Best Meals in Austin

[it aint easy being cheesy]

Just curious what everyones best meals or dishes were this last year?

1. Bacon and Avacado Sandwich at Starlight!

2. Egg Custard at Jean Luc's Bistro

3. Corned Beef and Cabbage Roll at Mother Egans. Except the last time so time will only tell.

4. Chocolate intemperance at Jeffreys.

5. The Smoked Salmon at Lamberts. The waffle wasn't but the salmon was great.

[Jaymes]

Chile Relleno at Rosie's on HWY 71.

BBQ at any number of places.

Lobster Bisque at Four Seasons.

Assorted seafood at T&S Seafood with other eGulleteers.

Complete Indian dinner at Clay Pit with other eGulleteers.

Edited December 11, 2002 by Jaymes (log)

[NewYorkTexan]

Good question. A few meals and dishes stand out.

Dinner at Clay Pit with fellow egulleters. There was a review in today’s statesman Review of Clay Pit

Wink - Foie gras with quince/pear bread pudding. Roasted antelope on fresh cranberry beans and wilted greens with herb-cabernet sauce

Mirabelle - Had a wonderful saffron lamb dish

Roy’s - Dim Sum Canoe (I am a sucker for the presentation)

Huisache Grill (New Braunfels) – grilled portobello mushroom sandwich

Lucky Dog - Beef sandwich w/cheese fries

Saccone’s Pizza

Biggest disappointment was Starlite. Average meal and their tiny wine list just sucked.

[Jaymes]

Awk. Forgot to add some real favorites:

Breakfast tacos at Ken's Tacos and More

Friday night all-you-can-eat Catfish Buffet at Dot's Place. Lord love you Dot!

[NewYorkTexan]

Awk.  Forgot to add some real favorites:

Breakfast tacos at Ken's Tacos and More

Friday night all-you-can-eat Catfish Buffet at Dot's Place.    Lord love you Dot!

Maybe it is not the same one, but I thought Dot's was only open for lunch? Are they open any other nights besides Friday?

I went there for the first time a few weeks ago and it was a good hearty meal. It is not an easy place to find, but well worth the hunt.

All about Dot

Edited December 12, 2002 by NewYorkTexan (log)

[Jaymes]

Awk.  Forgot to add some real favorites:

Breakfast tacos at Ken's Tacos and More

Friday night all-you-can-eat Catfish Buffet at Dot's Place.    Lord love you Dot!

Maybe it is not the same one, but I thought Dot's was only open for lunch? Are they open any other nights besides Friday?

I wen there for the first time a few weeks ago and it was a good hearty meal. It is not an easy place to find, but well worth the hunt.

All about Dot

Dot's is only open on Friday nights. And it's the All-you-can-eat Catfish & BBQ.

The catfish is heaven. The BBQ is good, but I've had better elsewhere in Austin so I don't get that.

I think she opens up at 6pm on Friday nights, and the line is already halfway down the block.

It's very, very good. And costs something like 7 bucks or so... Don't remember exactly, but cheap - under $10.

And a "real Austin" experience.

[foodie52]

Mr. Catfish on Springdale Rd. is great. But it's in a dubious area of town. I go with a couple of friends who live in that area.

As for the best meals I had this year in Austin:

Thanksgiving at my house

Thai food cooked by my sister-in-law....at my house

Potluck party hosted by the cooking school at Roger Mollett's house.

You can probably tell that 1. I don't go out much, and 2. I love to eat at home and at other people's homes!

[Simon Majumdar]

As someone who had the great pleasure to be in Austin for an all too brief few days, I can honestly say it was one of the highlights of my year

Sitting in Jo's on South Congress St ( we were staying at the Austin Motel ) while waiting for a table at Guerro's was blissful (as indeed was the excellent meal at G's )

I also have fond memories of running by the river at 6am in the morning as the sun began to rise

If only all cities could be like Austin

I shall return

S

[coolranch]

Simon, glad you enjoyed Austin. Jo's is one of my favorite places--that area is one of the best parts of the city.

As for memorable meals:

lemon meringue cup at wink--I am not a sweets/desert person, but this is wonderful stuff

tuna mignon at Flemings

brunch buffet at Fonda San Miguel

cheeseburger & fries at Casino El Camino

sushi at Musashino, especially the uni/ikura

beef tenderloin at Starlite

fried oysters and calamari at Ranch 616

and I must say, I'm really digging the new cracked pepper potato chips I just picked up at Schlotzsky's!

[alicembk]

Chez Nous has never disappointed me, but once: when they changed their Salade Lyonnaise (took out the bacon and poached egg and put in celery- a CRIME). And do NOT miss the cheese enchiladas at Casita Jorge's on North Loop. Driskill's makes great appetizers (everything's good): I like the duck tacos.

[jess mebane]

Chilaquiles at Trudy's on mornings after nights in which my son slept allll the way thru; coffee at Jo's because I love the red thermos and lo-lo-key atmo, Clay pit with the rest of you rogues, and al fresco at El Sol y La Luna--rockin' aguas frescas.

[BigboyDan]

Pay attention:

Chicken-fried steak: Bluebonnet Cafe in Burnet, Tx

BBQ: Southside in Taylor, Black's in Lockhart

Hamburger: Dirty's

Enchiladas: Tres Amigos (Chicken); Cisco's (Cheese)

Queso: El Mercado on Burnet Rd.

Tamales: Rosie's (Hy 71 S)

Tacos: Cafe Arrandas #3, Burnet Rd.

Migas: Magnolia Cafe on Lake Austin Blvd.

French fries: Fran's

Milkshake: Nau's

Ice Cream: Amy's on Guad.

Fried Chicken: Golden Fried Chicken (Airport Rd)

Pizza: Reale's (Thin crust, NY style)

Steak: Alpenhof (ask for prime...Mmmmmmmmmm.)

Cheese Steak: Delaware Subs

Po Boy: Antones

Breads: Texas French (2900 Rio Grande St)

Cookies: Chippery (Guad)

Seafood: Nowhere

Catfish: Catfish Barge (Burnet, Tx)

Frito pie: Capitol Bowl (get a Dr Pepper with crunchy ice too)

Chili: Nowhere (go to SA for the real stuff)

Fine dining and fru-fru: In Austin?!?!? Bwahahahahaha! Nowhere.

Wedding? Green Pastures.

[Jaymes]

Pay attention:

Chicken-fried steak: Bluebonnet Cafe in Burnet, Tx

Seafood: Nowhere

Yessir. I did pay attention. Close attention.

First: No good seafood? You obviously haven't tried T&S Seafood Restaurant on North Lamar.

Second: Bluebonnet Cafe in "Burnet, Texas"???

You sure about that, Big Fella?

[claire797]

Pay attention:

Chicken-fried steak: Bluebonnet Cafe in Burnet, Tx

Seafood: Nowhere

Yessir. I did pay attention. Close attention.

First: No good seafood? You obviously haven't tried T&S Seafood Restaurant on North Lamar.

Second: Bluebonnet Cafe in "Burnet, Texas"???

You sure about that, Big Fella?

Yeah. Wouldn't that be Marble Falls?

[BigboyDan]

Yes, Marble Falls - need to edit better ; but I'm still right on the lack good seafood... Austin has never had a great seafood place, I've never been able to figure out why.

[foodie52]

Who the hell are you anyway, Big Boy??? We ain't never heard a peep from you til now. Reveal yo sorry self immediately!!

(And join us May 23rd when we go out to eat as egulleteers...)

Or are you too scaired????

[Tremor]

No, no, BigboyDan, you've got it all wrong. Please allow me to correct your errors:

Chicken-fried steak: Tough call. Bluebonnet is good. I also like Hill’s Café.

BBQ: Louie Mueller’s in Taylor, Kruez in Lockhart, Charles in Smithville.

Hamburger: Ok, Dirty's

Enchiladas: Jorge Specials, Jorge Arredondo’s, Round Rock

Queso: Curra’s

Tamales: Ok, Rosie's. Also try Baldera’s in Round Rock.

Tacos: Old Fashion Tacos, Nueva Leon (now on 6th).

Migas: Guero’s, Joe’s Bakery, or Curra’s.

French fries: Rocky Hill Ranch, Smithville.

Milkshake: Nau's, Ok. I like Hut’s, too.

Ice Cream: Can’t argue with Amy's.

Fried Chicken: None in Austin

Pizza: My brand new favorite; Varani’s (between Hutto & Pflugerville).

Steak: Alpenhof, Austin Land and Cattle (not Texas L&C), Ray’s for fun.

Cheese Steak: None (ya want cheezstake, go ta Philly).

Po Boy: Antones (Haven’t found a real one; I’ll trust ya on that one.)

Breads: Plenty of good bakeries; Central Market as good as any.

Cookies: My wife makes the best.

Seafood: Nowhere (Sadly, I’ll have to grant you that.) Stick with sushi.

(However, I haven't tried T&S recommended by Jaymes.)

Catfish: Catfish Barge (Burnet, Tx) ??? (Thanks, I’ll try it.)

Frito pie: Ok, Capitol Bowl.

Chili: My house.

Fine dining and fru-fru: Plenty of fine dining. Who wants fru-fru?

I like Main Street Grill in Round Rock.

Wedding? You kidding? I wouldn’t make that mistake again!

(Just joking! I love my wife.)

Edited May 16, 2003 by Tremor (log)

[Jaymes]

BBQ: Louie Mueller’s in Taylor, Kruez in Lockhart, Charles in Smithville.

I think you need to revisit Kreuz. The last three times I've been there, the brisket has been just awful. Dry, tough - even kind of "chewy."

In fact, the last time I drove down there (about a month or so ago) and brought back some brisket, I was going to just toss it into the trash (how bad is that?), but finally decided to whirl it around with some BBQ sauce in the food processor and turn it into sloppy joes, just so it'd be edible.

I don't know what's going on there, and the sausage and pork chops were still good, but that brisket truly sucked. And I mean BIG TIME.

[BigboyDan]

Fried chicken: the Golden on Airport is run by African Americans, makes a difference.

Main Street Grill is pretty good - only if it weren't in Round Rock...

I like Curra's Migas too, but there's just something about eating breakfast made by a bunch of dead-head-Austin-hippies.

My daughter loves Jorge's. Renee Zellweger mentioned last night on Letterman that she likes the tacos at Gueros.

I like Joe's for mexican pastries (who doesn't?)

Have yet to try Varani’s - thanks.

BBQ is such a personal thing - I use to go to The Pit on Burnet (1970-1971, rode my bike from Lamar JH); then Coupland's in high school (1972-1975, especially on Fridays before football games); then to Mueller's in Taylor; then Southside, Kruez, Blacks; then in 1988 to Salt Lick; now, I'll eat BBQ anywhere.

Ol' Bob has done well by Hill's, hopefully Threadgill's is paying attention.

[Tremor]

Thanks, Jaymes, I will. It's been at least 6 months. I always get the shoulder instead of the brisket, though. Is that still good?

BTW: Have you tried Smitty's? I haven't, because I took the "brother's side" in the feud, but I hear I'm missing out. What's your opinion?

[Tremor]

Dan, it's all a personal thing. That what makes these discussions great. Had my tongue in cheek the whole time.

When I first moved to Austin in 1980, I lived over near Reagan High, and I walked down to The Pit there right off Berkman practically every day. You could buy a couple of slices of brisket, then pig out on the free onions, pickles, and white bread (every bite dipped in their sauce) until you were full. In fact, I blame myself for them going out of business at that location.

Oh, re: Hill's. I definitely think Eddie Wilson's paying attention. He was on Sammy & Bob's one morning discussing the Austin Music Channel. It broke down to Bob and Eddie making snipes at each other's restaurants. Don't know if you heard it, but I was laughing my little behind off.

Edited May 16, 2003 by Tremor (log)

[BigboyDan]

Eddie vs. Bob - it has a lot to do with politics, Heil Hitler Bob and Pinko-commie Eddie goin' at it... too damn funny. Remember, Eddie's been at it a long time. He had the Raw Deal, one of the first places on Sixth, The Vulcan Gas Co. on Congress, and a bunch of other 70's hippy dumps; and of course the Armadillo, nachos anyone?

I use to eat at the N. Lamar Threadgill's back in the 70's as well... there are so many places that have gone by-the-way-side. Holiday House on Barton Springs, Dart Bowl Cafe, The Highland Cafe, Nighthawk, El Gallo Mexican Restaurant, El Matamoros, La Sombrero Rosa, Shenanigan's, Pelican's Wharf, 2J's, The Stallion, Quorum Club, Jacob's Pit BBQ....

Some dates:

Dirty's, established 1926; The Hoffbrau, 1934; Hut's, 1939; Green Pastures, 1945; Holiday House 1947; Arkie's, 1948; Nau's on Enfield, 1951; The Frisco, 1952; Cisco's, 1952; Matt's El Rancho, 1952; Maudie's Cafe, 1954;

El Patio, 1954; El Azteca, 1963

And man, don't get me started on all of the old bars, kicker joints, and dance halls.

Edited May 17, 2003 by BigboyDan (log)

[jess mebane]

BTW:  Have you tried Smitty's?  I haven't, because I took the "brother's side" in the feud, but I hear I'm missing out.  What's your opinion?

FWIW, Smitty's is better, and the Lockhart buzz is Miz Sells' more hands-on approach to the business is the what-for behind that. There are also those who will point to Kreuz' addition of beans (gasp!) to the menu as the first sign of decline. Like they's takin' on airs and such. I yield the sawdust floor to Jaymes......

Edited May 17, 2003 by jess mebane (log)

[Tremor]

Wow, Dan, you brought back some memories there. Interesting info on the establishment dates, too!

I agree, Eddie Wilson had a major impact on the character of Austin. I used to go to the Armadillo every time I visited here in the 70's, and it was that "Austin attitude" that made me move here. Of course, they shut the damn thing down not long after . (Still got my t-shirt, though.)

I loved the Raw Deal, and if I'm not mistaken, wasn't Another Raw Deal in the same building as the original Z-Tejas? And of course, we wouldn't have the original Threadgill's preserved if it wasn't for Eddie.

I miss The Stallion the most from your list. I just had a bunch of good times there. Also, do you remember a place called Spelman's? I loved the burgers.

Oh, and let me know what you think about Varani's. It's brand new, and next to a small gas station/convenience store complex. I tried it just on a whim and was blown away at how good it is (I didn't expect much). The crust is very thin, although not as crispy as I would like, but the sauce and cheese are great. They cut the round pizza into squares, the way I grew up eating it in Missouri. I'll be curious to hear your review.

[Tremor]

FWIW, Smitty's is better, and the Lockhart buzz is Miz Sells' more hands-on approach to the business is the what-for behind that.  There are also those who will point to Kreuz' addition of beans (gasp!) to the menu as the first sign of decline.  Like they's takin' on airs and such.  I yield the sawdust floor to Jaymes......

Thanks, jess, looks like I'll have to try Smitty's. I just KNEW that those beans were going to be the downfall of Kruez when I saw them. Ice cream, too. Next thing ya know, they'll start serving quiche.