Category Archives: Austin Restaurants

Juan in a Million

By Courtney on | 1 Comment

Since I moved to Austin, people have been telling me to try Juan in a Million on Cesar Chavez St. I finally made it there for breakfast over the weekend. It is very modest, no-nonsense looking place. In fact, if you didn’t know better, you would probably keep driving by.

We found out as we went inside that there are actually two buildings and patio seating areas. Since the weather is so nice, we chose to eat on the patio. I ordered something a bit different, since they didn’t have sausage, egg and cheese tacos. Instead I went all out and had bacon, egg and cheese tacos. I was expecting regular bacon, but instead it was a thicker bacon, almost ham-like. Mike ordered the special tacos. They asked if he wanted additional tortillas. He thought that was strange until they brought out his plate. There was SO much food that he didn’t even finish. My friend had the migas. They looked good too.

The place was crowded and I would venture to guess that is the norm for this restaurant. The wait was really short and worth the time!

Posted in: Austin Restaurants

Fiesta in the making

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On the advice of Wooderson from Dazed and Confused, I finally got around to trying a Top Notch Burger! Top Notch has been serving Charbroiled burgers since 1971. From what I understand, it’s family owned and operated.

It’s easy to see why this burger joint was chosen to be a backdrop for the 70’s inspired movie. It doesn’t look like much has changed since that time. You can choose to eat inside the restaurant or get your food delivered to your car by a carhop. We made the choice to eat inside since my husband doesn’t really like to eat in the car!

We got to Top Notch Burgers at 1:30 on a Saturday afternoon and the place was PACKED! I got a burger and fries on this time around. Unlike in the movie, the fries were not soggy. They were actually quite crispy, just the way I like them! My husband couldn’t resist the fried chicken plate. He said that it was the best fried chicken he’s had in a long time! (They even have a veggie burger for those of you that are vegeterians).

Overall, we had a great experience there and if we ever are on Burnet in North Austin again, we will probably return! If you go, make sure to bring cash. They don’t take credit cards, but they do have an ATM on site if you’re short on funds!

Posted in: Austin Restaurants

Baby A’s

By Courtney on | 2 Comments

I have now been to Baby A’s on Parmer Lane three and a half times. The first time I went I had a great time. The food was good, the Mexican Martinis were great and we had a wonderful server. Since it was so fun the first time, I went back for my birthday. We sat out on the patio and watched a band. We had a grand old time. No food, but the drinks were good.

Then we decided to go back for another friend’s birthday. We went during happy hour and there was a big group of us. This time we sat for at least 20 minutes and noone ever even brought us chips. One of the girls went to actually get the chips for us herself, but they wouldn’t let her and said they’d bring it right over. They finally brought us chips but only brought hot sauce for one of the buckets. Then they didn’t come back for at least another 20 minutes to get food orders and drink orders. Then we got a huge bill! Way overpriced for what we got. Plus since it was a big group, they added in the gratuity. It was very annoying.

We went back for another girl’s birthday a couple of weeks ago and we sat in the lobby for 1 1/2 hours waiting for a table. Finally, I decided to go home. I haven’t had that great of an experience here to wait that long for bad service! The food is good though if you ever get any!

Posted in: Austin Restaurants

South Congress Cafe

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South Congress Cafe is my favorite restaurant in Austin so far. This is a great place to go on a date or for a special occasion. The food is outstanding! The service is really good, too especially when you compare it to the rest of Austin service.
Last night we went there with my in-laws. (I also went there with my parents for my birthday). I ordered the Cajun Shrimp Scampi. They serve this medley of seafood over pasta. I loved it. There was so much food, I couldn’t finish my meal. Of course I gave it my best shot though! Everyone ordered something different and everyone went home satisfied!
If you have not eaten here, I highly recommend it! http://southcongresscafe.com/
Posted in: Austin Restaurants

Hula Hut

By Courtney on | 2 Comments

If you are ever in Austin or you live in Austin, you have to go to the Hula Hut. Located on Lake Austin, this place is always a fun destination. In the summer, people dock their boats and come in and hang out at the bar. Every time I’ve been there it has been packed with people!
My in-laws are in town, so obviously we had to take them here. It’s one of those Keep Austin Weird kind of places that makes Austin such a great place. Even though it had to be 20 degrees outside, patio seating was still available. For the winter, they enclose the patio and have heaters over the seats. It was very comfortable and I’m ALWAYS cold.
I split the shrimp and spinach tubular taco with my mother in-law. If you’ve never had it, you should! It is absolutely huge and it’s enough for two people. The waiter was very thoughtful and since he knew we were splitting, he brought it out already split for us on our own plates with our own rice and beans! We also tried the Mexican Martinis. My father in-law is hooked! I think everyone at our party enjoyed the experience!

Posted in: Austin Restaurants