People, Places and Dishes in Austin: Our Favorite Photos

The Austin dining scene is a blend of diverse dishes, personalities, and that unmistakable vibe that characterizes the River City. This photo essay is a composite of some of our favorite views of the people and the dishes that make Austin unique.

All in the family at Hao Hao and Hao Q

This is a great story. Brothers Kevin and Young married two sisters, Lyn and Hong. And Kevin and Lyn run Hao Hao while Young and Hong run Hao Q. Talk about all in the family! Which restaurant is better? They are of course, equally delicious serving up Chinese and Vietnamese favorites.

The Bone-In Ribeye at III Forks

This is a great cut of meat, perfectly aged and nicely marbled. And it looks so damned good on the plate, doesn’t it? Chef Jamie Gutierrez has this dish down to a science.

Freda Cheng

If you haven’t been to Freda’s Seafood Grill, you’ve missed some terrific seafood and steaks. But you’ve also missed the mercurial Freda, and that alone is worth the visit. To say that she has a bubbly personality is an understatement. She’s a neat lady.

Darryl Wittle of Fleming’s

Darryl has been around the Austin dining scene for many years and when he runs a restaurant (currently Fleming’s at the Domain) he puts his own personal imprimatur on it. I get no sense whatsoever that Fleming’s is a chain when Daryl is in the house. And that’s one of the highest compliments you can pay.

The Paella at Barlata

This may be the definitive paella in Austin. The owner is Catalonian and he prepares a variation of paellas (the name comes from the huge frying pan used to make the dish) that are absolutely delightful.

Lobster Tail at Chinatown Greystone

Ronald Cheng is always innovating and pushing the culinary envelope. His fragrant lobster tail is a great and picturesque example of why this restaurant has been in our Top 20 since we began Dining Out with Rob Balon.

Mango Sea Bass at Garrido’s

David Garrido has a terrific background. He was exec chef at Jeffrey’s for years and later opened the Jeffrey’s at the Watergate in Washington. He has really hit his stride though at his own restaurant on 3rd, Garrido’s. It began by serving upscale tacos, but has evolved into a pure fine dining restaurant open only in the evening. The picture is one of my favorite dishes.

Josh at Pieous

Several years ago while grocery shopping at the new HEB in Dripping, I met a young man who sought me out to tell me about his idea for a new pizza place on 290. That man was Josh Kamer and his restaurant (Pieous) opened about six months ago. The pizzas are excellent, the pastrami sandwiches (on their house made sourdough bread) and they have a blueberry pie that’s a killer.

The #1 Sandwich at Eat Ban Mi

This delicious combination of pork, pate, veggies et al. is labeled #1 on the menu. It’s also my #1. Eat Ban Mi on South Congress changed the spelling of their name based on this popular French-Vietnamese sandwich (normally banh mi) to reflect their distinctive approach to the cuisine. No problem there from me. They could call it Eat Eat Eat, because I do a lot of that when I go there.

Noah at East Sides Pies

Does this guy look like a pizza maker or what? Noah and partner Michael have made East Side Pies into one of the Top 5 pizza joints in the city. You can often find Noah at their newest store on Anderson Lane.

Chae and Robert at Creek Road

This is another terrific Austin story. Co-partner Chae has been a wizard in the kitchen at Creek Road Cafe. But pulmonary problems were slowing him down to the point where he became seriously ill. He underwent a double-lung transplant (an incredibly complicated surgery) and sous chef Robert took over in fine form. Better still, Chae completely recovered and is back in the kitchen with Robert.The food and Chae are better than ever!

Varda at the Russian House

What does your average 6′-4″ woman do if she has the least bit of athleticism? She plays basketball. And that’s what Varda did, for Georgetown and later professionally in her native Russia. On a train one day she met a chef from Moscow named Vladamir. They married and moved to the states eventually settling in Austin where they opened the Russian House on East 5th. I asked her if she could still dunk but all she wanted to talk about was Beef Stroganoff!

Rosie’s

I have always been a fan of Rosie’s on Highway 71. Plain and simple Tex Mex with some of the best bean and cheese nachos around. Great burritos as well. Always good and named after a certain country singer is the Willie Plate.

Yucca Fritters at Rio

There is nothing I like more than a piping hot order of Yucca fritters. Some of the best can be found in this little hidden gem on the east side called Rio’s. The food is Brazilian and it’s excellent.

Jack Gillmore

Jack is an excellent chef who excelled at Z’Tejas for years before opening Jack Allen’s Kitchen (Allen is his middle name). Nothing more needs to be said about the explosive success of Jack Allen’s in Oak Hill and the new store in Round Rock. If you haven’t been you’re missing out on one of Austin’s best comfort food experiences. He is also the dad to Bryce Gillmore, owner of Barley Swine. Some food genes in that family!

John Mueller

The enigmatic and much travelled but very talented grill master is back at it again. He’s been through his share of ups and downs but he is indomitable and always seems to resurface. His beef ribs are a smash as is his brisket. Catch him at the new John Mueller Meat Market at 2500 East 6th.

Sashimi at Soto

This little Japanese restaurant out at Lakeline Mall is rapidly becoming one of the city’s most popular sushi destinations. Chef Andy and his team know how to bring it. The O-toro is a blast and do try their Flaming Salmon.

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