Exploring Austin’s Good Eating
September 29th, 2009 by Zain Iqbal
Austin seems to be one of those city’s that everyone (including me) just loves, from the awesome music scene to the interesting culture and friendly, laid-back residents. While I’m still lamenting over the fact that I’m not going to Austin City Limits this weekend, I can at least take solace in the fact that others will be enjoying some of the best food that Texas has to offer in Zilker Park and around the city this weekend. So, if you’re hitting up the festival this weekend, munch your way through these must-dine establishments.
You won't be sorry that the Magnolia Cafe is open for business
The Magnolia Cafe – Their neon sign laments, “Sorry, We’re Open” but you certainly won’t be complaining if you can grab a table at this extremely popular spot, best known for serving up an amazing breakfast, 24/8 (that’s right, 24/8.) Try their gingerbread pancakes. Or buttermilk. Or whole wheat. Or even corn meal! Pretty much everyone I’ve known to eat at the Magnolia Cafe goes for their stacks, available in single, short, or full, but their whole menu is filled with great homestyle cooking. They can put avocado on just about everything too.
Rudy’s BBQ – It’s part Texas BBQ and part Country Store, but this restaurant is famous for it’s spicy (or sissy) “sauses” and rubs on hand which make their oak-smoked meats all the more tasty. Order briskets, ribs, and sausages by the half-pound or simply get one of their sandwiches and share side orders of cole slaw or corn-on-the-cob with a group of friends in their spacious backyard.
Experiencing the joy that are pork ribs from the Salt Lick
The Salt Lick – One of the best parts of Austin City Limits is variety – and affordability – of the great food and the Salt Lick stand is no exception. Their restaurants have been offering “smoking hot Bar-B-Que since ‘67″ and bring a generous sample of their awesome menu to the fans at ACL with offering such as sausage wraps, sloppy nachos, chopped brisket sandwiches, and pulled pork sandwiches.
Güero’s – Queso? Check. Salsa bar? Check. Fresh Mexico City-style tacos? Check. Hand-shaken margaritas with real lime juice? Definitely, and according to the Güero’s website (as well as from personal experience,) they are truly ¡Muy peligroso! A trip to Austin isn’t really a trip without a visit to a Tex-Mex joint, and this taco bar is a great place to grab a late-night drink and bite before you head off to 6th Street to indulge in more live music and nightlife. Bonus: they are do-gooders too as they have onsite classes for their non-native English speakers through Austin’s English at Work program.
Club de Ville – It’s almost midnight and you’ve had your fill of food for the day. Therefore, it’s time to imbibe with a few nightcaps. Club de Ville is tucked away just east of the Texas State Capitol, but has a well-stocked bar as well as a dimly-lit patio usually with a deejay spinning remixes from mainstream artists or local bands. Trust me, if their is ever a place to hear Nirvana remixed with Jay-Z, then Club de Ville will have it. Tip: a healthy tip might get you a double whiskey instead of a single.
[photos by Phille Casablanca via Flickr, and Zain]
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