{"id":420093,"date":"2026-08-29T09:04:23","date_gmt":"2026-08-29T09:04:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/420093\/"},"modified":"2026-08-29T09:04:23","modified_gmt":"2026-08-29T09:04:23","slug":"best-of-atx-2026-dining-nightlife","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/420093\/","title":{"rendered":"Best of ATX 2026: Dining & Nightlife"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\tBest Thai: Kiin Di<\/a>
\n\"\"Courtesy Kiin Di<\/p>\n

Kiin Di earned a deserved cult following serving up their signature Killer Noodles from their truck outside South Lamar\u2019s Corner Bar. At their new brick-and-mor\u00adtar 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.<\/p>\n

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Best Barbecue: Space Kat BBQ<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019s fresh take on the Texas barbecue experience, where tender lamb chops, richly marinat\u00aded coppa pork shoulder, baby back ribs, and Akaushi tri-tip take center stage. Just don\u2019t ask for brisket, which is boldly (and brilliantly) omitted from the menu.<\/p>\n

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Best Italian: Rocco\u2019s<\/a>
\n\"\"Photo by Justin Cook<\/p>\n

Inspired by the casual neighborhood trattorias that he frequented growing up on the East Coast, former Sam\u00admie\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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Best Mezcal Bar: La Mezca<\/a>
\n\"\"Photo by Camaleona Studio<\/p>\n

Unlike many of the mezcalerias that have taken the U.S. by storm, Mueller\u2019s La Mezca isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

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Best Neighborhood Hangout: Boni\u2019s Bar Next Door<\/a>
\n\"\"Photo by Chad Wadsworth<\/p>\n

Located next to their Michelin-recommended restaurant, Lenoir, Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher\u2019s new concept was named after Maher\u2019s 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\u2014or just order a couple papa dobles and stay awhile.<\/p>\n

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Best Tacos: Paprika<\/a>
\n\"\"Photo by Keith Kreeger<\/p>\n

Expect justified lines outside Paprika\u2019s 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 recom\u00admended, 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.<\/p>\n

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Best Date Night: Garage Pizza<\/a><\/p>\n

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 \u201cSicilian-ish\u201d 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\u2019s best chefs.<\/p>\n

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Best Meat Maven: Jess Pryles<\/a>
\n\"\"Photo by Rob Palmer<\/p>\n

An Aussie chef making waves in Austin, Jess Pryles keeps turning up the heat. Just this year, the acclaimed \u201cmeat scientist\u201d 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 \u201cmeatducation\u201d tutorials.<\/p>\n

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Best Vibes: Only the Wild Ones<\/a>
\n\"\"Photo by Ashley Randall<\/p>\n

Not your average wine bar, this tucked-away spot off South Congress beckons guests with its low-interven\u00adtion vinos, verdant courtyard, and pulsing beats. At the eye-catching outdoor space, upholstered ban\u00adquettes 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 every\u00adthing from bluegrass to rare international finds.<\/p>\n

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Best Bar: The Victorian<\/a>
\n\"\"Photo by Justin Cook<\/p>\n

Evoking the feeling of an Old West saloon, The Victori\u00adan adds Western panache to MML Hospitality\u2019s out\u00adstanding 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.<\/p>\n

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Best of ATX: Inside Rainey Street\u2019s Glow Up<\/a><\/p>\n

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Best Functional Cookies: Fields Good<\/a>
\n\"\"Courtesy Fields Good<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

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Best Hidden Gem: Jupiter Supper Club<\/a>
\n\"\"Courtesy Jupiter Supper Club<\/p>\n

Stroll down Congress Avenue, and you\u2019d 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\u2019re not imagining things: Jupiter features live jazz every Friday and Saturday night in its secret Nova Lounge.<\/p>\n

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Best Bakery: Matok<\/a>
\n\"\"Photo by Yossi Michaeli<\/p>\n

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\u2019atar buns, knafe, chocolate babka, and labane cheesecake. Don\u2019t miss the classic cherry pistachio croissant, a confection as gorgeous as it is delicious. Time to carb load!<\/p>\n

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