Eat N Wander: Austin

For every city traveled, I think back on my most delicious experiences and compile a list of my most recommended for that city. Considered a work in progress, this list will be updated and continue to grow and change as I find more memorable, tasty, share-worthy places to recommend.

Below are my current recommendations for places to check out while indulging Austin.

EAT N DRINK LIST
La Barbeque, 1502 South 1st Street, South Austin

labarbeque.com

Recommended for: Barbecue, lunch

Price: Cheap, but you should spend at least $15 to get your fix in

Tips: Get there early, they close shop pretty early in the afternoon when they sell out.

A BBQ trailer with loads of options and southern hospitality. Bring yourself, bring the friends, bring the family.You can get down and dirty. Get there early before things start selling out and definitely try the sausage.

Uchi, 801 South Lamar Blvd, South Austin

uchiaustin.com

Recommended for: Dinner, date night, girls night 

Price: A pretty penny. About $100+ pp for dinner

Tips: Must tries are the Foie Nigiri and the Hamachi Nabe

Fresh fish and contemporary hot and cold Japanese dishes with clean flavors. Presented beautifully and executed well. Quaint, casual, but sophisticated air. A great place for a cute date night, or a girls/guys night. Getting resos can be tricky and waits are long. Make your reso way in advance (Meaning, at least a month in advance to get a decent time slot.)

Peche, 208 W. 4th Street, Downtown Warehouse District
pecheaustin.comRecommended for: Casual bistro style dinner, a glass of wine or a few cocktails

Price: Average price for food, pricey drinks

Tips: NA

Peche is more of a restaurant than a bar, but with a long bar that stretches down the length of the restaurant, you're likely to find yourself a seat, or three. 2 walls are fully lined with every liquor and spirit imaginable. Choose from creative cocktail concoctions, classic cocktails, and interesting wines. To find this euro bistro style, calm haven in the middle of the downtown chaos makes it worthwhile. I didn't eat, but I did find myself salivating over the mussels that were cleverly adorned with pieces of bone marrow that the gentleman next to me were slurping down. They have friendly bartenders, good music, and a great vibe. A great breath of fresh air. And next time I'm getting those mussels.


Lustre Pearl, 97 Rainey Street, Rainey  (Note has been closed as of 2014)lustrepearl.com

Recommended for: After dinner drinks or beer, people watching, entertainment with friends

Price: Average

Tips: Don't try to order anything fancy (here or any bar on Rainey) or you will end up with a disaster. Stick to beers, and your standard mixed drinks. 

One of the many old rustic bungalow turned bars on Rainey street, and this one is pretty charming with their rocking chairs out on the front porch and just enough back yard seating to make it a party. Honestly, you will feel like you are in a college bar when you cram your way through the crowd to order a drink, but what you'll find is actually a good mix of young and mostly older, mid 30's crowd, which is pretty typical of Rainey street. This is a laid back local bar good for conversation under the string lights and stars, and if you can't make or find good conversation, you can at least stare at (or talk about) one of the many people trying to hula hoop with beer in hand. The best (smartest) thing about Lustre Pearl is that there is a taco food truck parked out back for the late night munchies.