Austin Texas whats good?

**ate'em** · 08-19-2022, 10:10 PM

Hey'all-
I'll be driving spending a day and a night in Austin TX next month when driving cross-country, and figured it must have some good times available. Never been to Texas.

I read about kayaking with the bats under the bridge, which sounds perfect. Is there a reason I shouldn't be stoked to rent some kayaks for an hour or so?

I was hoping to grab some dinner and hear live music - but I have the three teens in tow and realize that most of the typical spots are 21+. Any recs? Teens would be stoked on some rock music. I'd like to be able to grub some food (mex, bbq, etc) and kick back. Where's the joint....I'm looking for....

**billyk** · 08-19-2022, 10:25 PM

Stubbs BBQ has live music and decent BBQ.

Franklin BBQ is the best in town, but lines tend to be long, and they sell out of meat early in the day.

There’s a bunch of other good/great BBQ places in town. Rudy’s is in the good category, but always has meat, and can accommodate families easily.

As for Mexican, Chuys is one of my favorites, but there’s lots more as well.

Edit: oh, and definitely rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP. Visit Barton Springs Pool.

Oh, and get a Cowboy Taco with Dona salsa at Taco Deli.

**rideit** · 08-19-2022, 10:29 PM

No, just NO.

This is the joint you want, order three or four Beef Ribs.

I dare you.

https://www.blacksbbq.com/

**billyk** · 08-19-2022, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by rideit

No, just NO.

This is the joint you want, order three or four Beef Ribs.

I dare you.

https://www.blacksbbq.com/

Blacks is good, but pricey. I like the beef ribs at County Line just as well.

**MontuckyFried** · 08-20-2022, 06:24 AM

Originally Posted by rideit

No, just NO.

This is the joint you want, order three or four Beef Ribs.

I dare you.

https://www.blacksbbq.com/

YES! Blacks is awesome. Thank you for setting the record straight but I suggest going to the OG location at the nearby town of Lockhart. That town is known for having THE best bbq on the planet. Several good places and lines shouldn't be as silly as the good places in Austin, of which there are many.

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**MontuckyFried** · 08-20-2022, 06:26 AM

Originally Posted by billyk

Blacks is good, but pricey. I like the beef ribs at County Line just as well.

County Line? GTFO with that terrible advice. Lol. Theyre not THAT bad, but they're essentially the Olive Garden of bbq. If guess go if you want that big corporate chain experience. Don't bother with County Line, OP.

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**billyk** · 08-20-2022, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by MontuckyFried

County Line? GTFO with that terrible advice. Lol. Theyre not THAT bad, but they're essentially the Olive Garden of bbq. If guess go if you want that big corporate chain experience. Don't bother with County Line, OP.

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Interesting. I’ve never considered County Line to be a “big corporate chain”. They’re one of the original BBQ restaurants in Austin, and one of the first to feature big beef ribs on their menu. They have great locations with good views, nice interiors, wide menus including steaks, and homemade bread and sides. And they have actual waiters.

But, I’m not dissing Blacks, either. Along with Franklin, LA Barbecue, Stiles Switch, etc there are a wide assortment of great BBQ places in ATX. There’s no need to travel 40 miles to Lockhart anymore. But if you do go there, I prefer Smittys and Kreutz to Blacks in that town.

Another Austin suggestion would be to go watch the sun set at the Oasis restaurant overlooking Lake Travis. I wouldn’t buy much food there, maybe just some nachos and drinks. But the view is great.

**rideit** · 08-20-2022, 08:50 AM

If you happen to be staying in NW Austin, this is the latest incredible find. Buddy of mine that used to be a pit-master swears by it.

https://www.theinterstellarbbq.com/

**billyk** · 08-20-2022, 09:24 AM

A few more suggestions that you guys can feel free to ridicule:

Hula Hut on Lake Austin. It’s a strange mixture of TexMex meets Polynesian food that works. The location is great, too. Right out on the water.

Fonda San Miguel. Upscale interior Mexican food (not texmex).

Guerrero’s on South Congress. Nice atmosphere and decent texmex.

Willys Ice House. Great chicken fried anything. Great blackened redfish or salmon.

**MontuckyFried** · 08-20-2022, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by billyk

But, I’m not dissing Blacks, either. Along with Franklin, LA Barbecue, Stiles Switch, etc there are a wide assortment of great BBQ places in ATX. There’s no need to travel 40 miles to Lockhart anymore. But if you do go there, I prefer Smittys and Kreutz to Blacks in that town.

Another Austin suggestion would be to go watch the sun set at the Oasis restaurant overlooking Lake Travis. I wouldn’t buy much food there, maybe just some nachos and drinks. But the view is great.

I dunno. All the best bbq joints in Austin have become so stupidly busy that you might actually get to eat faster by driving the 1/2 hour away instead. Haha. Another kick ass place is the Salt Lick, but they've become far too popular for their own good that I don't even suggest it or want to go there anymore. Their food was good and all but not worth a freaking hours long wait.

100% yes on Oasis. Solid recommendation. Agreed on just getting nachos and drinks. Foods meh, but know you're paying for the atmosphere and you'll have a good time. Unless they've gotten too busy too.

I miss going to Austin in the 90s when you could pretty much go anywhere without crazy lines. Now far too many places have become like Voodoo Donuts or certain pizza places in Brooklyn. Where the hype has outpaced the reality. Good stuff but worth waiting in a line around the block for? No way. Sheeeeit. Even the rivers have become jam packed for tubing. Gotta make a reservation months in advance for some of the old swimming places. Its crazy how populated the region's become these last couple decades.

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**skaredshtles** · 08-20-2022, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by MontuckyFried

I dunno. All the best bbq joints in Austin have become so stupidly busy that you might actually get to eat faster by driving the 1/2 hour away instead. Haha. Another kick ass place is the Salt Lick, but they've become far too popular for their own good that I don't even suggest it or want to go there anymore. Their food was good and all but not worth a freaking hours long wait.

100% yes on Oasis. Solid recommendation. Agreed on just getting nachos and drinks. Foods meh, but know you're paying for the atmosphere and you'll have a good time. Unless they've gotten too busy too.

I miss going to Austin in the 90s when you could pretty much go anywhere without crazy lines. Now far too many places have become like Voodoo Donuts or certain pizza places in Brooklyn. Where the hype has outpaced the reality. Good stuff but worth waiting in a line around the block for? No way. Sheeeeit. Even the rivers have become jam packed for tubing. Gotta make a reservation months in advance for some of the old swimming places. Its crazy how populated the region's become these last couple decades.

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...

**billyk** · 08-20-2022, 09:56 AM

Oh, and for breakfast, try Kerbey Lane Cafe. Crispy Chicken Benedict or Eggs Francisco, plus maybe a gingerbread pancake.

**MontuckyFried** · 08-20-2022, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by skaredshtles

...

Haha. Perhaps, but do you know how much that place kicked ass in the 80-90s? Then like everything else hip, Californians discover it and descend upon it like a plague of locusts, devouring everything in their path. Causing traffic jams and long ass lines everywhere they go.

Rich californians upon finding the next town to migrate to:

Although now Seattle and Denver expats are giving them a run for their money.

RIP: Austin, Bozeman, Missoula, Asheville, Santa Fe... ... ...

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**skaredshtles** · 08-20-2022, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by MontuckyFried

Haha. Perhaps, but do you know how much that place kicked ass in the 80-90s? Then like everything else hip, Californians discover it and descend upon it like a plague of locusts, devouring everything in their path. Causing traffic jams and long ass lines everywhere they go.

Rich californians upon finding the next town to migrate to:

Although now Seattle and Denver expats are giving them a run for their money.

RIP: Austin, Bozeman, Missoula, Asheville, Santa Fe... ... ...

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OK, Boomer.

**AK47bp** · 08-20-2022, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by ate'em

Hey'all-
I'll be driving spending a day and a night in Austin TX next month when driving cross-country, and figured it must have some good times available. Never been to Texas.

I read about kayaking with the bats under the bridge, which sounds perfect. Is there a reason I shouldn't be stoked to rent some kayaks for an hour or so?

I was hoping to grab some dinner and hear live music - but I have the three teens in tow and realize that most of the typical spots are 21+. Any recs? Teens would be stoked on some rock music. I'd like to be able to grub some food (mex, bbq, etc) and kick back. Where's the joint....I'm looking for....

Gotta be a Hooters close. Can’t go wrong. They do takeout too if kids are too young.

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**MontuckyFried** · 08-20-2022, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by skaredshtles

OK, Boomer.

Haha. I think I'm well on my way. Now with inflation I totally get why my grandparents would always be like "back in my day you could get a Coke and a pack of smokes for a nickel!"

Except now I'm like "Back in my day you could get the best BBQ in Austin without waiting in lines then jump in the river to cool off afterward without bumper to bumper toobs! No assholes clogging up the joint with SUPs and electric scooters either. Twas a simpler time."

...sigh....

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**riser4** · 08-20-2022, 01:23 PM

Stiles Switch if you wanna hang out at the Emporium. Definitely watch the O'Bannon paint on the head scene before and after.

**billyk** · 08-20-2022, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by billyk

Oh, and for breakfast, try Kerbey Lane Cafe. Crispy Chicken Benedict or Eggs Francisco, plus maybe a gingerbread pancake.

And for Sunday Brunch, try Green Pastures. Kind of a dress up place, but worth it if you have those kind of clothes with you on the trip. It is an old southern mansion with a restaurant inside and peacocks roaming the grounds.

Another upscale place is Jeffereys on West Lynn. The best food I have personally found in Austin. Another pricey, dress up place.

**billyk** · 08-20-2022, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by MontuckyFried

I dunno. All the best bbq joints in Austin have become so stupidly busy that you might actually get to eat faster by driving the 1/2 hour away instead. Haha. Another kick ass place is the Salt Lick, but they've become far too popular for their own good that I don't even suggest it or want to go there anymore. Their food was good and all but not worth a freaking hours long wait.

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Salt Lick is good, but about, what, 20 miles south of town in driftwood. These days there’s BBQ just as good a lot closer. Plus I’m not a big fan of their yellow bbq sauce.

**rideit** · 08-20-2022, 02:19 PM

Don’t forget Taco deli for Breakfast Tacos, and maybe find some Chilaqiles .

https://www.loschilakillers.com/post...s-in-austin-tx

**billyk** · 08-20-2022, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by rideit

Don’t forget Taco deli for Breakfast Tacos, and maybe find some Chilaqiles .

https://www.loschilakillers.com/post...s-in-austin-tx

Yes, I approve this message. Their scrambled eggs are remarkable. I need to get a job there to find out how they make those.

Plus as I mentioned before, for lunch tacos, the Cowboy taco (and really any of their other tacos), and Dona salsa.

**dunfree** · 08-20-2022, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by MontuckyFried

Haha. Perhaps, but do you know how much that place kicked ass in the 80-90s? Then like everything else hip, Californians discover it and descend upon it like a plague of locusts, devouring everything in their path. Causing traffic jams and long ass lines everywhere they go.

Rich californians upon finding the next town to migrate to:

Although now Seattle and Denver expats are giving them a run for their money.

RIP: Austin, Bozeman, Missoula, Asheville, Santa Fe... ... ...

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the most hipster ruiners of Austin were Texans - Wes Anderson and Lance Armstrong. Not sure why texas can never come to grips with it’s big hat promotionalismand it’s effects

**Jong Lafitte** · 08-20-2022, 04:56 PM

Ha! Some good eats mentioned. Eddie Vs is good seafood.

So here’s a couple bbq places not yet mentioned:

Cele Store by Manor- this thing is a gem. The bbq might not be Blacks or Franklin but it’s damn proper and the whole place is just a trip.

Meyers Smokehouse in Elgin possibly the best links in the area.

Mentioned:
The salt lick i think is like love or hate especially given the kinda long drive (which is pretty) and crowds.

Rudy’s is my go to. Line out the door is only 20 minutes and you’ll find a seat. Everything is totally solid. Yes, there are places that do each of their items slightly better, but, across the board they are proper.

HARD pass: Green Mesquite. BS combo plates and just total meh.

TexMex not yet mentioned:
Ciscos
El Arroyo
Less crowded than guerros already mentioned,proper cheap sloppy Tex Mex. Cisco’s has breakfast.

Hula hut was a fun suggestion too.

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**2bjenny** · 08-20-2022, 06:14 PM

How old are your teens?
S Congress has some fun shops, lots of good restaurants. Can be fun just to walk and check things out.
Zilker Park, Town Lake hike & bike trail, greenbelt, bats.
Chuys is great for TexMex, I still like going to the original on Barton Springs Road.
All the places mentioned are great, everyone has their favs and for bbq, Kruezes for the win every time passing thru Lockhart. I remember when Guero’s used to be a taqueria on Oltorf.