Travel Bites - Austin

Jared and I just got back from an extended weekend visiting friends in the eclectic capital of the Lone Star State. And just like this weird and wonderful city, our trip was a little random and a lot of fun! We did a mini tour of the cottage-style houses-turned bars on Rainey Street, went cowboy boot shopping, played late-night putt-putt, poked around the vintage shops on South Congress, and spent a day floating the Comal River. 

Let's be honest, though, we spent most of our time eating, drinking, and catching up with Katie and Paul. Here are some of the highlights:

Salt Lick Barbecue Pit

First stop? The Salt Lick in Driftwood for some amazing barbecue. 

This popular spot specializes in delicious, slow-cooked beef brisket, pork ribs and sausage. It features a Hawaiian-inspired sweet sauce that is an unexpected twist to this traditional Texas-style meat fest.

Even Jared, the usually-skeptical barbecue snob, was impressed.

The wait here can be long, but the scenery is beautiful and the restaurant has a BYOB policy. So, pack an ice chest and enjoy the day out in Hill Country.

Beef Brisket, Pork Ribs, Baked Beans,
Cole Slaw and Potato Salad

Scratch-made Blackberry Cobbler with
Blue Bell Vanilla Ice Cream

Right down the street from Salt Lick is a family-owned winery growing (mostly) Italian grapes in Texas. After lunch, we stopped in for a $10 create-your-own wine flight. I recommend the Dutchman Family Winery's 2010 Viognier and 2009 Sangiovese.

Sunday Funday with the Pritch-otts

Next up? Tex-Mex and margaritas, naturally. We hit up some of Katie and Paul's favorite finds and they did not disappoint.

Torchy's Tacos - The Democrat
Beef Barbacoa, Avocado, Cilantro,
Onions, and Queso Fresco

Torchy's Tacos serves up tacos every which way you can imagine. With names like the Dirty Sanchez and Little Nookies, the menu items can be a little embarrassing to order, but that's all part of the fun! 

We shared a few of these creations after our day on the river - the Mr. Pink, with seared Ahi tuna; the Democrat, with shredded beef barbacoa; and the Trailer Park, with fried chicken and green chiles. Step it up a notch and order it "Trashy," scrapping the lettuce and adding queso.

It was cheap, delicious, and ridiculously convenient considering there is a location directly across the street from K & P's apartment.

Heaven in a Glass

Getting thirsty? Head to Güero's for one hell of a margarita. These potent cocktails are hand-shaken and dangerous.

Tequila, triple sec and fresh-squeezed lime juice. That's all you need. And after a few of these, that's all you'll remember.

Güero's is also home to some of the best Tex-Mex in the city, boasting handmade corn tortillas and a salsa bar. 

We finished off our weekend at the Hula Hut. This odd little Tiki-inspired joint sits on Lake Austin, just minutes away from downtown.

Kawaikini Stuffed Avocado

Try their Kawaikini Stuffed Avocado filled with roasted chicken, green onions, cilantro, Monterey Jack and green chiles. It's rolled in panko, lightly friend and served with spicy green chile and and queso blanco sauces. Totally decadent and amazing.

The view was great, the food was tasty, and the four of us had a few more laughs as we recapped our crazy weekend.

Now it's back to DC to detox. 

Can't we just go back and do it all over again next weekend??

Y'all Come Back Now, Ya Hear?