The Best Comfort Food Places in Austin: An Update
Three years ago we posted a story on our favorite comfort food spots in Austin; however, given the speed at which the Austin restaurant scene is moving, it’s time for an update.
Well, some things just don’t change. Jack Gillmore’s ode to upscale comfort food now has locations in Round Rock and in Westlake in addition to the original in Oak Hill. My first memory of JAK is the Catfish, the smashed guacamole with pumpkin seeds and the amazing Deep Fried Beef Rib. Suffice to say there is much more to like there and even more, the consistency is astonishing. They deserve their continued spot at number one!
2. The League Kitchen and Tavern
The League was not on our list last time as they had just recently opened. But what a tasty restaurant this is. Love their ridiculously good Meatloaf Bites and the killer Hummus platter. They have a wide assortment of burgers that are all quite good and a Chicken Pot Pie that simply oozes texture and savory flavors.This is part of Creed Ford IV and Tony Ciola’s growing restaurant group with locations in Lakeway and Avery Ranch. Love the wall-length mural of Atlantic City circa 1925 as you walk in the door. But then there’s a lot to love about the League.
Shane Street made a nice living running high-end restaurants [Cool River, Steiner Ranch Steakhouse] but when the time came to open up his own place, he chose a casual burger theme at the Galleria. The key though is these burgers are all unique! My favorites are the Make My Day [cheese, eggs, smoked bacon, hash brown, red onions just to start] and the Mt. Kaiser venison burger. On top of that, they have absolutely amazing shakes [the Dreamsicle and Apple Pie are to die for]. And don’t forget the crunchy and tasty Sweet Potato fries. All Star is new to this list and i just can’t get enough of their food.
4. 24 Diner
They remain on our list from 2012. The Sweet Potato Hash still kicks butt and remains my favorite for any meal. It is simply delicious. The Waffles are another taste treat with beautiful texture and just a bit of crispiness. This is chef-driven fare with a nod to simplicity: a luscious Egg sandwich, a monster BLT and Meatloaf that raises the bar. Best of all, they are open any time your stomach tells you it’s time to make a move.
Another newcomer in Dripping Springs, of all places. The simplest places to start may be the most delicious: they make deviled eggs that are spot on killer.. A dozen go down just like that! And i love their crab salad. The Shrimp n’ Grits is another favorite along with the recently revived Chicken Schnitzel. The burgers are thick and expertly prepared and they have a very appealing Sunday Brunch., Lots of live music as well along with a cozy bar scene.. This is not just a Dripping Springs place either: foodies are making their way to Homespun from all over town.
This little joint on Burnet at Loop 110 is as good as they get for breakfast. lunch, or an early supper. Owner Alfonso and his wife Christina are newlyweds and they are married to this place as well as each other. There is a Tex-Mex mix to the food but lots of American dishes as well. I love the breakfasts here: The Pancho Villa, one of those dishes you have to ask for, is killer. Layers of eggs, fresh tortillas and cheese, onions, jalapenos, and much more. Love the melange of flavors in this dish. The Biscuits and Sausage Gravy are again, spot on. Real flavor here: not that watered down gruel you often get with sausage gravy elsewhere. And the Migas are equally recommended. What I like most is that they’re moist and beautifully executed.
The Pork Chop Platter is a blast with deep, searing flavors. Likewise for the Catfish. Crunchy with an excellent texture.
Another holdover from the 2012 list and why not? Hoover Alexander is to a Southern kitchen what Mario Battali is to an Italian one. Hoover has been cooking in Austin for almost 40 years and his place on Manor is as good as they come in the comfort genre. His Smothered Pork Chops are the definitive version in Austin. They just ooze flavor with every bite. His Mac and Cheese actually draws a bit from my grandmother’s recipe and includes a dollop of sour cream. Delicious! His Catfish: fried, or blackened is vintage and so are the collared greens that accompany. Authentic flavors. And on weekends, his Hoe Cakes [a Civil-War era dish] are simply extraordinary. Simple interior with a nice friendly vibe.
Bick Brown and his crew have made the list again. With locations in Hyde Park and across from Central Market on Westgate, these restaurants epitomize comfort food. Start with The famous Hyde Park fries accompanied by their wonderful sauce, arguably the best in Austin. I love the wonderfully gooey Fried Egg Sandwich and the Pimento and Cheese [with cucumber] is another treat. The fried artichoke hearts and the dumplings are each very special and the Veggie Burger is an absolute must try. Tony Heller’s Bone-In Fried Chicken nights [Monday and Tuesday after 5pm] are another great addition to these restaurants. Tony is master. And also try the Cauliflower Steak if you crave an outstanding vegan dish.
North Austin and Pflugerville needed a great comfort food joint and Steve Southern delivered. At the site of the former European Bistro, Southern’s is is all about amazing flavors and dishes most of us grew up with: luscious meatloaf, a tantalizing variety of Macs and cheeses, old fashioned Pot Roast, a one foot stack of crunch onion rings with ghost pepper ketchup, and so much more. And how about roasted garlic tater tots with Parmesan cheese and Black Truffle aioli? Wow and double wow!.
And then try the cast iron blackened Catfish with a Dixie Jazz Crawfish sauce. The 10oz Grilled Ribeye is also a treat and a deal at $22.
Sunday Brunch is mandatory. Everything is from scratch and the variety and the quality are a site to see.
Southern contributed the Tequila Grill concept to Iron Cactus but he’s surpassed that at his cozy Pflugerville Bistro.
10. The Dog and Duck
While Susan Forrester and the gang are hard at work on their new East side location, I wanted to get your prepared for when they reopen. The Dog and Duck always worked for me at many levels. Their tantalizing blend of pub grub was irresistible. The Spicy Fried Green Beans with a bit of lemon rosemary aioli was soooo tasty. Ditto for the Fried green Tomatoes.
The Scotch Eggs with Chutney spoke for themselves. It’s essentially a deshelled hard boiled egg wrapped in sausage and breadcrumbs [chutney on the side] and served warm. The Bubble and Squeak got its name from the noises that the cabbage, onions, spinach and potatoes make while cooking. Damn did I love this dish. So much so that I actually once recreated it at home [something I almost never do]. And they had a Gyro, American-style with pressed lamb and beef that was one of the best around.
They are making progress and we’ll have it here on DOWR when they announce an opening.
11. The District
This is another spot that wasn’t around in 2012. But brothers Amir and Ali Hajimaleki have crafted a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern and American comfort cuisine at the corner of Escarpment and Slaughter. This place is relentlessly tasty and never misses a beat.
The Shishito Peppers are perfectly prepared and tasty as they are fiery.The Lamb Kabobs are an absolute pleasure. And the Hot Wings which are actually pork shanks tossed in tamarind sauce actually almost overwhelm with lovely flavors and exquisite tenderness.
The Flatbreads are a delight. Love the Truffle and Prosciutto version along with the Pork Belly and Pineapple. Simply ethereal.
And the Cornish Hen is the highlight of the Summer menu. Make sure to try it.
Lovely Sunday brunch as well with both indoor and outdoor seating.
