Best Convenience Store

TIE: Whip In; Monarch

The taps of beer at Whip In are framed by bold graphic depictions of Mohandas Gandhi, Barack Obama, and a Hindu goddess raising a wine glass and a frosty mug of beer. Where do we sign up? The homemade and delicious food, the snappy and friendly service, and the international decor make Whip-In much more than a roadside stop: It's a destination. For those in the Cherrywood and French Place neighborhoods, nothing compares to the Monarch Food Mart. Beyond the great wine and cigarette selection (including schmancy Nat Shermans!), the two brothers that run the place are some of the nicest folks in Austin. Indulging your late-night snacking/drinking/socializing/smoking habits never felt so right.

Whip In
1950 S. I-35, 512/442-5337
www.whipin.com

Monarch Food Mart
1402 E. 38 1/2, 512/478-4492