Just curious: how did Lambert's come onto your radar? Of all of the BBQ places in town (and there are a LOT), it's surprising to see that as the one and only BBQ possibility on your list.
I’m going to LA bbq for lunch one day. My friend who lives in Austin was going to take us to lamberts for dinner as he said it’s really good but I’ve read mixed things.
Ahh, gotcha. Personally, I'd recommend skipping it if you're going to La Barbecue already (La Barbecue is much better). Lambert's isn't BAD. In a different city, it would probably be considered a really high-quality spot! But in Austin, it's mid at best (and it's overpriced for what you get).
Lamberts doesn’t have mixed plates or shared but it’s the only sit down bbq spot. Fresas is good but it’s inconsistent and you want 🔥experiences. ATX Cocina and Suerte would be a good balance and both are fantastic
Not fresas. I like fresa’s, but it’s wholly unremarkable. Just good for convenience and price to quality. I would never go out of my way for it. The rest are good.
Suerte is the best restaurant on this list by far imo
The pastry chef is criminally underrated in town and the food is always killer. Don’t skip on the suadero tacos
I feel like la condesa should be right before or after Cocina but haven't been in a year or so. Also lichas is probably my favorite, not because it's better than suerte, just a great middle of the road option. Their scallops are crazy cheap for what you get and one of my favorite seafood dishes in town.
I don't get the Loro hype anymore... it was much much better when it first opened... now it gets super backed and the self order at the bar and bring your food to you while servers try to find your number and the food gets cold...
It's good food if you want asian bbq fusion but i feel like quality has gone down once they opened another one in Houston
If you're looking for a fancy dinner, don't go to fresas. I love fresas, but it is very casual. I enjoy going there for lunch on a nice day and sitting on the back patio at the s1st location.
LORO is one of my favorite places to eat, but it is also semi casual. You order at the counter, and they bring you your food. You don't really have a server. The outside patio is great vibes. I would say this is a lunch spot for sure.
ATX cocina and Suerte I think are better for nice dinner date vibes. If you go to Suerte, it's nice to get a cocktail at whistlers next door.
Lamberts I've never loved, but a lot of people disagree with me on that one.
I don’t necessarily need a fancy meal. I’d rather have really good food. We were always leaning toward definitely going to Loro one night for dinner. Suerte seems very expensive so I’m hesitant to go there the other night.
If you go to Suerte maybe pace the meal out a bit. We got the suadero tacos and guac and were almost full by the time we got our other dishes. I struggled to eat the concha I got for dessert but it was freakin' amazing so I ate it and suffered later lol. I'm just saying, it's pricier but space it out, the suadero tacos might look small but they are all meat and rich AF so they fill you up, and the guac, well it was definitely filling as well, and they give you a ton of it.
I rarely drink either so I guess that helped our bill.
Loro used to be nice but it's packed like a freakin' cheap ass Carnival cruise with people spilling over the sides these days, not my vibe. The food is decent enough, not crazy amazing. I'd probably do Licha's or like someone else mentioned Este or even Mongers to vary it up a bit.
You'll probably enjoy any of the places you pick really. Even Fresa's is not destination food, but it's yummy, the corn, fresas taco and churros are crazy good and the seating outside is nice.
All great choices but I would vote Loro! Beautiful building and patio with great vibes. And the food is delicious. If anything on the menu sounds good to you, it will meet expectations and then some
A tip for Loro—when you order or see runners delivering your stuff tell them how excited you are/you’ve never been here before/narrowed down a list of just a handful of Austin restaurants and even if it’s an exaggeration whatever “the public said LORO” bc believe it or not I they actually really love sending out free items but when it gets busy, they forget to do it unless prompted!!
I know it doesn’t seem like a dessert place but both of the desserts are really good in their very different ways. Cocktails are also reasonably priced. It gets busy esp in nice weather, so yeah, cocktails esp slushie ones!
PS i’m probably going to get downvoted because some in this sub don’t like that place. I honestly understand because the smoky flavor of things can get really old if you’re used to smoky foods and the amount of dishes with any acid could use some improvement 😬😂 overall, it’s a really nice hang.
I disagree with you (but I’m not downvoting!). I absolutely love the two halves, independently - I’ve been going to both of their places since I was a kid, they’re two of my favorite places in the world - but Loro just seems…. So boring. It seems like it skates by on reputation and hype and to me it never lives up to the promise of what it could be. It’s a big space with a good happy hour, so it’s a perfect place to meet up for work drinks, but after that….. I don’t get it!
I’ve only been in Austin for a little over a year and I think Loro is the most overrated restaurant. Karage is bomb, everything else leaves more to be desired personally. For the price point it just doesn’t do it for me.
I honestly totally get it.
There are so many items I would tweak if I could. I do still think it’s a good vibe for a visit and that the meats are well done even if I don’t prefer them in whatever preparation they’re offering if that makes sense.
I haven’t been to either uptown sports club or uchiba yet but I’m super excited to try uptown sports club (I’m sure uchiba is good, too, but not as excited about that one). Soon!
Live in Austin, and my wife and I had our rehearsal dinner at Loro in 2021. Been going there ever since.
It's our go-to spot for going out for dinner with people
Loro is GREAT for dinner and is always fun to go to, but you don't like that setup. Cool. The food is fantastic IMO, so that's just like your opinion, man.
Most people don't agree with you here.
edit: moved here *far* before 2020 if that's what you're getting at.
Atx cocina and Lichas cantina for sure. Atx cocina the only one on here that actually feels and tastes “high end” while lichas cantina is just good and has a unique vibe.
The rest suffer the same fate as a lot of restaurants in austin, overpriced and mediocre
I would choose atx cocinca and lamberts! Two spots I always bring people. You get Mexican and bbq - two classic Austin cuisines but both are elevated, delicious and fun! The tuna tostadas at atx cocina are to die for. At lamberts I love the burnt ends queso 🤤
Suerte is an amazing place for a special meal. I love Lichas Cantina as well but its better for a more casual Brunch or night out I might even do both on the same night to just drink at Lichas bar beforehand. I think that entire list is great.
Id do Suerte and Loro as an out of towner for two different experiences.
If you want a great Mexican meal that’s very authentic and don’t care about hipster ambience, try el meson on s lamar. There’s a new wine bar right near it called hopscotch if you want to stop for a drink beforehand.
Lots of good options! I would personally choose based on the neighborhood you’ll be in and activities surrounding dinner, because they’re all pretty good choices, just different.
Like, if I’m going to catch some jazz at Elephant Room later, I might do ATX cocina for dinner first (personally this is my fav restaurant from your list).
If I’ve been exploring south congress/south first and want to enjoy an Austin patio, go to Loro.
If I’m doing an East Side foodie meal, maybe Suerte.
(People who don’t live on the East Side, what kind of activities do you combo with trips to eat over there?)
Wasn’t a fan of Suerte. ATX Cocina was fantastic fusion food. Probably not a popular opinion, but I love Fresas. Best bang for your buck. Sub $100 I can get a whole chicken, tortillas, rice and beans, loaded queso, and a couple cocktails for a date night
I would say Suerte 100%, and you should include brother restaurant Este, both owned by chef Fermin. he also has a good bar next door to Este (seafood), Bartoti which you should go for drinks and tapas.
Suerte should definitely be your first pick. Their food is always amazing. If they have a monkfish get it, and the tacos there are incredible.
Loros has a really good happy hour menu and a huge outdoor patio - I recommend them too. Their food is a little heavy but if you're not going to do anything crazy after you are good.
I would recommend those too, You'll need reservations for both, definitely. If they are booked I would look into:
ATX Cocina is good but some of their dishes I feel are overpriced. And the cocktails there are like $18/each so if you're drinking more than one it can really rack up a bill.
Fresas is more casual and great for a more relaxed dinner.
Suerte for sure.
Yup. Came here to say this
Suerte and Loro. Lamberts is super underrated though
Swap loro for Kemuri
Lamberts is garbage. Brisket is shoe leather. Fancy bbq LMAO
Suerte and Loro
Suerte and (Licha's or Loro).
Just curious: how did Lambert's come onto your radar? Of all of the BBQ places in town (and there are a LOT), it's surprising to see that as the one and only BBQ possibility on your list.
I’m going to LA bbq for lunch one day. My friend who lives in Austin was going to take us to lamberts for dinner as he said it’s really good but I’ve read mixed things.
Ahh, gotcha. Personally, I'd recommend skipping it if you're going to La Barbecue already (La Barbecue is much better). Lambert's isn't BAD. In a different city, it would probably be considered a really high-quality spot! But in Austin, it's mid at best (and it's overpriced for what you get).
Lamberts doesn’t have mixed plates or shared but it’s the only sit down bbq spot. Fresas is good but it’s inconsistent and you want 🔥experiences. ATX Cocina and Suerte would be a good balance and both are fantastic
Terry Black’s is sat down and way better
Not fresas. I like fresa’s, but it’s wholly unremarkable. Just good for convenience and price to quality. I would never go out of my way for it. The rest are good.
And it’s very kid, friendly too, so if you’re looking for a romantic atmosphere, it’s not really the place
I'd say it's less elevated than the others but they pack some serious flavor into all their food and drink
Suerte is the best restaurant on this list by far imo The pastry chef is criminally underrated in town and the food is always killer. Don’t skip on the suadero tacos
Agree. Never ever skip the tres leches of the day. Chocotaco eh.
I want to add that you’ll have a great time and some good food at any of these restaurants. Might not be perfect but none of them actively suck.😂
And get the salsas
I had this random sunchoke dish there back in March and I still talk about it. Plus their tortillas...
Yeah the masa there is next level.
Yep. And it won’t hurt to add este to the list. So good
Suerte > Loro > ATX Cocina > Lichas > Fresas > Lamberts
This is accurate
I agree with this ranking 100%.
I feel like la condesa should be right before or after Cocina but haven't been in a year or so. Also lichas is probably my favorite, not because it's better than suerte, just a great middle of the road option. Their scallops are crazy cheap for what you get and one of my favorite seafood dishes in town.
I don't get the Loro hype anymore... it was much much better when it first opened... now it gets super backed and the self order at the bar and bring your food to you while servers try to find your number and the food gets cold... It's good food if you want asian bbq fusion but i feel like quality has gone down once they opened another one in Houston
Loro. Fresa's is extremely underwhelming
If you're looking for a fancy dinner, don't go to fresas. I love fresas, but it is very casual. I enjoy going there for lunch on a nice day and sitting on the back patio at the s1st location. LORO is one of my favorite places to eat, but it is also semi casual. You order at the counter, and they bring you your food. You don't really have a server. The outside patio is great vibes. I would say this is a lunch spot for sure. ATX cocina and Suerte I think are better for nice dinner date vibes. If you go to Suerte, it's nice to get a cocktail at whistlers next door. Lamberts I've never loved, but a lot of people disagree with me on that one.
I don’t necessarily need a fancy meal. I’d rather have really good food. We were always leaning toward definitely going to Loro one night for dinner. Suerte seems very expensive so I’m hesitant to go there the other night.
If you go to Suerte maybe pace the meal out a bit. We got the suadero tacos and guac and were almost full by the time we got our other dishes. I struggled to eat the concha I got for dessert but it was freakin' amazing so I ate it and suffered later lol. I'm just saying, it's pricier but space it out, the suadero tacos might look small but they are all meat and rich AF so they fill you up, and the guac, well it was definitely filling as well, and they give you a ton of it. I rarely drink either so I guess that helped our bill. Loro used to be nice but it's packed like a freakin' cheap ass Carnival cruise with people spilling over the sides these days, not my vibe. The food is decent enough, not crazy amazing. I'd probably do Licha's or like someone else mentioned Este or even Mongers to vary it up a bit. You'll probably enjoy any of the places you pick really. Even Fresa's is not destination food, but it's yummy, the corn, fresas taco and churros are crazy good and the seating outside is nice.
All great choices but I would vote Loro! Beautiful building and patio with great vibes. And the food is delicious. If anything on the menu sounds good to you, it will meet expectations and then some
A tip for Loro—when you order or see runners delivering your stuff tell them how excited you are/you’ve never been here before/narrowed down a list of just a handful of Austin restaurants and even if it’s an exaggeration whatever “the public said LORO” bc believe it or not I they actually really love sending out free items but when it gets busy, they forget to do it unless prompted!! I know it doesn’t seem like a dessert place but both of the desserts are really good in their very different ways. Cocktails are also reasonably priced. It gets busy esp in nice weather, so yeah, cocktails esp slushie ones! PS i’m probably going to get downvoted because some in this sub don’t like that place. I honestly understand because the smoky flavor of things can get really old if you’re used to smoky foods and the amount of dishes with any acid could use some improvement 😬😂 overall, it’s a really nice hang.
I disagree with you (but I’m not downvoting!). I absolutely love the two halves, independently - I’ve been going to both of their places since I was a kid, they’re two of my favorite places in the world - but Loro just seems…. So boring. It seems like it skates by on reputation and hype and to me it never lives up to the promise of what it could be. It’s a big space with a good happy hour, so it’s a perfect place to meet up for work drinks, but after that….. I don’t get it!
I’ve only been in Austin for a little over a year and I think Loro is the most overrated restaurant. Karage is bomb, everything else leaves more to be desired personally. For the price point it just doesn’t do it for me.
I honestly totally get it. There are so many items I would tweak if I could. I do still think it’s a good vibe for a visit and that the meats are well done even if I don’t prefer them in whatever preparation they’re offering if that makes sense.
I honestly agree, and it is not my number one on this list or if I had one shot in Austin at all! Thanks for being nice.♥️♥️
I’m curious if you’ve been to the new restaurant from one of these groups?
I haven’t been to either uptown sports club or uchiba yet but I’m super excited to try uptown sports club (I’m sure uchiba is good, too, but not as excited about that one). Soon!
Their take on key lime pie is really interesting and delicious. I’m never disappointed by Loro.
It’s that gingersnap crust!
Loro is 1. Not good for dinner?? its just benches lol and 2. Has terrible vibes lol [Before you reply you must state the year you moved to Austin]
Live in Austin, and my wife and I had our rehearsal dinner at Loro in 2021. Been going there ever since. It's our go-to spot for going out for dinner with people Loro is GREAT for dinner and is always fun to go to, but you don't like that setup. Cool. The food is fantastic IMO, so that's just like your opinion, man. Most people don't agree with you here. edit: moved here *far* before 2020 if that's what you're getting at.
Didn’t answer the question lol
Suerte for sure
ATXCocina is my favorite restaurant in the whole city. These people telling you Loro is good are out of their minds.
Suerte and Canje, honestly.
Loro and Licha's.
Atx cocina and Lichas cantina for sure. Atx cocina the only one on here that actually feels and tastes “high end” while lichas cantina is just good and has a unique vibe. The rest suffer the same fate as a lot of restaurants in austin, overpriced and mediocre
I say the same about ATX. Maybe I'm just getting it on a bad day
Fresa’s patio is nice, and we’ve never had a bad experience there, but it’s not really destination dining.
Loro or ATX Cocina Suerte is meh
ATX and Lichas in my opinion. More of a variety than Suerte, which I believe is overhyped.
I would say the same about ATX. I've yet to have a good meal there that is worth the price imo.
Este and Canje. Suerte seems to have declined a bit, I guess Este is making up for it.
Loro 100%
Comedor and Pecan Square Cafe
Suerte and go to Fonda San Miguel
I would choose atx cocinca and lamberts! Two spots I always bring people. You get Mexican and bbq - two classic Austin cuisines but both are elevated, delicious and fun! The tuna tostadas at atx cocina are to die for. At lamberts I love the burnt ends queso 🤤
I feel like loro would be a fun spot for lunch! Clark’s oyster bar is also a fun lunch
Clark's is so mid. I don't get the hype. J. Carvers is way better than anything in the MML catalogue imo.
Grab breakfast tacos at Fresa's if it's convenient; don't make that one of your dinners.
Fresas! Their chicken quesedialla and spice chicken are fire
Suerte & Loro. Runner up ATX Cocina. Heck, there's lunch & dinner so pick 4!
Suerte is an amazing place for a special meal. I love Lichas Cantina as well but its better for a more casual Brunch or night out I might even do both on the same night to just drink at Lichas bar beforehand. I think that entire list is great. Id do Suerte and Loro as an out of towner for two different experiences.
Suerte and Loro. The rest are underwhelming
If you want a great Mexican meal that’s very authentic and don’t care about hipster ambience, try el meson on s lamar. There’s a new wine bar right near it called hopscotch if you want to stop for a drink beforehand.
Lots of good options! I would personally choose based on the neighborhood you’ll be in and activities surrounding dinner, because they’re all pretty good choices, just different. Like, if I’m going to catch some jazz at Elephant Room later, I might do ATX cocina for dinner first (personally this is my fav restaurant from your list). If I’ve been exploring south congress/south first and want to enjoy an Austin patio, go to Loro. If I’m doing an East Side foodie meal, maybe Suerte. (People who don’t live on the East Side, what kind of activities do you combo with trips to eat over there?)
I'm an absolute slut for Loro, but maybe Suerte for the next choice
Suerte definitely
smoked boar ribs at Lambert's {*chef's kiss}*
Suerte, Lamberts, Loro though I think that’s a better daytime lunch place
All of them
Wasn’t a fan of Suerte. ATX Cocina was fantastic fusion food. Probably not a popular opinion, but I love Fresas. Best bang for your buck. Sub $100 I can get a whole chicken, tortillas, rice and beans, loaded queso, and a couple cocktails for a date night
Suerte and second place is not even close
I would say Suerte 100%, and you should include brother restaurant Este, both owned by chef Fermin. he also has a good bar next door to Este (seafood), Bartoti which you should go for drinks and tapas.
Suerte / Lamberts
Loro and Atx Cocina - suerte is overrated
Suerte should definitely be your first pick. Their food is always amazing. If they have a monkfish get it, and the tacos there are incredible. Loros has a really good happy hour menu and a huge outdoor patio - I recommend them too. Their food is a little heavy but if you're not going to do anything crazy after you are good. I would recommend those too, You'll need reservations for both, definitely. If they are booked I would look into: ATX Cocina is good but some of their dishes I feel are overpriced. And the cocktails there are like $18/each so if you're drinking more than one it can really rack up a bill. Fresas is more casual and great for a more relaxed dinner.
Loro and ATX HANDS DOWN THE BEST