Photo by David Brendan Hall
Ask vegans where to get the best burger in town and you’ll most likely be sent to Arlo’s. Hell, even non-vegetarians dig these greasy late-night trailers. And with three locations around town, there’s never one far away. Get the double bac’n cheezeburger and tots. You won’t regret it.
2908 Fruth
512/840-8585
www.arlostruck.com
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This newly minted brick-and-mortar is a shining light of umami in a storm of frat-star hangouts and chains. Rice bowls topped with all types of proteins and endless add-ons like veggie croquettes make the trip to the Drag worth more than its weight in panko.
2716½ Guadalupe
281/725-3686
www.fb.com/donjapanese
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Photo by David Brendan Hall
photo by John Anderson
Their menu may list saisons and duck confit, but Hopfields ain’t no ostentatious gastropub. A communal bar in the front plus a formal dining room in the back make for the malty, French-inspired Choose Your Own Adventure of your drinking years’ dream.
3110 Guadalupe
512/537-0467
www.hopfieldsaustin.com
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Everyone talks about the biscuits at chef Michael Fojtasek’s restaurant, and sure ’nuff they’re golden portions of tender and buttery heaven-on-a-plate, but Olamaie’s entrées – based on Southern comfort foods – is what fancy dining is supposed to be, especially when accompanied by a honeyed Peraperfecta cocktail.
1610 San Antonio St.
512/474-2796
olamaieaustin.com
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John Anderson
John Anderson
When two brothers from Michigan decided to invade the ATX with their Detroit-style pizza, who’da thunk that the whole city would roll over and say, “Yes, please!” quite so quickly, scarfing up the divinely encrusted creations topped with both classic and surprising ingredients? We did.
3016 Guadalupe #100
512/358-6193
www.via313.com
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Vegetarians and spice lovers rejoice when they walk into the sumptuous, aromatic interior of the Clay Pit. Although sticklers for authenticity may disagree, this restaurant has elevated Indian cuisine for Austin. If you’re around for lunch, make sure to check out their buffet, where you can indulge for a very economical price. Inducted in 2018.
1601 Guadalupe
512/322-5131
claypit.com
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Photo by John Anderson
courtesy of Musashino Sushi Dokoro
Once, on a first date in their original location off North MoPac, we may or may not have mistaken their oshibori (warm towel) as a complimentary facial, only to be gently guided by the angelic server to cleanse our hands before dinner. This is the kind of classy operation that is Musashino, which opened in 1993 and has become the origin story of several local superstars: Tyson Cole of Uchi/Uchiko/Loro; Kazo Fukumoto of his eponymous restaurant; Ramen Tatsu-ya’s owners/chefs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto. The Tokyo-style restaurant, now in the former Fino spot in West Campus, is known for creating some of the most elegant pieces of Edomae-style sushi this side of Japan. In addition to an impossibly fresh, stunning traditional menu, they offer a wide assortment of modern twists, and an omakase option. After spending so much time in loungewear at home, we cannot think of a better reason to dust off the jacket and black dress than dining at this world-class establishment. Inducted in 2021.
2905 San Gabriel St. #200
512/795-8593
www.musashinoatx.com
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The Detroit Tigers may be in a rebuilding phase this season (fingers crossed!), but this Detroit-style pizza has enraptured Austin since the Hunt brothers’ first trailer opened in 2011. The cheesy, crunchy, thick signature squares topped with just the right amount of marinara are to credit for their now legendary winning streak, but the thinner bar-style pies will also have you happy-heckling the kitchen. Don’t skip their bonkers pizza collaborations featuring special toppings like Garbo’s lobster, la Barbecue’s cold-smoked ham, and Michi’s ramen. And if you don’t end up with meatballs on your pizza (do it), grab the appetizer version before you succumb to all the cheese. Bonus points for a seriously solid gluten-free crust. Inducted in 2019.
3016 Guadalupe #100
512/358-6193
www.via313.com
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