Hey guys!
Last weekend I went to the ACL music festival in Austin and had a grand 'ol time! I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2011, and oh man has the food scene changed! Just driving down South Lamar or the area east of downtown , there are so many new cool places popping up everywhere. I thought I'd use this blog post to share some of my favorite classic Austin haunts as well as a few newer discoveries.
Favorite Classic Austin
- Kerbey Lane: Part of visiting UT-Austin must include a trip to this 24 hour diner with their famous queso and gingerbread pancakes! Their queso comes loaded with guacamole and pico de gallo, and their pancakes are huge and fluffy. It is a perfect late night meal! (Or breakfast, or lunch, or whenever). Also, even though Kerbey Lane has a few different locations, nothing beats the atmosphere and people watching of the campus location.
- Trudy's: This wonderful Tex-Mex restaurant has a long of great options, but my favorites have always been the enchiladas, stuffed avocados (that are fried and stuffed with a cheesy chicken concoction), flaquities, and the pollo alla plancha. Beware if you aren't into spice! And of course a trip to Trudy's wouldn't be complete without ordering their infamous Mexican Martini. This year, Trudy's even came to ACL and became my favorite food choice at the festival!
- Tacodeli: My very favorite place to get tacos in Austin. Their menu has so many options, I have yet to try even half! My favorites are the Jess Special with chorizo for breakfast and the cowboy taco for lunch. If you are not afraid of spice, grab some Dona sauce to go on top. Tacodeli, please open on in Houston ASAP!
- Homeslice: A great place for pizza in a super fun part of town. South Congress is such a fun street with really eclectic shops. Homeslice fits in perfectly with its hipster atmosphere and delicious pizza!
- Hopdoddy's: Another popular restaurant on South Congress, this place always has a line for a reason! Their burgers are huge and delicious, as are their milkshakes.
- Moonshine Grill: The best brunch in town, IMHO. Their brunch buffet has the usual breakfast options with super homey southern classics. Don't leave without a plate of the cornflake crusted chicken tenders loaded with cream gravy and their delicious green chile grits!
- Amy's Ice cream: only 2 words necessary: Mexican Vanilla!
- Pluckers: Started by a couple of UT students, this restaurant is the best place to go watch a game and eat delicious wings! They have a huge variety of sauces and rubs, which makes it a win for everyone.
- The Salt Lick: A short drive out of town, this well-known bbq joint has a wonderful atmosphere and scrumptious barbeque!
New Discoveries:
- Swift's Attic: We came here for brunch before ACL on Sunday, and boy am I glad we did. $1 mimosas and delicious food! Check out their version of poutine I tried as well as their deliciously juicy burger on Texas Toast!
- Black Sheep Lodge: More of a bar than a restaurant, their food was surprisingly delicious! Definitely try the fried cheese curds and the carnitas sandwich.There is a super fun atmosphere to hang out with a group of friends, and they had really great drink specials every day of the week.
- Rainey Street: A street with super cute bungalows transferred into bars, yummy good truck parks, and hip new restaurants, you really can't go wrong wherever you try! Start with Bar96 and hop your way down the street if you are feeling like bar-hopping. Otherwise wait for a seat at Banger's and order a flight of beers and a yummy sausage made in-house.
- Jester King Brewery: A short drive west of town, this brewery has a ton of craft beer and wine options to try. Sharing its beautiful hill country location with a pizza joint (Stanley's Farmhouse Pizza), the best way to fully appreciate the space is to order a barbeque brisket pizza, grab a beer, and enjoy the gorgeous view!
- La Barbecue: With less of a wait than the hugely popular Franklin's, this small bbq trailer makes a serious impression with its delicious smoked meats, hill country style.
I have so much to discover, as Austin is always changing and evolving. Where are your favorite places to eat and hang out in Austin?
Oh, and in honor of our glorious win this weekend, HOOK 'EM, HORNS!!
