Earlier this month, I spent a weekend in Austin, Texas attending SXSWi, and of course, eating. Here's a quick report of some the restaurants I visited. Enjoy!
Iron Works Barbecue
100 Red River St
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-4855
* Styles of barbecue vary widely, but Central Texas barbecue tradition is heavily influenced by the influx of German and Czech settlers in the late 19th century and their tradition of sausage and smoked meats. Beef brisket figures prominently in Texas barbecue -- I, however, threw caution to the wind and opted for the Jr. rib plate at The Iron Works, conveniently located around the corner from the Austin Convention Center. It was a tasty mess, just like I like it.
211 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701-4021
(512) 472-9357
* Las Manitas Avenue Cafe, so named because the sisters who own the restaurant ran out of money to remove the sign used by the previous restaurant to occupy the space, The Avenue Cafe, so they incorporated it into their name. Open for breakfast and lunch only, serving up authentic Tex-Mex including tasty breakfast tacos, homemade tortillas and the like.
Manuel's
310 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472-7555
* Manuel's is a popular spot for slightly upscale Mexican eats. Our visit was marred by some very poor and I assume not typical service. Likewise, the food was good but not outstanding.
700 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472-0985
* If you like a meal that requires wearing a bib, the use of a wooden mallet, and lots of paper towels, this is the place for you. Cajun-style boiled seafood including crawfish, shrimp, blue crab, and crab legs are piled on the table, along with corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausage.
Guero's Taco Bar
1412 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 447-7688
* We arrived at Guero's for lunch after a weekend of over-eating, so I opted for a salad. Fish tacos are recommended. Salsas are fresh and tasty.
