Food & Drink Archives - Page 42 of 71

Vino Vino Is One of the Best First Date Spots in Central Austin

February 12, 2016 by Guest Blogger 1 Comment

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…]

You Can’t Miss Torchy’s Tacos Flagship Location on South Congress

February 10, 2016 by Guest Blogger 1 Comment

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…]

Guide to Austin’s Dirty Sixth Street

February 4, 2016 by Jessica Pino 49 Comments

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!

[Read more…]

Mean Eyed Cat Brings Spirit of Johnny Cash to West 5th Street

February 4, 2016 by Bill Tucker 1 Comment

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…]

Get to Know These 9 Austin Farmers’ Markets

February 1, 2016 by Mathis Kennington 1 Comment

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…]

7 Amazing Soups to Enjoy in Austin

January 22, 2016 by Kristin Leigh 1 Comment

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.

[Read more…]

Yard Bar Creates Dream Playground for Doggies and Their Owners

January 20, 2016 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

This is the face of a dog who needs a visit to Yard Bar

Mr. Ming was looking to get outdoors. After a long holiday season spent watching his humans shop, wrap presents and go out, it was his turn. His time to sniff, bark and be merry.

Enter Yard Bar, Austin’s newest venue for furry friends to run, jump and be social. By combining food, drink and a variety of fun activities, this hidden gem on Burnet Road is quickly becoming the city’s premier doggy destination.

Born From Necessity

Like most things awesome, the inspiration for Yard Bar came from need. While frequenting the dog runs at Auditorium Shores, owner Kristen Heaney realized the sad reality of dog parks: there’s not much there for people to do. What if there was a place where pet owners could grab a drink and a bite while their dog frolicked in the park?

After testing a number of business models, Heaney leased the lot on Burnet Road where the old Putt-Putt Golf and Games used to live, and began building the dog park of her dreams. When it opened in August 2015, word quickly spread among Austin’s pet friendly community. Yard Bar was the place to be. [Read more…]

Texas French Bread Is Deliciously Humble, Rich in Local History

January 13, 2016 by Eliza Weeks 1 Comment

Texas French Bread has been a supplier of artisan bread in Austin since the early 1980s (Credit: Whitney Arotegui)

In a city of fusion joints and a wack-a-mole-style skyline, where condos and businesses pop up and down by the season, Texas French Bread has been a staple since the early 1980s. The much-loved eatery and bakery has seen it all, while holding strong to values that have kept it afloat for decades.

It’s easy to be intrigued by the blue brick building on 29th Street with bread names cascading down the exterior. The afternoon I stopped by, loaves of bread with floured bottoms and scored tops were lined up on shelves, like trophies waiting to be claimed.

The tables were filled with a lunch crowd in no hurry to Instagram photos of their food as soon as it arrived. They sat comfortably, backs against exposed brick walls, chatting with lunch dates or clipping away at computers. The ease of these patrons told me they were regulars, and a restaurant of regulars means the food and service are worth coming back for. [Read more…]

Sala and Betty Features Farm to Table Quality With Drive-Through

January 7, 2016 by Mathis Kennington Leave a Comment

I’m always on the hunt for a truly unique Austin restaurant experience. With the robust variety our city offers, something amazing can be just right around the corner.

At the same time, it takes a lot to impress when there are so many places that already stand out. Sala and Betty, a farm-sourced restaurant located on Airport Boulevard, is about to celebrate a full year since they opened their doors last February. The dining venue, which takes its name from owner and chef Teresa Wilson’s childhood nickname, effectively delivers a unique twist on high quality and delicious food.

Wanting to create something that combined quality with efficiency, Wilson developed a restaurant accessible to all kinds of schedules, but one ingredient stays consistent: quality. [Read more…]

5-Star Dining Four Stories Above Rainey Street at Geraldine’s

December 30, 2015 by Edgar Barguiarena Leave a Comment

Geraldine's Elegant Dining Room in Austin

Old world elegance meets Austin chic at Geraldine’s (Credit: Aubrie Pick)

Tucked away one street over and four stories up from Rainey Street is an oasis amidst the chaos. Geraldine’s is the newest restaurant and cocktail bar to open in this popular Austin neighborhood. After a banner year for restaurant openings in Austin, Geraldine’s closes out 2015 with a bang and gives us plenty to look forward to in 2016.

Named after the infamous guinea fowl adopted as an unofficial mascot by the Rainey Street neighborhood, Geraldine’s is acutely aware of its place. The restaurant simply couldn’t exist anywhere else. Following the theme of its host, Hotel Van Zandt, Geraldine’s effortlessly blends into the musically-inclined and rustic Rainey Street area.

Walking through Hotel Van Zandt and into Geraldine’s, you get the distinct impression that you’re exactly where you’re intended to be. The hip atmosphere joined with Texas old-world elegance just feels like Austin. Combine this with a sublime patio/pool overlooking Lady Bird Lake and live music every day of the week, and you have yourself a winner. [Read more…]

Born From Necessity

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