Learned a bit of foodie history recently about Jimmy Buffett and our neighborhood. Back in 1976, Buffett had his first margarita at Lung’s Cocina del Sur on Anderson Lane which is the present location of High 5. Buffett was so inspired by the concoction that he wrote his famous song “Margaritaville” about it. Speaking of Margaritaville, Austin appears to be Game On! after the wide availability of vaccines and the governor’s mask dropping. It’s pert near impossible to get into Fonda San Miguel without a reservation, and we barely made it into Chez Zee without a reservation on a recent outing. And, yes, as you can see, we have returned to the in-dining scene in Austin! Not all restaurants have opened their dining halls to guests yet, and it’s difficult to assess what is required where in Austin. For our part, we’re following what an establishment wants.
The only new opening I’m aware of is Wing Stop at 2900 West Anderson, but much newness is afoot. Project Pollo, a chickenless chickn joint [note to editor: that’s how they spell it!], is opening up at 2438 West Anderson (near Hopdoddy) on (as reported on their web site) June 21st. China Family Express, a new concept from the highly-rated China Family, is opening at 2525 West Anderson Lane where Wild Chix & Waffles used to be. Houston sammich shop Local Foods is coming to 5350 Burnet, the old Bonhomie location. Stiim Kitchen, a “commercial bakery” according to my sleuthing, is opening up at 3301 Steck in the old Brama location.
Yard Bar has temporarily closed its kitchen, presumably in preparation of the arrival of Fat City, The Peached Tortilla’s slider side hustle, later this summer. Kitchen United added Mulan Kitchen (rice and noodle bowls) to the mix while losing seven kitchens, including Bombay Walla, Lo Pan’s Kitchen, Mission Street Burrito, Pastabilities, Plowburger, Proteinhouse, and Senor Churro. Due to a large mixed-use project going in at 7113 Burnet, The Local Post Pub has closed up shop. The Sonic at 4929 Burnet closed up as did the Growler Room. TGF and Taco Sweets rolled out of the trailer park at 5000 Burnet while Lick It Up (Mexican street food via El Paso), Cornelia’s (Southern), and Neighbor Coffee & Friends rolled in.
Neighborhood alumnus JewBoy Burgers entered Yelp’s list of the best restaurants in Texas at numero 7. Readers of the Austin Chronicle voted JewBoy Subs as the Best New Restaurant in Austin. Those readers also bequeathed honors to Pinthouse Pizza (Best Brewery), Jack Allen’s (Best Weekend Brunch), Amy’s (Best Ice Cream and Desert), and Torchy’s (Best Cheap Date). The Chronicle’s critics gave a hearty nod to Cabo Bob’s brisket nachos. Austin Monthly included Barley Swine as one of its Best of the Best. Allandale was well represented in the Austin American-Statesman’s list of Best Chicken Wings with Hi Wings, Le Bleu, Chi’lantro, Cover 3, and Lucy’s Fried Chicken making the bird call. Eater included Edis Chocolates (at 3808 Spicewood Springs) and Asahi Imports (6105 Burnet) as good places to satisfy your sweet teeth.
austin wanderlist 