Looking for late night eats in Austin? Check out – 20 Restaurants Open Late in Austin!
And for the best places to eat at on sixth street & other downtown areas check out our – 10 Best Restaurants in Downtown Austin!
Warm and welcoming with a dive bar edge: welcome to Mean Eyed Cat! (Credit: Mean Eyed Cat)
For 90% of the world, there’s only one Man in Black. Forget the Will Smith movies; ignore the X-Files. Johnny Cash, one of country music’s original rebels, is the only one who matters.
While you can trek to Nashville to pay homage, there’s a joint right here in Austin that honors the legend through its décor, drinks and demeanor. With more than just a novelty name for a dive bar, Mean Eyed Cat Bar hides quality cocktails, great food and exceptional service behind its roughneck exterior. The result is your new favorite local hangout. [Read more…]
Downtown farmers’ market (Credit: Lars Plougman via Flickr CC)
If you haven’t explored the generous selection of robust Austin farmers’ markets, you’re missing out on a fantastic collection of veggies and vibes. From North Austin to old Austin, from rural farms to urban farm stands, our city offers some of the most unique and exciting ways to eat seasonally and locally throughout the year.
There’s no better time than now to get out to one of these local markets and find farm-fresh food and artisanal vendors to entice your pallet and spruce up your dinner table. With choices all over the city, there’s likely to be a market right around the corner from you. But don’t limit yourself to just one. Visit all of these delicious farmers’ markets to put the fresh in Austin. [Read more…]
So many soups, so little time (Credit: Favordelivery.com)
Austin lucks out this time of year in terms of weather. Our porches and patio spaces remain vibrant meeting places, even through the winter months. As I wrap my scarf around my neck, I relish the excuse to indulge in my favorite decadent, warming soups. Whether it’s a spicy posole or nutritious chicken broth ramen, these seven Austin soups make the chilly evenings feel that much cozier and delicious.