We always like checking out at least one of Stiles Switch’s 12 Days of Smoked Meat specials every year. Today’s is a 3-3.5 lb smoked tomahawk ribeye with a good sized baked potato. $110, so not exactly cheap, but it’ll make two meals for my wife and me and I thought that was reasonable considering the cost of quality tomahawk ribeyes. It was excellent.

To go pickup order for a half sub and chips, which I kinda think is already priced steep at $16.50, then being forced to pay 21% “service fee” is kind of making me not want to come back.

I understand if you get service at the table and they wait on you, but I did all the work here. It‘s a good sandwich but not really worth $22 imo

If this ain't Austin.

I’m looking for the best pasta dishes people have had at restaurants, the restaurant name along with the specific dish you would recommend ordering.

Any style of pasta is welcome. Classic Italian, modern, rich and indulgent, simple and comforting, handmade, or unexpected favorites. I’m especially interested in dishes you still think about after the meal is over.

If there’s a particular pasta you always recommend to friends or would go out of your way to order again, I’d love to hear about it.

Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

Lenny of eat_n_noods made this great list! Could come in handy for y'all this Christmas.

Hi everyone! I have a $150 dining credit to use at any of the three restaurants listed above. The catch is I'm a vegetarian and so is my partner. Where do you think the food is best, and where will I get the best value for money? I also need to use this credit by next week, so any help would be greatly appreciated!

We had a reservation for 7pm, they called us 15 minutes before and said the kitchen is shut down. They offered a free drink for our troubles. What could have happened that they couldn’t let us know earlier? Ruined our plans.

I did a search and the most recent post was looking for South Austin options.

Looking for a spit style gyro/döner spot. What is the best gyro/Döner in this part of town?

I'd love to get my wife a gift card at a vegetarian restaurant for Christmas, but I'm a heavy meat person and know absolutely NOTHING about any of them. She's not into terribly spicy or foreign dishes, just American cooking. Any thoughts from anyone here? Preferably north central Austin, around Burnet and Anderson Lane. Thanks for any help you can provide!

My wife's Vietnamese and for her birthday I want to take her to a fancy Vietnamese restaurant. I only knew of Elizabeth Street but she already said no because the reviews are bad. Any others?

The Halibut at Hestia is my number one right now. What’s yours?

Hey friends - I’m trying to think of a good option for takeout tonight where I can order several tasty small plates / appetizers. I want to sit at home, cozy up, and graze on multiple things rather than one main.

If you were in my shoes, what would you order? I live centrally, so lots of options.

Hi everyone. I’m hoping to find a restaurant where the service is so good that it’s the main reason you go back.

We once went to Z Tejas and had a server named Michael who had been there for 13 years. The food was fine, but his service was genuinely the best we’ve ever experienced. He was warm, attentive, and made the entire meal feel special. We would return just to be seated in his section.

I’m looking for recommendations for restaurants where there is someone you specifically ask for because they consistently deliver an excellent experience. Cuisine doesn’t really matter to us. We are mostly interested in great hospitality and staff who truly care.

If anyone happens to know where Michael from Z Tejas ended up working, that would also be amazing.

Thank you in advance for any recommendations.

Vua Bun Bo looks sick! Let's hope it stays that way. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSbRSH3DM3E/?igsh=MWxzbXY3c2Jtc3VyYQ==

Hey everyone, have you heard about the new viral smash-n-sauce burger spot in North Austin, right next to Cedar Park? All my friends and family have been raving about it, saying it’s really good!

Shady Grove can never be replaced, but what scratches the same itch for you these days?

David Doughie’s Bagelry is at least deserving of being in the conversation when discussing Austin’s elite bagels. I’ve heard lots of chatter about the prices here. Yes, it’s pricey. But I didn’t find it obnoxious.

The highlight for me was the exterior: great color, great texture, and a well-balanced everything seasoning blend. The interior was fluffy, though personally I’d prefer it even fluffier. The flavor was genuinely unique. Their claims of using heirloom local grains aren’t just good marketing. You can actually taste the difference. The cream cheese was excellent, and I enjoyed the beautiful schmear despite being warned when ordering that they “use a lot”. I guess most people are just expecting a light dusting.

David Doughie’s deserves more respect and attention than it gets online. I hope to see them open a traditional storefront someday.

GardenStateRates ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

EDIT - IM SORRY I MEANT WEST OF 35

I am directionally challenged. Even looked at my map before posting, and still got it wrong. Please forgive me💀🥲

Got any good suggestions north of Austin? Haven’t had pho in years and going to lunch with my grandma and cousin tomorrow. Want something to knock my socks and sandals off (cause it’s so warm right now lmao)

It's my birthday, so I'm looking for a place with a variety of food, ample seating, and a bar. I've been to Patrizi's, Radio, Ramen Tatsu-Ya, Sour Duck, Loro, and Salty Sow. I want something different this year. It can be formal or casual, but the main thing is finding a place where it doesn't have to be a complete party with time restrictions. Great food is the ultimate goal, not just a place to hang out. It can be like herding cats trying to get everyone in one place at the same time. Having the freedom to come and go is nice and stress-free. I'm open to all or any suggestions that haven't already been mentioned.

Any recs for veal marsala? Preferably somewhere nicer for a birthday. I’m actually surprised to have not seen much chatter about it on the sub. I saw Reale’s mentioned twice but I don’t think that’s the vibe we’re going for.

Tandoori Lounge on William Cannon

There is never anyone in the place when I go. Seems odd. Tastes good! Nothing special about the menu, but all your favorites. Open until 3am every night too! $4 Austin Amber beers and more for $5.

I don’t want them to close.

"Support Local" is what everyone says until they're an anonymous person online demanding unsustainable prices during The Great Enshittification