Things I Ate and Loved in Austin, Texas
Something I love about my job is that I get to explore cities in the US — and when it comes to personal travel, I’m typically focused on getting out of the country. A couple of weeks ago, we opened our first (and then second) restaurants in Austin, TX… so I got to spend a few days exploring the city, working from coffee shops, and hanging out with coworkers and friends.
Luckily, one of my favorite travel buddies lives in Dallas — so Nickerson drove out to Austin to hang out and splurge on a bougie weekend with me. Nothing beats alternating coffee with rosé and constantly hunting for air conditioning on a hot, summer Texas day. Here are some of my favorite bites (and sips) from my week in Austin!
1. Dragonfruit (Pink!) Margaritas at Grizzeldas
Grizzelda’s was the perfect dinner date for Nickerson and me — the decor was glam and bright, the food was healthy and oh-so flavorful, and the margaritas were PINK. You know you’re friends with the right people when you convince literally everyone around you to order the pink margaritas. I had three.
Oh, and the tortillas come to you in cute little tortilla purses. Go here.
2. The Croque Madame at June’s All Day
Who eats a whole croque madame before getting into a bikini and going swimming? Who does that?
I do. I did. And I regret nothing.
June’s was yet another little glam cafe, and was launching a summer rosé series the day we went (are you picking up on the pink theme of my life yet?) — It was the perfect little spot on South Congress to unwind our caffeine high before heading to Barton Springs for some floating with a magazine. Still salivating over that croque madame.
3. The Soppressata Pizza at Italic
I stumbled upon this minimalist Italian restaurant between coffee shop working sessions one day, and quickly fell in love with the mid-century modern feel and scandi branding. Grabbing a seat at the bar and chatting with the bartender was the perfect relief between non-emergency emergencies at work, and this pizza was a slice of heaven… both at lunch, and back in my hotel room after a couple of drinks that evening.
4. The Breakfast Sandwich at Alfred, in The Line
There are few things I love more than pizza, and a damn good breakfast sandwich might be one of them. Not to mention, the decor at The Line is on point, and I was a much bigger fan of the Austin location than I am of the DC location. If I had more time in Austin, I would have come back to have another go at this sandwich — which, I understand, is sacrilege in a taco town. Come at me.
5. Mezcal Tastings (and Pleasantly Buzzed Wontons) at Whisler’s
The instant I walked into the Mezcalera Tobalá upstairs at Whisler’s, I felt like I was transported into season 4 of True Blood. It’s lit by candlelight, cooled by a squeaky window unit, and filled with creepy taxidermy. But you give the bartender a budget, and he pours you a little terra cotta saucer of mezcal.
It was great. 10/10 would do it again. After a few drinks on the patio, grab some wontons from the food truck, and make your way to the next bar.
