Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Top 10 places to eat in Austin
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Just in time for SXSW, here are some must visit restaurants for the
out-of-towner that I have put together to get a taste of the real
flavor, history, and uniqueness that is Austin. Keeping this list short is a challenge, as there are so many. Here are a select few that have been around a long time, have great food, and lots of memorabilia to add to the atmosphere. A city like no other, the live music capital that is Austin offers some real noteworthy eats that have stood the test of time: |
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1. Hula Hut, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin - menu
- A festive blend of Polynesian and Mexican fare along the shores of
Lake Austin. Their Grilled Fresh Fish Tacos are a must while enjoying a
laid back atmosphere with surf boards and dinghys hanging from the
ceiling.
2. Kerbey Lane Cafe, four locations -menu
- Have a hankering for breakfast or a burger at 3 a.m.? This 24 hour
cafe offers this and more. My menu favorite is Carl's Breakfast...
3.
Threadgill's - 6416 North Lamar and 301 West Riverside Drive - menu
- Down home Southern cooking and live music. Visit their original
location at North Lamar which opened their doors in 1933 as a filling
station and grew to become the first uniquely Austin restaurant. Janis
Joplin was first discovered here as she waited on tables and sang.
4.
Iron Works BBQ, 100 Red River St., Austin - menu
- The Texas ribs and brisket are succulent. It is said that Jay Leno has
Fed Ex orders from here regularly. You may just see a famous person in
the line.
5. Stubb's Bar-B-Q, 801 Red River St., Austin - menu
- Home of great Texas barbecue and famous Stubb's BBQ sauce, with live
music and a Sunday gospel brunch.
6. Hill's Cafe, 4700 S.
Congress Ave., Austin - menu
- Great Texas brisket, steaks, and free live entertainment Tuesdays and
weekends. Founded by the C.W. Goodnight family (founder of the
chuckwagon).
7. Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto, Austin - menu
- Heralded as the oldest business in Texas right here in Austin. Popular
Texas dishes with a German twist. An interesting factoid: the owner's
brother played the role of Sgt. Carter in the Hogan's Heroes TV show.
8.
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, 303 Red River St., Austin - menu
- Housed in the 2nd oldest house in the city (1840s), top rated buffet
and Sunday brunch.
9. Mother's Cafe & Garden, 4215
Duval St., Austin -menu
- This vegetarian favorite is back.
10. Chuy's, five
locations - menu - Visit
their first location at Barton Springs near Zilker Park. Tex-Mex with a
heavy decoration of Elvis and Americana.
My all-time personal
favorite place for chicken quesadillas and margaritas.
Some
honorable mentions for Quick Bites:
Dirty Martin's Place,
2808 Guadalupe St., Austin - menu
- Serving famous "kum bak" fresh burgers, onion rings, fries, and shakes
since 1926,
Nau's Enfield Drugstore, 1115 West Lynn,
Austin - menu -
Providing a unique soda fountain experience since 1951. Try out their
chocolate malt with a hamburger as you swing around in their orange
swivel seats.
Avenue B Grocery, 4403 Ave. B, Austin - menu - Located in an old grocery store, get a sandwich, pick up an original Dr. Pepper (made with Imperial Pure Cane Sugar in Dublin, Texas).
We could go on and on about our hometown's great places to eat. There are many more...
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10 Eats in Austin in a larger map
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restaurant recommendations? Let us know.
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