Welcome to another edition of Austin Eats Round-Up! Think of these posts as little glimpses into where I’m going and what I’m loving right now.
THIS IS THE 20TH EDITION!
It’s been about 6 weeks since my last round-up and MAN have I done a lot. I mentioned in the last round-up that I hoped my new schedule would allow me to prioritize blogging again. It hasn’t quite happened that way, but I’m totally ok with that. I’ve been keeping busy with trying to get my photo freelancing off the ground so, of course, the free blogging takes a back seat. Don’t worry though! I’ve still been to plenty of fun, interesting places over the last 6 weeks.
Let’s get into it!
Previous editions can be found here: Austin Eats Round-Up.
Caffe Medici at Springdale General
1023 Springdale BLDG 1A, Austin, TX 78721
First of all, if you haven’t been to Springdale General yet, it’s definitely worth a visit. I plan on doing a whole blog on the complex. There are 10 buildings (plus 5 more dedicated to the Center for Social Innovation) with about 40 makers and creative spaces. There are coffee shops, artist studios, restaurants, coworking spaces, and more! Super interesting and totally my vibe. Caffe Medici just opened a new roasting and coffee shop in Building 1. The space is industrial, creative, and unique. It offers plenty of room to spread out and work. I spent several comfortable hours here one afternoon, sending emails and sipping on golden milk.
High Note for Happy Hour
300 S Lamar Blvd Suite A, Austin, TX 78704
I haven’t eaten a full meal at High Note yet, but I certainly loved their happy hour. They’re a health-conscious restaurant, but offer plenty of boozy options. I tried their boozy beet, with beet juice, lemon, honey, grapefruit, and gin. They have several healthy juices, including mixes of kale, sweet potato, celery, and carrot. You can sip on the drinks as their own healthy selves, or you can booze them up. There’s a free parking garage for retailers right around the corner as well!
New Fortune
10901 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
The highlight of my last 6 weeks is definitely New Fortune. New Fortune is a dim sum buffet. Small plates come around on carts and you just grab whatever looks good to you! Your bill is calculated based on how many plates you grabbed. There are sweet and savory options, along with delicious brewed teas. I tried a lot of new things during my visit to New Fortune and I’ll definitely be back! Pro tip: Come right when they open, or a little before. We arrived right at opening and sat down immediately. However, when we were leaving, the place was packed!
Patika Coffee
2159 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
While in South Austin, I was looking for somewhere to work for a bit. I was close to Patika, so I decided to check it out. “Patika” comes from the Turkish word for “footpath” or “alley.” According to the coffee shop, “the first coffee houses in the world were in Istanbul and their popularity as gathering places got them outlawed for fear of too much free thought and resistance to the Sultan. To survive, they relocated to spots a bit more hidden: in the alleys and footpaths of the city.” I love that! I had their iced chai and it was perfect. They also have a small brunch menu they serve daily from 7am-2pm.
Black Sheep Lodge
2108 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Black Sheep Lodge on South Lamar is a pretty cool hangout. They have a great tap list, relaxed bar vibe, and a chill dining experience. You could pretty easily hang out here for lunch and a beer by yourself without feeling weird. On their menu, they have a variety of different hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m a pretty big hot dog fan. I got their queso slaw dog and it was delicious! They also have some tasty appetizers, including fried pickles and tater tots. They too have a parking lot behind their restaurant.
Lady Quackenbush’s Cakery
1900 Simond Ave. #300, Austin, TX 78723
I’ve loved the original Quack’s Bakery for years now. They even made my birthday cake a few years back! I stopped by the newer Lady Quackenbush’s Cakery on my way through the east side. They serve about the same kinds of pastries as Quacks. Nothing really unique, but I was fine with it. I was able to get my favorite chocolate and peanut butter cupcake.
Sour Duck Market
1814 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702
This was my first visit to Sour Duck Market. Their building is so cute and I drive by it all the time! I was there for brunch. I’d already had a pastry earlier that morning, or else I would have grabbed some of their delicious looking breads! I had their breakfast egg and cheese sandwich and it was wonderful. They have a large patio space in the back that connects their bakery and restaurant to their bar. Overall, I really liked the vibe. I sat outside and worked for a bit before heading on to my next thing.
The Yard Milkshake Bar
3400 Esperanza Crossing, Austin, TX 78758
I wanted so badly to like The Yard Milkshake Bar. What’s not to like about MASSIVE, over the top milkshakes?!
I will say, while the ice cream is pretty wonderful, the experience is not. They have a very small shop, it’s packed, loud, and doesn’t seem to be the best set up. You have to wait shoulder to shoulder with people for your number to be called, then they hand you your massive milkshake and there’s nowhere to go! Even if you do snag one of their 5 tables, you’ll have to deal with people hovering over you. It’s more than just “it’s popular and crowded.” Their system just doesn’t work. I think their business model would work a lot better if it were a sit down restaurant-style ice cream service.
Has anyone been back lately? My visit was over 2 months ago now. Is it still the same situation? I’d LOVE to go back, but I don’t want another poor experience…
There you have it – that’s what I’m visiting and loving recently! Do you have recommendations for me? Comment below or hit me up on Instagram @DiscoveringATX.
