Austin - A - BlackBook Guides

4917 Airport Blvd., Austin 78751
512-712-5700

Kome Sushi Kitchen

Warm and well-run izakaya serves fresh sushi and a wide variety of noodle dishes and small plates. Expect a spirited greeting as you walk in the door and prompt, courteous surface throughout your m... read more

501 Brushy St. , Austin 78702
512-485-3001

The North Door

Enter through the alley and discover a teeny tiny espionage-themed bar that definitely has chops behind the bar. Cocktail list is quite impressive. Sip a Mata Hari (named for the sexy spy), which c... read more

1700 E 6th St., Austin 78702
512-524-0133

The Grackle

No fuss neighborhood bar serves well-priced drinks, and surprisingly scrumptous food at the trailers out front; japanese yakitori, or tacos, anyone? Entertainment options inluce two dar... read more

601 W. 6th St., Austin 78701
512-992-0204

Haddington's

NYC transplant Michael Polomb's second critically acclaimed Austin restaurant. Dimly lit space, with dark wood panels, and the unmistakable atmosphere of a contemporary tavern. Undoubtedly British-... read more

2100 B Guadalupe , Austin 78705
512-476-4500

Rasta Pasta

Bob Marley artwork and murals are to be expected with this resto's name taken into consideration. Ample portions of pasta, including the signature Rasta Pasta dish and the Montego Bay--pasta, chick... read more

2024 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin 78704
512-394-8150

Barley Swine

Cozy gastropub is consistently crowded, thanks to chef Bryce Gillmore's loyal crowd of foodies, who have followed from Odd Duck restaurant. Craft beer and wine selections are expertly paired w... read more

200 Congress Ave., Austin 78701
512-827-2760

Congress

Chef David Bull's intimate new resto, complete with lofty chandeliers, is a praiseworthy display of modern elegance, set adjacent to the laid back Second Bar + Kitchen. Expertly craf... read more

200 Lavaca St., Austin 78701
512-542-3600

W Austin

Latest addition to the Downtown skyline: 36 floors of shiny steel, housing the new W Austin. 251 rooms, including 32 suites, offer sky-high views of city sights; Lady Bird Lake, the rolling hills o... read more

1400 S. Congress Ave., Austin 78704
512-243-7505

Hopdoddy Burger Bar

"Hop" and "doddy" represent a union of beer and burger. Craft beer and craft burgers, that is. The hops comprise local brews. The doddy comprises beef, bison, lamb, turkey, tuna, even hemp seed. An... read more

360 Nueces Ste 30 , Austin 78701
512-320-9909

Trifecta on 3rd

Casual lounge setting is a unique fusion of venue that pairs the ease of a sports bar, with the maturity of a bourbon lounge, served up with a size of pizza, and a martini for the ladies. Flat scre... read more

1411 E. 7th St., Austin 78702
512-628-4466

Takoba

After a childhood spent working on his father's carnitas trucks, Jose De Loera has completed a rite of passage, opening the doors to his own Mexican restaurant. Low-key Taqueria on Austin's East Si... read more

507 Pressler St., Austin 78703
512-436-8226

Tacos & Tequila

Why didn't someone think of this before? This food and drink pairing is a no-brainer. Twenty-nine tacos divided into eight categories. More than 100 premium tequilas. Where does one even start? Eac... read more

4200 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin 78756
512-916-4808

Uchiko

This otherworldly sushi restaurant with hardwood-floor ceilings and brick walls is a bit different than its big brother, Uchi. Here we have Japanese "farmhouse." There you have "contemporary" Japan... read more

615 Red River St., Austin 78701
512-476-7766

Barbarella

Slip in before 12am for free entry, or stop being cheap and cough up the $5 cover charge. Often touted as the best dance club in Austin, minus the abundance of underaged patrons or sleazy dudes in ... read more

2510 S. Congress Ave., Austin 78704
512-326-8226

Tacos La Guera

The American Dream is alive and well, as shown by this peddler of tacos. Once it was nothing more than a food cart that was sometimes open, but mostly closed. Now it's an actual storefront. Success... read more

510 Rio Grande St., Austin 78701
512-469-0901

Kung Fu Saloon

Popular bar on the 6th Street strip, still laid back despite the crowds. The benefits of a dive with much better decor: warm exposed brick, cool leather accents. Take a whack at the retro arca... read more

306 E. 53rd St., Austin 78751
512-459-1010

Foreign & Domestic

This farm to table eatery eschewed downtown for a northside neighborhood location. The menu is ever-changing, but always expect some exotic game. The gruyere popover appetizers can't come fast enou... read more

651 Red River St., Austin 78701

The Swan Dive

Live music venue with rustic white interior and buttery leather couches heave patrons back into the decadent 30s era. Nightly shows--from marching bands to jazz musicians-- booked throughtout the m... read more

310 E. 6th St., Austin 78701
512-433-6109

The Trophy Room

Kind of place that’s happy to entice you in with the promise of “nip slips on the bull.” Said mechanical ride the only one on Sixth Street, proud generator of many a wardrobe malf... read more

1025 Barton Springs , Austin 78704
elchilecafe.com

El Chile Cafe y Cantina

Additional outpost for Tex-Mex resto known to do the classics, and do them well. Roasted pork enchiladas covered in Oaxcan red mole is a must try after claiming no. 1 spot in Austin Chron... read more