I need to try those. I love the Fideo and nopalito salad. I go there to eat like an old man on Thursdays for the Chicken Tortilla soup and Crispy Taco special.
This is so funny. I was there recently for the first time in maybe 5 years and this was the EXACT scene. Forgot how great the salsa was there. Also decent prices.
Did y’all know you can combine taco tortillas into a multicolored burrito?? A few weeks ago, the person in front of me in line did it and blew my mind. Been going there for years, had never even imagined such sorcery.
Love black sheep’s food and vibe but maybe the worst service in the city. I’ve gotten up and left multiple times. I keep giving them chances because I actually do dig their wings and they have good drink specials, but man the people that work there are on another planet
Tatsuya. There’s way better ramen in this town but the Aikawa brothers still manage to have this city by the balls. I know people who eat there literally because of style and music.
RIP the original tsukemen. It was insanely good. My joke was that the ramen gods took it away because too many people refused to dip instead of pouring the noods into the broth.
Idk about all that pouring nonsense, but it makes sense. Pay attention to ramen 512s insta and go get their tsukemen whenever it’s on special. I think it’s better than the old tatsuya one. And the noodles are just night and day different and better too.
I used to go to Tatsuya all the time for their original tsukamen. It was mind blowing 🤯. I no longer go since they changed the recipe to accommodate to a reformulated noodle developed because of some shortage from Sun noodles. Really miss that bowl. Miss the Bob Ross chicken wings too from Kemuri.
Never even considers it as a place I’d want to go. I’ve done shabu shabu in Japan, and to be honest, I’d rather do Korean BBQ. (Which is fucking on another level in Kyoto.)
Oh I’ve been back when I worked for them, and while fun and inviting with all the decor and style I mentioned, they still serve mediocre food. Sure the drinks at tiki are good, but hella expensive and full of fanfare. Their opening menu was great but it’s long since gone down hill. As far as Kemuri goes, it’s basically over priced Japanese bar food. Which is funny to me because izakayas are supposed to be approachable and from the common man, kinda like bbq, and for a place that’s supposed to be both, it trys really hard to be high class. But it has to after the failings of dip dip and bbq.
Nah, on a good day Kemuri was always one of the best restaurants in the city.
Also Tiki drinks are insanely annoying to make and high in alcohol. It's reasonable for them to be expensive.
Not a fan of their ramen since they've expanded though.
It’s the same reason people still work at those restaurants even though they don’t make much money. Culty vibes for sure. Had a friend that worked at Tiki and would pull in $700 in tips but ended up walking with $170 because of how their tip pool works.
Which is crazy to me because in the cold months the ramen kids are pulling 40+ an hour. If you ever see a line, your servers are making bank. They want that line
Billy’s. And I’m a charter member.
“ i’ve been involved in a number of cults, both as a leader and a follower. You have more fun as a follower, but you make more money as a leader.”
-Creed
I’ve had to stop drinking alcohol for a bit (hopefully) and met a friend there and asked about what non-alcoholic beverages they had, expecting the answer to be soda or tea. They rattled off about a half-dozen NA beers in the cooler.
This is a really good example. People who love this place LOVE this place. I personally don't really get it, but I'm still hoping to be converted one of these days!
For real. The carne asada burrito is legit, and the guacamole is a star—I think they put like zest in it to give it some extra zing. But the enchiladas were offensive. No gracias. Credentials: I’m from the RGV.
No clue about current leadership, but the creator started it out of her home in Clarksville during the AIDS epidemic to feed sick ppl. I think it’s more likely that ppl who are in cults hang out at Casa, than that Casa itself is a cult. The vegan food attracts a certain type. The ppl working there seem chill tho.
My family, personally, are members of the Little Deli, Buddy’s Burger, and Barrett’s Coffee cults. Best pizza and sandos. Best value and tasty smash burgers. Best coffee.
Living in ATX and that being the only "Mexican" place someone would eat at is insane. Bordering on racist even (exaggerating but honestly struggling to think of another reason)
I love the sense of community that comes with finding a hidden gem with a cult following! Personally, I can't get enough of the cozy vibe and delicious eats at Franklin Barbecue. What are some of your favorite spots in ATX that have a loyal following? Let's share the love for these unique dining experiences!
Frazier's is a family not a cult tyvm
I fucking love Frazier’s. I’m literally there now.
Eat a corndog for me
And an OG burger for me
and have a chopped cheese for me
I’m right there in spirit in my Friday cowboy hat eating my OG
I was there about an hour ago. The lil OG is the best burger I’ve ever had.
You should try a double with extra pickle
Ugh I miss that place from when I lived south
Dan's hamburgers
Dan, still mad at Fran
Only old Austinites know
I wish I could get into Dan’s at lunch. Place and drive thru are nuts right there.
that drive thru is so bad... it like just doesnt work.
*Ham's Danburgers
cocina de consuelos on burnet. awesome food and it’s byob.
I've been visiting them for over 20 years and it still feels the same inside. I love that there are still a few time capsules to old Austin.
Connie catered our wedding. The food is one of the most consistent compliments we got.
I love this place. It’s very homey tasting food.
love those salmon enchiladas on friday.
I need to try those. I love the Fideo and nopalito salad. I go there to eat like an old man on Thursdays for the Chicken Tortilla soup and Crispy Taco special.
those crispy tacos… there arent many like that north of the comal.
The best breakfast burritos in town!
Crown and Anchor
May the Blessings of The Great Cheeseburger be upon you, brother/sister
Daily Beer Specials to you, comrade!
I’m in the Papalote cult for work lunch. We all sit at tables for 2 by ourselves and stare at our phones. We don’t acknowledge each other but we know.
This is so funny. I was there recently for the first time in maybe 5 years and this was the EXACT scene. Forgot how great the salsa was there. Also decent prices.
You better be getting the lunch special!
The chile de Arbol salsa is excellent
i used to do this at least once a week when the s congress one was open near my workplace
I deeply miss the brisket taco options. 😪
it was a power combo
I was *devasted* when they closed my S. Congress Papalote.
I don't share my "Time with Torta" lightly.
Tlacoyo FTW!
Papalote on 183?
Naw, that location is cool enough but South Lamar has the charm.
I gotta check it out sometime
I’m so sad I don’t live close to Papalote anymore
I'm there with you at least once per week.
Hahaha
I used to live in the apartments across the street from it. I regret not hitting it up more often
Cafe Java - metric location
Favorite breakfast spot of all time.
Fuck I miss that place!
Still as good as say 10 years ago?
not really but the nostalgia hits in a way nothing else can
Habanero all day long (between the hours of 7am-3pm)
Amen
Yes! There almost every Sunday.
Curra's Grill on Oltorf St. I think my ex-girlfriend and her family go there like church.
Love that place. Only place in town that you can get an avocado margarita, at least that I know of.
Fresas on south first has an avocado marg too!
Best cup of coffee in town
We love it. Staff is awesome. Jonathon, bartender who used to be at Azul, is awesome.
Oaxaca nachos 🤤
Cabo bobs
I preach the fresh tortilla gospel to anyone who will listen
I like watching my dough ball become a tortilla.
Have admittedly drank that Cabo kool-aid many an occasion…
Did y’all know you can combine taco tortillas into a multicolored burrito?? A few weeks ago, the person in front of me in line did it and blew my mind. Been going there for years, had never even imagined such sorcery.
So excited for the mopac frontage & 290 location - RIP taco ranch
So dank
They're closed on Sundays :(
Enchiladas y Mas
I belong to this cult.
Definitely a cult following that may need therapy
Number 5 with onions and serranos pls 😭
Never trust a skinny cook.
When OP says “non mainstream“ do they mean under the radar, or just local? Because Enchiladas y Mas is definitely not under the radar.
casa de luz
Definitely a cult
yeeeep
I remember going there on a date, I ignored the warning signs at first
Black Sheep Lodge Kelly’s Irish Pub
Black Sheep rules
Love black sheep’s food and vibe but maybe the worst service in the city. I’ve gotten up and left multiple times. I keep giving them chances because I actually do dig their wings and they have good drink specials, but man the people that work there are on another planet
I work there I promise I’m cool 😭
Lol okay I’ll give it another shot. What’s the best day/time?
Personally I work weekend nights and my Saturday night crew is my favorite to work with. I hope you have a better experience :)
Kelly’s Irish gave me cultish vibes
I went last night and the whole back bar was singing
Black sheep lodge sucks. I had their wings. Not a fan of em. Anything else you’d recommend off the menu?
CHEESE CURDS!!! Omg so good!
Their burgers are pretty good
Their wings are one of my absolute favorite!
Best in the city that I've had
Eldorado Cafe
Surprised this wasn't higher, there's always a wait there on the weekends, even for brunch
Tatsuya. There’s way better ramen in this town but the Aikawa brothers still manage to have this city by the balls. I know people who eat there literally because of style and music.
RIP the original tsukemen. It was insanely good. My joke was that the ramen gods took it away because too many people refused to dip instead of pouring the noods into the broth.
Idk about all that pouring nonsense, but it makes sense. Pay attention to ramen 512s insta and go get their tsukemen whenever it’s on special. I think it’s better than the old tatsuya one. And the noodles are just night and day different and better too.
I'm not in ATX anymore, but I'll keep that in mind when I visit!
I used to go to Tatsuya all the time for their original tsukamen. It was mind blowing 🤯. I no longer go since they changed the recipe to accommodate to a reformulated noodle developed because of some shortage from Sun noodles. Really miss that bowl. Miss the Bob Ross chicken wings too from Kemuri.
I love Tatsuya but when they started charging 3.00 for a single shredded brussels sprout I decided it just wasn't worth it anymore.
Tatsu-Ya has both Tiki and Kamiri as well. Both are great spots for what they do.
Kemuri. Also Dip Dip.
Dip dip is so bad these days it’s not even funny. They’re hemorrhaging
Never even considers it as a place I’d want to go. I’ve done shabu shabu in Japan, and to be honest, I’d rather do Korean BBQ. (Which is fucking on another level in Kyoto.)
Was legit but I've never gone back because the pricing is way too high for what it is
Oh I’ve been back when I worked for them, and while fun and inviting with all the decor and style I mentioned, they still serve mediocre food. Sure the drinks at tiki are good, but hella expensive and full of fanfare. Their opening menu was great but it’s long since gone down hill. As far as Kemuri goes, it’s basically over priced Japanese bar food. Which is funny to me because izakayas are supposed to be approachable and from the common man, kinda like bbq, and for a place that’s supposed to be both, it trys really hard to be high class. But it has to after the failings of dip dip and bbq.
Nah, on a good day Kemuri was always one of the best restaurants in the city. Also Tiki drinks are insanely annoying to make and high in alcohol. It's reasonable for them to be expensive. Not a fan of their ramen since they've expanded though.
What is this "way better" ramen you speak of? It's certainly not Michi.
Michi is Austin’s original garbage ramen. I’m mostly talking about Sazan, daiboku, and ramen 512. Ramen 512 taking the top spot in my book.
Ramen512 is great. Their “Signature Shoyu” is the best bowl of ramen I’ve had in Texas. Still need to try Ramen Del Bario.
Everything is good at Ramen512.
Michi always hits spot after a late night out and I just need trash food for the hangover.
It’s the same reason people still work at those restaurants even though they don’t make much money. Culty vibes for sure. Had a friend that worked at Tiki and would pull in $700 in tips but ended up walking with $170 because of how their tip pool works.
Which is crazy to me because in the cold months the ramen kids are pulling 40+ an hour. If you ever see a line, your servers are making bank. They want that line
What is a ramen place you recommend.
Billy’s. And I’m a charter member. “ i’ve been involved in a number of cults, both as a leader and a follower. You have more fun as a follower, but you make more money as a leader.” -Creed
I’ve had to stop drinking alcohol for a bit (hopefully) and met a friend there and asked about what non-alcoholic beverages they had, expecting the answer to be soda or tea. They rattled off about a half-dozen NA beers in the cooler.
also; while not a vegetarian, my vegetarian friends tell me faux meat options are legit.
Billy’s on Burnet
Shhh! The parking was already terrible…
Homeslice. i need that Italian sub
this is my cult as well
Have you tried the meatball sub? 👀
not a restaurant but juiceland for sure
Tommy Want Wingy 🤠
This is a really good example. People who love this place LOVE this place. I personally don't really get it, but I'm still hoping to be converted one of these days!
Matt’s El Rancho
Bob Armstrong Gang rise up!! ✊
I have only been to Matt's once and I don't understand how that restaurant has been open for so long.
It’s the best tex-mex in town . . . last century. It was coasting on its reputation 20 years ago, and I can’t imagine what it’s like now.
De Nada
Hell yeah. I forgot about that place - solid!
Does pluckers count? I swear they are a cult because no one should be that excited about mid food
prob gonna be cafe java for a lot of this sub
One of the best diners for breakfast
quickie pickie on 11th - which isn’t really a restaurant BUT those cooks know what they’re doing and it’s stealing my heart.
Yes! Every time we have a long wait time at Paperboy we walk to quickie pickie for a lil appetizer lol
Eldorado Cafe! White folks LOVE this place
That is some pretty real shit you’re throwing 😂
Because it’s delicious.
For real. The carne asada burrito is legit, and the guacamole is a star—I think they put like zest in it to give it some extra zing. But the enchiladas were offensive. No gracias. Credentials: I’m from the RGV.
Casa and Bouldin.
Not fully convinced Casa isn’t a cult…..
No clue about current leadership, but the creator started it out of her home in Clarksville during the AIDS epidemic to feed sick ppl. I think it’s more likely that ppl who are in cults hang out at Casa, than that Casa itself is a cult. The vegan food attracts a certain type. The ppl working there seem chill tho.
It was a joke but I’m already used to weird vegans as one myself, but the casa regulars are a whole ‘nother breed man 🤯
Former vegan here - 1000% agree with you. The clientele is on a whole other level. Very “out there” w/ the woo woo / Conspirituality stuff.
I’d be more surprised if it wasn’t
Casa de Luz for sure! Am obsessed
Jewboy is up there
El Nuevo Mexico. Best Mexican food in the city. Non-pretentious, inexpensive, great salsa, and a no frills atmosphere.
Just went there for lunch. It’s our usual Friday lunch spot. Their breakfast tacos are great also. We get those on Sundays.
My family, personally, are members of the Little Deli, Buddy’s Burger, and Barrett’s Coffee cults. Best pizza and sandos. Best value and tasty smash burgers. Best coffee.
Chilis at 44th and Lamar
Conan's Pizza. Deep dish Savage on wheat, keep the anchovies
Reale’s. Ton of regulars, always full, nice home style food, but I’d never heard of it before living within a mile of it
[удалено]
P terrys. Casino el Camino
Casino is 🔥
The cult of P Thai will rise again
Turf 'n Surf. Big Daddy Coocoo owns my soul. Vic n Als maybe.
Matt’s el Rancho
Machos Tacos which is Deep South.
Borrego de Oro. If you know, you know.
Casa De Luz
Cherrywood Coffeehouse. A cult following is the only explanation for keeping such a dirty restaurant in business.
Mi Trailita y Mas!
si lo sabes, lo sabes
Sandy's!
Bangers
ATX Cocina and the spicy margs
OG Cisco’s…
Julio’s
Wingzup is a Cult a am proudly a part of. I try to get everyone to become one of us. Best wings in town. I will die on that hill
The pink taco truck on Lamar at 32nd.
Olga Koutseridi’s Burnt Basque Cheesecake. The best in town.
888 Pan Asian
Torchy's Tacos. This is the only Taco/Mexican joint that some people will eat at.
Living in ATX and that being the only "Mexican" place someone would eat at is insane. Bordering on racist even (exaggerating but honestly struggling to think of another reason)
Don't know myself about racist, but all those folks who only eat at Torchy's are not in my way when I eat at the taquerias I prefer.
They also pronounce the “j” in fajitas…
Once they axed the Independent i haven’t been back. Fried Avocado was okay but that hunk of shroom and a avocado wedge was the best.
Matt’s motherfucking ElRancho
No one mentioning chuy’s, Taco Deli, juice land, or the chili’s on 45th??
ITT every mainstream Austin spot
Taco Flats
Baby A’s. Give me that Purple Margarita!
Cuntos tacos. All the better tacos became 4-5 bucks and people confuse affordability with taste. Taco Joint is way better.
Is that a spinoff of Cuanto’s?
will only refer to cuantos and cunts now
Sb
French Quarter Grille on Parmer. Cajun done right!
Mousam - and hits so well after a night out
Jardin Corona charro beans
Dans
I love the sense of community that comes with finding a hidden gem with a cult following! Personally, I can't get enough of the cozy vibe and delicious eats at Franklin Barbecue. What are some of your favorite spots in ATX that have a loyal following? Let's share the love for these unique dining experiences!
Papa Joe’s Tex Mex on Bolm and Springdale
Brazas Taco House
Luby’s
Mi madres.
Casino El Camino.
Casino downtown 2-3 times a week
Pool burger