Walking Distance
Bufalina Due
6555 Burnet Road (easy walking distance from the house)
Gourmet pizzas, go early to avoid a wait.
Barley Swine
6555 Burnet Road (easy walking distance from the house)
Gastropub, small-expensive plates, one of Austin’s best! Reservations a must.
Lick Honest Ice Creams
6555 Burnet Road (easy walking distance from the house)
Unique flavors, local ingredients. If you don’t love it, you’re just crazy.
Little Deli
7101-A Woodrow Ave (walking distance from the house, join families strolling down the Arroyo Seco bike/walking path)
Much beloved neighborhood place easy to walk to, serving delicious sandwiches and pizza. Plenty of outdoor seating and BYO (grab some beer at the Fresh Plus across the way). Walk behind Little Deli to see the “Wall of Welcome” created by local artists.
Closing Driving Distance
Eldorado Cafe
3300 West Anderson Lane #303
Best Tex-Mex in town! A long wait unless you get there by 5 pm or make a reservation in advance.
Amy’s Ice Cream & Phil’s Ice House
5624 Burnet Road
Iconic local legend Amy serves up unique ice cream flavors – try the Mexican Vanilla! Next to Amy’s, Phil’s Ice House has great burgers, fries and cold beer.
Bartlett’s
2408 W Anderson Lane
Upscale dining option (in Austin terms). Something on the menu for everyone: fish, steak, chicken, great salads. If available, start with the steamed artichoke. The Asian Pear martini is one of the best in town, as is their excellent selection of wines by the glass. Reservations smart.
Fonda San Miguel
2330 West North Loop Boulevard
One of my favorite restaurants in town. Serves interior Mexican food and gorgeous margaritas. Amazing, but pricey, brunch. Reservations smart.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
2438 W Anderson Lane
An Austin original, using locally sourced ingredients. 3 kinds of beef, or turkey, ahi tuna, lamb and bison meat available. Top it off with their delightful salted caramel milkshake!
Tacodeli
7301 Burnet Road
Tacos are a beloved Austin tradition and Tacodeli is a favorite for their locally sourced ingredients. You have to try a least one breakfast taco during your stay!
T-Locs Sonora Hot Dogs (food trailer)
5000 Burnet Road
Food trailers are popular in Austin, so try one out! Miguel whips up some might fine hot dogs and burritos! I think the secret is twofold: 1) the hot dog buns and tortillas he imports from his hometown of Tucson, and 2) his culinary training and skill. Oh also, there’s bacon with that dog! Be sure to get the premium dog and go all the way on the works. Get the homemade agua fresca or horcata. The location is in a food trailer court.
Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew
6610 N. Lamar Blvd.
Ready for some famous Texas BBQ without the hours-long line? You get a lot for your money here. The spare ribs and spicy sausage are clear stand-outs. The fatty brisket is also quite tasty.
Bird Bird Biscuit
1401 W. Koenig Ln.
To-Die-For buttery biscuit sandwiches, both breakfast sandwiches or fried chicken sandwiches.
There is only outdoor seating and it’s a very popular place. You order at the outside kiosk (no in-person ordering) or online ahead of time – if you order online be sure to choose the Koenig location!
The Peached Tortilla
5520 Burnet Road
The owners live in the neighborhood (and were guest here during their home remodel!) This places serves fantastic Asian Fusion food, desserts and cocktails. It is not that big and reservations are recommended. Be sure to try the savory charred brussels sprouts. Their house-made ginger beer makes the Kentucky Mule oh so fabulous!
Picnik
4801 Burnet Road
A great choice for healthy options, including paleo/gluten-free/vegetarians/vegans. Quality and locally sourced coffee, breakfast dishes and entrees. The place is a favorite of locals and everything here is good!
Pinthouse Pizza
4729 Burnet Road
Great for Beer Nerds! A go-to pizza place with great salads as well. Several specialty pizzas and look for the “pizza of the day” special. They feature their own craft beer on tap, plus have an extensive selection of local brewer’s drafts, some hard to get anywhere else.
Downtown Austin
Roaring Fork
701 Congress Ave in Downtown – or 10850 Stonelake Blvd
A long-time Austin institution, serving up upscale food with a Texas twist. My go-to favorites here are the skillet cornbread, tortilla soup, big ass burger (happy hour special), and the rainbow trout.
J Carver’s
509 Rio Grande St
In my opinion, the best steakhouse in town! Pro-tip: do not miss the baked potato gnocchi! Reservations smart.
South Austin
Terry Black’s BBQ
1003 Barton Springs Rd
Be sure to go the location on Barton Springs Road. Open until 9:30 pm. Consistently great food but without the hours-long line (there’s still a line, try to go during “off hours”). This is where I take my out-of-town guests to experience Texas BBQ.
Odd Duck
1201 S Lamar Blvd.
Splurge restaurant with beautiful Instagram-worthy small plates and fancy cocktails. Both brunch and dinner is great. Reservations smart.
Uchi
801 S Lamar Blvd
Hands-down, best sushi in town. Definitely a splurge restaurant. Weirdy, being it is all about fish, the Hot Rock Wagyu Beef is one of my favorite things on the menu. Reservations a must.
East Austin
Patrizi’s – Food Trailer
Another place I love to take out-of-towners! It is for sure an Austin vibe, with an artwork adorned food truck, a variety of outdoor seating options, and charming evening lighting. Nick Patrizi serves up some of the best pasta dishes in Austin using his family’s sauce recipes and freshly spun pasta. Next door is the Vortex-a quirky theater, and the Butterfly Bar-offering delightful cocktails. The parking lot is difficult to find the first go-round.