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Though Mexican, Tex-Mex, and barbecue are the default cuisines, everything from Brazilian to Pacific Rim fusion has made headway here, and there are strong vegetarian and natural-food followers.
To find the best barbecue, local consensus tends to be that you've got to head out of town to Lockhart, Luling, or Llano, in the Hill Country. Nevertheless, there are several fine options within the city limits, the bulk of them simple places.
In some venues the music and food share nearly equal billing, like Threadgill's, whose massive chicken-fried steak is as much of a draw as the well-known blues and rock acts on stage. Stubb's Bar-B-Q hosts a popular gospel brunch on Sundays.
Austin is a casual city, and the dress code is almost always "come as you are"; a few restaurants require a jacket for men. Tips are generally 20%. Smoking is prohibited inside restaurants and bars, though some allow smoking on their outdoor patios.
This Austin classic is a refreshing change of pace from the trendy hot spots and long lines downtown and on the east side. The relaxed counter service and down-home decor at the charming cottage-turned-café matches the classic handmade offerings of sandwiches, soups, and salads. An expanded breakfast menu (served from 8 to 11:30 am) is popular with locals, and the front patio is usually bustling.
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