got two nights in Austin; want BBQ and Mexican: where to go?
Aug 4, 2008, 4:34 pm
#1
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got two nights in Austin; want BBQ and Mexican: where to go?
I have two nights coming up where I am free to explore all that Austin has to offer, culinarily speaking. I, being a Northerner, naturally want good bbq and tex-mex.
Where would you send me? Not concerned about price (although at bbq and tex-mex joints, I would hope this is not a problem
). We'll have a car so driving is a possibility, although would obviously prefer to stay more or less around town (i.e. not in Houston).
Thanks!
Where would you send me? Not concerned about price (although at bbq and tex-mex joints, I would hope this is not a problem
). We'll have a car so driving is a possibility, although would obviously prefer to stay more or less around town (i.e. not in Houston).Thanks!
Aug 4, 2008, 4:44 pm
#3
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Aug 4, 2008, 4:47 pm
#5
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Tried Green Mesquite and found it to be pretty good too but Cl is my choice.
Aug 5, 2008, 4:28 pm
#7
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It's been years, but I had some great BBQ in East Austin at place called, er...Ben's? Don's? A little saucy, more 'southern' style. Worth going (if you can get a stronger lead on it than I'm giving you--sorry), just in contrast to Texas-rancher-style, all-meat-no-sauce BBQ you get elsewhere in the hill country.
And not strictly Tex-Mex (it seems too healthy), but Las Manitas--man, I still dream of the avocados there...
And not strictly Tex-Mex (it seems too healthy), but Las Manitas--man, I still dream of the avocados there...
Aug 5, 2008, 4:33 pm
#8
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On second thought, I'm pretty sure the BBQ place was Sam's, 2000 East 12th Street. Funny--hazy on the name, but I can still remember how to drive there from the highway--looking on a satellite map, this looks like the right location.
Oh, and Salt Lick--great food, gorgeous drive.
Oh, and Salt Lick--great food, gorgeous drive.
Aug 5, 2008, 4:36 pm
#9
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I have two nights coming up where I am free to explore all that Austin has to offer, culinarily speaking. I, being a Northerner, naturally want good bbq and tex-mex.
Where would you send me? Not concerned about price (although at bbq and tex-mex joints, I would hope this is not a problem). We'll have a car so driving is a possibility, although would obviously prefer to stay more or less around town (i.e. not in Houston).
Thanks!
Where would you send me? Not concerned about price (although at bbq and tex-mex joints, I would hope this is not a problem
). We'll have a car so driving is a possibility, although would obviously prefer to stay more or less around town (i.e. not in Houston).Thanks!
Aug 5, 2008, 7:46 pm
#11
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If you end up eating Mexican both nights, don't despair. You can get good bbq right at the airport (Salt Lick, and I'm partial to Harlon's) before you board your flight. Of course, the atmosphere sux.
Aug 6, 2008, 6:45 am
#12
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If you don't want to drive too far (BBQ nirvana is found in Lockhart, 40 minutes south), my BBQ pick would be Cooper's in Round Rock. Very much an authentic east-TX-hill-country style place. Cafeteria style service. Huge smoker just outside the door. They do serve sides and sauce, but I wouldn't bother, just get brisket & sausage by the pound. I'm getting hungry just typing.
Call before you go, they close early, I think maybe around 8pm?
Call before you go, they close early, I think maybe around 8pm?
Last edited by swag; Aug 6, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Aug 6, 2008, 10:11 am
#13
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El Chile is a different take on Mexican/Tex-Mex (visit the original location).
There is also El Arroyo which has a lot of construction near it but the food is decent, the drinks are good, and the atmosphere is Austin.
As for BBQ, I'd do Coopers or Kreuz Market in Lockhart or even Iron Works (though they've gone down hill IMO).
I've heard good things about Smitty's Market in Lockhart but have not been.
There is also El Arroyo which has a lot of construction near it but the food is decent, the drinks are good, and the atmosphere is Austin.
As for BBQ, I'd do Coopers or Kreuz Market in Lockhart or even Iron Works (though they've gone down hill IMO).
I've heard good things about Smitty's Market in Lockhart but have not been.
Aug 11, 2008, 4:42 pm
#14
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I think Lockhart - BBQ capital of Texas - is absolutely worth the trip from Austin (we got there in about 30 minutes - although I guess it depends on your location in Austin). Blacks - Kreuz - Smittys. You can actually eat at all 3 - since you order by the pound (1/2 pound of brisket) or the piece (2 ribs) - not by the meal. Do not miss the fatty brisket. It is heaven. Bring a bunch of friends if possible. And note that all of these places close pretty early.
Also - if the bats are "in season" when you're there - go to the bat bridge one night at sunset - and watch them. Their flight from the bridge is spectacular. Robyn
Also - if the bats are "in season" when you're there - go to the bat bridge one night at sunset - and watch them. Their flight from the bridge is spectacular. Robyn
Aug 11, 2008, 4:48 pm
#15
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There's lots of really good Mexican food in town too. Best choice might depend on where you're staying. What part of town will you be in? Don't miss the Whole Foods near downtown (the Austin store is the flagship store for the country - and it is really something to see - or have lunch at). Robyn