Mexican
Polvo’s (best interior Mexican in town, great patio. Fajitas Al Guajillo haunt my dreams. Salsa bar is incredible)
Veracruz Tacos (food truck, get the migas tacos. Green salsa is superb)
Taqueria Fenix (taco truck that gets all of the details right. Pambazo is spectacular, mango salsa is great too)
El Primo (solid taco truck)
Rosita’s Al Pastor (best al pastor in town)
Nomade (mid- to upscale Yucatan-inspired, incredible)
Comedor (fancy, upscale dinner place)
De Nada Cantina (gringo-ish Mexican, great vibes)
La Santa Barbacha (great barbacoa and horchata; note: it’s a food truck)
Juan In a Million (the Don Juan taco is an Austin food legend)
La Plancha (specialize in tortas, Mexican sandwiches which are amazing)
Coffee
Desnudo Coffee (two Colombian guys in a truck with the best coffee in town)
Decent: Cuvee, Medici, Houndstooth
Barbecue
I don’t eat much bbq these days. My favorite places closed and the best stuff is in Lockhart.
My favorite these days is Leroy and Lewis. They have a brisket burger which is superb.
Black’s and Cooper‘s are decent.
Cocktails
Roosevelt Room (expensive, but worth it)
Firehouse Lounge (least pretentious speakeasy in town)
Other
Lazarus Brewing (great beer, coffee, vibes, tacos aren’t as good as they used to be but still great if you’re not from Texas)
East Side Pies (best pizza in town)
Kerlaches (great kolaches, a Texas sausage/pastry combo)
Paperboy (great brunch)
Quack’s (otherworldly chocolate chip scones)
Ramen Tatsuya (ramen)
Bird Bird Biscuit (biscuits)
Fixe Southern House (upscale southern, amazing biscuits)
True Food Kitchen (healthy)
Better Half (brunch)