As a 20 year Austinite I have had the opportunity to dine out at variety of great restaurants. They run the gamut from fine dining to burgers and shakes. If you give me a minute I may be able to help you find some of the best meals in Austin.

Evangeline Cafe - 8106 Brodie Lane- This is a great family place and the owner Curtis is almost always there. He makes a point of greeting people and making sure they have a great time. The food is authentic cajunand the portions are plentiful. Make sure you have a crawfish pistolette, it is one of his signature dishes and totally DIVINE! The price is reasonable and the atmosphere is fun. Every day is Mardis Gras and the party on Fat Tuesday spills into the parking lot!!

Stubb's BBQ - 801 Red River- Thisplace has both great history and the best BBQ I have eaten. The building is historic and the founder  was the nicest man alive. Mr. Stubb has passed on but his legacy of great food lives on. The beer is ice cold and the music is LIVE most nights.

Satay- 3202 West Anderson Lane - The owner Foo Swazdee is a 20 year restaurateur and nationally recognized food scientist. Her recipes will delight your taste-buds! Several of her sauces are available for purchase in the local stores as well as at Satay. This has been voted the best Thai food according to the Austin Chronicle for several years.  

Tino's Greek Cafe - 9901 Brodie Lane *There are multiple locations, but this one is my favorite. They are very reasonably priced and the food is divine! The dinner plate will easily serve two for $9. The hummus is home made and delicious!

Louies 106 - 106 East 6th Street - My favorite upscale dinning establishment since the City Grill closed a few years ago. Louies, makes you feel like a star with deep red velvet drapes and uber attentive service. The food here is five star the carpaccio is the best! Want to impress your in-laws or a date, this is the place!

Dona Emilia's - 101 San Jacinto- Its just across from the Four Seasons and it has fantastic South American/Brazilianfare. Hearty portions of delightful exotic food. Fried plantains with goat cheese, coffee-crusted beef tenderloin. They also make a killer mojito!! The room upstairs is great for parties I have reserved it several times for an event.

Las Manitas - Great Mexican food downtown at a great price. Its not fancy, but its famous. While dining here once I saw David Byrne. This place draws celebrities because the food is that good. Authentic Mexican food.

Estancia Churrascaria - 4894 HWY 290 West - The name is impossible to pronounce, but the food is unbelievable. The cheesy bread melts in your mouth, the salad and veggie bar is outstanding, but don't fill up there! Nothing compares to the waiters delivering the hot succulent meat on a skewer to your table. The deserts are worth saving room for, or just carry it home in a doggie bag. The food is just that good and the service exceptional. Warning the place is tiny so there may be a wait. 

 Chuy's - 1728 Barton Springs Road *Multiple locations all over Austin - It looks like when Elvis died he came to Chuy's as his picture is everywhere in Chuy's. The food is amazing and if you like hot stuff try the Jalapeno Ranch on a salad on chips or just your finger it rocks! Prepare to wat for lunch if your not there by 11:15 yes I said 11:15. They fill up fast!

Truluck's - 400 Colorado - Simply some of the best seafood you will ever eat.Food is served within 24 hours of being harvested. Its all fresh and fabulous! If you don't like seafood they also grill a mean steak. The desert tray is a calorie killer, but worth every bite!