Best Bakery

Bribery

Baker and owner Jodi Elliott’s Mueller location is as much a feast for the eyes as the stomach, with neon signs, pink walls, and gold accents comprising much of the decor. Grab a seat at the bar, and order a signature pineapple brown butter blondie or Gruyere popovers (with a glass of wine or coffee) and stay awhile. briberybakery.com

Best Burger

Clark’s Oyster Bar

Clark’s is known as a low-key celebrity hot spot, but you won’t have much time to stealthily take pictures of Camila Alves once the legendary, drool-worthy burger hits the table. The Black Angus patty is topped with Gruyere and garlicky gribiche sauce and served alongside shoestring fries. Pro tip: Order it for half off Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m., along with a $5 martini. clarksoysterbar.com

Best Barbecue

Micklethwait

We love you, Franklin, but sometimes we locals have a schedule to keep. We often prefer to get our delicious brisket fast and keep moving. Micklethwait’s smoked meats are basically just as good, and they don’t require you wait in line for four hours. craftmeatsaustin.com

Best Food Trailer

LeRoy and Lewis

This sleek truck is barbecue gone new school, with a whole lot more than brisket, ribs, and potato salad on the menu. Skeptical carnivores should take solace in the fact that the ’cue is in the deft hands of accomplished pitmaster Evan LeRoy, formerly of Freedmen’s. leroyandlewis.com

Best Health-Conscious Eats

Picnik

For anyone who’s ever been on a restrictive eating regimen or has food-sensitivity issues, Picnik is a godsend. The primarily paleo menu has options for those with autoimmune issues, and the kitchen is happy to adjust dishes to your specifications. picnikaustin.com

Best Ice Cream

SPUN

Chef Christina Cheng makes mixes from Mill-King Market and Creamery (based in nearby McGregor) by hand that are turned into the creamiest ice cream right before your eyes with the help of liquid nitrogen. Her dedication extends to the toppings, from sprinkles to pickled jalapeño glass to brisket powder, all of which she crafts herself. spunicecream.com

Best Indian

Saffron

Located in an unassuming strip mall in a quiet suburban neighborhood is this BYOB gem, which serves Indian and Nepalese food. The chicken momo, green tree creme brulee, and rosemary and cheese naan are all standouts. saffronaustin.com

Best Italian

Enoteca/Vespaio

There have been a lot of new contenders for this category in the past couple of years, but none comes close to the classic, intimate comfort of this established South Congress Avenue spot that serves what we’re most craving, from pasta to pizza to paninis. austinvespaio.com

Best New Kid on the Block

Kemuri Tatsu-ya

The Japanese-Texas fusion restaurant has been getting rave reviews pretty much since it opened, and it’s easy to see why. The laid-back atmosphere, whimsical cocktails (including one that comes in a ceramic lucky cat vessel), and cheeky menu items like a brisket hot pocket fit Austin’s vibe just right. kemuri-tatsuya.com

Best Sandwich Shop

Biderman’s Deli

This Far West place boasts the best club sandwich in town. If that doesn’t suit your fancy, there’s a menu of both classic and more interesting options as long as your arm. bidermansdeli.com



Photo by Wynn Myers

Best Restaurant Patio

Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon

The South First Street outpost of this upscale Tex-Mex joint makes use of the plentiful outdoor space of its former occupant, Freddie’s Place. There’s a playscape for the kiddos to climb on, a stage for live music, and giant live oak trees and fairy lights to lend ambience to hours of outdoor margarita sippin’. fresaschicken.com

Best Queso

Torchy’s Tacos

The tacos at Torchy’s are controversial (some prefer a more traditional taco versus something like its Trailer Park variety, which is stuffed with fried chicken), but one thing nearly everyone can agree on is that the green chili queso, topped with guacamole, queso fresco, cilantro, and hot sauce, is damn delicious. torchystacos.com

Best Tex-Mex

Chuy’s

Even though it’s now a national chain with a spot on NASDAQ, Chuy’s still feels like the humble little shack that first opened up on Barton Springs Road. Miraculously it’s been able to keep its prices low and food delicious and consistent. chuys.com

Best Pizza

Via 313 Pizzeria

Six years ago we had never heard of Detroit-style pizza—and now we can’t imagine living without it. Brothers Brandon and Zane Hunt introduced our city to the thick-and-cheesy delight in 2011 and have expanded their empire to include two trucks and two brick-and-mortar restaurants. We maintain the best way to enjoy one of their pies is on the patio of Violet Crown Social Club while sipping an Orange Whip. via313.com

Best Special-Occasion Restaurant

Emmer & Rye

It’s easy to tell that every dish that passes through the hands of Emmer & Rye’s dedicated and detail-oriented kitchen staff has been crafted with love and care. These people believe in what they’re doing, from the handmade pastas (possibly the best in town) to the wow-worthy seasonal desserts (like carrot cake with lemon curd, creme fraiche, and grapefruit caramel). emmerandrye.com

Best Revival

Mattie’s

Upon hearing news in 2015 that the legendary restaurant and events space Green Pastures was being taken over by La Corsha hospitality group, many were concerned that the charming spot would be transformed for the worse. We’re happy to report that the appeal of the restaurant has been maintained (boutique hotel coming in 2018), and the inside of the 124-year-old home has gorgeous touches thanks to interior designer Joel Mozersky. Most important: the peacocks are still there. mattiesaustin.com

Best Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurant

The Beer Plant

We never thought we’d be dreaming about the menu items at an all-vegan restaurant, but the Beer Plant’s buffalo cauliflower wings are mind-blowing and -opening. Trust us. thebeerplant.com

Best Coffee

Houndstooth

This coffee shop strikes the fine balance between people who are serious about their caffeinated brew and people who are happy to explain and make suggestions for novices. It’s high-end without the snobbery, and they keep coffee fun with innovative drinks like the coffee julep with mint and sparkling water. houndstoothcoffee.com

Best Late-Night Eats

24 Diner

If there’s anything better than stuffing your face with chef Andrew Curren’s chicken and waffles or meaty, spicy chili at 3 a.m., we don’t know what it is. 24diner.com

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant

Phil’s Ice House

This eatery’s simple, approachable menu (can’t go wrong with burgers and fries) plus lots of outdoor seating and an expansive playscape make for an ideal spot to take your little ones. They also offer a parents’ recess, where beer and wine are discounted from 3 to 5:30 p.m. philsicehouse.com

Best Breakfast Taco

Tacodeli

We’re going to have to disagree with Houston Chronicle restaurant critic Alison Cook’s negative review of Tacodeli: The upbeat staff, the easy accessibility (five ATX locations), the iconic Otto taco (black beans, avocado, bacon, and cheese), and the fiery Doña sauce keep us coming back for more. tacodeli.com

Best Sushi

Uchiko

From hamachi to big eye tuna to beef tongue, Uchiko’s sushi selections are fun, delicious, and a bit more accessible than those of parent restaurant Uchi. For a truly special experience, try one of the daily specials, which feature the freshest fish flown in from Japan. uchikoaustin.com