Where to Eat in Austin, Texas Part II

You may recall a Travel Tuesday post I did on Where to Eat in Austin, TX that I wrote a few years back after some visits to Austin from California.  Well, as you can imagine, I have found a few more must-eat spots now that we live here.  So, here is Part II of my list of favorite places to eat in ATX:

Hula Hut
3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
Austin, TX 78703

I honestly can’t tell you how their menu is overall, because I can’t come here and not order the fish tacos.  Best fish tacos I have ever had.  There is something magical about the sauce they put on it.  Friends I have brought to Hula Hut tell me that their meals have been great too, but I wouldn’t know, because I only get the delicious fish tacos.  The margaritas are also great!

The Salt Lick
18300 FM 1826
Driftwood, TX 78619

There is some debate on the best BBQ in town (Salt Lick, County Line, and Franklin’s usually top people’s lists).  Instead of trying to decide which is best, I am an equal opportunity BBQ-eater, and just go with the ambiance I am in the mood for.  The Salt Lick (and, I mean the original Salt Lick in Driftwood), has a great ambiance on top of the mouth-watering BBQ.  My husband always goes for the all-you-can-eat meat option, but I find that the 3-meat combo is more than enough food.  It is great for a big group of people, as you sit at large family-style tables with benches.  My tip: don’t skimp on adding the chipotle BBQ sauce all over everything.  Also, FYI its in a dry area (for real, that still exists!) so you have to BYOB.

The County Line
5204 FM 2222

Austin, TX 78731

County Line has amazing BBQ as well.  Every meat I have tried there has been delicious.  This place I’d choose for a nicer dinner out than Salt Lick.  Not only do you have beautiful views of the lake, but you don’t have the sawdust-on-the-floor, country boys and girls gettin’ down on the farm vibe that the more casual Salt Lick has.  My tip: no matter how much food you think you’ll have with your entrée, you must order their fresh bread as an appetizer. YUM!

Hoover’s Cooking
2002 Manor Rd.
Austin, TX 78722

Photo Source: Austin Chronicle

Hoover’s Cooking is a never-disappoint Southern comfort food joint.  The best chicken fried steak I have found in Austin thus far.  I love that they have 2 different portion size options for the entrée in case you can’t handle a huge meal.  Either way, you get a choice of their fantastic sides.  Favorites of mine are the garlic cheese grits (only served on weekends) and the fried okra.

Polvos
2004 S 1st St.
Austin, TX 78704

There is no shortage of Tex Mex in Austin.  I highlighted a few favorites on my previous post on Austin eats, but have since found another “keeper” in Polvos.  Amazing queso, delicious enchiladas, and a great choice of salsas at their salsa bar.

Moonshine
303 Red River St.
Austin, TX 78701

Photo Source: Yelp

In the heart of downtown, this is an especially good choice for travelers, as it is steps away from the main hotels.  My favorite entrée here is the chicken fried steak, as it has a special gravy with chipotle that gives it a little something extra.  I have also really enjoyed their steaks… full of flavor from their sauces and marinades, and need no extra seasoning (this is coming from a person who salts and peppers everything).  Good to know tip: the portions are huge!