Smoked by AI · Austin · people

Nicolai McCrary

Critic · Creator — Austin restaurants across every price band, from barbecue counters to tasting rooms, reviewed on The Infatuation's ten-point scale. He is the only critic in the city still filing scored reviews.

Listed with the critics and writers in Austin.

Nicolai McCrary is The Infatuation's Austin reviewer, Austin-based since 2008, and was a photographer and cook before he was a writer. His byline carries all four of the Austin reviews cited here, and The Infatuation is the only Austin outlet that publishes a score: la Barbecue 8.0, Este 8.7, Canje 9.1, Birdie's 9.5, on a 1-10 scale. He also builds and maintains "Top 25: The Best Restaurants In Austin", which he ranks in order. The Infatuation is owned by JPMorgan Chase, and its Austin pages carry a "Chase Exclusive" section, so the scale belongs to a bank. The scores stand, and the ownership is stated alongside them.

Their own reviews and picks.

Their own judgment, in their own words, by the piece it appeared in.

The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2026-08-06
- Klerje CoffeeEast Sixth
  “this is really a place for premium pour-overs and thoughtfully crafted signature drinks”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2026-07-27
- MongersNorth Central Austin
  “Chowders have too much salt, caesar salads taste like they were doused in anchovy broth, and fresh oysters arrive with not-so-fresh mignonette that lightly fizzes when it hits your tongue.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2026-07-20
- TareNorth Austin
  “Tare is a creative middle ground that's doing something different and fun.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2026-06-04
- Nan Xiang Express - Austin, TXMueller
  “The xiao long bao sometimes arrive a little deflated and short on their signature soup, but they generally satisfy the craving without much fuss.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2026-06-02
- RoyaNorth Shoal Creek
  “Roya is more than just the best Persian restaurant in Austin”
- RoyaNorth Shoal Creek
  “Austin's best dip isn't queso, guacamole, or even salsa. It just might be Roya's bademjan, a smoky whipped eggplant”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their pick · 2026-05-12
- Phoebe's Diner
  “Expect largely the same menu of breakfast and brunch items, including some of Austin's best pancakes.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2026-05-01
- Hanami AYCE SushiMidtown Commons, North Central Austin
  “the quality is decent enough to justify the $35-ish price tag at dinner”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2026-04-30
- Space Kat BBQEast Austin
  “There are very few with smoked Akaushi tri-tip tender enough to go toe to toe with any steak in town.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2026-04-10
- De Nada Cantina - South 1stSouth 1st Street, South Austin
  “De Nada throws a good party”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2026-04-07
- Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-QueDowntown, Congress Avenue
  “Everything is serviceable, but none of it will leave an impression that lasts beyond the time it takes to walk back to your desk/hotel/car”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2026-03-13
- Rogue RadishDowntown
  “Here's some of the most perfectly cooked salmon you'll find outside of a dedicated seafood joint.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2026-03-03
- DEE DEE : Farm-to-Table Northeastern Thai Food
  “With more food pouring out of the kitchen in larger batches, some of the punchy flavors and tear-inducing spice levels we loved so much are dialed back.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2026-02-26
- KonbiniEast Austin
  “Nigiri is the MVP, though, and pieces come with creative toppings like salsa macha, mole, and escabeche relish.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2026-01-29
- Casino El CaminoEast Sixth
  “incredibly thick, with a char-grilled crust and a pink center”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2026-01-23
- Shokunin ATXEast Austin
  “Every piece has incredible texture, rich, buttery, and practically shimmering in its own personal spotlight”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2026-01-16
- Moreno Burger CoMenchaca
  “The griddled crust on the smashburger makes it one of the best in town”
The Infatuation Austin, The 12 Best Al Pastor Tacos In Austin ↗their pick · 2026-01-07
- Paprika ATXNorth Lamar
  “on Saturdays, Paprika busts out the trompo to make the best al pastor in Austin”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2026-01-05
- PéchéDowntown
  “The morel demi glace adds a rich, savory kick to the pork, and the meat is juicy and tender from edge to edge. This is one of our favorite dishes here.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2025-12-16
- SotoSouth Lamar
  “Most of the pieces are good, but they rely on an abundance of caviar, foie gras, and uni to elevate otherwise unremarkable sushi. The garnishes are creative and the fish is undoubtedly high-quality, but they’re paired with rice that doesn’t quite hold up its end of the bargain.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-12-10
- Moreno BarbecueSouthwest Austin
  “The brisket holds its own with the best in town”
The Infatuation Austin, The Best BBQ Spots In Austin ↗their pick · 2025-12-10
- Moreno BarbecueSouthwest Austin
  “the jalapeño cheddar sausage is some of the snappiest we've had”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-11-12
- daydreamerNorth University
  “their original location in West Campus has been a reliable spot for a morning honey oat latte”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-11-12
- Leona Botanical Cafe & Bar
  “Both spots have long been home to some of our favorite versions of their respective cuisines, so these new openings are exciting.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-11-04
- Paprika ATXNorth Lamar
  “Choosing a favorite taco in Austin is nearly impossible, but when an out-of-towner asks where to find the best, 87% of the time we're taking them to Paprika.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-10-21
- La MezcaMueller
  “Reminiscent of CDMX bars like Tlecan, La Mezca seems airlifted straight from Roma Norte”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-10-09
- Blue Apsara LLCSouth Lamar
  “Some places you go to for the atmosphere, and others you visit because the food is so good you'd happily eat it in a parking lot. Blue Apsara is firmly the latter”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-09-30
- Hokkaisan Japanese Deli SushiDowntown
  “the food falls somewhere between a casual neighborhood restaurant and what you'd get from the Sushi-Ya counter at H-E-B”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-09-22
- Palm PizzaEast Cesar Chavez
  “especially because the crust leans a little more bready than chewy”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2025-09-16
- UchiSouth Lamar
  “It feels less like a chef-curated "omakase" and more like a selection of "greatest hits" from the menu.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-09-09
- SitiEast Austin
  “Siti probably won't match your favorite noodle shop, but it is an enjoyable, stylish place for a dinner that mixes Southeast Asian flavors with Austin's appetite for turning everything into a night out with cocktails”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-08-20
- Fig Italian Kitchen & BarSouth Lamar
  “Housemade pappardelle is perfectly al dente and comes with a rich, gamey lamb neck ragu, but it gets buried under caramelized fennel, pickled raisins, spiced pistachios, and mint gremolata”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-08-14
- Allday Pizza: Hyde ParkHyde Park
  “The MVP is, unsurprisingly, the pizza, available by the slice or pie. It's thin, crisp, and chewy in all the right ways”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-08-13
- Tiki Tatsu-YaSouth Lamar
  “The wonton chips are the perfect vessel for scooping up rangoon cheese with sweet crabmeat, and the side of pineapple chili jam adds a bit of spice.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2025-06-20
- Equipment RoomSouth Congress
  “the vinyl listening and cocktail spot Equipment Room looks more like the living room of a very wealthy audiophile”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-06-12
- Honey Moon Spirit LoungeNorth University
  “small plates and cocktails are where Honey Moon really shines”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2025-06-10
- The Austin WinerySt. Elmo, South Austin
  “they don’t charge a corkage fee, making it one of the more affordable options for natural wine in town”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-06-05
- Top Notch HamburgersAllandale, Burnet Road
  “You can see the patties nearly engulfed in flames from the moment you walk in the door, which translates to some excellent charred flavor in burger form”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-05-29
- Barley SwineBrentwood
  “Ask anyone at the restaurant where something came from, and they can probably tell you a whole story about their personal relationship with the farmer.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2025-05-21
- MEXTA Mexican RestaurantEast Sixth
  “The menu reads well and looks the part, but Mexta’s execution misses the mark more often than not. Dishes sometimes arrive burnt, aggressively salted, or clumsily assembled.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-05-20
- Electric Gravy Mumbai Bar & CanteenEast Austin
  “If you're hoping to relive the aroma of your last trip to Mumbai, there are better places in town for that. But if you're after bold flavors, an upbeat atmosphere, and a little creative chaos, Electric Gravy is worth a stop”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-05-20
- Odd DuckSouth Lamar
  “Odd Duck didn't just coast down the trailer-to-restaurant pipeline, it built it.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2025-05-09
- Intero RestaurantEast Cesar Chavez
  “If we had to pick only one dish to order, it would be this bucatini with grilled kale, aged cheddar, chili oil, and chives. The cheese adds a nuttiness, and the chili oil brings just a hint of spice. It's a nearly perfect plate of pasta.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2025-05-08
- Birdie'sRosewood
  “A meal here is homey and thoughtful, like a dinner party thrown by your very talented chef friend where creative dishes keep coming and you can never seem to find the bottom of your wine glass.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2025-05-06
- Mother's RuinEast Sixth
  “Nearly all of the drinks land in the $13 range, which is a breath of fresh air in Austin's $20+ cocktail scene.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-04-29
- Rockman Coffee + BakeshopEast Austin
  “kouign-amann with crisp and buttery edges, and rip-and-dip bagels you'll want to turn into a weekly habit”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2025-04-23
- Tian Tian Golden Palace Seafood & Dim Sum AustinNorth Austin
  “The quality isn't quite as fresh as places that sell dumplings a la carte (at higher prices), but they're all hot, fresh, and tasty.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2025-04-17
- CanjeEast Sixth
  “This is a fun, busy space with a lot of energy, but not in a way that feels too crowded.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2025-04-17
- Kemuri Tatsu-YaEast Austin
  “This is one of our favorite skewers...it's a savory rush to the head.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-04-17
- KG BBQEast Austin
  “There aren’t that many barbecue spots in town smoking whole racks of lamb, and here they’re cooked to a perfect medium rare and served with a bright, garlicky mint chimichurri.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2025-04-17
- Phở Phong LưuNorth Austin
  “This is the best pho in Austin, and if you find yourself generally craving a bowl of hot, savory, noodle soup, it's one of the best options all around.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-04-01
- Uptown Sports ClubEast Sixth
  “Uptown might never draw the same lines as Franklin Barbecue, and that's perfectly fine. Nobody needs to wait four hours in the sweltering sun for a po'boy or a platter of oysters.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2025-03-24
- ArisWest Sixth
  “We're ready to declare this the best free bread course in Austin.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-03-20
- Allday Pizza: E. 6th StreetEast Sixth
  “excellent tangy sauce and a slightly charred but still chewy crust”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-02-06
- The potluckSouth Austin
  “The wings are huge, with a very fine breading that adds a little extra crunch.”
- The potluckSouth Austin
  “our favorite is the "loose cannon," topped with a thick dusting of (probably) Cajun and ranch seasonings”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-01-14
- LoudmouthEast Austin
  “We've had crusts here that rival Bufalina in terms of blistered, chewy goodness, and others that were a little on the well-done end”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2025-01-14
- Micklethwait Craft Meats BBQ & CateringEast Austin
  “the combination of excellent smoked meats, inventive sides (plus some actual pies), and semi-reasonable wait times makes Micklethwait perfect for visitors who want to see what Austin barbecue is all about”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2024-12-20
- Tancho SushiOak Hill
  “In an era when expensive omakases have nearly taken over Austin, Tancho offers a more accessible alternative.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2024-12-18
- Mian & BaoNorth Central Austin
  “This cold noodle dish is one of our favorite things here. It's heavy on the mouth-numbing Sichuan peppercorn, which makes each bite more fun than the last. And it's entirely vegan.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2024-12-13
- Craft OmakaseNorth Lamar
  “most pieces undergoing some level of curing, dry-aging, or probably yoga to bring out different textures and flavors”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2024-12-11
- HestiaDowntown
  “When they nail it (and they usually do) they're among the best we've ever had.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2024-12-06
- JuniperEast Cesar Chavez
  “The cacio e pepe is probably the most iconic dish at Juniper, and for good reason”
- JuniperEast Cesar Chavez
  “the tasting menu overlooks Juniper's biggest strength by serving almost no pasta”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2024-10-29
- Foreign & DomesticNorth Central Austin
  “everything feels like it was cooked in some rustic cottage on a farm where absolutely nothing goes to waste”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2024-10-04
- Casa BiancaEast Cesar Chavez
  “Most dishes at this East Side spot sound familiar, but nothing really looks how you expect it to”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2024-09-12
- Texas Chili ParlorDowntown
  “There's only one place in Austin that can satisfy the wants of dive-bar enthusiasts, chili lovers, and Downtown workers hungry for excellent enchiladas.”
- Texas Chili ParlorDowntown
  “Despite the restaurant's name, we're adamant that the chili is not the best thing on the menu here.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2024-09-12
- Tsuke EdomaeMueller
  “There aren't a lot of places doing classic Edo-style nigiri in Austin, and certainly none operating on this level.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2024-09-06
- Gina's on CongressDowntown, Congress Avenue
  “Gina's is the type of pocket-sized neighborhood bistro you might expect to find on a quiet corner in a much older, larger city.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2024-09-04
- Enchiladas Y MasCrestview
  “it's the food that has given this place a cult-like following among locals”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2024-08-29
- Pedroso's Pizza (Justin Ln)North Austin, Crestview
  “Pedroso's is a pizza machine. We don't know any other place in Austin that can dish out textbook-ready versions of New York-, American-, Sicilian-, and grandma-style pies on a moment's notice as seamlessly as we would build a Lunchables pizza.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2024-08-21
- Stiles Switch BBQ (North Lamar)North Lamar, Highland
  “They're consistently snappy, moist, and one of the highlights of any meal here.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2024-06-12
- Bill's OysterDowntown
  “This is one of our favorite tuna tartares in town”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2024-05-16
- Busty'sWindsor Park
  “it’s a casual affair with cheap and potent drinks that serve as catnip to anyone in a five-mile radius with boots and a flannel shirt”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2024-05-10
- Bar PeachedWest Sixth
  “The food here is solid enough to warrant a visit, but you're really here to grab a table under the covered patio outside and sip on habanero and Thai basil margaritas at sunset.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2024-03-19
- Titaya's Thai CuisineNorth Loop
  “It’s that reliable Thai spot that everybody wishes was in their neighborhood—show up at dinner time and you’ll inevitably find a small crowd of people waiting by the door for a table.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2024-03-05
- Austin Beerworks - Sprinkle ValleyNortheast Austin
  “When the weather is nice, this is the type of place you'll want to spend an entire afternoon.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2024-03-05
- Independence Brewing Co.Southeast Austin
  “this small brewery and taproom in South Austin makes some of our favorite imperial IPAs and oatmeal stouts in town”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2024-03-05
- St. Elmo Brewing CompanySt. Elmo, South Austin
  “St. Elmo Brewing is home to our favorite smashburger in Austin at Patty Palace, and that alone should be enough reason to head to this South Austin brewery”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2024-03-05
- The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.Bouldin Creek
  “clean, refreshing, and well-suited to combating the Texas sun”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2024-02-12
- UchibāDowntown
  “Uchiba is at its best with food that comes off the yakitori grill (something that doesn’t exist at the other spots), at its second best with the small hot and cold plates, and at its weakest when it comes to nigiri (but only barely).”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2024-02-09
- Little Deli & PizzeriaCrestview
  “This is one of the best pastrami sandwiches in town.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-12-18
- Sunflower Vietnamese CuisineMcNeil
  “This is the go-to spot for central Vietnamese specialties like banh xeo and canh chua, and it’s our favorite spot in town for both (and apparently, a lot of others agree).”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-12-08
- Din Ho Chinese BBQNorth Austin
  “When someone in Austin asks if you want to go grab some barbecue pork or roast duck for dinner, they’re really asking you if you want to go to Din Ho, near 183 and Ohlen.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2023-11-29
- Yellow Bell TacosNortheast Austin
  “we can’t get enough of the rich, gamey lamb shoulder—shredded thin and paired with enough salsa, onions, and fresh cilantro to add some balance to an otherwise decadent meal”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2023-11-14
- NomadeBouldin Creek
  “The food is solid enough to keep you wanting more, but it ultimately takes a back seat to an experience that evokes a buzzy spot somewhere off the coast of Mexico.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-11-13
- KESSHŌ Artisanal Chocolate and Gelato (Burnet Rd)North Austin
  “an ice cream truck in South Austin, close to Oltorf and South First Street, selling "Asian-inspired" flavors of gelato, including ube, hojicha, and "boba tea."”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-11-08
- SuerteEast Sixth
  “Suerte's savory highlights include barbacoa, ceviche, and suadero tacos with confited wagyu brisket and something called "black magic oil."”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2023-11-06
- UchikoRosedale
  “These come tossed in a fish sauce caramel that we'd drink from a mug, if it were socially acceptable. They're crispy, sweet, spicy, and just the right amount of funky.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2023-11-04
- EsteBlackland
  “a Mexican seafood restaurant on Manor Road that feels like you just floated into a small coastal town in Baja, California”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2023-11-03
- Cuantos TacosEast Austin
  “some of the best Mexico City-style street tacos in Austin”
- Cuantos TacosEast Austin
  “It's rare that a side dish like beans can make a lasting impression, but somehow Cuantos makes it happen.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-10-09
- Cosmic SaltilloPlaza Saltillo, East Austin
  “It's all set in a massive complex that feels like running around in a repurposed industrial warehouse, complete with an enormous dog-friendly patio, a rooftop deck with downtown views, an all-day taqueria, and a ton of plants to liven it all up.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-10-06
- PieousBelterra, southwest of Austin
  “Grab some pastrami as an appetizer, it's some of the best in town”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-09-19
- Suculenta Cantina
  “a food trailer where you can get an order of chile en nogada or enchiladas suizas on hand-made corn tortillas”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-09-01
- Asado's TaqueriaSoutheast Austin
  “Asado's specializes in burritos and tacos inspired by San Francisco's Mission District (minus the typical inclusion of rice)”
The Infatuation Austin (Mueller room) ↗their review · 2023-08-01
- Aviator Pizza & DrafthouseNorthwest Austin
  “Aviator has five locations across the Austin area”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2023-08-01
- P Thai's Khao Man Gai & NoodlesNorth Central Austin
  “These are Thai street-food dishes that can't be found anywhere else in Austin.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2023-07-26
- HolidayEast Austin
  “Cooked to a perfect al dente, the pasta is served swimming in a shallow pool of parmesan broth with blistered tomatoes.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-07-07
- Phoebe's Diner
  “if you're seeking the original 1950s-style classic American diner experience, you'll want to head to the OG location on Oltorf”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-06-29
- La Santa BarbachaManor Road, East Austin
  “We really like when places focus on doing one thing exceptionally well, and at La Santa Barbacha, barbacoa takes center stage.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-06-27
- Lazarus Brewing Co.East Austin
  “It became, and remains to this day, a buzzy spot for good coffee, solid beers, great tacos, and a spacious patio.”
- Lazarus Brewing Co. Airport Blvd.North Loop
  “And the newer space on Airport Boulevard takes things to another level”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-06-21
- In Plain SightDowntown
  “behind a barely marked frosted glass door are eight stools, a little standing area and a small bar shaking up some of the best cocktails in town”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-04-26
- Here Nor ThereDowntown
  “The cocktails are pricey, but with liquid nitrogen-cooled olives, clarified punches, and hand-stamped ice at play, it all feels like part of the show”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2023-04-21
- Mum Foods Smokehouse And DelicatessenManor Road, Windsor Park
  “We've had some excellent pieces of brisket here that could go toe-to-toe with the best in town”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-04-13
- Old ThousandEast Austin
  “It’s Chinese food that grew up in Texas, and it’s food that you probably won’t find anywhere outside of Austin.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-04-10
- Bamboo House AustinNorth Austin
  “It's also the best version we've had in town, with crispy, brittle skin draped over incredibly tender meat.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-03-16
- Flo’s Wine Bar and Bottle ShopTarrytown
  “a few slices of excellent pizza from Allday Pizza”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-03-14
- Mama DearestEast Austin
  “This is a bar that's simply having a good time”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-03-14
- Subterra Agave BarSeaholm District
  “when paired together by bar staff that clearly knows what they're doing, the end result is something truly unique”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-03-06
- Asador at Las PerlasRainey Street
  “They’re far better than they need to be, and for that we’re extremely grateful.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2023-02-24
- Swift's AtticDowntown, Congress Avenue
  “Swift's Attic throws in just enough wildcards from time to time to keep things interesting”
- Swift's AtticDowntown, Congress Avenue
  “It's a concept that sounds a little more fun in theory than in execution while you slowly wait for the ice to melt”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2022-12-07
- Fonda San MiguelRosedale
  “This is where we've had some of the best mole in Austin”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2022-10-31
- Polvo's Mexican RestaurantSouth 1st Street, South Austin
  “Fajitas are the name of the game at Polvos, so much so that there's an entire portion of the menu dedicated to them.”
- Polvo's Mexican RestaurantSouth 1st Street, South Austin
  “There are two locations in Austin: a newer, slightly-sterile one downtown, and the original on South 1st.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2022-09-16
- Half StepRainey Street
  “There's a neat little menu of classic and contemporary cocktails, but the bartenders here are good enough to make you just about anything.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2022-08-22
- PaperboyEast Austin
  “here, the bacon is thick-cut, the cheese is pimento, and the egg, sunny-side up.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2022-07-20
- GarageDowntown
  “Walking into Garage Bar feels like you're entering the secret lair of a Fast & Furious movie villain.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2022-07-20
- Kinfolk Lounge & LibraryDowntown
  “Moonshine has long had one of the best whiskey selections in town, so it's no surprise that you can taste some pretty great stuff at Kinfolk.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2022-07-20
- Red Headed StepchildDowntown
  “The cocktails lean on the “fun” side here, with things like milk-based punch served with a side of Trix cereal.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2022-07-11
- TaquicardiaEast Austin
  “They also make some of the best cochinita pibil we've had in town”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2022-06-01
- Ramen Tatsu-Ya (East Austin)East Sixth
  “The toppings on each bowl differ a bit, but all of them come with one of the best ajitama we've had.”
The Infatuation Austin ↗their review · 2022-05-25
- Zeds Real Fruit Ice CreamEast Austin and Tarrytown
  “you start with a base (vanilla or a non-dairy option), then choose from whatever fruits they have. It all gets blended together and topped with various drizzles and toppings”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2022-04-11
- la BarbecueEast Cesar Chavez
  “once you make it through the inevitable line, you'd be hard pressed to find a more beautiful piece of brisket”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2022-03-10
- Oddwood BrewingManor Road, Windsor Park
  “On a quiet corner near Airport and Manor is Oddwood Brewing, a neighborhood brewery making excellent saisons, happy pale ales, and lagers.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2022-01-21
- Fukumoto Sushi & Yakitori IzakayaEast Austin
  “It has that texture that still feels just a little firm, but very tender.”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2022-01-21
- The Roosevelt Room
  “this is one of the best places to try classic cocktails as they were meant to be enjoyed”
The Infatuation ↗their review · 2022-01-14
- Las Trancas Taco StandEast Austin
  “you should definitely make some crispy tripas, lengua, carnitas, and campechano tacos a part of your order”

Pieces they wrote about these places.

Reporting, openings and roundups. Kept for the trail, and not read as their endorsement — a writer relaying someone else's award is not recommending it.

The Infatuation, The 25 Best Restaurants In Austin ↗roundup · 2023-11-08
- P Thai's Khao Man Gai & NoodlesNorth Central Austin
  “Austin's best Thai restaurant outshines the competition with its namesake dish.”

Also tagged to them.

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