Austin Recomendations (August 2022)

Yeah when you were walking back if you would have dropped down to 5th, I think there are some taco trucks that stay open later. Wed isn't a really poppin nite.

 

So the firebird isn't a breakfast biscuit....could have fooled me, I get it every time.

So, Dan's is good, but honestly doesn't hold a torch to JewBoy. Dan's makes the burger you normally make at home, and it is a great place to go get that type of burger, my wife's favorite. If you go to JewBoy, make sure it is the burger one, there is also one that does subs/sandwiches. My go to there is the Goyim, and add a hatch chili latke on it and tots.

As for Casa Columbia, have never eaten there, but when I look at pictures on the web site, I could demolish that Bandeja Paisa. Give me a side of chimichurri sauce...

 

Well the holy grail is Franklins, and there is a method to the madness on how to get in there without waiting in line all day (google Franklins BBQ wait time). If you want something a little different, he has paired up with probably the best Sushi restaurant and opened a Asian/BBQ joint called Loro, haven't been to the one in Houston, but plan on going this week. As for Steak, well as I mentioned above Eddie V's has a pretty good steak and has quality seafood along for the ride. I have heard a lot of good things about III Forks, but haven't been so can't really offer a recommendation

 

Yes, they are open from 11 until they sell out or 3pm. If you don't mind dropping some $$ you can do call ahead (curb pickup, schedule ASAP before times are taken), I think that is like a 5 lb. minimum order. If you are staying at your nephew's house, then that is cool, he will probably appreciate the leftovers. If you are in Round Rock, there is a Pinthouse Pizza there, some of the better beer in Austin and in my opinion the best pizza. We always over order and bring home, each gets their own medium/large pizza and then one to share. There is the Salt Lick branch that is in Round Rock, I have never been, but a lot of people love it. Your nephew will probably have some good opinions on who has the best BBQ. As far as Steak house in Round Rock those are are not too big a thing there, I do see where they have a Brazilian Steakhouse, if you have never been, it is pretty nice if it is a good one, you pay like $50 and they just keep coming by with meat on skewers and slicing it off on your plate. When the guy with the Picanha comes buy jus tell him to fill up your plate.

 

Beef is a big deal in Texas, but the nicer steakhouses are not going to be out in Round Rock. But then again I am probably the last person to ask about steak as I grew up on a farm and we always had beef, and I am probably the last person that ever says "hey lets go get a steak tonite". Honestly it is so damned expensive getting it out. When I want steak I go to Costco and get prime for a fraction of what it cost at a steak house. John, hope you have fun when you are here and the temps stay reasonable (it has been nice last few days, with the cloud cover)

 

For me, I never go to the big steakhouses around. They are never really worth it IMO. What I will do on occasion is go to a good local restaurant, or even a brewery that does steak night once a week. As those tend to be much more low key, better priced, and pretty satisfying. Not sure on the options around Round Rock/Austin (I'm in Houston), but it wouldn't surprise me if there were places that do that. Houston even has a website to keep up with all the steak nights around town, cause each place does it on a different day, and there are a ton. I did a quick preliminary search on Google for something similar, but didn't find anything...

For BBQ, I was going to recommend La Barbecue cause they are legit (well the last time I went there several years ago anyway), but looking up the restaurant just now, I see the owner just got indicted for fraud like yesterday...

https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/article/austin-barbecue-fraud-scheme-17393070.php

 

A little more about La Barbecue, ignoring the fraud thing for now. I really thought they were very good. There is definitely a line, waiting in line for BBQ is now an official past time in Texas. Though its not as bad as Franklins for example. They also have 20+ taps and a little grocery section that has six packs and wine to go.

 

thoughts on Pinthouse? Pizza and beer

 

I have one night in Austin next Tuesday, October 18th and looking for the best 1-2 spots for dinner/craft beer. I'm flying in that afternoon and heading right to Live Oak before heading to my hotel to check in. Based on what I've read above, I'm leaning towards either Banger's or Pinthouse Pizza. But I'm open to other suggestions! I'm staying near the Dell Childrens Medical Center if location matters.

Thanks in advance to all that offer any thoughts. Cheers!

 

Personally given the 2 Pinthouse would win because I love their Pizza. But weather is great now and Bangers usually has such a great taplist (and can probably grab PP Electric Jellyfish there). Honestly check the food menu at each one and the taplist and decide which one floats your boat. Pro move is to eat at Pinthouse and then go to bangers for drinks afterwards, especially if you are staying downtown. Have fun, probably the best time of year to visit Texas as the heat is toning down and it is nice to hang outside in the evenings.

 

Just saw this, and there are some good recommendations, as we are spending time in Austin very soon.

From last time in Austin, Hold Out was pretty good on a brief visit, wide range of beers. Live Oak and ABGB are my favorites based on many visits over the years. Pint House is good.

Loro is very good.

Franklins>LA BBQ>Mickelthwaites>Terry Blacks. Any of those are far superior to any BBQ around here.

Never heard of Bird, Bird, Biscuit will look them up.

 

These are my favorite places to visit in Austin after living here for a little over 2 years along with my personal brewery "tier-list":

Breweries:

• S: Jester King, Live Oak
• A: Meanwhile (GABF winning pilsner), ABGB (GABF winning adjunct lager)
• B: Pinthouse, Hold Out, St. Elmo, Blue Owl, Oddwood, Batch

Jester King, ABGB, Pinthouse, Hold Out, Oddwood, and Batch all serve food on-site. The rest (Live Oak, Meanwhile, and St. Elmo) all have food trucks available, but you'll just want to make sure they're open before you go if you want to eat since, for example, Live Oak's is only open Friday - Sunday. If you go to Meanwhile, they have many food trucks available, but make sure to try Distant Relatives for a unique take on BBQ.

Beer Shopping:

• Bottle Shops: Whichcraft, Brewtique
• Grocery/Liquor Store: Specs, Central Market, HEB

Bars/Pubs:

• Draught House Pub & Brewery (~40 beers on tap, 50/50 mix of house and guest taps)
• Mort Subite (all Belgian beer; they don't serve food but they do have a food truck usually parked outside)
• Thrive Craft House (~40-50 beers on tap)
• Hopfields (~30-40 beers on tap)

I'm sure I'm forgetting a few places and some of the brewery tier-list is certainly arguable, but these are my favorites for anyone visiting from out of town.