Right now in Austin, I’m loving breweries with BIG outdoor patios and places with easy, walk-up to-go windows. Last edition, I shared a few and today I’m sharing a few more!
Think of these posts as little glimpses into where I’m going and what I’m loving right now. Of course, I’m always extremely cautious – I order takeout/curbside when possible, sit outside at well-spaced tables, and always wear my mask. I’m still not dining indoors, so everything on this list is either to-go or large patio dining.
I know things are constantly changing with COVID, but as for now, I’m open to doing outdoor activities! Comment on this post or over at @discoveringATX with your favorite patios/outdoor Austin activities!
And with that, let’s get into it!
Previous editions can be found here: Austin Eats Round-Up
Armadillo Den
10106 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78748
Hit up the @armadilloden in south Austin last week. Loved the space – outdoor bars, huge space, plenty of picnic tables that are actually socially distanced – and two delicious food trucks, @puebloviejoaustin and @weareranchhand. Couple of things to keep in mind, though: Parking is limited. There’s a dirt lot, which was fine at 4:30pm on a Monday, but I anticipate that filling up quickly. Maybe plan to Uber if you’re going to visit during peak hours? Also, since they don’t take reservations, I assume it will get pretty crowded pretty quickly at popular times! Everyone wants an outdoor bar to hangout at right now! Again, we went at 4:30 on a Monday and it was WONDERFUL. But 8 or 9pm on a Saturday would probably be a different situation.
1203 E 11th, Austin, Texas 78702
BEC from @paperboyaustin: thick sliced bacon, pimiento cheese, sunny side up egg, buttermilk bun, and a side of crispy potato wedges. Love the simple, clean design of @paperboyaustin on east 11th. What other restaurants/ trucks are nailing the minimalistic design aesthetic?
2324 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
On South Lamar, there’s an adorable little coffee shop called Maha Coffee. In addition to delicious espresso drinks and teas and pre-packaged juices and drinks from local small businesses, the owner is constantly baking up gluten-free goodies in their completely gluten-free kitchen. We ordered a pear and turmeric muffin it was so good! Such interesting flavors that come together wonderfully. I highly recommend the lavender latte (with house-made lavender syrup) and a sampling of whatever fresh baked goods they happen to have on hand. Also, their merch is pretty freaking adorable as well. No walk-up window, but you can easily wait outside for your drink after you order.
4824 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX, 78702
Most beautiful brewery interior award goes to – @central.machine.works. Love the mix of the industrial look with the elegant couches and greenery. There’s also a mini art gallery set up inside (What?! Amazing, I know). One of my new favorite places is @central.machine.works. They have lots of outdoor picnic tables (spaced nicely), reservations available (so you don’t have to worry about people hovering in your space for a table), plenty of parking, beautiful interior warehouse decor, delicious beer, great food menu… I could go on and on.
121 Pickle Road Ste. 111, Austin, TX 78704
Do yourself a favor – order some to-go drinks from @cosmiccoffeebeer. The Jolene was my favorite, but the frozen boozy coffee was also tasty (and held up very well on the drive home thanks to the bag of ice). If you’ve never been, @cosmiccoffeebeer has lots of outdoor seating! I would have felt comfortable hanging out outside for a bit.
2110 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704
On South Congress, there’s a unique spot called @themeteorcafe. It’s an espresso bar, pizza spot, bike shop, and wine club (yes, wine club) all in one. We ordered some coffee and pastries, but what impressed me the most was their wine collection! If I had thought ahead, I would have bought some bottles of wine here instead of HEB!
