Austin Restaurants

Pros: Great City
Cons: It's HOT!!!

My Massachusetts family and friends thought I was a little crazy moving to the heart of Texas when I first told them. They had stereotypes of wranglers and 10-gallon hats on the brain and thought every one would be as conservative like G.W. Bush.
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Pros: Nice atmosphere, live music
Cons: mediocre food

If music is what you want then Stubb's is a good venue. The sound is acceptable inside and outside concerts are great. Stubb's has helped revive the Red River area of Austin and has attracted some great acts. However, appearances by Stevie Ray are...

Pros: wonderful aromas, good food, fun atmosphere
Cons: well, BBQ places aren't always high on vegetarian's lists

Being a vegetarian now, I don't get out to BBQ joints very often, nor do I find myself recommending them; However, I remember visiting Stubb's as a little girl-I must have been around 7 or 8 at the time and I think at this point (about 13 years ago)...

Pros: burrito w/ fajita meat and tomatillo sauce
Cons: service is very slow

20 miles west of Austin, nestled in the beautiful Hill Country off Highway 620 is a restaurant does things their own way. The Iguana Grill is a small, trendy little place with a view to die for. Iguana offers lake-mex food. Everything seems to have a...

Pros: I can't think of any.
Cons: Read my review.

I have to admit I have only dined there twice and both times we had terrible food and even worse service. The cornbread was dry, everything was extremely greasy and the vegetables were soggy. The place was filthy dirty; I'm not sure why we decided to...

Pros: They are small and they cater.
Cons: They are not open 24hrs.

BBQ World Headquarters has the best BBQ in Austin, "both locations".
Their claim to fame is Certified Angus Beef, "USDA graded Choice or better". One location is in the Travis County Farmers' Market on Burnet Road and the other...

Pros: I will definately return!
Cons: No cons here

Last Wednesday I went to the Iron Cactus Stonelake for the first time. I was asked if I liked karaoke and wanted to sit in the bar area. I said sure and am so glad that I did. Our server arrived just as we had sat down and we ordered Mexican martinis. ...

Pros: Upscale ambiance without upscale prices. Excellent food and service.
Cons: A little hard to get to, in Brodie Oaks shopping center.

These guys absolutely get it. The food was fantastic, the prices moderate, and the staff outstanding. My mother suggested we go, so I braced myself for a "cheap fishouse" experience. Instead, the atmosphere was a cut above the Sysco Family Dining standard. The menu gave no hint of delights to come. I cross examined first the waiter and then the manager about sulfites. Both were patient and precise. I chose the grilled catfish with rice. This was the freshest catfish I have eaten since I left Louisiana. We split a bread pudding dessert, and again, the best I've eaten since Louisiana.

When the check came, it was all free! It seems that they can give away one check per shift. What a great business concept. Give a little and get a lot! If only more businesses would grasp this basic concept.

Pros: Intimate experience with excellent service and the most delicious "trip" through centuries in Italy.
Cons: Not really a con, this is not where you will find simple spaghetti and meatballs

The most incredible and innovative Italian dining experience in the country! Honestly, Will Packwood rocks the menu with a fusion of centuries-old recipes and new techniques he hides in the kitchen. But, do not expect him to not be at your table telling you what wine is best with the sweetbreads or the gnocchi (the best gnocchi you have melt in your mouth outside Venice!) http://www.ciborestaurant.com/

Pros: Awesome ambiance and food. Their price is also reasonable.
Cons: Seating is a bit tight.

Recently checked out the Indo Chinese fusion restaurant called Masala Wok in Austin to see what all the hype is about. Let me tell you guys, this is not like any other ethnic Indian restaurant that I have been too. The ambiance is a chic Urban setting with hip music. Me and my girl friend split their signature dish called tikka wrap and blazing noodles. This is something to die for. These guys have definitely revolutionized the Indian dining scene in Austin.