17 replies to this topic

[JBB]

I'm making a short sidetrip through Austin en route to a family reunion this weekend. We're going to do a little sightseeing around downtown and then head north toward Killeen, maybe via Marble Falls to avoid the dull drive on 35. I was wondering if anyone here had any recommendations for lunch. Nothing too expensive and no chains. Something different maybe. We're partial to Mexican food, but we'll try anything (once anyway!). Thanks in advance.

[safly]

Reilly's BBQ in Drippin Springs or DT Blanco. Wonderful Pork tenderloin subs. Brisket is BEST in TEXAS!!! Great sweet TEA. Not sure why he doesn't open more of them.

Has unique Steakhouse next to it in Blanco location. Tell em a good friend from FW recommended it.

Drive safe.

Guero's in Austin is good too. But a good friend of mine (Austin dining snob) says there is a better Mexican eatery. I can get details by tomorrow.

[austlar]

Guero's is a nice spot with boring food on trendy South Congress. El Sol y La Luna, also on South Congress right in front of the ever-hip Austin Motel ("Corporate Free Since 1938") is a much more interesting alternative. Over in the up and coming East Side in the 2100 block of Ceasar Chavez (E. 1st St.) is a very popular and cheap place called Juan in a Million. Over on 1200 block of West 6th St. there is the charming Cafe Josie, which has really delicioius and creative and affordable dishes in a lovely setting. A few blocks away at the corner of W. 6th and Lamar is the flagship Whole Foods store, a place that you should check out while in downtown Austin. There are several very good dining options within the store itself, and there is ample indoor and outdoor seating. It is always filled with locals and great fun to visit.

[safly]

I like the AUSSIE type beach volleyball/ grill place near there too. Especially during this time of the year, if you know what I mean. Good burgers.

Guero's has a nice dinner guitarist, that's about all I CAN remember.

Always see JIAM when driving by the highway, but never been. Seems a bit SHADY. Which is good for this time of year.

BTW, Austin traffic BITES right about now. Was driving along the I-35 (rarity) last week. One lane from before the upper/lower I-35 split til about Onion Creek. So find alternate routes if you can. They are resurfacing.

[cjyoung]

If you're into natural foods...the Whole Foods flagship/headquarters store is tremendous.

[heathPS]

If you are eating in Marble Falls I highly recommend Bluebonnet Cafe.
Very enjoyable restaurant. It gets very crowded though.

I also like Janie's Mexican Restaurant but it's kinda off the beaten path.

[hooked]

Chuy's was always one of my favorite Mexican places when I was at UT. Haven't been there in years, though.

[safly]

If you are eating in Marble Falls I highly recommend Bluebonnet Cafe.
Very enjoyable restaurant. It gets very crowded though.

I also like Janie's Mexican Restaurant but it's kinda off the beaten path.

I'll have to try MF's Bluebonnet Cafe sometime. Homemade pies right?

But I will have to get just a nibble, because at Reilly's I ALWAYS get the BIG STUFF!

[JBB]

Thanks for all of the suggestions! This is very much a play-it-by-ear trip, so we haven't decided exactly what we're going to do. I'll try to report back and maybe even post a few pics.

[wren]

Whenever we go to Austin we usually end up at Curra's which is off I-35 and Oldtorf. The food is good and they have a couple of things I've never had anywhere else...like a pecan cream sauce on cheese enchiladas. It comes on the chile relleno but I like it on enchiladas. Sounds weird but it's pretty good! Prices are reasonable and atmosphere is laid back. I know you said you're avoiding the dull drive on 35, but I thought I'd mention this place anyway.

[David Love]

I try to eat before I get to Austin, but if I have to, it’s generally at one of the family run restaurants on 6th street just off 35.

[JBB]

This was a very quick trip and we didn't have time to veer off-course as much as I would have liked. Had lunch at Chuy's on Barton Springs Rd. (outstanding!) and went through the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum. Traffic going north on 35 on Friday afternoon was ridiculous. Stop and go and no faster than 30 mph or so from getting on the freeway at MLK until we passed the interchange under construction at Mopac in Round Rock.

[safly]

Is the BBTHMuseum the same one inside DTAustin that has those little Native Indian clay figurines laid out in some sort of scene, and set within the walls? If so that is a coooool museum. Haven't been since I was like 7 or 8. But I do remember. I do.

CHUY's as in Mockingbird area (DALLAS) CHUY's?

[JBB]

Unless you're about 13 years old, you're thinking of a different museum. The Bullock museum opened in 2001.

There's a Chuy's in Dallas on McKinney. I'm not sure if there's any association to the Austin chain.

[safly]

Unless you're about 13 years old, you're thinking of a different museum

Uh maybe.

OOPS. I've got to get to bed, Mom doesn't want me on the puter after 9pm. Bye.


Why would you chain it up in A-Town? There is sooo much more down there than you know?

Wait, that sounded a little weird. What I meant was that the weekend in Austin should offer you more to experience than well... CHAINS.

[JBB]

It's not like I went to Flingers or Chotskies. I knew where it was and could get there pretty quick on my tight schedule. I don't care if it is a chain. Their food is great.

[hooked]

It's not like I went to Flingers or Chotskies. I knew where it was and could get there pretty quick on my tight schedule. I don't care if it is a chain. Their food is great.

Glad to hear that they're still cookin' up good food. At least it's a "local" chain.

[safly]

Yeeeeeaaaaaa LOCALS!!!

No CONANS on that list while in Austin?