The menu at Gossip Shack in East Austin consists of just a few items - chicken, waffles, and waffle fries.

Slab BBQ on Research Boulevard is a chill, inexpensive North Austin barbecue spot that creatively mashes up different barbecue styles.

The best biscuits in Austin just got better with a new biscuit-based sandwich takeout spot.

Fixe specializes in upscale Southern food from a spacious downtown location.

Hoover’s Cooking is a Texan/Southern comfort food spot in East Austin.

When you need to escape the craziness of Rainey Street, head to Geraldine’s inside Hotel Van Zandt for upscale Southern food and nightly live music.

Moonshine is an all-you-can-eat Southern spot downtown that we like best for brunch.

Mattie’s at Green Pastures is a historical restaurant serving Southern food and a great brunch in Bouldin Creek.

For casual group dinners or day drinking sessions, Banger’s on Rainey Street has you covered with beer, sausages, and lots of outdoor seating.

Walton’s Fancy & Staple is a deli with Southern charm downtown.

Jacoby’s is the kind of place people outside of Texas dream about. The food isn’t life-changing, but the huge backyard and charm make up for it.

A big, open indoor/outdoor space great for cocktails and Southern food.

Odd Duck is an excellent Southern restaurant serving sophisticated food without any stuffiness.

Fancy barbecue is a polarizing concept, but Lamberts pulls it off very well.

One of our favorite places to spend an afternoon eating in the sun is Lucy’s Fried Chicken, with a bucket of bird, grilled oysters, and beers.

Olamaie is one of the most impressive upscale Southern restaurants we’ve ever experienced.