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Armando Vazquez and Maria Rios Vega, owners of Granny’s Tacos
With all of the quality taco options within reach, we’re straight up spoiled here in Austin. It takes a lot to impress me now; you might say I’ve become a bit jaded. And after finding Granny’s Tacos, I wonder if I’ll ever be impressed by another taco again. It’s tough living in this city.
Feast to remember at Tamale House East
Having moved to Austin about a year ago, I have trouble pining for the “old Austin” in the same way a longtime resident might. “I remember the good old days,” I commiserate. “When there were only two condos going up on my street, not four.”
As a transplant from the northeast, I’m admittedly contributing to the immense development and change this city has undergone in recent years. That’s not to say, however, that I don’t know an authentic Austin restaurant when I see it. With this idea in mind, I make my way past the new apartment buildings, the construction zones and closed-off sidewalks of East Sixth Street. When I want the taste and feel of old Austin, I go to Tamale House East. [Read more…]
A wide variety of fantastic beer awaits you at Hi Sign Brewing in Austin (Credit: Bill Tucker)
This article marks my three-year anniversary of writing for The Austinot. In my role as Contributing Blogger and now Lead Blogger, I’m proud to represent this unique blog and contribute to its mission of celebrating everything I love about this fine city. Looking forward to many more years of good eats, great music, and diving into the heart of Austin entertainment. As always, thanks for reading.
To stand out in Austin’s beer scene, you need to be different. Far too many breweries jump out of the gate with the standard “core four:” light beer, ale, IPA, porter. Five years ago, the strategy made sense. But with new competition popping up every month, up-and-coming brew masters need to bring something special to the table.
By peppering its tap list with a blend of left-of-center styles and traditional brews, Hi Sign Brewing has managed to make a quick, positive impression on the local beer scene. If you’re looking for something accessible yet different, this brand new spot is sure to satisfy beer lovers of every taste. [Read more…]
Cherry tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers from Gray Gardens add vibrancy to Mueller Farmers’ Market
(Credit: @dollarsaenz)
Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller, known by locals as Mueller Farmers’ Market, is a slice of farm-fresh heaven in east Austin. The setting alone is dreamy, as the market sits in and around Austin’s first airplane hangar in a charming waterfront park. Though harvest season is upon us now, the market overflows with freshly-reaped goodness year-round. [Read more…]
Kebabalicious brick and mortar in east Austin
I’ll admit it: Kebabalicious is my most-frequented eatery in all of Austin. Yes, I love Austin staples like tacos, Tex-Mex, and BBQ. But the heart (stomach) wants what the heart (stomach) wants. Oh, Kebabalicious, you Turkish-inspired, east side restaurant with your charming décor, your fresh, flavorful food, your friendly employees. I just can’t quit you.
I recently met with co-founders Chris Childre and Kristian Ulloa to confess my love for their culinary creations and hear the full story of how Kebabalicious came to be. [Read more…]
Dope lunch spread at Old Thousand
It’s been almost a year since Old Thousand opened its doors on 1000 E. 11th St. The eatery has delivered on its promise of eclectic, modern interpretations of Chinese food, with innovative dishes that are an adventure for the palate. Its tagline is simple: Dope Chinese. Not “authentic,” not “traditional,” but “dope” Chinese food.
And the food is dope, indeed. No Panda Express orange chicken here. Each dish carries Old Thousand’s creative touch. The food also hints at the restaurant’s Texas origin by including brisket and other smoked meats.
A weekend brunch service followed the runaway success of dinner. And now, Old Thousand has expanded again by introducing lunch service. [Read more…]
Fresh-baked kolaches at Batch on Manor Road
Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches opened its doors in early August 2017, filling the Manor neighborhood with the delicious smell of fresh-baked kolaches. Many Austinites take kolaches as seriously as breakfast tacos. The soft, puffy, sweet dough comes stuffed with a variety of fillings, ranging from fruit to meat. Though many argue the savory-filled ones should be called “klobasniky” (Czech for “little sausages”), it’s a mere technicality that falls away at the first bite. [Read more…]
Rosita’s Al Pastor food trailer on East Riverside
In an episode of the hit TV show “Master of None,” Dev (Aziz Ansari) finds himself craving tacos. He proceeds to spend hours researching where to go for tacos that are worthy of his time, money, and taste buds. Taco-related paralysis by analysis is a true hardship for those of us in Austin, a city with practically unlimited taco options.
I propose a solution: the next time you get stuck in a “where can I get the perfect taco” predicament, put your trust in a food trailer that has been satisfying Austinites’ taco cravings for over 30 years: Rosita’s Al Pastor. [Read more…]
Asian-inspired tipples and morsels are on the menu at Ah Sing Den
After a seven-year run, East Side Showroom bid adieu last July, after owners Trudy and Mickie Spencer announced plans to revamp the bar and lounge completely. A few weeks later, an Asian-inspired concept called Ah Sing Den rose from the metaphorical ashes, in East Side Showroom’s place on East Sixth Street.
The Spencers’ vision for Ah Sing Den came from the venue’s namesake, an opium den in East London that was famous in the Victorian era. In the den, it was said both Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle found creative inspiration. I was invited to stop by recently to sample Ah Sing Den’s new menu and find some inspiration of my own. [Read more…]
The east side of Austin has a dining spot for every meal of the day
The East Sixth business district has grown over the years. It’s still authentically rough around the edges, but new buildings and businesses are popping up all the time. If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie like me, East Sixth Street should be added to your list of areas to explore. It’s quite walkable, and the ever-changing lineup of eateries will keep you busy all year long.
For a fun-filled foodie adventure that begins first thing in the morning and lasts all day long, follow this itinerary of seven East Sixth Street restaurants and cafes.