For those of you coming to town this weekend, I put together a little list of some favorite places. Most of these are pretty close to downtown or a short cab (or sidecar) ride away…
Quick & healthy spots for lunch or snacks: Snap Kitchen: healthy take-away food, options for any dietary concern you might have. Whole Foods: the flagship store… this is the disneyland of whole foods-es. Koriente: my (secret) gem of a lunch spot, I debated whether I should even post it here. Dinner spots: La Condessa: modern mexican, the guacamole sampler platter is a must-have. Lambert’s: fancy bbq, I like it because there are non-meat options as well. Second bar & kitchen: seasonal rotating menu that I’m always inspired by. El Naranjo: my current new favorite, authentic seasonal mexican food (ie. not tex mex). Parkside: delicious raw bar & sharable plates. Get the fluke dish & don’t skip dessert. Dinner spots on an expense account: Uchi/Uchiko: I have no words. And no savings account now… but it’s worth every cent. Congress: had an amazing meal here once, paid the equivalent of someone’s rent. Jeffrey’s: your first born might not cover the whole tab. Instagram worthy food spots: Elizabeth: cutest place in town, the food is really good too. Gourdoughs: over the top heart attack doughnuts, but beautiful typography on the truck. Josephine House: if you’re a fan of this blog, you’ll love the marble at this charming spot. Sway: had a picturesque moonlit dinner here the other night. Ironically, I took no pictures. Coffee: Jo’s on second (or south congress): best people watching. Cafe Medici: arguably the best coffee in town. or pick up Chameleon Cold Brew at whole foods. I live on the stuff. Late night eats: East Side King(s): top chef Paul Qui’s trucks. I’m personally in awe of everything he does. Justine’s: when you fly in late and are craving french food, this is your place. Easy Tiger: super close to the hilton, amazing bread & typography. East Side Showroom: you’re not in texas anymore when you step into this place. Hillside Farmacy: if east side showroom is too crowded, go here instead. Sweet treats: Lick: organic locavore ice cream shop. Amazing vegan coconut milk options, although I doubt the coconuts are local. Sugar Mamas: if you follow me on instagram, you’ve seen these cupcakes many a time. (vegan & gluten free options available). Amy’s ice cream: Austin legend. Get the Mexican vanilla. Grab drinks: Malverde, Peche, Hotel San Jose, Weather Up, or anything on Rainey Street. Skip out on a session: cool off at Barton Springs stroll down South Congress saturday morning farmers market (eat a Red Rabbit Doughnut & a nosh from Dai Due) kayak or stand up paddle boarding on town lake Need more? Here is a previous guide I wrote about my favorite food trucks.
