Pre-Covid Guidebook for Austin - Time Capsule from 2019
Food Scene
Great food in a casual space from 2 of the best chefs in Austin. Excellent patio and all around space.
276 locals recommend
Loro
2115 S Lamar BlvdGreat food in a casual space from 2 of the best chefs in Austin. Excellent patio and all around space.
Iconic and still the high bar in Austin. Reservations are a must or you will wait a long time - one hour+. Note that they have a great happy hour for food and drinks but you have to get there when it opens at 5 pm. Early but worth it.
688 locals recommend
Uchi
801 S Lamar BlvdIconic and still the high bar in Austin. Reservations are a must or you will wait a long time - one hour+. Note that they have a great happy hour for food and drinks but you have to get there when it opens at 5 pm. Early but worth it.
It really is that good. Only open for lunch and you should arrive a couple of hours early to get in line.
919 locals recommend
Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th StIt really is that good. Only open for lunch and you should arrive a couple of hours early to get in line.
We love our Tex-Mex. This is the original location and the food somehow seems better!
412 locals recommend
Chuy's
1728 Barton Springs RdWe love our Tex-Mex. This is the original location and the food somehow seems better!
Excellent burgers, shakes, fries and drinks every time! This is the original location. Be prepared to wait outside at peak times. There are lots of Austin musicians on these walls.
780 locals recommend
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
1400 S Congress AveExcellent burgers, shakes, fries and drinks every time! This is the original location. Be prepared to wait outside at peak times. There are lots of Austin musicians on these walls.
Lucky Robot
1303 S Congress AveGood sushi and Japanese food in a primo South Congress location.
Torchy's for the win! It gets very crowded but you can order in advance and take out. Their queso is the standard for queso for me.
1075 locals recommend
Torchy's Tacos
2809 S 1st StTorchy's for the win! It gets very crowded but you can order in advance and take out. Their queso is the standard for queso for me.
Sway on 1st closed. Most of the dishes are very good but there is a stand-out - the Son-in-Law. And ask about Jelly Beer which is a large Singha beer chilled down to slush. Great for the heat of the food and the summer!! Odd seating not good for large groups.
349 locals recommend
Sway
1417 S 1st StSway on 1st closed. Most of the dishes are very good but there is a stand-out - the Son-in-Law. And ask about Jelly Beer which is a large Singha beer chilled down to slush. Great for the heat of the food and the summer!! Odd seating not good for large groups.
Great location, good food and drinks. Margaritas! If the weather is nice try the outdoor back deck built into the rock of the hill behind the restaurant. Reservations are a good idea at peak times.
170 locals recommend
El Alma
1025 Barton Springs RdGreat location, good food and drinks. Margaritas! If the weather is nice try the outdoor back deck built into the rock of the hill behind the restaurant. Reservations are a good idea at peak times.
The Austin original location for the chain. It's very small but the burgers, fries and shakes are good for fast food. Drive thru.
302 locals recommend
P. Terry's Burger Stand
404 S Lamar BlvdThe Austin original location for the chain. It's very small but the burgers, fries and shakes are good for fast food. Drive thru.
Margaritas - lethally strong and tasty by the pitcher. Good food and a large patio at this location.
277 locals recommend
Polvo's Mexican Restaurant
2004 South 1st StreetMargaritas - lethally strong and tasty by the pitcher. Good food and a large patio at this location.
Barlata
1500 S Lamar BlvdSpanish food - excellent paella and tapas
Wu Chow
500 W 5th StExcellent soup dumplings. Reservations necessary at peak times.
Now Closed - Good food prepared by a German chef/owner. Good happy hour specials on food and wine. No full bar so they charge for corkage if you bring a special bottle of wine. This is a neighborhood spot in an old house with some outdoor seating.
51 locals recommend
Fabi + Rosi
509 Hearn StNow Closed - Good food prepared by a German chef/owner. Good happy hour specials on food and wine. No full bar so they charge for corkage if you bring a special bottle of wine. This is a neighborhood spot in an old house with some outdoor seating.
Monday night steak night! With reservations there is a 3 course prix fixe menu and wines. Good food!
176 locals recommend
Josephine House
1601 Waterston AveMonday night steak night! With reservations there is a 3 course prix fixe menu and wines. Good food!
Olamaie
1610 San Antonio StBiscuits! Ask for them. Reservations are a must.
Iconic I Love You So Much wall mural. Good coffee, breakfast tacos etc.
495 locals recommend
Jo's Coffee
1300 S Congress AveIconic I Love You So Much wall mural. Good coffee, breakfast tacos etc.
Counter Cafe
1914 E 6th StNow closed - Counter food with effort. A good lunch spot.
Perla's
1400 S Congress AveGreat patio with high-end food
burgers and fries - somewhat expensive for fast food but worth the trip
63 locals recommend
Shake Shack
1100 S Lamar Blvdburgers and fries - somewhat expensive for fast food but worth the trip
Güero's Taco Bar
1412 S Congress AveTacos
Parks & Nature
Zilker Metropolitan Park
2207 Barton Springs RdHike and bike trail around the lake
Drinks & Nightlife
A classic Austin live music club. Check their listing for the band but you can always walk by and preview.
815 locals recommend
The Continental Gallery
1313 S Congress AveA classic Austin live music club. Check their listing for the band but you can always walk by and preview.
Better Half Coffee & Cocktails
406 Walsh Stgreat patio area under the trees
Arts & Culture
The Blanton Museum of Art
200 East Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardArt!!
Essentials
H-E-B
5808 Burnet RdNot the best HEB in town with a poor parking lot but lots to choose from