Kayla Hui

With the recognition by Michelin, Austin is officially on the world’s main culinary stage, despite locals knowing its value long before the French came in to taste it. The scene might be a long way from its barbecue and Tex-Mex origins, but even as chefs rise to fame through their omakase skills or take on duck confit, the flavor of our foundation still shines through. Austin continues to cook up a food scene worth venturing for, and below are some of the best inside our city limits. Don’t be surprised if this list looks different down the road. This is only the beginning.  April 2025: Since March, we’ve freshened up our list to include updated menu information and new photography. We’re constantly keeping our eye on spots that deliver on quality, service and flavors. This month, I’ll be visiting some new restaurants, which may result in some changes to this guide come May. Stay tuned! RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Austin

If you're hungry then get ready to eat well in San Antonio. Boasting some of the most diverse foods and cultures in Texas, the Alamo City's culinary scene rarely disappoints. While Houston, Austin and Dallas definitely have a fantastic food culture, San Antonio brings something different to the table. From reliable neighborhood haunts that are tried and true to new popular bistros and pop-ups, there is a little something here for everyone. A new wave of development over the last few years has meant a revitalization of certain areas of The Pearl, which has become a culinary hub, among many others in the city. Whether you're after authentic Texas barbecue, mouthwatering Tex-Mex, Naples-style pizza, juicy Chinese char siu or elevated Asian fusion, you will find it all at the best restaurants in San Antonio. After you eat your way through different neighborhoods, you'll want to check out all the exciting things to do in San Antonio while also hitting up its vibrant nightlife. Now that your taste buds are watering, here are the best places to eat in San Antonio right now. Recommended: The best bars in San Antonio This guide was updated by San Antonio expert Anni Irish. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

In Dallas, ice-cold beers and Margaritas are mandatory staples in the nightlife scene, but the city has bars—and drinks—for every situation and every type of drinker. Looking for a casual spot to post up with colleagues during happy hour? That’s easy. How about a wine bar that goes beyond the usual-suspect labels and offers varietals you won’t find at every steakhouse in town? That can be arranged. The same goes for upscale cocktail lounges enlisting centrifuges and sous vide machines, and stuck-in-time dive bars where the beers are cheap and the furniture was presumably acquired secondhand in the 1960s. The point is: We’ve got a lot of good bars here. The best of the bunch nail the drinks and the ambiance, so you can be sure that your time and money are well-spent, no matter what kind of night you’re after. Now, go forth and start a tab at some of the best bars in Dallas. Updated March 2025: In this most recent update, we've polished each entry to ensure they’re accurate and current and removed a few bars that either closed or are past their prime. We’ll continue to update this list each month to best reflect the Dallas bar scene. For more on our process, feel free to check out how we review at Time Out.  RECOMMENDED:🪩 The best Dallas nightlife spots🥩 The best restaurants in Dallas📍 The best things to do in Dallas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Dallas

Spring is an exciting time to be in Austin. From SXSW festivities to a Bloody Mary festival—and, of course, the return of spring blooms, there’s no shortage of excitement. Fields across the city burst into color with Texas bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes and pink evening primroses. While bluebonnets line the highways, the best way to appreciate them is up close, so whether you’re after the Insta-worthy shot or just want time to soak in the scenery, these are the best places to see Texas wildflowers this spring.  

Everyone wants to come away from their trip feeling like they saw it all and hope they never stumble across a TikTok post-trip highlighting a destination and making them ask, “Did I even go to [blank]?”  Austin’s bejeweled with treasured locals and hidden gems that can spur a first-timer to consider moving here to save on having to make frequent trips back. Natural wonders adjective to our lively downtown, Texan landmarks that’ll make any wannabe cowboy hoot n' holler and lively experiences like The Morning Spin's daytime jam sessions at local coffee shops are listed below so your trip to Austin gets it right the first time.  RECOMMENDED: The best day trips from AustinThe best hotels in AustinThe best Airbnbs in AustinThe best spa hotels in Austin This guide was updated by Austin-based writer Deven Wilson. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Sure, Houston might be known for NASA, oil production and Beyonce, but it’s a city driving innovation on all fronts. It’s home to several world-class museums, over 200 green spaces and is one of the few American cities with permanent ballet, symphony and opera companies. Not to mention, its culinary scene, made richer by its cultural diversity, is shining bright with six one-Michelin-star restaurants and 14 Bib Gourmands.  Expect to find everything, from BBQ and Tex-Mex to cajun-Vietnamese and New American.  With 25 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality, you could spend a year exploring and still not see everything Houston has to offer. So take our advice and check out the best things to do in Houston on your journey through Space City (more on that below!). This guide was updated by Houston-based writers Patrick Magee and Rebecca Deurlein. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED:  🍴The best restaurants in Houston🏠The best Houston Airbnbs🇺🇸The best hotels in Houston

SXSW is not a sprint—it’s a marathon of nine jam-packed days of keynotes, film screenings, live music and speaker sessions across tech, wellness and more. To survive, you’ll need fuel. Luckily, Austin is dense with incredible restaurants and coffee shops, meaning you’re never far from a good meal. Whether you’re grabbing a breakfast taco before a panel or digging into Caribbean food after a long day, here’s some must-visit spots you should hit during your stay.

Texas may be known for its barbecue and cowboy culture, but look closely, and you’ll find another rich tradition woven into the state’s fabric: Irish heritage. Irish immigrants began arriving in Texas as early as the 18th century, with many settling in cities like San Antonio and Corpus Christi. Drawn by economic opportunities and land grants, they helped build Texas railroads, while leaving an indelible mark through the state’s many Irish pubs.  Whether you’re raising a pint of Guinness or scarfing down bites of a hearty shepherd’s pie, Texas’ best Irish bars capture that warm, welcoming spirit. From classic watering holes to eclectic spots with nightly sing-alongs, these spots offer a taste of Ireland deep in the heart of Texas. 

Spring is an exciting time to be in the Lone Star State. The heat hasn’t taken over yet, so most days bring mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor adventures. This season is packed with everything from festivals to nightlife events and parades. Whether you’re looking to see the San Antonio River Walk turn green for St. Patrick’s Day or vibe to R&B hits in Dallas, here are the top things we’re most excited about in Texas this spring. 

While Nashville is known for its nightlife, it also offers a variety of family-friendly fun. From one of the oldest children's theater companies to automobile, train and wax museums, there is plenty to keep your little ones engaged throughout the day. For kids who want a bit of fun with their food, Pfunky Griddle, an all-you-can-eat pancake house, offers kids a hand at flipping pancakes. Without further ado, here are the best things to do in Nashville. 

Houston’s Asian and Asian American populations have grown rapidly over the years. With that growth came culinary techniques and flavors that have shaped the city’s vibrant culinary scene into what it is today. With so many Asian restaurants in Houston, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. That’s where Marissa Fiala of Houston Hotspots comes in.  Dallas-based Fiala has always loved exploring new places, which led her to build an online community dedicated to sharing food and travel recommendations. That passion eventually brought her to Houston, where she helped grow her then-boyfriend, now husband’s platform, Houston Hotspots. What started as a hobby has now turned into a full-time career.  Now, with over a half million followers, Houston Hotspots shares all of the best places to eat and explore. “Food is deeply tied to culture, connection and storytelling,” Fiala tells Time Out. “It’s more than just eating—it’s about the experiences, the people behind the dishes and the memories created around every meal!” From Chinese and Vietnamese fare to Korean and Filipino flavors, Houston is brimming with global flavors. Here are Fiala’s top Asian restaurant picks. 

If you ask any Austinite where to get tacos, they’d probably point you toward East Austin, home to neighborhood taco joint Nixta Taqueria. You can’t miss it; the eatery’s exterior is painted a vibrant blue with pink trim, and it’s helmed by two taco masterminds: Michelin Young Chef and James Beard Award-winning chef Edgar Rico and co-founder and operational head Sara Mardanbigi.  Rico’s experimental spirit, combined with Mardanbigi’s upbringing in rural Arkansas, where she learned the craft of flour tortillas, is why you’ll find unconventional ingredients like beets and avocado crema together on a tortilla, aka the beet “tartare” tostada.  For Rico and Mardanbigi, Nixta Taqueria is more than just tacos—it’s about community. Since opening in October 2019, the duo has built a community garden and even piloted a 24/7 community fridge. “Our mission is to provide imaginative creations that are steeped in technique, history, tradition and finesse for our community,” says Mardanbigi.  Having run their own taco spot, Rico and Mardanbigi know a thing or two about tacos. Here are their favorite taco spots in town. 

When two flavor powerhouses join forces, the results are bound to be delicious. Enter Rockman Coffee + Bakeshop and Lick Honest Ice Cream, two of Austin’s most beloved purveyors of sweet treats. Just in time for summer (it’s already warm in Austin, okay), they’re teaming up to bring locals an ice cream sandwich you won’t find anywhere in Texas, or the country.  The limited-edition ice cream sandwich features one of Lick’s signature, limited-edition or seasonal flavors—like Sweet Cream & Strawberry, Tres Leches or Ladybird Lavender Crisp—nestled between one of Rockman’s meticulously crafted cookies. Choose from three cookie flavors: halva chocolate chip, strawberry lemonade sugar or oat crack.  This one-day-only collab is a perfect fusion of Lick’s bold, inventive ice cream and Rockman’s artful approach to pastry.  Just like cool weather in Texas, this collab won’t last long. The $12 ice cream sandwich will be available on April 18 at Lick’s South Lamar location from 12pm to 11pm.

After more than a decade of speculation, the long-abandoned warehouse off South Congress is finally springing to life—and no, it’s not a food hall. Originally slated to become St. Elmo Public Market in 2018, the 43,000-square-foot-space was meant to house some of Austin’s best restaurants. But after years of delays and canceled plans, the space is getting a new lease on life thanks to Pins Mechanical Co., an entertainment venue featuring duckpin bowling, arcade nostalgia and boozy drinks.  Set to open on April 17, this will be Pins’ 10th location nationwide, and the first in Texas. The Austin outpost comes fully loaded with 20 duckpin bowling lanes, pinball machines, classic arcade games, foosball, ping pong and giant-sized Jenga and Connect Four for those that want to summon their inner competitor.  Courtesy Cassandra KlepacPins Mechanical Co. interior But it’s not all games. The space features three full bars pouring craft cocktails, beer and low- to no-proof beverages, plus a Jewboy Sliders outpost and a rotating lineup of local food trucks. There are also fire pits and pet-friendly spaces, making it a choose-your-own-adventure kind of hangout, whether you’re with friends, kids or pets.  To celebrate its grand opening, Austin’s Pin Mechanical Co’s will offer daily specials: Service Monday: Half off select drafts + free duckpin bowling after 8pm Tito’s Tuesday: Half off Tito’s Vodka Whiskey Wednesday: Half off Buffalo Trace Tequila Thursday: Half off Espolon Fireball Fri

Barbie fans, rejoice! The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here—Austin’s first Malibu Barbie Cafe has officially landed. With pop-ups in New York, Chicago, Miami, Mall of America and Houston, Austin marks the cafe’s sixth stop on its nationwide tour. Courtesy Kayla HuiAssortment of dishes from Austin's Malibu Barbie Cafe   The family-friendly pop-up features a fast-casual menu curated by Master Chef finalist and Chopped Champion Becky Brown. Expect playful, Barbie-themed eats like pink confetti pancakes, ice cream sundaes, cocktails and a Barbie’s Dream Boat filled with sprinkled-covered cupcakes. Sip on themed cocktails while soaking in the photo-worthy decor, which includes a giant boombox and an oversized Barbie box, perfect for striking your best doll-inspired pose.  Courtesy Kayla HuiBarbie box at Austin's Malibu Barbie Cafe Once you’ve snapped your pics and indulged in the treats, lace up your skates for the cafe’s roller rink. Skate rentals are just $1, with proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross to support those affected by the California wildfires. And, of course, no Barbie experience is complete without a little shopping. The merch store is full of branded goodies, such as mugs, t-shirts, keychains and even Barbie dolls. Courtesy Kayla HuiBarbie skates at Austin's Malibu Barbie Cafe Tickets are $25 each, which includes a food and merch credit. The pop-up runs through June 15, so you’ll have all of spring and early summer to live your best life in

Dallas’ coffee scene is buzzing, with new cafes opening up yearly. Now the city is getting an event worthy of its growing reputation: the first-ever Dallas Coffee Festival, happening on April 5 at Gilley’s Dallas. Founded by the team behind Austin Coffee Festival, San Francisco Coffee Festival and DC Coffee Festival, this one-day event is all about celebrating the local roasting scene while giving coffee lovers exactly what they want: unlimited coffee.  Attendees can sip on fresh brews from some of the area’s most beloved shops and roasters, including Juju’s Coffee, The Berni Bean Coffee Co., White Rock Coffee and more. Alongside endless pours, the festival will feature snacks from exhibitors, live entertainment and the opportunity to meet other coffee lovers.  The event is split into two tasting sessions: 9am-1pm and 1:30pm-4:30pm. Early admission grants access an hour before general ticket holders, while an all-day pass lets you stay through both sessions, giving you extra time to chat with roasters and savor every sip.  Tickets are on sale now, so whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a die-hard espresso aficionado, this is one event you won’t want to miss. 

Bloody Mary lovers, this one’s for you! Austin’s annual Bloody Mary Festival is back on March 22, and it’s bringing some serious competition. The city’s bars, restaurants and Bloody Mary mix brands will go head-to-head, each serving up their own take on the classic cocktail. But the real judge? You.   With your ticket, you’ll get unlimited Bloody Marys, bites from local vendors and the all-important power to cast your vote for The People’s Choice Award. Only one spot will take the crown, so sip wisely.  This year’s contenders include:  Honey Moon Spirit Lounge  Arriba Abajo Eureka Snooze A.M Eatery Tumble 22 Cisco’s Hissy Fit Industry Day Maker Beachside Billy’s The Driskill 1886 Cafe The Pretty Farmer Momo’s Michelada Mix Lee Lee’s Bloody Mary Mix  The festival takes place at Fair Market (1100 E 5th St.), with two sessions to choose from: 10:30am-1:30pm  3-6pm VIP and GA ticket holders have separate entry times, so plan accordingly. Bonus: Proceeds support the Girls Empowerment Network, so you can feel good about your ticket price while you sip. Tickets are on sale now, so grab yours while they’re still available.

I moved to Austin in 2023, and while the city is known for its friendly and hospitable vibe, making friends as a remote-working adult isn’t always easy. One day, while scrolling on Instagram, I came across Timeleft, an app that pairs you with five complete strangers for a group dinner at a restaurant of its choosing (don’t worry, you set the budget). Curious, I decided to test it out for myself.  How does Timeleft work?  Unlike other social apps, there’s no swiping on profiles or chatting before you meet. Instead, you start by taking a personality and identity quiz with questions like, “What best describes an ideal night” and “How important is humor to you?” The app also factors in age, gender distribution and personality test responses to create a well-balanced group.  Dinners take place every Wednesday at 7pm, with the restaurant chosen based on your budget ($, $$ or $$$) and dietary restrictions. You’re also assigned a table number—since no names are exchanged—to help you find your group.  My Timeleft experience The morning of my dinner, I received restaurant details from Timeleft. The pick? Ma’Coco, a casual Mexican joint serving Baja California-style dishes. When I arrived, I told the hostess I was with Timeleft table one, and she guided me to my seat. I was the third to arrive, with the rest of the group trickling in shortly after.  Courtesy Kayla HuiInterior of Ma'Coco Surprisingly, it wasn’t as awkward as I had anticipated. Some of my tablemates had attended previou

Austin, often called the “Silicon Hills” of Texas, has been attracting big-name tech giants like Oracle, Dell, Amazon and Google. With innovation at its core, it’s no surprise that autonomous vehicles are now part of the city’s transportation landscape. In its latest move, Uber has partnered with Waymo to bring driverless rides to Austin.  How to request a Waymo ride in Austin?  Uber users in Austin who request an UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort or Uber Comfort Electric may have the opportunity to be matched to a Waymo vehicle, pending availability. To increase your odds of being matched, users must have the most recent version of the app and turn on the autonomous vehicle (AV) preference in your account settings (more info here).   Once matched, riders can use the Uber app to unlock the vehicle, a fully electric Jaguar I-PACE, open the trunk and start the trip. You can identify your vehicle by license plate and car make/model. Similar to regular rides, Waymos will wait several minutes (seven to be exact) for riders to board. If any issues arise, 24/7 customer support is available through the Uber app and via in-car assistance. Waymos can accommodate up to four passengers in any seat except the driver’s seat. While four-legged friends are considered family, pets (except service animals) aren’t allowed, as a courtesy to riders with allergies.  Where Waymo operates in Austin Currently, Austin Waymos operates within the city’s 37-square-mile area in Austin, covering neighborhood

James Beard America’s Classics Award recognizes locally owned establishments that have served high-quality eats while standing the test of time. Since its inception in 1998, more than 100 restaurants across the country have earned this distinction. This year, a Texas institution joins the ranks, and it’s no other than Galveston-based Gaido’s, a seafood restaurant that has been serving fresh Gulf catches since 1911. Most recognizable by the large crab perched atop its roof, Gaido’s has been a Galveston staple for over a century. Its founder, San Giacinto Gaido, an Italian immigrant, was orphaned just two years after arriving on the coast. He worked his way through the service industry before first opening a sandwich shop and later, Gaido’s, which grew into one of the state’s most iconic seafood destinations. Today, the restaurant remains in family hands, run by fourth-generation Nick Gaido and his wife, Kateryna.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gaido's Seafood (@gaidosseafood)   Gaido’s menu changes daily based on the freshest catches, but one thing remains constant: the quality of the seafood. Locals and visitors alike make the trek to indulge in Gulf shrimp, catfish, snapper and redfish—always fresh, never frozen. It’s a fact that servers proudly remind customers, reinforcing the restaurant’s commitment to high standards. And while the seafood is the star, the experience is just as memorable, with sweeping ocean views and a signature dose of war

Austinites won’t need to travel thousands of miles to Dubai to witness one of its most iconic attractions. For the first time, the Museum of the Future will bring its groundbreaking experiences to South by Southwest (SXSW) 2025. The five-day event, running March 7 to 11, 2025, will feature panel discussions, cultural activations and a pop-up museum filled with multi-sensory experiences focused on space travel, climate change, health and artificial intelligence (AI).  One highlight will be Earth Dreams, an AI-powered environmental data installation designed by digital artist Refik Anadol. Afterwards, guests can head outdoors to experience Emirati culture and cuisine. Dubai-based FIX Dessert Chocolatier will showcase its viral Dubai chocolate bar, made famous on TikTok and gaining a global fanbase, while Project Chaiwala will host chai brewing demonstrations.  Beyond food, thought-provoking discussions will feature Arab filmmakers, award-winning astronauts, scholars and tech innovators tackling sustainable solutions for the future. Solar Foods will lead a talk on using solar energy to produce food, offering insight into how emerging technologies can reshape global food supply chain and sustainability.  The Museum of the Future House will be open to the public from 10am to 7pm at Third/Congress, while the 2050 track, sponsored by the Dubai Future Foundation, will run from March 7 to 10 at Austin Marriott Downtown. A full schedule of panels and programming will be announced soon.

In just a short time since opening in 2023, this five-star stunner in Dallas’ Harwood District has racked up one Michelin Key and a Michelin recommendation for its onsite restaurant, Stillwell’s. It’s easy to see why. Featuring 134 rooms, Hôtel Swexan blends Japanese architecture with European interior design and a touch of Texas flair (ahem, peep the neon cowboy sign at Stillwell’s). With all the buzz surrounding the hotel, I decided to check in for a two-night hosted stay to experience the property myself.  The room  I checked into my Panoramic Corner King Room, which offered sweeping views of Downtown Dallas. The space has a modern, minimalist aesthetic, and the bed—outfitted in Frette sheets—provided a front row seat to Dallas sunsets thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows.  Courtesy Kayla HuiView from the Panoramic Corner King Room Hôtel Swexan is an anomaly in the hotel space; while many hotels skimp on bathrooms, this one goes all in. In fact, the bathroom was the most stunning part of the room. Lined with marble tiling, it featured a walk-in shower, Le Labo toiletries and a bathtub with a ceiling faucet (yes, water really does fall from the ceiling), creating a relaxing oasis from a day in the city.  Bathrooms throughout the property are equally striking, each featuring different wallpaper, light fixtures, sinks and tiling—some elegant, others cheeky.  Courtesy Hôtel SwexanOne of the bathrooms at Hôtel Swexan For those with deeper pockets and celebrating a special

Austin is about to welcome its first-ever women’s sports pub. Aptly named 1972 Pub—a nod to the year Title IX was enacted—the bar was founded to provide equal access to sports coverage and create an inclusive space for fans to support their favorite teams. Founders Debra Hallum and Marlene du Plessis were inspired to launch the concept after noticing the lack of visibility and opportunities for women’s sports.  “Our mission is to elevate and amplify women’s sports by creating a space where they are the priority—not an afterthought,” Hallum and Plessis tell Time Out via email. They chose Austin for its passionate sports community and growing interest in women’s athletics. “We wanted to create a space that reflects those values while ensuring women’s sports get the visibility they deserve,” they say.  The pub will offer ample seating, big screens and a dedicated watch party area. Guests can expect coverage of everything from the WNBA, NWSL, NCAA women’s sports and LPGA to women’s tennis, UFC women’s matches and global events like the Women’s World Cup and the Olympics. To enhance the experience, 1972 Pub will showcase signed memorabilia donated by professional, collegiate and local athletes, along with a Wall of Fame where athletes can leave their mark.  Set to open in March, 1972 Pub is currently accepting donations to help cover renovations, furniture, licenses, living wages for employees and to make the space a reality for Austinites. “If there’s a women’s sporting event hap

Even two years after the Barbie movie premiered, the hype around this pink-loving icon is still going strong. Case in point: Austin-based Barbie fans have something major to look forward to: a Malibu Barbie Cafe is finally making its way to the 512 after pop-ups in New York, Chicago, Miami and Houston.  Spearheaded by Bucket Listers and Mattel, the pop-up will offer an immersive experience, where visitors can expect to live out their Barbie dreams. Expected to open April 4, the cafe will feature a retro beachside setting inspired by 1970s Malibu complete with a roller rink and a vibrant fast-casual restaurant. Think disco balls, neon pink and yellow rollerblades and playful menu items like birthday cake pancakes and cupcakes served via Barbie’s Dream Boat. Yup, you heard that correctly.  Courtesy Malibu Barbie CafeBarbie Dream Boat cupcake tower Beyond the Barbie-themed decor and bites, the experience also includes exclusive merch, from branded t-shirts and hats to mugs and, of course, iconic Barbie dolls. Tickets are $25 and include select food and merchandise. They’ll be released via a notification system, so be sure to join the waitlist to snag yours before they sell out.