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July 19, 2010

Meats and Other Eats in Austin, TX

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Aside from all the hanging around and napping we did in our recent trip to Austin, TX we did a lot of eating. A lot. So much eating in fact, that it pretty much set us straight for the rest of the trip…well, almost.

But good food is definitely one of those things Austin has going for it. As we were heading closer to the city my sister-in-law contacted us asking us if we wanted to order Thai food. “Thai food?!” exclaimed my husband, “But we’re in Texas!” And so it was that upon arrival to their home late, late at night we were greeted with layers upon layers upon layers of meat, Texas style.

This set the tone for the wonderful eateries we visited and the many yummy dishes they served us. Here is our list:

Guero’s Taco Bar, located on the hip and trendy South Congress Avenue, was introduced to us as the place where one celebrity or another has been spotted. But there were no long lines or waiting periods for a table. No paparazzi taking up space or socialites dancing on tables, at least not during lunch time. We got seated right away (all eight of us). We ordered a variety of dishes, mine being the Chipotle Pollos de Güero’s, hubby’s being the Presidente. Both were large servings and both very good. I was disappointed with the guacamole however and wouldn’t recommend it at all. It was bland and  tasted more like paste than anything else. But the chips were bountiful and the service was fast (ish). Ok. About the speed of service. That is one thing that was consistent throughout the South. It was slow. And yes, it was especially slow for this NYC girl, but even so for those who we were with that live there. So order up a beer and have some laughs while you wait.

The Salt Lick This place is ridiculously good and crazy in the amount of BBQ they serve. They have an option, Family Style, where you get plates of meat over and over and over till you cry Uncle for $18.95 a person. I chickened out and just went for a regular plate which already had my arteries screaming. They let you go for the Senior serving no matter what age and based on that plate, older does mean wiser if you’re trying to go light. If not, follow it up with a dish of peach or blueberry cobbler topped with ice cream, then take a picture of the awesome meat cooking as you roll on out.

Freddie’s Place was our absolute favorite place to eat. We went there later in the afternoon one day, just as things were cooling off and the sun was starting to make is way down. We loved it because, aside from the great food and service, they have entertainment for the kiddos, magic show and everything. Thus, there we were, sitting back drinking a few cold ones, sodas that is, while our kiddos played in their little play area and watched the magician and his dogs do tricks. With great burgers, giant onion rings, this place rocks! As any parent knows, to be able to sit back and relax in conversation at a restaurant with your kids is for the most part unheard of except for here. You don’t have to have kids to love it, but you will especially if you have kids. It’s enough to make Freddie’s number one on our list of places to eat next time we’re in Austin.

Chuy’s has several locations in and out of Texas. I didn’t get to check this place out, but according to hubby, who had some of their Shrimp and Fish tacos, it’s worth the mention. A casual eatery with a curbside take out option and signature sauces it’s all the rave as far as hubby is concerned. I’m just angry he didn’t bring me back a taco too.

Sugar Mama’s Bake Shop was referred to me by a friend on Twitter (gotta love the Twitter) and of course I just had to check it out. A cute, cheerful little shop, it smells divine when you walk in and wasn’t at all crowded when we visited. Have your choice of cupcake, and be ready to indulge for only $2.75 a pop. These cupcakes were our top choice when celebrating my nephew’s and son’s birthday a little early. My absolute favorite? The Rocky Road cupcake. O.M.G.

Big Top Candy for ice cream. What more can I say that I didn’t already in my previous Austin review where I mention the endless supply of any type of candy you could want? Just remember “scoops as big as a toddler’s head” and “chocolate covered bacon”.

Hope you enjoy eating your way through Austin as much as we did. It’s true we barely scraped the surface of good eats here, but this isn’t a bad way to start!

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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4 Comments
  • Melisa/Shiny Brite
    July 19, 2010

    Glad you made it to Sugar Mama's and so many other fab Austin spots — YUM! We go back to visit once a year and look forward to it all year long. These pics make me excited about our next trip home! 🙂

    Reply
  • Carol Cain
    July 19, 2010

    Hi Melisa!! Thanks so much for the rec! We really loved that place! The cupcakes were SOOO good!! Definitely a favorite!

    Reply
  • Corrin
    November 24, 2010

    We moved to Austin this year and oh lord, all we do is eat. Try 24 Diner, Hey Cupcake, and Maddie's the bext time you are in town – three of our favorites.

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Corrin
      November 24, 2010

      Oh Corrin…I can't imagine NOT eating when there…so good! Thanks for the tips!

      Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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Recently took a moment to slow down and enjoy the Recently took a moment to slow down and enjoy the sounds of this beautiful place I call home. 

#fingerlakes #newyork #upstateny
Barista training = Trial by fire. 🔥 This is the Barista training = Trial by fire. 🔥 This is the way. 

@shellyk_025 @the_garage_at_rye 

#baristalife #barista #coffeeislife
Woke up feeling rested after going, going, going f Woke up feeling rested after going, going, going for over a week…and grateful for the privilege that is living in such a beautiful region. There are so many points of access for relaxation and stillness here, including right outside my door. So before delving into the work day, I took a peaceful walk, stopped for brekkie (thanks, @ellasacreshomestead), and continued the day refreshed.

If 10 years ago…or even 5 years ago…you had told THIS Brooklyn girl that she would find joy living full time in rural NY, I would’ve laughed in your face. And while NYC will always be home and #1 in my heart, as I live through my 3rd year here, I have to say…yeah. I get it. 

#fingerlakes #newyork #citygirlinthecountry
When your bestie is also your boss and you share s When your bestie is also your boss and you share shifts at your barista jobs it’s easy to forget it’s WORK…☕️😅❤️ 

@seschieber @the_garage_at_rye 

#fingerlakes #baristalife #workbestie
A moment of zen, Finger Lakes edition. #citygirl A moment of zen, Finger Lakes edition. 

#citygirlupstate #upstatenewyork #fingerlakesnewyork
Love coffee as much as I do? Here is my (very, ver Love coffee as much as I do? Here is my (very, very) short list of fave coffee shops, from Manhattan to Brooklyn. 

I spend A LOT of time at coffee shops…whether in my job as a barista or during my free time exploring endless cafes during my travels, but especially around NYC and the Finger Lakes. These are the most noteworthy cafes I find myself returning to again and again in New York City.

📍@conwellcoffeehall in the old Life and Trust Building in the Financial District. An epic space, great brekkie and coffee, brought to you by the same folks of Sleep No More…who (separately but in the same space) offer similar interactive-style performances we know them for, this time revisiting the age of old money, big banks, and the stock market crash collapse of 1929.
📍The @bookclubbar is a bar, book store, and coffee shop in the East Village. Cozy, with outdoor seating, and a wonderful selection of books, booze, and brews. Very few people get all of these elements to work well. They nail it.
📍The @plantshednyc in the East Village. Airy space with a beautiful selection of flowers and plants, and big, bright windows whereby to enjoy your cafe choice. 
📍@DawnsTillDusk in Dumbo is a cafe by day and wine bar by night. It’s a Yes to both for me!
📍@Usaginy in Dumbo is an art gallery, with small bookstore and gift shop, and cafe…but their in-house freshly made onigiri is 😘👌🏾
📍@pplnyc in Williamsburg is rustic, and pretty, and cute…and yeah, the coffee’s good!
📍@bluebrown_nyc in Williamsburg stole my heart when I first visited last year on my birthday. I love the vibe of this community cafe and the creativity they bring to their pastries and drinks.
📍@Devocionusa (anywhere), though my local spot is Dumbo. I love that they are all about the coffee…and just the coffee. No fancy, trends here. Come for the impeccable coffee, and delicious pastries, and cool vibes. But mostly, the coffee.

This list doesn’t even make a dent on my long list of cafes but they are the highlights. Share your fave spots in the comments! ☕️

#nyccafe #coffeetiktok #coffeelover #coffeeshop

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