Best Sushi Bars in Austin

Whether you are a local Austin resident or traveling foodie, you will be pleased to discover an incredible selection of Japanese cuisine choices in this Central Texas metropolis. Below are the ten best sushi bars in Austin:

1. Uchi Restaurant – Click for Profile

512-916-4808
801 S Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704

Beautifully set in a refurbished home, Uchi is one of the premier sushi restaurants in the nation. Drawing from its masterful chef, Tyson Cole, this dining institution has the perfect combination of ambiance, flavor and service. One of my favorite facets of the restaurant is that it flies in fresh seafood from Tokyo’s Tsukiji market daily.

2. Musashino Sushi Dokoro – Click for Profile

512-795-8593
3407 Greystone Dr
Austin, TX 78731

If you are searching for truly authentic Japanese cuisine, you will be pleased to discover this restaurant. Musashino prepares and servers ‘Edomae Zushi’, more commonly known as Tokyo style sushi; which results in a unique and memorable dining experience. Along with menu items direct from Tokyo, their menu also contains local favorites such as the Evil Knevil Roll and the Marilyn Mon-Roll.

3. Tomo Sushi – Click for Profile

512-821-9472
4101 W Parmer Ln Ste E
Austin, TX 78727

Don’t be fooled by the humble setting of this North Austin sushi restaurant, Tomo has been one of the best Japanese cuisine destinations in the Central Texas region, and it just seems to keep getting better. One aspect of the menu that continues to draw in packed crowds, seemingly every night, is the fact that not only do they have great food, they also have some of the lowest prices of any of the top sushi bars in the city.

4. Bistro 88 – Click for Profile

512-328-8888
2712 Bee Caves Rd
Austin, TX 78746

This romantic Austin restaurant melds Asian Fusion cuisine with sushi specialties. This is a perfect destination for the couple that has one sushi lover and one who prefers more traditional dishes.

5. Kenobi Sushi – Click for Profile

512-241-0119
10000 Research Blvd Ste 138A
Austin, TX 78759

Flying fresh seafood from around the world each day, Chef Park continues his culinary excellence with Kenobi. Combining great flavor with upscale ambiance, this Austin sushi restaurant allows patron’s to savor Japanese cuisine in an atmosphere that will make you believe you are dining in downtown Tokyo.

6. Finn & Porter – Click for Profile

512-493-4900
500 E 4th St
Austin, TX 78701

As one of the top fine dining restaurants in the Austin area, you will be pleased to find a mouth watering sushi menu at Finn and Porter. This is another Austin dining destination that marries contemporary Japanese cuisine with American favorites, which results in a menu that has entrees for every ‘taste’.

7. Mikado Ryotei – Click for Profile

512-833-8188
9033 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78758

Taking a unique approach to Japanese dining, in addition to traditional sushi entrees, Mikado serves a unique menu of Northern Japanese tapas, which is a rare find outside of Japan itself. I also suggest trying out this restaurant for lunch and sampling one of their bento boxes.

8. Imperia – Click for Profile

512-472-6770
310 Colorado St
Austin, TX 78701

This Austin restaurant boasts a great selection of Asian dishes to choose from. Whether you are in the mood for fresh sushi or Korean cuisine, Imperia has a menu for you and your dining guests. Its sushi chef, Tatsu Aikawa, has worked at some of the best sushi bars in the city and brought his creative style to Imperia.

9. DK Sushi – Click for Profile

512-326-5807
6400 S 1st St Center Ste C
Austin, TX 78745

As one of the oldest sushi bars in Austin, over the past 14 years DK Sushi has built a tradition of great tasting cuisine and matched it with a fun-filled dining atmosphere. Owner and head chef, D.K. Lee credits much of the restaurant’s longevity and success to, are you ready for it? The rice! Chef Lee takes great pride in making the sushi rice and has turned it into a unique reason to come back again and again.

10. Kenichi – Click for Profile

512-320-8883
419 Colorado St
Austin, TX 78701

As you walk through the door of Kenichi, you will be impressed with the contemporary Japanese style and ambiance, making it a perfect dining destination for everything from high-class business meetings to romantic dates. Located in the heart of the warehouse district in Austin, Kenichi offers sushi fans a wide variety of menu options to choose from. So whether you are in the mood for fresh yellow tail or a unique roll, this restaurant has a dish for you.

Best Bars in Austin

From legendary 6th Street bars to upscale hotel lounges, this Texas city is nationally renowned for having a vibrant nightlife and thriving live music scene. Below are the ten best bars in Austin:

1. Mulberry

512-320-0297
360 Nueces St
Austin, TX 78701

2. Draught House Pub & Brewery

512-452-6258
4112 Medical Pkwy
Austin, TX 78756

3. Vino Vino Wine Bar

512-465-9282
4119 Guadalupe St
Austin, TX 78751

4. Diskell Bar

512-391-7162
604 Brazos St
Austin, TX 78701

5. Brown Bar

512-480-8330‎
201 W 8th St
Austin, TX 78701

6. Casino El Camino

512-469-9330‎
517 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78701

7. Shangri-La

512-524-4291
1016 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78702

8. Cedar Door

512-473-3712‎
201 Brazos St
Austin, TX 78701

9. Gingerman

512-473-8801‎
301 Lavaca St
Austin, TX 78701

10. Fado Irish Pub

512-457-0172‎
214 W 4th St
Austin, TX 78701

Best Italian Restaurants in Austin

From authentic Tuscan cuisine to traditional Sicilian dishes, this Texas city has an excellent array of dining options. Below are the ten best Italian restaurants in Austin:

1. Siena Restaurant

512-349-7667
6203 N Capital of Texas Hwy
Austin, TX 78731

2. Vespaio

512-441-6100
1610 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704

3. Carmelos Italian Restaurant

512-477-7497
504 E 5th St
Austin, TX 78701

4. Olivia

512-804-2700
2043 S Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704

5. NoRTH

512-339-4400
The Domain
11506 Century Oaks Ter
Austin, TX 78758

6. Bellagio Italian Bistro

512-346-8228
6507 Jester Blvd Ste 105
Austin, TX 78750

7. Asti Trattoria

512-451-1218
408 E 43rd St Ste C
Austin, TX 78751

8. La Traviata

512-479-8131
314 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701

9. Primizie Osteria Italian Cafe And Wine Bar

512-236-0088
1000 E 11th St Ste 1500
Austin, TX 78702

10. Andiamo Ristorante

512-719-3377
2521 Rutland Dr Ste 325
Austin, TX 78758

Best BBQ Restaurants in Austin

I’ve traveled around the world, and when I want great BBQ I always come back to Austin, TX.  My Obsession started when I was 9 years old with a visit to the County Line near Barton Creek and I’ve had the pleasure of visiting dozens of other establishments since then, and each BBQ Restaurant seems to get better.  Presently, Stubbs is has the top distinction on the list for their fun atmosphere and fantastic food.  Many couples also choose Stubbs for Wedding receptions.

1. Stubbs

512-480-8341
801 Red River St
Austin, TX 78701

Stubb’s BBQ is legendary for the amazing acts that have graced their stage within the past few years. From Hip Hop to Country, Rock and Roll to Indie and Electronica, they have had them all.  Past acts include Willie Nelson, The Killers, Death Cab For Cutie, Snoop Dogg, Dwight Yoakam, many more… Stubb’s Restaurant was always filled with good friends, great music and plenty of Stubb’s Legendary Bar-B-Q.

2. County Line on the Hill

512-327-1742
6500 W Bee Cave Rd
Austin, TX 78746

A BBQ legend in Southern TX, this County Line offers an incredible 20 mile view of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Sunsets are spectacular! They offer a variety of Grilled goodies including: Fish, Chicken and a full line of steaks.

3. Rudy’s Country Store

512-418-0444
2451 Capital of Texas Highway S
Austin, TX 78746

Their pits are 100% wood fired with oak, a slower burning wood than the mesquite used by other BBQ establishments. Along with time and oak, they cook with a dry spice that ensures each plate of Rudy’s Bar-B-Q is perfectly ready for you. And make sure to apply some of their famous “Sause”.

4. Iron Works Barbecue

512-478-4855
100 Red River
Austin, TX 78701

They serve Real Texas barbecue in a country atmosphere.  Originally an ornamental Iron Work shop owned and operated by the Weigl family, this little tin building was converted into The Iron Works BBQ in 1978.

5. The Salt Lick

512-328-4957
3801 N Capital of Texas Highway
Austin, TX 78746

Take a deep breath and inhale the aroma of some of the best BBQ the Hill Country has to offer. Owners Thurman Roberts and his wife Hisako had the opportunity to gather and share family BBQ recipes that had been handed down from generation to generation since the Civil War at family reunions.   Their meals were such a success, friends encouraged them to start their own restaurant. Opened for business in 1969, the Salt Lick has become world-renowned.

6. Artz Rib House

512-442-8283
2330 S Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704

Comfortably arranged with tables on several levels, this south Austin favorite combines small-town friendliness with world-class smells emanating from the kitchen. The award-winning baby back ribs are smoked to perfection; beef and pork ribs, smoked brisket, chicken and sausage round out the barbecue menu. All entrees come with potato salad, coleslaw, pinto beans, pickles, onions and bread.

7. Sam’s Bar-B-Cue

512-478-0378
2000 E 12th St
Austin, TX 78702

Local musicians often stop by here after playing a show nearby, so Sam’s is a great late-night gathering spot.  They serve delicious beef brisket, ribs, sausage, chicken and even mutton,  for one of the most satisfying dining experiences you’ll ever have, stop by this popular East Austin restaurant.

8. Green Mesquite BBQ in Oak Hill

512-288-8300
7010 Hwy 71 West
Austin, Texas 78735

Their barbecue covers the smoky gamut from tender brisket to moist chicken, from spicy sausage to flavorful pork ribs. Take a seat indoors or out in the beer garden and get your fill of sausage, brisket, and ribs with beans, slaw, onion rings, and other fixins’…

9. Lamberts Barbecue

512-494-1500
Schneider Brothers Bldg.
401 W. Second St.
Austin, TX 78701

Gussied-up barbecue invented by renowned local chef Lou Lambert. This hip eatery next door to City Hall attracts throngs of downtown worker bees, politicos and the food cognoscenti looking for real Austin food. And they get it: a variety of sophisticated and down-home barbecue choices, house-made charcuterie, and other modern dishes made with local, sustainable ingredients.

10.  Ben’s Longbranch BBQ

512-477-2516
900 E 11th St
Austin, TX 78702

Dine in, take out, delivery and catering, Ben’s Longbranch BBQ has been serving amazing ribs in Austin for 31 years. With fast and friendly service Ben’s is a great place to satisfy any BBQ craving.

Best Restaurants in Austin

Austin may be one of the best cities in the country to visit if you are a dining connoisseur.  From great wines to a wide variety of menu options, the city continually amazes myself and my palette.  Out of the all the dining establishments I’ve had the pleasure of visiting these past few years I was the most impressed by Green Pastures.  Green Pastures began its 60-year tradition of elegant dining rather quietly. But friends told friends, and the word spread. Austin’s neighborhood retreat quickly became known citywide as the place to enjoy sumptuous gourmet dishes, fine wine and true Southern hospitality.

1. Green Pastures

512-444-4747
811 W Live Oak St
Austin, TX 78704

2. Driskill Grill

512-391-7162
604 Brazos St
Austin, TX

3. Hudson’s on the Bend

512-266-1369
3509 Highway 620
Austin, TX  78734

4. Cafe Caprice

512-477-5576
900 W 10th St
Austin, TX 78703

5. Castle Hill Cafe

512-476-0728
1101 W Fifth St
Austin, TX 78703

6. Jeffrey’s Restaurant

512-477-5584
1204 W Lynn St
Austin, TX 78703

7. Vespaio

512-441-6100
1610 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704

8. Uchi

512-916-4808
801 S Lamar
Austin, TX

9. Malaga

512-236-8020
208 W. Fourth St
Austin, TX

10. Chez Nous

512-473-2413
510 Neches St
Austin, TX 78701

Best Mexican Food Restaurants in Austin

If you like tex-mex as much as myself, Austin Mexican restaurants will leave you satisfied.  One word of caution, don’t try to walk in without reservations on a Friday or Saturday night at some of the top Mexican dining establishments on this list, most of them have 30-60 minute waits.  I have a special restaurant topping this particular list:

El Borrego De Oro is a Mexican restaurant that has 2 locations: one in Austin and one in Red Rock. They serve authentic Mexican food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while providing live entertainment on the weekends. The restaurant maintains a comfortable and casual dining atmosphere. Enjoy live music on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., as well as margaritas and mixed drinks to go along with delicious Mexican dishes.

1. El Borrego De Oro

866-609-1572
3900 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704

2. La Jolla

512-445-5787
1817 S Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704

3. Juan In a Million

512-472-3872
2300 E Cesar Chavez St
Austin, TX 78702

4. Berryhill Baja Grill

512-327-9033
3600 N Capital of Texas Highway
Austin, TX 78746

5. La Posada Mexican Restaurant

512-444-2631
6800 W Gate Blvd
Austin, TX 78745

6. Chuy’s

512-474-4452
1728 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704

7. Antonio’s Mexican Restaurant

512-238-8969
16912 N Interstate 35
Austin, TX 78664

8. Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill

512-478-5355
1110 W 6th St
Austin, TX 78703

9. Maudie’s Cafe

512-473-3740
2608 W 7th St
Austin, TX 78703

10. Curra’s Grill North

512-444-0012
614-E Oltorf St
Austin, TX 78702