Austin Restablishments

With SXSW around the corner, the charismatic town many of us know and love will be teeming with out-of-towners–wannabe Austinites, homecoming-ers who once walked our sacred streets, and first-timers who are not yet aware of the wonderfulness they will encounter on their pilgrimmage to the Capital of Texas and the “Live Music Capital of the World”- Austin.

This post belongs to a collective SXSW Austin Food Bloggers' Guide. Click on the image to get ideas about dining during SXSW!

Whether you are re-connecting with your old stomping grounds, you haven’t fully experienced “the ATX”, or you want to get back in touch with your Austin side, here’s a list I’ve compiled of some of Austin’s favorite restaurants. This list aims to capture the places SXSW visitors will and must make a point to visit during their trip, despite the lines!

*The dining “restablishments” listed below are considered popular (based on the frequency at which I hear them mentioned. visited, and general awareness), local (for the most part, you can only find them in Austin), representative of the city’s funky/artistic culture, and many have maintained their charm for years throughout the city’s ever-changing landscape. Many are centrally located, due to the central nature of SXSW happenings and they are listed in no particular order.

Austin Favorites- Restaurants

Kerbey Lane Cafe– Known for 24-hour eats, Kerbey Queso, infamous pancakes– you can even buy the mix and make them at home! (I Rebeccammend the Apple Whole Wheat, or Gingerbread). Locations just North of the UT campus, and the original location is just off of 35th Street.
Magnolia Cafe– Also known for 24-hour eats, pancakes, locations on both Lake Austin and South Congress, funky
Salt Lick BBQ– The BBQ is worth the drive from the city. Known for the experience, long wooden tables, lots of juicy meat, lighter, sweeter, flavorful BBQ sauce. Be prepared for a feast.
Stubbs BBQ– Known for BBQ sauce, also my favorite musical venue in Austin–amazing outdoor acoustics. Also known for Gospel Brunch on Sundays.
Whole Foods Landmark Store– 5th and Lamar- Known for its size, plethora of culinary offerings within almost every major cuisine, eco-friendly culture. Austin is the Whole Foods headquarters. A delicious field trip to this store is a must if you are visiting.
Jo’s Coffee– South Congress (SoCo) and 2nd Street- Known for excellent coffee, the walk-up outdoor window at the shop on South Congress and outdoor seatings–it’s just the place to be, morning, noon, or night. The 2nd Street location has a broader menu with delicious salads and sandwiches.
South Congress Cafe– Known for the delicious eats, and quality menu with everything from salads, to pasta, to fish and meat. Every dish is a delight, and the price is right. Also a hot brunch spot.
Homeslice Pizza– Walk up to the window to pick up a slice day or night on South Congress. You can also eat inside the restaurant or on the back patio. Just expanded into the space next door to provide more space for take out.
Guero’s Taco Bar– Known for the grab-your-own-salsas bar to accompany your spicy Tex-Mex meal and margaritas on Soco. I Rebeccammend the green salsa. Live music played outside with an adjacent bar for outdoor entertainment on nights and weekends.
Trudy’s– Longhorn alumni may miss the two’s-the-limit Mexican Martinis at the campus location (30th and Guadalupe). I also Rebeccammend the green salsa– so.good. Also known for the Fried Avocado, and portabello fajitas with whole wheat tortillas.
Moonshine Bar & Grill– Housed in a landmark building on 3rd and Red River, Moonshine is one of the most Austin-y of restaurants. Western and Southern, rustic, hearty, full of charm. Known for spiced popcorn served before meals, along with spicy cornbread muffins, the Signature Skillet Apple Pie that can easily feed four, and drinks in mason jars. Also known for their elaborate weekend brunch.
Amy’s Ice Cream– Everyone around here knows Amy’s ice cream. Known for the Mexican Vanilla, its richness, unique flavors, and mix-ins. Scoopers often mash in the goodies you pick and toss your creation into the air, catching your dessert in the serving cup. Catch it on South Congress, at 6th and Lamar, and 35th and Guadalupe.
Shady Grove– Known for Western, corral feel, outdoor music on the large patio with a ton of seating. Also known for the Hippie Sandwich full of roasted veggies. Sits on Barton Springs among many restaurants and hot spots. Notable- Unplugged at The Grove– music every Thursday.
Hut’s Hamburgers–You guessed it, known for their burgers! On West 6th Street, you’ll get the diner experience at this burger joint for old times’ sake.
Hula Hut– On Lake Austin Boulevard, known for the view on Lake Austin, the beachy-tiki feel, tropical drinks, and delicious Tex-Mex. I Rebeccammend the Hawaiian Fajitas.
Mozart’s Coffee– Next to Hula Hut on Lake Austin Boulevard, known for wide outdoor decks above and at lake level, on-site-roasted coffee, and decadent desserts. Also boasts a gorgeous view of Lake Austin, day or night.

What else would you consider to be an “Austin Favorite” when it comes to restaurants/bars/cafes? If you are visiting for SXSW, what do you have on your must-do list?

12 thoughts on “Austin Restablishments”

Optimista March 1, 2010 at 1:23 am

I’m partial to East Side Cafe when I have out-of-town guests – consistent, homey, Austin-y, and I love giving tours of their garden and browsing Pitchforks and Tablespoons either before or after dinner. I also think both Lambert’s and Ranch 616 are Austin-unique places that offer great food.
Janee March 1, 2010 at 11:16 pm

Wow. I think that’s a perfect representation of Austin restaurants. You covered every type of meal and price range. Well done!
Jodi March 9, 2010 at 8:38 am

Great list! I’d add Polvos to the list for Tex Mex and their famous margaritas and charred salsa. Other than that, I think you have it covered!
Luciana Misura March 9, 2010 at 3:35 pm

I think you missed Vespaio, which is my go-to Italian in South Congress (and I heard about it from many other locals when we moved here a couple years ago).
SXSW: Food Bloggers’ Guide to Austin March 10, 2010 at 7:52 am

[…] Asian cuisine, sustainable dining, or an upscale experience? We’ve got it. Trailers? Done. Austin Favorites so they can pretend to be local? Yes. Find it all here– your go-to one-stop-shop for finding […]
TheRebecca March 10, 2010 at 10:22 am

Thanks for all of your suggestions! I would also add Z Tejas on W. 6th for just all-around tasty Southwestern cuisine, and excellent margs!
Austin for SXSW March 10, 2010 at 2:37 pm

[…] 2. My friend Rebecca knows all of the good food places. Trust her on this one… […]
Ryan Stephens March 12, 2010 at 9:00 am

Can I get some Pluckers wings?:)
TheRebecca March 12, 2010 at 9:18 am

Haha- thanks for stopping by, Ryan. Yes, Plucker’s wings are an ol’ reliable, although they may be messy on-the-go!
Mary Ann September 17, 2010 at 5:02 am

Hoboken pie could join the list too (http://www.hobokenpie.com) and maybe more advices on vegetarian friendly places? nonetheless, great listing, Rebecca!
Austin Nextablishments March 2, 2011 at 9:38 pm

[…] year I contributed to the SXSW 2010 Food Lover’s Guide to Austin with a post about local favorites. This year, I am contributing again to this foodie resource for SXSWers, but with a twist on local […]
Austin Food Blogger Alliance (AFBA) is Born! March 9, 2011 at 7:47 am

[…] Austin Experiences, like Sustainable Dining, where to Entertain Clients, Late Night Eats, and Austin Restablishments and Austin Nextablishments (Yes, I made those words up), and of course top sipping […]