Austin - Restaurants - BlackBook Guides

1950 S. Interstate 35, Austin 78704
512-442-5337

Whip In

The robust beverage selection at this mom-and-pop testifies to the general manager son's eclectic and discernible taste. That same nuanced approach extends to the eatery inside this incense-laden c... read more

1412 S. Congress Ave., Austin 78704
512-447- 7688

Guero's Taco Bar

The epicenter of South Congress. Tourists take taxis straight here from the airport. The queso flameado and tacos al pastor have something to do with it. So do the chill margaritas. But more likely... read more

504 E. 5th St., Austin 78701
512-477-7497

Carmelo's

In the upstairs dining room there's a mural of a magnificent view of an ocean amid ruins. The idea is to be swept away to the Mediterranean. The accordion player snaking around lovers' tables reinf... read more

3509 Ranch Road 620 N., Austin 78734
512-266-1369

Hudson's on the Bend

Get ready to take a quick, hidden turn into the parking lot. Walk through the outdoor patio surrounded by herb garden. Exemplary service and captivating paintings await inside the limestone farmhou... read more

1301 S. Congress Ave., Austin 78704
512-440-7488

Amy's Ice Creams

Score one for independent business. Buy a scoop at this paradigm of homegrown chains. Have it the Ben & Jerry’s way. With abundant Butterfingers and M&M's and whatnot crushed in. Or s... read more

310 Congress Ave., Austin 78701
512-472-7555

Manuel's

"Are you sure we’re at the right place?" you ask your friend. "This doesn't look like a Mexican restaurant." No, it’s immaculately clean. It embraces smart design. And the plates aren't... read more

614 E. Oltorf St., Austin 78704
512-444-0012

Curra's Grill

Tantalizing chorizo-and-eggs breakfast tacos. Heavenly Oaxacan coffee. This griller of interior Mexican food makes sleeping in on the weekend a chore. Of course, there’s always dinner. Awaiti... read more

4230 Duval St., Austin 78751
512-452-1040

Julio's

Please don't grab a seat until your order is ready. Grabbing one beforehand messes up the queue. It's a no-no among the locals who have been coming to this cantina every Friday night since Can... read more

4206 Duval St., Austin 78751
512-458-3168

Hyde Park Bar & Grill

Before the likes of Applebee’s, there were real neighborhood dining retreats. Places for moms out of ideas. And dads without the wherewithal. They catered to the whole family. Even picky Aunt... read more

6550 Comanche Tr., Austin 78732
512-266-2442

The Oasis

A local fave and perennial family-friendly destination, thanks to the postcard sunsets and jaw-dropping Lake Travis views. The cliff-defying network of umbrella-dotted decks partially burned down i... read more

200 Lee Barton Dr., Austin 78704
512-473-3700

Paggi House

This mid-19th-century house as historical landmark is wedged between condos and a par-three golf course. A recent renovation birthed a slick bar area in the backyard. It complements a lounge area i... read more

618 W. 6th St., Austin 78701
512-472-2037

Katz's

Owner Marc Katz is like those boisterous TV pitchmen who are constantly slashing prices. Except his pitch is his hot pastrami sandwich. “Traditional Jewish kosher-style cuisine” is at t... read more

4811 Burnet Rd., Austin 78756
512-453-5062

The Omelettry

Here's how you keep a secret. Make the best pancakes in town. But name your establishment after an egg dish. Consider yourself lucky if the wait here is only 20 minutes. That ought to give you enou... read more

409 W. 30th St., Austin 78705
512-477-2935

Trudy's

Drink your lethal Mexican martini very slowly. There’s a limit of two per person at this local chain. Seriously. They have staffers who keep track. And they will bust you. Chances are the rul... read more

1204 W. Lynn St., Austin 78703
512-477-5584

Jeffrey's

Service is paramount at this understated exemplar of fine dining. Your water glass is always full. Your nitpicky questions are never a drag. The servers have those little combs for wiping away your... read more

1120 W. 6th St., Austin 78703
512-472-1347

Sweetish Hill Bakery

A fresh artisanal baguette. That's all you need. Then you spot the Venezuelan chocolate torte. The cream cheese brownies. The Texas-shaped shortbread cookies. Mmm. But a Westside witch en route to ... read more

903 W. 12th St., Austin 78703
512-322-0154

Thundercloud Subs

The usual. Small chicken salad on white. Yellow mustard, lettuce, and sliced pepperoncinis. With salt and vinegar chips. The crack staff at this pockmarked location in the local chain never forgets... read more

2330 W. North Loop Blvd., Austin 78756
512-459-4121

Fonda San Miguel

You know you're doing something right when the James Beard Foundation invites you over to prepare a meal. Twice. It’s true south-of-the-border around here, from the homemade interior Mexican ... read more

1917 Manor Rd., Austin 78722
512-391-9500

The Red House Pizzeria

Thin crust pizza pairs well with happy hour specials; $2 Lone Star, $3 house punch, $4 wine. Outdoor patio area is a perennial fave for sharing a pie and a cold one. Salads, calzones and ... read more