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AUSTIN = KEEPING IT WEIRD
Everything is bigger in Texas, and the food scene in Austin is no exception. I came here looking for Central Texas Barbecue, and found so much more. Amazing breakfast tacos, a plethora of secret bars, and more down home slow cooked meat than you could shake a stick at. The people were friendly, and I could see making this an annual stop on my culinary trends tour.
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The Pig
AUSTIN
CULINARY EXPLORATIONS IN TEXAS
PIG'S PICKS
Where to chow down on BBQ, street tacos, and drink in secrecy in Austin.
FRANKLIN'S BARBECUE
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: CENTRAL TEXAS BBQ
WHEN: You want the best brisket in the country and don't care how long you have to wait.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Brisket
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Sausage
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Pork Spareribs
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Beef Ribs (Saturday only)
WHY: The lines start forming around 7am and they don't even open until 11. Sure that's crazy, but this meat is that crazy good. Aaron Franklin is a manic when it comes to the quality of his BBQ and that shines through in every tender bite. Franklins is open for lunch only.
LOUIE MUELLER BARBECUE
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: THE CATHEDERAL OF SMOKE
WHEN: Your bucket list says "try the ledged of central Texas BBQ".
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Brisket
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Sausage
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Ribs, pork spareribs
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Beef ribs
WHY: Louie Mueller opened his doors in 1949 and never looked back. Now on the third generation of Mueller pit masters, the BBQ is as good as ever. This lunch only place is where the best pit masters in the state come when they are looking for inspiration. Also, see the American flag outside? if you do they're open for business. Walk inside for a trip back into a more gentle time where the beef is slow cooked and the customers are happy. Mueller's is located in Taylor a short trip north of Austin, but well worth the investment of time.
VERACRUZ ALL NATURAL FOOD TRUCK
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: STREET TACOS
WHEN: You're craving tacos for breakfast.
PRICE: $
PAYMENT: Credit / Cash
MAP IT: (multiple locations check site)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Migas Tacos
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Fish Tacos
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Al Pastor Taco
WHY: I heard that they had some of the best tacos, and that their Migas tacos were simple and sublime. But, I had no idea that tacos like this could come from a food truck. They were far superior to many of the Mexican restaurants I ate that week. The Migas taco may have been one of the top 3 tacos I have had in the country. Make this truck a destination for breakfast.
MIDNIGHT COWBOY
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHAT: SECRET COCKTAIL BAR
WHEN: You have a date and want to impress.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Double Awesome
WHY: This is a very intimate and difficult to get into bar. The drink menu is very serious and the bartenders are damn good. But don't just try to walk in (unless the red light by the door is on, then walk-ins are welcome).
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HOW TO GET IN: Go to the website and make a reservation. Show up at your time, find the secret un-marked door. Press the Buzzer for "Harry Craddock". Get ready for an amazing drink
THE FIREHOUSE LOUNGE
PIG SCORE: 3.75 / 4.0
WHAT: HOSTEL SPEAKEASY
WHEN: You feel like walking through a book shelf.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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A Prohibition Cocktail
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Penicilin
WHY: It's a cool hang out hidden inside of a real Hostel.
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HOW TO GET IN: Walk into the lobby of the hostel. Go past the front desk to the bookcase. Look for the handle on the left side, and pull it open. Walk in, please close the door behind you and enjoy.
BAR ILLEGAL
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: A SECRET MEZCAL BAR
WHEN: It's late Friday or Saturday night, and you're in the mood for a flight of Mezcal.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Mexican Mule
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A flight of Mezcal
WHY: It's rare to find a quality Mezcal, and even more rare to find a secret bar that specializes in it. This little stone shack lit by candle, isn't big enough to hold 10 people, but they can make a mean Mezcal cocktail.
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HOW TO GET IN: Find Clive bar, walk through it to the patio, keep walking to the little stone shack in the back. You're there baby!
WEBSITE: NA
RED HEADED STEP CHILD
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: SPEAK EASY
WHEN: You want cozy place to hang out, or a floppy disk repaired.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Lobster Roll
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Clam Chowder
WHY: This place is quirky and fun atmosphere to get a drink and meet friends.
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HOW TO GET IN: Ring the bell and use the password. Don't know the password? Then go to the bar next door buy a drink, tip well and ask them. Or you can do what I did and wait till someone leaves then slide in all illegal like.
MI MADRE'S RESTAURANT
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: CASUAL MEXICAN
WHEN: You miss your Mexican grandmothers tacos.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Migas Taco
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Breakfast Tacos
WHY: mi Madre's is a casual establishment that has homemade Mexican breakfast taco selection that is second to none. My only question, why doesn't every town have a place like this?
JUAN IN A MILLION
PIG SCORE: 3.25 / 4.0
WHAT: CLASSIC MEXICAN DISHES
WHEN: You are so hungry that you could eat a horse.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Lobster Roll
WHY: Fresh tortillas stuffed with eggs, meat and lots of carbs. This place is a solid fueling up stop when exploring the city.
MICKELTHWAIT CRAFT MEATS
PIG SCORE: TBD
WHAT: TRAILER-TRUCK BBQ
WHEN: It's a beautiful day in Austin, you want BBQ and you're good with eating outside.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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TBD
WHY: Okay, I NEVER do this, but I went there and was just too full to eat. That said I have had many chef friends who have eaten here and heard reviews enough that I want to give it the attention it deserves. Next time I'm in Austin, I will make sure to save room so I can properly grade it.
