Where the Locals Eat & Drink in Austin

 

This weekend, we’re excited to be a sponsor of the Austin Food + Wine Festival! Williams-Sonoma is based in San Francisco, but we’re big fans of this self-proclaimed “weird” and undoubtedly wonderful city, which is the home to some of the best restaurants and bars in the country.

 

Here, some of our favorite Austin bloggers share the best spots to grab a bite, meat a friend for a drink, or enjoy a world-class memorable meal. Plus, follow along on our Instagram this weekend as Love & Lemons blogger Jeanine Donofrio shares photos from the festival.

 

 

“While Austin is well known for its tacos and BBQ, there’s much more to the local food scene these days. I love starting the weekend off with a breakfast Banh Mi and an iced green tea from Elizabeth St. Cafe. And even though we (Jack and I) have eaten sushi around the world, Uchi is one of our favorite sushi restaurants in the world – everything is so creative. My favorite spot for a late night bite is East Side King. I love the brussels sprout salad, and “salad” is a loose term for awesomely fried brussels sprouts, sweet & spicy sauce, basil, cilantro, mint & jalapeño.”

 

– Jeanine Donofrio of Love and Lemons

 

 

 

 

“No trip to Austin is complete without a really fantastic margarita. My favorite is the signature at La Condesa, which has fresh pineapple & lime juice, agave nectar, and a cactus-lemongrass salt rim. When friends visit the city, they always want to know where to get the best breakfast taco. Every Austinite has their own strong opinion on the matter, but I go for TacoDeli every time. The Jess Special is amazing: migas, cheese, & chunks of avocado.”

 

– Camille of Camille Styles

 

 

 

 

“One of my favorite places in Austin to grab a bite is Fresa’s. I love their tacos and don’t mind picking up a whole chicken to take home with chips, salsa and queso any day. Ask for a grilled onion- it’s clutch.”

 

– Deana Saukam, Partner and Director of Media Events at Qui and Eastside King

 

 

 

 

“Vermouth is a hot trend in spring cocktails and Austin’s best mixologists continue to be ahead of the curve. The East Side Showroom serves a fabulous Blood and Sand, a classic cocktail made with equal parts of sweet vermouth, scotch, cherry heering and orange juice. Don’t miss it. It’s – you guessed it – bloody fabulous. Savory desserts are also de rigueur this spring and Janina O’Leary at La V does them beautifully. Try a scoop of the foie gras or stilton blue cheese ice cream and ask their fabulously knowledgeable sommelier, Vilma Mazaite, to pair it for you. Tell her Carla sent you!”

 

– Carla McDonald, founder and editor of The Salonniere

 

 

 

 

“I’m all about the authentic breakfast taco, and Veracruz All Natural on the Eastside masters every layer from tortilla to topping. On the way down Cesar Chavez, I’ll pick up an iced almond milk chai latte from Cenote, the nearby neighborhood café. The smooth and caffeinated refreshment makes the 10-40 minute-long line much more manageable. For an afternoon pick-me-up, pop into the East Sixth Easy Tiger patio for an addictive soft pretzel with housemade mustard and a frosted mug of craft beer. The classy, cool beer garden backdrop augments an irresistible combination.”

 

– Cara Greenstein, creator and contributor at Caramelized

 

 

 

 

“It’s no secret that food trucks have overrun Austin within the past few years (not that I’m complaining). My favorite is undoubtedly East Side King, owned by Austin’s own celebrity chef Paul Qui. There are now several locations in Austin, including a few brick and mortars that have sprung up. I LOVE the Poor Qui’s Buns, which are filled with savory pork belly and kimchi. They actually turned me back into a meat eater again after being vegetarian for 6 years – no kidding!”

 

– Shelley Neuman, photographer and blogger at ATX STREET STYLE

 

 

 

 

“Craving something sweet and unique? Lick Ice Cream on South Lamar makes small batch, local, and seasonal ice creams in crazy amazing flavors. I wait all year for the brown sugar and butternut squash. Austin also has an impressive list of Vietnamese restaurants serving pho. My favorite is PhoNatic, with multiple locations around the city. Their homemade broth is rich and flavorful and the toppings fresh and plentiful. The quality is always fantastic and if you visit often enough, they’ll remember your order.” 

 

– Corrin Foster, blogger at Oh Hey What’s Up?