winning

Forget star ratings: Austin's own land on Bon Appetit's 20 Most Important Restaurants in America

This one's a little different: Instead of predictably naming the "best," "newest," or "highest rated" restaurants of the year, Bon Appetit's dedicated foodist, Andrew Knowlton, has released his list of the 20 Most Important Restaurants in America.

Knowlton describes his selections as fearless restaurants that drive chefs to innovate. And wouldn't you know, two Austin favorites landed on the list.

First, Knowlton combines Uchi and Uchiko and comically reports:

I can hear the sushi snobs already: "This know-it- all is saying the best sushi in America comes from a white dude. In a 1920s bungalow! In Texas?" But yes, that is what I'm saying. Tyson Cole is the Japanese-speaking, James Beard Award–winning perfectionist behind these Austin institutions.

Second, Knowlton lauds Franklin Barbecue as the nation's leader of all things smokey, meaty and messy. Then, he asks the man behind the pit, Aaron Franklin, a few quick questions:

How are people okay with you running out of meat?
Maybe because I tell them how we can only make so much of it and that I'm real sorry. But now running out of food is, like, a cool thing to do.

How long would you wait for barbecue?
I can't eat barbecue anymore. I'd stand in line for a good salad, though.

It's nice to see that the restaurants selected by Bon Appetit have proved themselves as anything but a flash in the pan. Uchi, first opened in 2003, continues to expand without losing its unique approach to cuisine, while Mr. Franklin sticks to what works, proving that genuine, hard work pays off.

Only nine other cities can now claim themselves home to one of the 20 Most Important Restaurants in America: New York City, Napa, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Brooklyn, Portland, New Orleans and Rockland, Maine. We'd say Austin is keeping great company.

Sushi bar at Uchi

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News You Can Eat

14 openings bring hot chicken and vegan burgers to Austin food news

Mission Burger Co./Instagram

Mission Burger Co. is now located inside Barley Bean Cafe.

Now that South by Southwest is over, the Austin restaurant scene is back to its usual breakneck pace. We’re doing things a little differently for this week’s food news, focusing on openings and then throwing you a few tips to look into on your own.

Locally owned openings

A new vegan friend has moved in with BarleyBean Cafe on South Lamar Boulevard. Austinites might already be familiar with Mission Burger Co., originally located inside RiverCity Market on South Congress. It's moved out and joined the coffee shop, bringing the same plant-based burgers that gained it a loyal local following as well as other options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and even a full bar. (And yes, the free cookie with every order continues.) The partnership is more than simply sharing the space: the menu at BarleyBean is now fully vegan, too. They’re located at 3600 S. Lamar Blvd. and open daily from 7 am to 11 pm.

Austin now has a new sports bar and restaurant completely dedicated to women's sports — welcoming anyone who wants to watch them. Named for the year Title IX went into effect, 1972 Pub celebrated its grand opening March 19 at 2530 Guadalupe St., the space formerly occupied by Moody’s Kitchen and Bar. Hours are 4-11 pm Wednesdays through Fridays, and 10:30 am to 11 pm Saturdays and Sundays.

According to the Austin Business Journal, the owners of the Iron Cactus are opening a new restaurant shifting the focus to modern Italian food. The aptly named Moderna Italian will serve pizza and pasta with an emphasis on process. ABJ says guests can watch the pizza be made in the kitchen, and some dishes like cacio e pepe and tiramisu will be plated up tableside.

A campaign supporting Round Rock businesses shares that the city is anticipating a new Buddy's Burger location sometime in 2025. The new restaurant, located at 1551 E. Old Settlers Blvd., will make three for the growing business, which also operates in Austin and San Marcos. Buddy's is known for its simplicity, pairing the classic fast food experience with a high-quality product.

Chain openings

Hattie B's Hot Chicken, based in Nashville, Tennessee, has announced it will open a second Austin location. The first debuted on South Lamar Boulevard in February 2024; the second will be located at the Domain Northside at 3100 Esperanza Crossing, Ste. 130. This chain has become famous for its sliding spice scale and welcoming atmosphere. If the next grand opening is like the first one — which crammed in tons of visitors for a free taste and DJ tunes — then fried chicken fans should keep an eye out for that opening date.

Postino WineCafé, a wine bar chain based in Phoenix, Arizona, also made a 2024 debut in Austin and is following it with a second location sometime this summer. The first was on South Lamar, and the new one will be in Central Austin in the Bryker Woods neighborhood at 1615 West 35th St. These restaurants are known for fancy European snacks like charcuterie and bruschetta.

The Atlanta, Georgia-based Chicken Salad Chick is roosting in Pflugerville (18900 Limestone Commercial Dr.) starting March 25. This is the first Austin-area location for the chain, with a deli-like menu that focuses on sandwiches and sandwiches. The first 100 guests to purchase certain menu items each day from March 25-29 will win prizes like a cooler or monthly free chicken salad for a year. Hours are Mondays through Saturdays from 10 am to 8 pm.

ICYMI: In the last two weeks we learned that the popular new Italian restaurant Poeta has found a new home after its departure from the Frances Modern Inn; plus Rainey Street bar Bungalow is returning after three years; food court Fareground has added Aburi Oshi Sushi, Golden Boy, and JABS Burgers & Fries as permanent restaurants; and one of Texas' oldest inns, Salado's Stagecoach Inn, has reintroduced its historic restaurant after renovations.

Other news and notes

The P Terry's at 204 W. Ben White Blvd. is now open 24 hours daily.
Texas Sake Week is having its inaugural Austin festival March 20-23.
Restaurant rewards platform InKind is offering special additional rewards at 3,500 restaurants nationwide from March 20-30.
Hill Country wineries are setting up complimentary tastings for Wine & Wildflower Journey Passport holders from March 24 to April 14.
Emmer & Rye hosts a six-course dinner with Steve Matthiasson of Matthiasson Wines on March 27.
Manuel’s launches its happy hour April 1, with free botanas (appetizers) with the purchase of two happy hour drinks to celebrate. Happy hour will be Sundays through Thursdays from 3:30-6 pm.
Tickets are on sale now for You Grill Girl!, hosted by Les Dames d'Escoffier Austin Chapter in support of women and nonbinary chefs. The event takes place April 24.

news you can eat openings burgers vegan coffee italian cuisine