A few years ago, I edited this Austin travel guide that my former colleague Alexandra produced. While visiting friends in Texas for the 4th of July, I put it to the test.
Alexandra was right on target with Maudie's, a local favorite for true Tex-Mex and potent margaritas. Guero's Taco Bar, as promised, was loud, lively and the place to be seen.
In the fine dining category, I'd include Jeffrey's of Austin. The menu was inventive -- think watermelon gazpacho with lemon shrimp and creme fraiche, pecan crusted halibut with wild asparagus, morels and strawberries, and peach cobbler with blackberry bourbon ice cream -- and our waiter gave us a warm Texas welcome.
For the top ten things to do in Austin list, I'd add: treat yourself to a top-notch massage at Lake Ausin (I went with the Moor Mud Back Relief one) and try migas, a traditional Tex-Mex breakfast dish.
The "Love Migas" at Magnolia Cafe -- eggs scrambled in garlic-serrano butter with tomato, onion, bell pepper, tortilla chips and jack cheese -- sat in my stomach like a sack of flour, but was worth the pain.
I wasn't able to try out any of the barbecue places Alexandra recommended, but I did discover another list-worthy one thanks to our new web designer, Tom.
A laid-back, family-style spot about a half hour from the city, The Salt Lick looks like a camp cafeteria and feels like a low-key Texas wedding. Cowboys direct traffic in the parking lot, live bands play twangy country tunes and big groups crowd around picnic tables for heaping helpings of beef, sausage, pork ribs, potato salad, cole slaw, pickles and raw onions. Best of all, it's BYOB and $15.95 for all you can eat!
There were torrential downpours almost every day I was in Austin, so the lake looked brown and muddy and I never did get to see the Congress Bridge bats. At least I now have two reasons to go back!
Where are some don't-miss spots for the next time I'm there?
Comments (7)
I am SO happy to have found this blog!! I love it! Can't wait til tomorrow!
Posted by Cissy | July 18, 2007 2:46 AM
Posted on July 18, 2007 02:46
I never got to see the bats either! gives me an excuse to trek all the way south for another round of beef brisket at salt lick. yum.
Posted by tom | July 18, 2007 4:15 PM
Posted on July 18, 2007 16:15
There's a place called County Line BBQ about 15 miles outside the city close to the lake. That is a don't miss destination. The piano bar on 6th st. was amazing too!
Posted by Dana | July 18, 2007 5:07 PM
Posted on July 18, 2007 17:07
Wow; Salt Lick looks like my kind of place. If you're craving this kind of food and live in New York City, try Hill Country, a new barbecue restaurant that just opened this summer.
Posted by Suki | July 18, 2007 5:27 PM
Posted on July 18, 2007 17:27
Try Hula Hut- a strange but good Hawaiian Tex Mex style of food right on Lake Austin. Everything is great from their tubular tacos to their Hawaiian fajitas complete with plum sauce to their South Bay Seasar Salad with flautas. Don't forget to order some jalapeno ranch dip for your chips too!
Posted by Emily | July 19, 2007 2:18 PM
Posted on July 19, 2007 14:18
You should try Matt's El Rancho - the Bob Armstrong dip (unique queso) and the fajitas are terrific. Amy's Ice Cream is an Austin must, of course. The Shoreline Grill - owned by the Jeffrey's folks - is fabulous fine dining. And near where the bats appear, so after dinner you won't have far to go! Trudy's is a local favorite (the stuffed avocado!)- there are three locations. I'll admit that Salt Lick is my favorite, but Rudy's is a close second for tasty BBQ. There is another interesting place you should try, in the shadow of downtown, called Moonshine. It was a favorite of Lady Bird Johnson's. And while you are in the Hill Country, you should try some Texas wines! There is a fun Hill Country Wine Trail that will give you fabulous views while driving between the vineyards. Ya'll come back now, ya hear!
Posted by Tricia Heisler | July 22, 2007 7:05 PM
Posted on July 22, 2007 19:05
Try the Roaring Fork on South Congress. It has fantastic happy hour eats, or more elegant dinner selections. Nice wine menu, friendly staff.
Posted by Kim | August 6, 2007 3:31 AM
Posted on August 6, 2007 03:31