r/austinfood

Looking to surprise my girlfriend with a date night to show her how much she means to me. We’re usually more of a dive bars and burgers kind of couple, but she enjoys just about everything, so I’d love to take her somewhere that’s a little different from our usual spots.

I’d like to keep the food around $100 or less for the two of us (before drinks). Just been trying to keep it within budget. I’m definitely more focused on food than atmosphere, but if a place has both, even better.

What are your favorite date night restaurants that blend value and vibe well?

all right my niece is visiting in a week, I need to take her to Texas BBQ. I've been to pretty much everywhere except for these two. Yeah I know... I've been here for 30 years and I haven't been.

So considering mid week and as early as possible in the day is easy to do, which of these two should I do to minimize a long line or wait? (reasonable wait is fine, but something like 1.5hours is a hard pass) I'm too cranky to stand in a long line in the heat

I just tried Smokey Denmarks “ain’t no joke” hot links and there is literally as much spice as Dijon mustard. Which ones are actually spicy from HEB, central market, Randall’s, idc.

Thanks and happy 4th!

Hello,

Seeking recommendations for a food establishment that makes really, really, good (but affordable) sandwich trays. I need to feed approx. 35 club members, and I no longer have confidence in HEB. Preferably someplace in South or Central Austin. Thanks in advance.

I just got back from Italy (was there for 20 days ) and I want some authentic Italian food made with real ingredients and Italian portions. Please don’t suggest “Sammie’s” or any other fake Italian restaurants.

Where do I find the best chicharron con crane? I know Fiesta sells them but they are never super fresh. 😭

https://preview.redd.it/fclhgl60zcbh1.png?width=1552&format=png&auto=webp&s=faf31a8d990ad0dc1f93e4ed1c73b614eb10fc57

I spent a good amount of thought putting this together. Exclusively created by Austin natives

I heard a rumor - like a couple of years ago - that someone was trying to open a New Mexican restaurant here. So with that in mind, is anyone aware of restaurants that serve New Mexican food? I've got a serious craving for red enchiladas and some carne adovada. Not to mention a Blake's Lotaburger green chile cheeseburger.

If they were unfancy comfort food places like Cafe Castros or The Pantry in Santa Fe, that would be all the better.

I put together a list of restaurants which either have a good view or are on the waterfront. Any gems I am missing?

I wrote a post yesterday complaining about the oasis restaurant, and got a bunch of recommendations for other places to go for good views, as well as comments about how you kinda need to choose between good view or good food sometimes. That’s valid, so this list is purely focused on views/scenery, rather than the quality of the food.

1. Oasis (pro tip: brewery, not restaurant)
2. Hulu hut (Mexican and cocktails on the river, closer to downtown)
3. Quince lakehouse (Nextdoor to Huluhut on the river, more expensive/fancy)
4. Steiner ranch steak house (expensive but good view)
5. Bulevar (apparently good food and view)
6. Ski shores (on the river)
7. Nido (downtown, good food and view apparently)
8. The Grove in Lakeway (good view, menu is fine)
9. Sundancer grill (boat dock with a view of the lake, good drinks, average food)
10. Country line on the hill (average BBQ but with an awesome view)

What am I missing?

Does anyone know a good spot where chocolate Italian Ice is available? Whether it's a grocery store (preferred) or restaurant/shop that serves it? North Austin preferred, but I'm definitely open to driving a bit it there's some shops that carry it.

This is definitely a nostalgic thing for me, from when I was a kid and would visit my grandma in Florida, apparently Italian Ice is a way bigger deal on the east coast. I always see Italian ice available at HEB, but it's always the standard fruity and citrusy flavors (I love those too, but chocolate Italian Ice is so damn good and rich)

Thanks in advance!

Best menudo I have had in Austin so far has been Vasquez Restaurant off Braker lane. I have tried most of the ones recommended on reddit threads, actual food reviewers, etc. For me, this one takes the cake so far. No option for foot here, which is sad, but the broth is out of this world good and has hominy. Prior favorites of mine are Nonos Tacos, Super Valle (weekends only, Leander), El Rinconcito de los Antijitos Mexicanos (Rundberg), Mi Trailita Y Mas, Casita Guanajuato, Taqueria Chapala (downtown) and Taqueria Los Jaliscienses (290E and 35).

Yet to try on my list are Tortilleria Rio Grande (Braker), El Perrito (3rd Sunday of the month I think) and Borrego De Oro (South Congress, or near Bastrop).

Additionally, I have tried Joe's Bakery, HEB, Arandinas, Tacos La Montana, Casa Garcia's, Taqueria Los Altos & El Rinconcito del Sabor.

And hell no, I am not trying the place that puts bacon in their menudo no matter how many people insist it is great.

What are some of your favorite menudo spots, and why?

I’m staying with my husband on a Friday night, and would love to walk somewhere to get breakfast / lunch.

Mine was the pickleball place on Menchaca and the Brooklyn breakfast place that … opened at 9.

I just need to know if yall got late night authentic taco spot or something good and cheap!

Tacos

Burgers and fries

Pizza

Shawarma

Something that will throw me for a loop and double back

Before I came to Austin, I would regularly see beautiful pics of the oasis on Pinterest when I was looking up Austin. Of course, the view of lake Travis is absolutely amazing. But when you walk around there, it’s like a ghost town. Lots of boarded up spaces, the restaurant itself has carpet which looks like it was from the 80’s, and the food was shockingly bad (note: I am talking about the Mexican there, not the brewery which is actually good).

It just feels like such a missed opportunity, and that whoever built the place did expect for it to be more of an attraction than it turned out to be, hence all the empty shop fronts. I bet if they put a really good restaurant there and renovated the place it could be better. In general, though, it feels like there is a general lack of great spots dotted around the scenic hills of lake Travis (unless you want to spend $50 for two glasses of wine at Steiner ranch steak house). Do you think it will improve as Austin grows, or will they just put up cheap apartments and fancy mansions instead with no real planning?