Motel 6 Austin, TX - Airport

Meanwhile Brewing is home to a few food trucks, but Chef Damien Brockway's is the one to beat. It's barbecue, but certainly not your grandaddy's barbecue. Instead, there's more than a hint of new school in this cooking, with the chef's African diaspora inspiration coming through in the menu. There is a stern nose to tail and root to stem ethos here, where you'll find everything from pulled pork and brisket to chicken smoked using pecan wood and mixed hardwood. Classic pork sausage flecked with red pepper flakes impresses with its dialed-in flavor, but it's the chicken with chile vinegar butter

What do you get when you blend a Japanese izakaya with a barbecue joint? It's not a punchline—it's Kemuri Tatsu-ya. From the decor (think cowboy boots and whiskey bottles with teapots and lanterns) to the menu (corn bread taiyaki, anyone?), this East Austin spot blends the two worlds in the very best way. It's casual but laser-focused on quality. Choose from skewers and snacks like asazuke-pickled turnip finished with chopped smoked pecans and a yuzu-miso emulsion. Smoked options, from brisket in a sesame-pecan rub to fish collar, can be made into a bento box which arrive with koshihikari rice

Mercardo sin Nombre means "nameless market," but this place in East Austin shouldn't be overlooked. Their name is intentional, choosing to focus on the farmers and growers instead of trumpeting themselves. Walk down an alley decked out with cafe lights and wires strung with flowers to order at their window. The tightly focused menu is an exploration of heirloom Mexican corn and specialty coffee. Pastries are a highlight; a masa twinkie is an upscale riff made with blue masa, filled with chocolate and fermented chili ganache and piped campfire fluff on top. Their biscuit, which takes 100 hours

This family-style Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurant comes from the same group behind Emmer & Rye. Terrific for groups, it's the kind of place where you want to snack on a little bit of everything. First up, smashed cucumber marinated with amba and set atop luscious labneh is an ideal starter. Beef and lamb kebab on a bed of fire-roasted eggplant and charred onions is even better with dipping sauces like tahini with herbs, schug, and a spicy chili sauce. It's even better with a glass of wine from their keenly organized list. Meanwhile, baklava is a treat enough on its own, but here it's g

Chef Rene Ortiz's spot is good, clean fun, and not just because it's a former laundromat converted into this contemporary diner. Inside, tables and bar seating welcome diners, while patio seating is ideal for nice weather. The cocktail selection is notable (think mezcal negronis and other inventive drinks), and their happy hour is a nice way to sample without busting your budget. From beef tartare with tonnato, chestnut mushrooms, and an ash- infused rye bread to grilled octopus served over roasted yellow tomato sauce with Calabrian chili mayonnaise and bottarga, the dishes are creative and cr