Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!
Photo credit: Antoine Le
If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then having a list of go-to’s for brunch in Austin is a must. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite brunch spots around town, and they all have deals, fun events or unique activities to attract you through the door.
Try them all out and let me know which place becomes your local brunch favorite. [Read more…]
A Touch of Fire Thai and covered seating at Co-op Food Court
The Co-op Food Court celebrated its grand opening in the lot behind University Co-op on September 26, 2013.
The new foodie haven features some big names in the local food truck scene, as well as lesser-known businesses that nonetheless offer delectable options for hungry visitors.
Here is the full list of food trucks at Co-op Food Court: [Read more…]
House Wine exterior (Photo credit: austingastronomist.com)
If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy a glass of well-selected wine and still feel like you’re in Austin, look no further than House Wine. It sits tucked away on Josephine Street, near P. Terry’s on South Lamar, and is perfect for a date or any good company if you’re seeking an intimate, laid back atmosphere.
The house has been around for decades, but has been renovated nicely to resemble a trendy bungalow in the midst of the city atmosphere. The decor is modern and comfortable and screams “relax.” In fact, if half of you wants to go out and half of you wants to stay at home, just go to House Wine. It’s that comfortable. [Read more…]
Tiffany Taylor and Leon Chen, founders of Tiff’s Treats
I’m still shocked when an Austinite tells me they’ve never tried cookies from Tiff’s Treats. C’mon people, we’re talking about a local icon! If you’re currently hiding your face in shame, stop it and go order some cookies for yourself.
Yes, Tiff’s Treats is known for hot cookie deliveries, straight to your doorstep (you can even get them with Blue Bell ice cream). Bakeries around town may have half-decent cookies, but where else besides Grandma’s kitchen can you get them hot and meltingly delicious? [Read more…]
Black Star Co-op off N. Lamar at Airport
The craft beer scene in Austin is blowing up. For every new brewery that opens, there are at least three bars that pop up, eager to serve you the best local beers that Austin has to offer. Continuing the tradition that Eric started with his Best Burger Joint in Austin series, I’m profiling and reviewing the best craft beer joints in Austin, with the occasional stop or two at bars that have room for improvement. I’ll take into consideration everything from beer selection to ambiance to overall value, and everything in between. Please join me as I try to catalog your favorite watering holes in Austin, and let me know what you think in a comment below.
An Austinot walks into Black Star and orders a craft beer…stop me if you’ve heard this one before. Dustin did a great job reviewing the Black Star concept almost two years ago right here on the Austinot. But in light of recent news out of the Great American Beer Festival, I thought it would be a good time to revisit these guys, add them to the series, and finally check out a craft beer joint a bit further north. [Read more…]
Antonelli’s Cheese Shop
Despite being only a few years young, Antonelli’s Cheese Shop has quickly become an Austin staple, loved by many. You’ll see their name on a good number of restaurant menus throughout the city, and don’t be surprised if you bump into the friendly owners at a community event.
The owners, John and Kendall Antonelli, have fully embraced Austin and love being a part of such a diverse and blossoming food culture. Their humble Hyde Park shop is fully stocked with a range of wonderful cheeses, beautifully carved charcuterie, and hand-selected beers and wines – what’s not to love? [Read more…]
The incredible chandelier at Lenoir (and yes, the restaurant really is that cozy)
It’s a crisp early Autumn evening as you stroll through the neighborhood in no particular hurry, but eager to enjoy a good meal. You walk in and are instantly enveloped by a delicious aroma you recognize, yet can’t quite place. But it feels familiar. The place almost feels like home, but as you make your way through the entrance, you see strangers sitting in the dining room: laughing, eating, enjoying a glass of wine. “Welcome to Lenoir, thanks for joining us for dinner,” the hostess remarks with a smile as she leads you to your table.
Lenoir is a prix fixe restaurant nestled in the heart of the Bouldin Creek neighborhood on South 1st. Husband and wife owners Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher have managed to convert a small cottage just south of downtown into an establishment that fosters one of Austin’s most unique and delectable dining experiences. To put it simply, I had one of the best [Read more…]
Big Top Candy Shop on South Congress
You don’t have to be a child to be dazzled by the sight of shelves brimming with colorful candy. Walk off the sidewalk of South Congress into Big Top Candy Shop, and chocolate-covered happiness will whisk away any troubles you were carrying around outside the door.
This isn’t your shopping-mall-style candy store. And it isn’t your toy/candy variety store. Since 2007, Big Top has concentrated on candy, candy, and more candy with the kind of laser-beam focus that tends to lead to success.
And lead to success it has. Though the store’s average sale is around $6.50, there’s almost always a line on weekends and during special events. Customers are able to find candy that reminds them of their childhood, or candy that they’ve only ever seen overseas. A soda fountain with Blue Bell ice cream and various drink offerings is the other aspect of Big Top’s unique business model that keeps visitors coming back (especially on hot Texas days).
What other local business has won an Austin Chronicle “Best Of” award before they even opened for business? [Read more…]
Cenote is located at 1010 E. Cesar Chavez in Austin
This guest blog article is by Madison Torres.
How is one of the newest coffee shops in Austin already one of the best? Austinite owners, Cody Symington and Mary Jenkins, are doing more than just a few things right.
From firsthand experience and an interview with one of the owners, I have the delight of sharing with you a few of the reasons why Cenote (seh-noh-tay) is one place you don’t want to pass up. [Read more…]
Editor’s Note: As of May 2018, The Goodnight on West Anderson Lane has closed. A new location is planned for West Sixth Street.
The Goodnight in Austin sits an arrow’s flight away from Alamo Drafthouse Village on West Anderson. It’s an adults-only playground (18+ until 9 PM, 21+ after 9 PM) with an upscale menu, massive bar, bowling, ping pong, karaoke, shuffleboard and more.
Just shy of a year ago, our contributing blogger, Laura Darby, made a visit to The Goodnight in Austin. She was searching for a temporary replacement for The Highball, which was undergoing a long-term renovation project. Laura’s article, combined with the mixed comments left by readers, peaked my interest enough to want to check out The Goodnight for myself. [Read more…]