Wow. Can you believe it’s June? Nor can I.
Summer is in full swing here in Austin. This Monday’s high was a feverish 103 degrees Fahrenheit (gasp!). I have sympathy for my land-locked, water-featureless Dallas and Houston friends and family that don’t have Austin’s superabundance of natural swimming holes and public pools. For those of you outside of town, let me include a little photo of what we’ve got here in Austin. I can’t resist!
Barton Springs in Zilker Park. It's every bit as clean, cool, and idyllic as the picture suggests!
The other bonus to this hot Austin summer is the sheer volume of great eats you can find in the city. There is no shortage of specialty food truck, hip diner, mexi-, texi-, fusion, cafe, brasserie, churrascaria, coffee house, sno-conery, local, vegan, Vietnamese….the options are far and wide, and perhaps at times a little weird. The Sprucettes and Sprucer share with you our treasured Austin dining experiences (if we must choose just one!)
Amanda’s pick: El Arbol
Outdoor Dining at El Arbol
Barside at El Arbol
Not only is the interior stunning, the exterior dining: amazing. One of many winning restaurant designs by Joel Mozersky (collaborating with Aubrey Carter), the outside is a multi-level experience centered around a giant tree offering great views from bottom and top. Go for the empanadas, the Costillas de Res, and the Bruschetta de Bife (click the menu on the link and DROOL.)
Meredith’s pick: La Condesa
La Condesa Dining Room
La Condesa Atmosphere
Another Joel Mozersky design; the mural wall is a show-stopper. Architecture is by Michael Hsu. Built inside an historic mercantile, there’s an adjacent bar with inviting mossy wall, a secret vault for private dining, the lighting is ultra-inventive. Meredith recommends the watermelon martini, Hongos y Huitlacoche, and Guiso de Hongas y Epazote. (Menu – click it!)
Katherine’s pick: 24 Diner
24 Diner at full tilt!
24 Diner before the storm.
Katherine, I concur. Ms. Baronet loves the lighting and the “Dr.Seuss” – like trumpet hoods over the bar. Lots of custom metal work and surfaces adorn, as well as Eames barstool seating and great booths. Katherine has indulged in the chocolate milkshake, the half waffle, corn fritters. I have noted that you can get a fried egg on any sandwich offered. Yay. YAY!
Frank’s pick: Promise Pizza – Round Rock
Promise Pizza food shot! Ahhhh...nom nom nom.
Featuring certified organic and local-as-possible ingredients. Makin’ it right! I’m on board Frank!
Clar’s pick: a wish, a dream…I have not been yet. Uchi!
Uchi's Dining Room
Quaint Uchi
It’s one of the toasts of the town. Apparently Mr. Mozersky has a hand in this design, as well. I’m going for the crudo sea bass and machi cure. Maybe a little sashimi and sushi a la carte. MMMM. Refreshing for summer. I’ll have a hunger muffin please!
I have been to so many eateries in my 10 months in Austin; I have not had a bad experience yet. Go here, go there, go everywhere, and make sure to stop by the Spruce headquarters too! Eat well Austin, and cheers to your summer. We’ll see you out and about around town!