East Austin Hotel

This iconic barbecue oasis in the heart of Austin needs no introduction, even further evidenced by the lines snaking out the door. Inside is simple at best, with a corrugated metal ceiling and cement floors, but it's the board above the counter that has everyone's attention anyway. Pork ribs, sausage, turkey, and pulled pork, along with a handful of sandwiches and classic sides (think cole slaw salad and pinto beans) are what's on offer, but you won't ever go wrong with the brisket. Sliced to order, it's wrapped in butcher paper and weighed before being placed on the famous blue tray. Tender a

Push past the glass door of this restaurant in the heart of downtown and you'll immediately get the drift—quite literally, as wood smoke perfumes the air. This hot spot is all about live fire cooking, as evidenced by the 20-foot hearth in the open kitchen. Contemporary cooking is on display in both the à la carte and chef's tasting menu, and Texas produce and proteins take center stage. From savory to sweet, nearly everything is kissed by the flames or scented with smoke. "Embered" cantaloupe with green tomato and shiso blossoms is an elegant opener; and hearth-dried and blistered tomatoes ove

Cuantos Tacos, from Chef/owner Luis “Beto” Robledo, is an East Austin food truck dedicated to Mexico City-style tacos. Guests order at the counter before settling into the shaded picnic area shared with neighboring vendors. The menu is concise, with a focus on a selection of meats served simply with onion and cilantro. Options may include well-balanced carnitas, flavorful longaniza and tender cachete, alongside quesadillas filled generously with melted cheese and meat. The tacos are built on thin, nixtamalized corn tortillas that are small, pliable and full of flavor, while the quesadillas are

With its white clapboard and black shutters, Olamaie, named for the chef's grandmother, mother and daughter, is a charming spot north of downtown Austin. Consider a cocktail, as their list is interesting and includes a daily punch and fun drinks like the Spaghetti Western martini with Texas olive-oil-washed gin, vodka, cherry tomato-infused dry vermouth and basil eau de vie.Expect Southern cuisine that's been given a contemporary polish, and don't dare miss out on the buttermilk biscuit, served warm and accompanied by whipped honey butter sprinkled with sea salt. Roasted chicken tucked with sp

Some of Austin's most popular bars and restaurants are here on Rainey Street, and Emmer & Rye is no exception. This place is always packed and humming with a crowd, both outside on the breezy patio and indoors in the contemporary, inviting dining room. The new American menu is well-designed and tightly focused. From the in-house fermentation program and freshly ground heirloom grains figuring prominently on the menu to strong ties with many of Texas's small farms, there's a commitment to sustainability here. Yellowfin tuna crudo tucked with strawberries and cucumber is a refreshing opener befo

Come as you are, and come early, to this East Austin taqueria from owners and partners Chef Edgar Rico and Sara Mardanbigi. It's a bit scrappy but rewards its visitors with spot-on Mexican-focused cooking. As the name suggests, the menu is all about nixtamalized corn of heirloom varietals, and they roast the corn the day before, then grind it each morning for that day's service. Everything is made in house, and the menu presents a great mix of contrasts, featuring dishes employing ancient methods alongside updated items like duck fat refried beans. The duck carnitas taco, served on a thick tor

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