Austin Restaurants

  1. Casa de Luz

    A peaceful commune feel wafts from Casa De Luz, where the set macrobiotic, organic, gluten-free - yet somehow tasty - meal changes at each sitting (daily menu posted on web).

    Read more about Casa de Luz

  2. County Line Bar-B-Que

    County Line Bar-B-Que is the original BBQ joint, located in a wood-shack roadhouse off Hwy 360. It serves a helluva hunka beef - the barbecued 12oz rib-eye steak beats all.

    Read more about County Line Bar-B-Que

  3. East Side Cafe

    Expect earthfresh ingredients in the peach-strawberry soup or veggie enchiladas; you can walk through the herb and vegetable garden behind the whitewashed wood house. (And yes, there are meat dishes too.)

    Read more about East Side Cafe

  4. Galaxy Cafe

    Oh, that flourless chocolate cake. Or is it the sweet-potato french fries with the blue cheesey burger? Maybe it's the mod, retro self-serve diner decor in a former laundromat that keeps 'em coming back. Who cares? Just try it.

    Read more about Galaxy Cafe

  5. Guero's

    Located in the old Austin Central Feed and Seed building, Guero's boasts good Tex-Mex, margaritas (made with fresh lime juice), tequila and bad service. It is an Austin classic.

    Read more about Guero's

  7. Lamberts

    Cornmeal fried shrimp, brown sugar-and-coffee-rubbed BBQ: Lamberts has a novel take on traditional Texas tastes. Don't miss the Dr Pepper cake. Local, mostly acoustic, musicians play nightly in the upstairs bar.

    Read more about Lamberts

  8. Polvos

    Fun, festive and just a little divey: Polvos offers central-Mexican food that always packs in a crowd. Try some of the dozen or so salsas with the fierce margaritas.

    Read more about Polvos

  9. Salt Lick Barbecue

    Take the 32km (20mi) drive south of Austin through beautiful Hill Country to one of the best BBQ places in the state. It's worth the drive just to see the massive open barbecue pits. Expect to wait for some time for food, and bring along your own beer or wine.

    Read more about Salt Lick Barbecue

  10. Shady Grove

    This 1940s state-park replica, complete with Airstream trailer and metal-lawn-chair kitsch, makes a great place to hang out. Munch on black-bean burritos under lights strung between pecan trees. Thursday night April to November unplugged musicians play.

    Read more about Shady Grove

  11. Threadgill's World Headquarters

    An offshoot of the original roadhouse that attracted Willie Nelson, Threadgill's has tin signs, real Southern cooking and a long, liquor-soaked history. Live music plays in the large beer garden on weekends.

    Read more about Threadgill's World Headquarters

  12. Advertisement

  13. Uchi

    The beautiful people who dine on artisanal Japanese-fusion foods and slap-your-face fresh sushi here are in the know - this modern restaurant rivals those in New York. Book well ahead if you hope to experience the wonder.

    Read more about Uchi

  14. Whole Foods Market

    The flagship of the Austin-founded Whole Foods Market is a gourmet grocery, but it's also a seafood restaurant, pasta trattoria, sushi bar and coffee shop. Be waited on at restaurant counters or eat in after loading up from the staggering take-away buffet: self-made salads, global mains, mezze, meat loaf, deli sandwiches, sushi, smoothies…

    Read more about Whole Foods Market