Best Thai: Kiin Di
Courtesy Kiin Di
Kiin Di earned a deserved cult following serving up their signature Killer Noodles from their truck outside South Lamar’s Corner Bar. At their new brick-and-mortar just down the road, the punchy Thai-Austin fusion menu has expanded with dishes like the delicate, mellow tempura Crab Curry and cleverly textured chili-lime raw Pla Scallops with crispy noodles. The piece de resistance is the rich, mountainous Kua Curry Beef Rib, a hunk of juicy meat oozing intense red curry sauce paired with refreshing pineapple slices. Finally, South Austin has a Thai restaurant to shout about.
What happens when you pair the meat-smoking chops of la Barbecue with the upscale-dining imagination of Barley Swine and Odd Duck? Hop down to Webberville for Jack Zizzo’s fresh take on the Texas barbecue experience, where tender lamb chops, richly marinated coppa pork shoulder, baby back ribs, and Akaushi tri-tip take center stage. Just don’t ask for brisket, which is boldly (and brilliantly) omitted from the menu.
Best Italian: Rocco’s
Photo by Justin Cook
Inspired by the casual neighborhood trattorias that he frequented growing up on the East Coast, former Sammie’s executive chef Nicholas Ford opened his cozy Italian spot last September to instant acclaim. Curated menu highlights include an extra-crunchy chopped Caesar salad with pecorino and garlic bread crumble and arancini filled with beef bolognese. The orecchiette dazzles with sweet and spicy Italian sausage, fried zucchini, and marinated peppers, while the rigatoni made with vodka sauce, ricotta, basil, and sesame garlic breadcrumbs is a menu staple. For those who love an alfresco experience, check out the charming new wine garden.
Best Mezcal Bar: La Mezca
Photo by Camaleona Studio
Unlike many of the mezcalerias that have taken the U.S. by storm, Mueller’s La Mezca isn’t about a 40-page cocktail menu or 200-bottle selection. The owners of Veracruz All Natural prove less is more with their latest concept, which includes a highly curated range of small-batch mezcals from 19 different agaves, ranging from popular Espadin to niche Mexicano and sought-after Tobala. Echoing the dimly lit, hyperlocal mezcalerias of Mexico City, the moody, intimate space offers an intense, focused drinking experience where authenticity is prized over flash. Take a moment to marvel at the hand-painted murals by artist Aurora Covarrubias.
Best Neighborhood Hangout: Boni’s Bar Next Door
Photo by Chad Wadsworth
Located next to their Michelin-recommended restaurant, Lenoir, Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher’s new concept was named after Maher’s great grandfather, Bonifacio, and features Spanish-inspired cocktails and tapas. Duplechan renovated the Bouldin Creek property with original windows, wood, and reclaimed materials to give it a cozy, homey feel. Snack on lamb and manchego meatballs or house-made sour pickles with quail eggs to tide your over before dinner next door—or just order a couple papa dobles and stay awhile.
Best Tacos: Paprika
Photo by Keith Kreeger
Expect justified lines outside Paprika’s bustling North Austin brick-and-mortar, which pairs classic cantina charm with quality fare. The menu is simple and precise, with just half a dozen filling options for tacos, quesitacos, tortas, and quesadillas. The succulent suadero brisket confit and chunky carnitas pork confit slathered in spicy tomato salsa come highly recommended, while the nopalitos prickly pear is laced with intense salsa roja for a tongue-tingling kick. Pour liberal helpings of the fresh homemade salsas for extra intensity, and be sure to arrive early-they sell out fast.
Looking for an atmospheric spot with a thick slice of Austin edginess on the side? Garage Pizza inside Garage Bar hits all the right notes for first-date fun. Follow the dimly lit trail of faux foliage and witchy incense to this hidden parking garage speakeasy, which now offers “Sicilian-ish” 72-hour cold-fermented pizza from Comedor chef-owner Philip Speer. The circular concrete-tile space with minimal lighting from tiny oil lamps will have you leaning in and whispering intently over the menu of bespoke cocktails and upscale slices, including collabs with some of the city’s best chefs.
Best Meat Maven: Jess Pryles
Photo by Rob Palmer
An Aussie chef making waves in Austin, Jess Pryles keeps turning up the heat. Just this year, the acclaimed “meat scientist” and founder of Hardcore Carnivore seasonings and sauces premiered her new Outdoor Channel show, Feast by Fire, served as a featured judge on the Food Network series Pitmasters, and will debut a new book, Prime Cuts: The Complete Guide to Choosing, Understanding, and Cooking Meat, in October. Follow the live fire cook on Instagram and TikTok for her regular “meatducation” tutorials.
Best Vibes: Only the Wild Ones
Photo by Ashley Randall
Not your average wine bar, this tucked-away spot off South Congress beckons guests with its low-intervention vinos, verdant courtyard, and pulsing beats. At the eye-catching outdoor space, upholstered banquettes and oversized terracotta pots surround a midcentury-inspired conversation pit tailor made for connection. But the star of the show is its hi-fidelity sound system featuring 59-inch-tall red oak speakers and high-end Ortofon needles, where DJs spin everything from bluegrass to rare international finds.
Best Bar: The Victorian
Photo by Justin Cook
Evoking the feeling of an Old West saloon, The Victorian adds Western panache to MML Hospitality’s outstanding portfolio. Nestled inside the front of the 140-year-old Driskill hotel, the stunning space boasts a mahogany bar with inlaid cowhide panels alongside leather couches, vintage trunks, and velvet drapery. Perhaps the best spot in the house is upstairs next to the railing on the mezzanine, where guests can overlook the action below. Order rattlesnake bites or fish and chips as you catch live music every Wednesday and Friday night at the upscale watering hole.
Best of ATX: Inside Rainey Street’s Glow Up
Best Functional Cookies: Fields Good
Courtesy Fields Good
You likely grew up eating Mrs. Fields cookies, spearheaded by entrepreneur Debbi Fields. Now, nearly 50 years after she launched her empire, her daughter Ashley Fields and friend Kim Anderson have developed their own unique brand to bridge the gap between overly indulgent cookies and healthy ones that are unappetizing. Soft, chewy, and with a hint of nostalgia, Fields Good includes varieties like Focus (a mocha chocolate cookie made with Cognizin citicoline and creatine) and Sleep (an oatmeal raisin recipe with L-theanine).
Best Hidden Gem: Jupiter Supper Club
Courtesy Jupiter Supper Club
Stroll down Congress Avenue, and you’d likely never notice Jupiter Supper Club. But once inside this stunning two-story concept, guests can savor plant-forward fare like black truffle hummus, grilled carrots, and porcini-rubbed grilled strip steak or sip aperitifs at the eye-catching Clock Bar. Upstairs, the space boasts a gorgeous sapphire library and atrium dining area with lush greenery and a glass ceiling. If you think you hear music emanating from somewhere downstairs, you’re not imagining things: Jupiter features live jazz every Friday and Saturday night in its secret Nova Lounge.
Best Bakery: Matok
Photo by Yossi Michaeli
Originally operating as a home bakery, viral pop-up Matok Bakery delighted fans when it finally opened a brick-and-mortar on South Lamar in early 2026. The Middle Eastern- and Mediterranean-inspired concept by chef Michal Michaeli dazzles with decadent pastries and breads including za’atar buns, knafe, chocolate babka, and labane cheesecake. Don’t miss the classic cherry pistachio croissant, a confection as gorgeous as it is delicious. Time to carb load!