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1. Louie's 106

106 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701 · 512-476-1997

User Rating:  Rating: 5 / 5   (Rate It)

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6TH STREET. This elegant restaurant features classical Spanish cuisine, with a fusion of Mediterranean and European tastes. Choices might include Valencian paella, risottos, and bouillabaisse. Extensive wine list and excellent desserts. After dinner, head for the sophisticated cigar room that boasts a nice selection of single-malt whiskeys and premium brandies. Located in the historic Littlefield Building.

2. Chez Nous

510 Neches St, Austin, TX 78701-3710 · 512-473-2413

User Rating:  Rating: 5 / 5   (Rate It)

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DOWNTOWN. The owners of Chez Nous are transplanted Parisians, but in their cozy restaurant, you'll think you've been transported to the City of Light. Tables are dressed with flowers in wine bottles, lace curtains hang at the windows, and many servers have retained their French accents. Every dish, from appetizers to desserts, is prepared fresh daily, and savvy locals really appreciate the menu du jour, which is considered one of the best fine-dining bargains in town.

3. Aquarelle

606 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78701 · 512-479-8117

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WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. One of Austin's best restaurants, Aquarelle is ideal for a leisurely gourmet meal in elegant surroundings. In fact, you can easily linger two and a half to three hours over dinner. Starters may include pan-seared foie gras with an apple beignet and escargots in puff pastry. Inventive main course dishes showcase seasonal produce in dishes like duck breast with butternut squash ravioli, and red wine-braised lamb with fennel sausage. Dessert options range from profiteroles au chocolat to black plum and almond cream tart. About 20 wines by the glass; many more by the bottle.

4. Roux

214 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701 · 512-479-0474

User Rating:  Rating: 5 / 5   (Rate It)

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6TH STREET. Exposed brick walls, New Orleans-inspired artwork and big windows that open to lively Sixth Street create a fun atmosphere that's ideal for a relaxed meal with friends. Expect down-home Louisiana Cajun cooking with a twist, an updated, lighter approach. You can still get all your favorites like gumbo, etouffee and jambalaya, but several additional options tempt your taste buds too, such as the "Rich Boy," a highbrow version of the po' boy with blackened steak and brie. The Parish Room upstairs is still great for live jazz!

5. Romeo's

1500 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704 · 512-476-1090

2008 Users' Best Bet Award Winner

User Rating:  Rating: 4 / 5   (Rate It)

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BARTON SPRINGS DISTRICT. This cozy little restaurant is a favorite among Austinites when they crave authentic Italian food at reasonable prices. The menu features something to please every palate, including vegetarian and low-fat choices and traditional Italian favorites like chicken parmesan. Try a luscious raspberry bellini for dessert. The courteous staff and warm ambiance make Romeo's the perfect place for a romantic rendezvous.

6. Chuy's

1728 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704 · 512-474-4452

User Rating:  Rating: 4 / 5   (Rate It)

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BARTON SPRINGS DISTRICT. Chuy's is a real local favorite, and its colorful, whimsical decor features an Elvis shrine, lava lamps, and approximately 1,000 wooden fish dangling precariously from the ceiling. New Mexico chilis are grilled up front and served in many of the tasty Tex-Mex dishes, and Southwest enchiladas come stuffed with smoked chicken and cheese and crowned with a fried egg.

7. Vespaio

1610 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 · 512-441-6100

User Rating:  Rating: 5 / 5   (Rate It)

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SOUTH CONGRESS AVENUE. Austin has several very good, upscale Italian restaurants, and Vespaio is right at the top of the list. The garden out back provides a bounty of heirloom tomatoes that are showcased in dishes like a lovely salad caprese – a simple combination of fresh mozzarella, homegrown tomatoes, and just-picked basil with a drizzle of olive oil. The roasted portobello served on a toasty polenta round is a revelation, and seafood lovers should opt for saffron risotto, studded with scallops, crab, shrimp, and mascarpone. About 40 wines are available by the glass, and reservations are essential if you plan to dine any time after 6pm. Next door is the more casual wine bar and cafe, Enoteca. Reservations not accepted Friday or Saturday nights.

8. The Salt Lick Barbecue Restaurant

18300 FM 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619 · 512-858-4959

2008 Users' Best Bet Award Winner

User Rating:  Rating: 5 / 5   (Rate It)

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DRIFTWOOD. It may be a little out of your way (about 30 minutes outside of Austin), but you won't want to miss one of Texas' most famous barbecue restaurants. A worldwide reputation and delightful down-home ambiance make the appeal that much greater, and a fireplace makes chilly days more tolerable while picnic tables accommodate diners both inside and out. House specialties include brisket, chicken, sausage, ribs and homemade cobblers. No credit cards. Bring your own beer.

9. Andiamo

2521 Rutland Dr, Austin, TX 78758 · 512-719-3377

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NORTH AUSTIN. At this charming, old-style restaurant, the personable owner makes frequent rounds of the dining room, chatting with guests, serving steaming plates of northern Italian food, and generally creating a memorable atmosphere. Outstanding main courses include Gamberi Bocelli (shrimp and crab wrapped in prosciutto and served with a white wine sauce), Vitello Sorrentina (veal with prosciutto, eggplant, fontina, and a touch of tomato sauce), and Pollo Con Asparagi (chicken topped with fresh tomato, asparagus, and fontina). A multi-course chef's menu is available.

10. Güero´s Taco Bar

1412 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 · 512-447-7688

User Rating:  Rating: 3 / 5   (Rate It)

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SOUTH CONGRESS AVENUE. Güero´s is a relative newbie on the Austin Mexican restaurant scene, having just opened in 1986. It's a bustling spot on trendy South Congress and is especially so at lunch when sidewalk tables fill up fast. Evenings can be lively as well, particularly when live bands play on the patio. Menu highlights include tacos al pastor (marinated pork on corn tortillas with onions, cilantro and pineapple) and alambres (grilled marinated beef with bacon, peppers, and onions). You can also create your own enchiladas by choosing a meat and sauce from a long list of possibilities. Corn tortillas are made fresh on-site.

Voted Best of the City

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10Best announces our latest Best of the City results. Well-informed consumers like you have spoken out, votes have been tabulated, and winners determined. Chosen businesses are designated with a special seal – select any one, and you’re sure to get a best bet. Thanks to so much user input, there’s no way you could go wrong!

 

Voted Best of the City

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Chuy's
A Austin 10Best Bet
Voted Best of the City - Restaurants

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The Grapevine: Your Opinions

10Best.com Newsletter, June 2008 (June 2008)

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