Forking Up

"Our motorized grocery scooter" by beancounter is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Wow, guys. 2020 is definitely throwing us for a loop, isn't it? I've been mandatory work from home at my job for a week, and been seriously social distancing since the weekend. Grocery stores are empty, bars and restaurants are closed.

In these times, I feel like home cooking is a necessary skill that not all of us have. While this blog has gone closer to reviews recently, or more advanced recipes, I thought I'd share a different sort with y'all today.

These are all meals I've made using mostly pantry staples, with inexpensive fresh ingredients as well. They're tasty, moderately healthy, easy, and cheap. Feel free to substitute fresh for frozen foods where needed.

You won't see the usual pictures here (using Creative Commons to break up the text), because this is kind of a last-minute post. I wanted to put these recipes out there for people who are looking to go beyond boxed mac and cheese or pasta with sauce in their pantry staples as we hunker down for however long.

"Massa" by c.alberto is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Pasta Carbonara

• 1 package pasta
• 3 slices bacon or pancetta, chopped
• 3 large eggs, whisked
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp parsley

-Boil pasta according to directions.

-Whisk together the egg, milk, cheese, and season with salt, pepper, and parsley.

-While pasta is cooking, cook the bacon over medium high heat in a large skillet until desired crispness is reached. Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent.

-Drain the pasta and add to the skillet. Take skillet off the heat and slowly mix in the egg mixture, stirring constantly. The sauce should thicken due to the heat of the pasta, without scrambling the egg.

-Serve hot, with extra cheese.

Tips

• You can make this as cheap or as expensive as you'd like--in a pinch, I've used shelf stable Parmesan cheese, parsley, and bacon.
• If you do go the cheap route, you can still heat up the bacon in the skillet and it should release some fat.
• I use milk in this recipe. Purists will tell you this is a big ol' NO, but in my opinion it helps the sauce spread and doesn't impact the taste at all.
• Use any pasta you'd like--spaghetti is traditional, but I like any sort of curly pasta that holds the sauce.

"MOE_0016" by gangnam of solace is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Fried Rice

• 2 cups rice, cooked
• 1/2 to 1 cup protein, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup petite peas
• 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 egg, whisked

-In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil and butter. If using meat as your protein,  brown it in the skillet. Add the carrot and cook for three minutes, then add the onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent. If using mushrooms or tofu for your protein, add it now.

-Add the rice and mix well. Pour over the soy sauce (adding more for color and flavor, if needed).

-Add the peas and cook until warmed through. Pour the egg over the rice and mix until the egg has cooked. Serve hot.

Tips

• This is a great "kitchen sink" dish, as you can use whatever leftovers you have on hand.
• I also love to add kimchi to this, towards the end, cooking it just enough to get hot.
• Depending on how much protein you use, you can use this as either a main dish or a side.
• Add more soy sauce, as needed.

Souped Up Ramen Soup

• 1 package ramen noodle soup
• 1 boullion cube plus 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, OR the included flavor packet
• 1/4 cup protein of choice
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp sriracha sauce
• 1 stalk green onion, sliced thin
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 1 egg, soft boiled
• 1 lime wedge
• Other toppings: corn, peas, parsley, cilantro, kimchi, nori

-Prepare the broth: add one and a half cups of water plus the boullion mix and bring to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook until desired done-ness (check package for preferred cooking times).

-Add the rest of the ingredients, and serve!

Tips

• Another good "kitchen sink" recipe, since you can use whatever veggies or protein you have as leftovers.
• Cooking the noodles in the broth makes for a more flavorful noodle.
• The included flavor packet is very high in sodium, but if you like the flavor feel free to use it!

Souped Up Ramen Noodle Salad

• 1 package ramen noodle soup
• 3 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp sriracha
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/2 carrot, sliced into toothpicks
• 1 stalk green onion, sliced thin
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 1 lime wedge

-Cook the noodles according to the package, but do not use the flavor packet. Drain.

-In a microwave safe bowl, microwave peanut butter, butter, sriracha, juice from the lime, and honey. Microwave for 30 seconds, and mix well.

-Toss the noodles, sauce, and all remaining ingredients. Chill overnight.

Tips

• Can be served hot or cold.
• The peanut sauce is a great dip for chicken or drizzled on tofu.

Lazy Golumkis
This is the version I grew up with--not necessarily authentic, but tasty and inexpensive!

• 1 lb ground beef (these days I use a plant-based substitute as well as mushrooms)
• 1 can condensed tomato soup (10.75oz cans)
• 1 can diced tomato (12 oz can)
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/2 head cabbage, shredded
• 2 cups white rice, cooked
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp dried parsley

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the meat. Drain the fat, and add the onion and garlic. Cook until onion is translucent.

Add the soup, ketchup, and herbs and spices and stir to combine.

Once the mixture begins to bubble, add the cabbage. Stir and cook until the lettuce has wilted. Add the rice and heat until dish is warmed all the way through.

Serve hot, I like to top it with Parmesan cheese!

Tips
I omit the salt because the tomato soup and ketchup are salty enough as-is, but feel free to add some if it needs it!



What do you cook when you are working with limited resources? Share in the comments!

Guinness Pot de Creme

1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup Guinness
2 cups (12oz) semisweet chocolate chips
4 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Bailey's Whipped Cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbs Bailey's

Directions
Combine heavy cream, Guinness, and vanilla in a medium saucepan over low heat and let simmer just barely. Remove from heat.

In a food processor, combine the chocolate chips, eggs, and salt and blend for 1 minute until the chocolate is completely chopped. Pour in the Guinness mixture, and blend again until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is thick.

Divide mixture into ramekins (it made 4 large for me), cover with plastic wrap, and place in refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours and up to 2 days.

Before serving, prepare whipped cream: Whip in a hand mixer until cream is thick, fold in Bailey's and whip until desired texture is reached. Serve pots cold with dollop of cream on top.

Once you've made that tasty, delicious load of Guinness beer bread... you'll probably want to make another batch, and turn it into this ^^

Last year, St. Patrick's Day came and went in Austin with nothing but a few local bars serving a corned beef special. Since it usually occurs in the middle of SXSW, Boston's favorite holiday (where the streets run green with dyed PBR) goes relatively unnoticed.



Who knows, maybe this year there will be more celebrations, in the wake of our big festival being cancelled...

This little holiday reminds me of Massachusetts, or my two trips to Ireland. It reminds me that I need to return to Europe someday...




This year, I have corned beef and potatoes waiting in the fridge, some Guinness at the ready, and this dessert on the table. Also, fun fact: Thanks to 23 and Me, I discovered my family IS actually a significant amount of Irish! So cool.

I love bread pudding. It's the nemesis of low carb diets for sure, but if you happen to make this for your St. Paddy's Day table and take a bite, I won't tell. It's so easy to make, and is so editable to whatever you want it to do. This pudding has all the flavors of Ireland's famous liquors: Guinness, Bailey's, and Jameson.

PS. Check out this awesome Buzzfeed list I made a few years back of the best St. Paddy's Day recipes that are NOT green! :)



For the Bread Pudding

• 1 loaf Guinness Beer Bread
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 heaping tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp Irish Cream
• For topping
• 1/4 cup oats
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (I used coconut sugar)
• 1/2 stick of butter, melted

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9x9 baking dish, set aside.

-Cube the beer bread and set out to dry out a bit while you mix together the rest of the ingredients. Or, you can put them on a single layer and pop them in the oven while you prep.

-In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, cocoa powder, cream, and Irish cream until well combined. Once beer bread is slightly hard to the touch, toss in the mixture until well-coated. Let sit 5 minutes.

-Prepare topping by mixing together until at a crumbly consistency. If the mixture is too wet, add more oats or a bit of flour. You want big crumbles of slightly moist crumbs.

-Pour bread mixture into baking dish, top with crumbles. Bake for 45 minutes, or until pudding is set. Finished pudding should be springy, not wet, when pressed with your finger or a spoon.

Whiskey Salted Caramel

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 stick of butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp Irish whiskey

-In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the sugar over high heat until caramel in color. Be careful not to burn!

-Carefully drop in cubes of butter, whisking until well combined. Once melted, SLOWLY pour in the cream.

-Reduce heat to medium, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture begins to foam.

-Remove from heat and stir in salt and whiskey. Let come to room temperature and pour into jar.

Guinness Chocolate Sauce
(adapted from AllRecipes.com)

• 1 12oz bottle of Guinness
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla

-In a medium saucepan, heat the Guinness over medium-high heat. Boil until reduced by half, about 40 minutes, watching it carefully to prevent bubbling over.

-Add sugar, cocoa powder, water, and vanilla. Let come to a simmer, and stir frequently until mixture is thick, about 15 minutes. Cool to room temperature, and pour into jar.

Irish Cream Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp Irish Cream

-In a stand or hand mixer, whip cream and powdered sugar on high until stiff peaks form. Reduce speed to low, and mix in the Irish Cream until just blended.

Looking for a quick and tasty Saint Patrick's Day recipe? Well look no further than Guinness Beer Bread! Beer bread is a magical thing. It's basically flour, salt, baking powder, and beer. The combinations of how you can make it truly are endless. You can edit it to work with any beer or flavor, be sweet or savory, be a side dish or a breakfast or bread pudding (hint, hint).

Take this Guinness beer bread, for example. Just a few extras, and you have a unique and seriously delicious, quick bread. No yeast, no rising, just deliciousness.

If anyone is remembering my "low carb diet" right now... shut up.




The highlight of this bread is really the cinnamon browned butter BUT I forgot to photograph it. Ugh. Trust me though, it's the perfect thing to spread on a toasty piece of Guinness beer bread. I can't NOT tell you about it.

Enjoy!

Cinnamon Browned butter

• 1 stick butter
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp sugar

-In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat until golden brown. Pay close attention that the butter does not burn!

-Let sit for 5 minutes, then add cinnamon and sugar. Mix well, and pour into a small jar.

-Let butter get to room temperature, shaking jar regularly so sediment does not sink to the bottom. To speed up the process, you can put the jar in the fridge or freezer, but the shaking will be more frequent.



Guinness Beer Bread

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup oats, plus more for sprinkling on top
• 2/3 cup brown sugar (I used coconut sugar)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1 bottle Guinness Stout (12 oz)
• 1/2 stick butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a bread pan with butter.

Sift together all dry ingredients into a stand mixer.

Set the mixer on low speed and slowly pour in the Guinness, being careful it doesn't bubble over. Mix until just wet, do not over-mix.

Spoon batter into loaf pan. Pour melted butter on top, and sprinkle with oats.

Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Every year, I do the Austin Food Blogger Alliance City Guide. Typically, I snag "best ____ in town" categories, rather than the neighborhoods, which span a wide area (North, South, etc.). But what about the restaurants in my own backyard?

I polled the residents of my own neighborhood via the Nextdoor app and came up with the following hyper-local favorites. Though I don't live in the more touristy parts of town, if you happen to be at an air bnb nearby or have a car and want to get some grub that's a bit more off the beaten path, be sure to check out these Highland Neighborhood spots!

Note: I was a bit liberal with the area, some of these may be slightly outside, but still worth a mention!


Kome - I adore sushi, and consider myself very somewhat of an expert. In that, I can tell fresh from not-so-fresh, and close-to-the-sea to definitely-not. And since arriving in Austin, Kome has been my hands-down favorite. Their happy hour specials are incredible, their sake is delicious, and my fish-hating-fisherman-husband (figure that one out) has multiple things on the menu he'll consume. Their house rolls are my favorite, but the best deal on the menu is the sushi lunch. This was the place that truly won me over with nigiri, and I will be forever grateful.


Kura - So, I know I just said Kome was my fave BUT Kura is a very very very close second. I was all ready for the level of quality that you expect from a sort of gimmicky concept--conveyor belt sushi--but was blown away by the freshness of the sushi for how inexpensive and fun the entire experience was. Definitely a solid place to go for an inexpensive meal, and yes they do have more than just sushi here.

Photo cred: Feed This House

Quality Seafood - I'm a New England girl, born and raised, and one thing I sorely miss from my home state is... well, quality level seafood. And thankfully, Quality Seafood lives up to the name. Though I haven't been able to visit for a lobster bake, the chowder makes my heart happy, and the fish dishes are a wonderful option if you want a non-sushi seafood in town.

Photo cred: Foodie is the New Forty

HEO - Not sure if it was simply a rebrand or a total pivot but I swear this place started as a BBQ joint. Either way, I hear amazing things about their Asian Street Food menu! Tucked away into an unassuming storefront, HEO is one of those somewhat hidden treasures of the neighborhood despite being right on Lamar.

Arpeggio - The jury's out on the overall experience of the restaurant itself but one thing everyone can agree on is that the food is top notch. I feel like we keep losing the small, family-owned Mediterranean restaurants in town, so I do hope Arpeggio sticks around. I love a good gyro and Arpeggio does it right. It's also the best place in town to get a good Greek pizza! If you don't know the difference between NY/Chicago/Greek style, you need to educate yourself. And relish in the crispy, thick crust. Yum.

Photo cred: Foodie is the New Forty

Ramen Tatsu-ya - There's a line out the door for a reason. While it's not nearly as long as it's South Lamar counterpart, it's still a wait--but one worth waiting for. This was my first introduction to Ramen and it still holds a special place in my heart. They have a few different broths to choose from, but the standout for me is the tonkasu, a thick dipping broth with noodles. Also one of the best brussels sprouts offerings in town!



Michi Ramen - Don't tell Tatsu-ya, but this is my favorite ramen in town. Also, don't tell the people in line at Tatsu-ya because I like being sat immediately ;) Their broths are mostly pork, and the stout broth is the clear standout in my opinion. The sides are perfectly complimentary to the large, savory bowls. And don't miss their Wednesday sake deals! Each month a different flavor is highlighted and they are certainly unique--and tasty!


Ola Poke - This was one of the first dedicated Poke spots in Austin but it's held its place as one of the best ever since. Fresh fish, tasty accouterments, and decent spicy wings for those weirdos among us who, for whatever reason, don't like raw fish. Snag a bowl and do karaoke next door for the perfect out of the box date or fun Saturday afternoon.


Brentwood Social - Their coffee is awesome but their pastries are where it's AT. Delicious, delicate, and both savory and sweet. I don't know what else to say other than it's the perfect place to meet up with a friend for crumpets and tea, or sip wine on the patio while your kids play in the backyard area.


T22 - Lucy's may have the heart of most Austinite's but T22 has my taste buds. It hits the spot for anyone who is craving the tongue-burning deliciousness of Nashville Hot Chicken. You can choose your level of heat, or go with a straight up "wimpy" with none, and the enormous pieces of juicy chicken will come out perfectly seasoned with your choice of dipping sauce on the side to cool the heat. And where most chicken joints seem to forget their sides, T22 does each one perfectly. This is hands down my favorite fried chicken in town!



Black Star Coop - I came here originally for three reasons: 1. close to my improv rehearsal spot, 2. they pay their workers a living wage, 3. beer. At that point, the food being amazing was a great surprise! I love the fish and chips, which come out perfectly battered and crispy with thick-cut fries, or the chicken snack and homemade ranch. Their beer selection is just as good, and the patio with board games makes for a very fun night.


Vigilante - A gamer and a foodie walk into a bar. Both are happy at Vigilante. Their slider menu allows you to taste a whole bunch of tasty bites while you challenge other bar patrons to a round of Super Smash Brothers. $14 gets you your choice of nearly four items on the menu which is an awesome deal, letting you get a taste of everything they have to offer!

Hank's - Frose brings me in, the food makes me stay. Hank's has had a few growing pains as they've rolled out but I know they'll soon be a neighborhood favorite! Great happy hour, delicious food, extensive drink menu, and perfectly crafted cocktails. Plus the decor is clean and bright with a lovely patio. A definite win!



BIG thank you to some of my food blogger friends for providing pictures!

Do you live in the Highland area? What is your favorite local restaurant?


Don't forget to check out the rest of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance City Guide for 2020!

Austin is a foodie city, there's no denying it. So, when you end up at a restaurant on a Friday or Saturday night, sometimes all you can hope for is a seat at the bar. But did you know that Austin has more than a few watering holes that also offer amazing food? These are just a few that I've found in my journey through Austin's food and drink scene... Check it out!



East Side Tavern - This bar is so much fun, with a rooftop patio and amazing drink options (obviously, that's what Taverns do best) but you'd be missing out if you left without having one of these brisket and cheddar tater tots. Let me say that again. BRISKET AND CHEDDAR TATER TOTS. So freaking amazing. Runners up are the pickled deviled eggs and the corndog bites but really, anything here is awesome.
1510 E Cesar Chavez | Austin, TX 78702

The Hideout Pub–Their slogan is "we're cheap so you don't have to be," AND their kitchen is open until midnight, so you know I'm all about this place.  Not to mention they're a mere 5 minutes from my apartment in way north Austin. They mean it about being cheap--they boast more than a handful of drinks under $5! I've had the burgers and the fish and chips here and both were great. Their wing nights are an awesome excuse to chow down on multiple chicken wings for under $1 apiece (60 cents per wing). They're known for their burgers, but all pub food is present and accounted for here. Plus the laid back vibe and huge patio are awesome for hanging out with friends on a weekend or happy hour. The Hideout Pub is located at 12164 N Mopac Expressway in Austin and is open Mon-Fri 3pm-2am, Sat-Sun 5pm-2am.


Ski Shores Cafe
Austin is a year-round patio type of city. That's one of the many reasons why Ski Shores is the place to be when the weather is pleasant--their location right on Lake Travis makes for some incredible sunsets. Not only that, but their food is pretty damn good. Try one of the many burgers, or (my preference) get some fresh fried seafood to enjoy while you drink a cocktail and watch the sunset.
2905 Pearce Rd, Austin TX

Jackalope
It's on Dirty 6, which doesn't necessarily work in its favor, since it's also known as a party spot with insanely huge punch bowls. But what you may not know is that they are constantly on Austin's Best lists for their burgers! Soak up some of that 6th Street booze with the Mac and Cheese Burger--complete with a deep fried queso mac patty, or get fancy with their Bacon and Brie burger. And if you snap a pic on the Jackalope statue after, I won't judge.
304 East 6th Street, Austin TX




The Dogwood
The day I saw their steak fingers were no longer on the menu was a sad day (please bring them back!) as they were the best I'd found in the city. I can get my fix of flavorful fried meat with the chicken fingers, but if I'm going that route I'd opt for the chicken and waffles sliders. Thankfully, I have a new love in their Armadillo Eggs which are bacon-wrapped jalapenos stuffed with shrimp, crab, and goat cheese, with a peach dipping sauce. The happy hour menu is decent for the price (get the bacon wrapped BBQ shrimp or the sweet potato tots), so get here early and enjoy a meal and a drink on their patio before the West 6th Street crowd rolls in. It's unique southern cuisine, and the bar itself is a good time. The Dogwood is located at 715 West 6th Street and is open Mon-Fri 4pm-2:00am, Sat-Sun 12pm-2am.

Gibson's/Luke's Inside Out
I remember exclaiming to everyone that would listen one night that the food truck at Gibson's, Luke's Inside Out, was some of the best food I'd ever had in my life. Granted, I'd had more than my share of libations at Gibson's prior, but when I asked friends about best bar food there were a handful of enthusiastic suggestions for this place. It looks like Guy agrees with me, because it was featured on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives!
1109 South Lamar, Austin TX



Banger's Sausage and Beer Garden
It's a good thing they're expanding this year--the 100 or so tables are regularly packed! The glorious, enormous beer selection aside, they're one of my favorite spots to take out-of-towners because you just need to experience their unique cuisine at least once. All the sausages are made on-site, as are the pickled ingredients. The dishes are anywhere from basic but delicious (hot dog, brat) to out of this world unique (fried chicken, beet and goat cheese). Do not let yourself visit Austin without stopping here!
79 & 81 Rainey St. Austin, TX 78701

Whip In
What kind of cuisine do you think a craft beer bar would serve? Did you guess Indian? I bet you didn't. Did you guess some of the best Indian food in town? At a BAR? This in and of itself is a feat, but Whip In also peppers in some typical bar food into the mix. Try one of their curries, their extensive vegetarian options, or just enjoy some loaded fries. Whichever you choose, you'll be more than satisfied. You can even buy a six pack of beer to take home from their marketplace area!
1950 S IH 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX


Black Star Coop–It's hard to say what's the best part of Black Star Coop. The wide selection of local beer? The fact that all staff is paid a living wage? Or the incredible food? It's a tough call, but I'd say while all those things rock, the food is my favorite. I could eat their thick-cut french fries every day, and their one-time fig-stuffed quail was my first ever foray into quail (I still am not quite sure how one goes about consuming a quail). Plus, it's the best fish and chips I've had in the city so far. And you know me, as a New Englander, I have high standards when it comes to fish. Added to the feel-good well-paid staff thing and the beers, this place definitely wins a spot on my Best Bar Bites list.
7020 Easy Wind Drive, Austin TX 

Photo courtesy of A Cup of Joey

Easy Tiger
Every so often, I see another Easy Tiger beer garden open up. And I do a jump for joy, because this is a place that should be shared with the world. Somewhat recently, one opened right near my apartment, so I am a frequent guest of theirs now. The freshly baked bread is the heart of their menu, weaving its way through incredible cheese boards, sandwiches, and sides on their menu. The beer may be the star, but their bakery is incredible. Definitely try their massive bavarian pretzel, you won't be sorry!
(Multiple Locations, see website)

Roosevelt Room
Fancy drinks and fancy snacks make Roosevelt Room one of my favorite places to grab a classy cocktail and snack after work downtown. Their cheese boards are some of the best in town, and the perfect classy eccoutrement. Bonus: the Elenor next door is home to some fun pop up bars throughout the year. My favorite being Miracle on 5th Street, a fun and funky Christmas bar during the holidays!
 307 W 5th St. - Unit B Austin, TX

Image courtesy of Waller Creek Pub House

Waller Creek Pub House Established in 2015, Waller Creek Pub House is known for its craft draft beer, original pub fare and laid-back vibe. Specials Monday’s Wing Deal, featuring 6 house made buffalo wings and a pint of Community Beer Company’s Helles Lager for only $10, or the rotating “Taco of the Day” selection for $10 or less are affordable options for those on a budget.
 603 Sabine St, Austin, TX

Drink.Well–The drinks are amazing, the food is as gorgeous as it is tasty, and 5 out of 5 foodies I asked highly recommend it, so this here is a win. The menu is upscale American pub fare, which pairs well with their 25 whiskeys and the aforementioned amazing cocktails. There aren't many places in town you can get a Scotch egg, or a HOMEMADE TWINKIE... yeah, this place pretty much rocks. Drink.Well is located at 207 East 53rd Street in Austin and is open Tues-Sat 4pm-12am, and Sun 11am-11pm.

Don't forget to check out the rest of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance City Guide for 2020!

Ever since working in downtown Austin, I've become quite accustomed to visiting coworkers and clients asking me "where should we go to lunch??" Eventually, I decided to turn my response into a blog post, because lunching in downtown Austin can be a gamble.

The rule of thumb here is to try not to be too close to the touristy places--restaurants near the convention center or music halls aren't going to be great. After all, foot traffic alone means they don't have to be stellar to make a living.



Visiting Austin and staying downtown? Need a place to wine and dine a client during your lunch break? Here are my suggestions for the best food you'll find within walking distance or a quick Uber/taxi!

BBQ

• Cooper's Old Time Pit - the best BBQ in downtown proper. Meat by the pound, incredible sides (rare for a BBQ place!) and you can get it dipped in their BBQ sauce.
• Terry Black's - Not quite downtown, but worth a scooter ride or quick rideshare. Pick your meat by the pound in this counter-service restaurant. Grab a cold beer from the cooler and try their beef rib, what they're known for.
• Lambert's - Fancy BBQ. Full disclosure: I've never been, but it seems to be the go-to place to take visiting clients. I hear they also have a good happy hour!

Mexican & Tex-Mex

• Chispas - My favorite new place in town to get tacos. The queso, which is a barometer for a Tex-Mex's quality, is decent, but the taco menu is so unique and all are tasty. I love the butternut squash taco and the pork belly.
• Taco Deli - An Austin favorite, though it's only open until about lunch time. Skip the line by ordering ahead and sit on their patio to people watch.
• Chuy's - It's a chain now, but the original spot is on Barton Springs Road. The quirky decor, extensive menu, and friendly service make it the perfect first stop when you're looking to try Tex-Mex cuisine for the first time.
• Gabriela's Downtown - A hidden gem that really shouldn't be hidden considering it's right at the beginning of East 7th Street with full view from the highway. Incredible, homemade Mexican food by a brother and sister duo. Everything from the snacks to the dinners to the drinks is incredible
• Velvet Taco - The second Austin location of this Dallas joint has some of the most unique taco offerings I've ever seen. Their queso is a must-try!

Burgers, Sandwiches, and More

• Easy Tiger - a Beer garden AND bakery with incredible snack boards, sandwiches, sausages, and more. Their $3 Old Fashioned is a happy hour staple.
• Fareground - Want a little taste of everything? This food court serves up food from some of my FAVORITE restaurants that you may not get to experience without a drive outside the city. Try Kome, Dai-Due, and Contigo.
• Casino El Camino - It's in the back of a bar (with the best bloody marys, btw) but if you love burgers it's the best in town. Open late, it's the perfect place to get your drunchies on as you make your way down Dirty 6.
• Banger's - Bangers is Austin in a nutshell: unique food concept (everything on the menu is a sausage), vegan/vegetarian options, the most craft beers you'll find on tap in one place, and a wide open space for both live music and mini dog park. It's probably one of my favorite places in the city!
• Stube - Another unique sausage place that is generous in their portions and incredibly tasty. They just expanded their food truck behind Star Bar, so you can grab a fancy drink to pair with your brats.

Asian

• Graj Ma'hal - Some of the best Indian food I've ever had, in a cool, quirky space. One of the few restaurants on Rainey Street that is worth your money.
• Clay Pit - Another great option for Indian food if you happen to be closer to campus. Their lunch options are awesome and word is that the building is haunted!
• Papadom - One of the best lunch deals in town! $13 for all-you-can-eat. I've never had a bad meal here, and it's my go-to when I want a filling, tasty lunch.
• Swift's Attic - Asian fusion with Southern comfort cooking. Really unique and tasty dishes and a great happy hour. I especially love the ice ball cocktails!
• House of the Rising Tanuki-San - I've only been here for lunch, but everything has been so flavorful! The dishes are unique, the atmosphere is fun, and everything is super tasty.
• Koriente - Not quite sushi, but other great option for some fresh and tasty Japanese cuisine! The focus here is on healthy food, and during lunch salad and soup is never-ending. 

Southern Food

• Moonshine Grill - Fancy Southern Comfort Food. Super tasty but a bit pricey. It's great for date night, as it's cozy and dark. I love their shrimp and grits!
• Cannon & Belle - if you want fancy Southern food, this is a great option. It’s my new favorite in town and worth the price. Their bone in ribeye and pork chop rival steak houses in the area, for a much better price.
• Fixe - This place is worth a stop for their biscuits alone. Holy wow these are little buttery bits of perfection. Pro tip: Get a side of biscuits with their excellent fried chicken and make a sandwich. you won't be sorry.

Don't forget to check out the rest of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance City Guide for 2020!



Where do you like to eat in Austin? Have you ever visited? Let me know!