Had reserved this restaurant a month before visiting Austin. Had chosen this spot after some…read moreresearch for hip, high end restaurants with great food and ambiance. This restaurant was everything I could of asked for. I'm from Los Angeles, and have been to many high end and hip restaurants, this was definitely up there with some of the best restaurants. Food: The lamb chops and Branzino were absolutely delicious, my aloe cocktail was just ok but the old fashion was probably the best I have had. Highly recommend it. The staff was also super nice and very hard working as they tried to te arrange umbrellas for possible rain. Beautiful decor and ambiance.

Last night was our second visit to ABA, and considering that it's a two hour drive to get to, that…read moresays a lot. Both times, the food has been spectacular, the service off the page, and the atmosphere and ambiance magnificent. We tried three mezzes last night, and each was killer. The hummus was the smoothest I've ever eaten and with the brisket, it was killer! We tried the whipped feta with pistachios, and it was special -- salty/sweet and a little something special to make you wonder just what the spice was. The lamb & beef keftas were also excellent, with the lemon rice and a nice tsadziki -- and we make keftas at home fairly regularly, so we know what a good one tastes like. The only regret that we had was that we only have one stomach each. A second would have allowed us to keep tasting... Don't miss it. Even the patio dining was cool and refreshing -- and it was 86º when we were eating dinner!

The good-the food was consistently good. The employees were polite…read more The bad: hoooo boy, where to start. The women's restroom had NO tp. One stall has no working latches or locks, and the other has no external handle. They have no diet drink options except water, so diabetics can drink water or go thirsty I guess. The most egregious thing, however, was how my food was given to me. I ordered a gyro wrap with cheese. Now, I don't know about everyone else, but if I'm eating MEDITERRANEAN FOOD, and ask for cheese, I expect a beautiful pile of feta. Instead, I received a wrap with a mountain of SLICED American cheese on it. Its mere existence infuriates me.

We stopped by here for a quick dinner. The service was really quick, though the food took a little…read morelonger since it's made to order. The place was nice and clean. We tried the combination platter over fries, and it was quite tasty. It was generous enough to share.

Usta Kababgy is an excellent restaurant for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in Austin, TX located…read moreon N. Lamar Blvd. The restaurant has well seasoned, charcoal grilled meats. The kebabs are the true highlight...juicy, flavorful, and grilled to perfection. The portions are quite large as the hubs and I shared a wrap. We were sufficiently full after eating the chicken tikka wrap. Interestingly, the wrap came in a Shawarma King packaging with their contact phone number. So, I assume that Usta staff are sub-contracting from Shawarma King. Usta also has freshly baked bread and classic sides like hummus and rice paired with the main dishes. The restaurant has a homey, lived in feel. It has a few middle eastern artifacts sprinkled throughout the restaurant. The menu offers a wide variety of options, from Iraqi and Adana kebabs to shawarma and traditional Middle Eastern plates, so there are food items for both first timers and regulars who want to explore beyond the basics. They also serve flatbreads where you can have two different toppings. The food focus is on bold, traditional flavors rather than modern takes on middle eastern foods. On the desserts front, they have an assortment of desserts and several sections of ice cream. I had the baklava, which was surprisingly delicious...it was not eye-squinting sweet like a standard baklava. It was crunchy, flavorful, and had nuts that were substantial. Layla, my server, was so super sweet and welcoming. She pointed out that Usta provides its customers free tea. How cool is that? I cannot remember last time I received a free drink.

Usta Kababgy offers amazing charcoal-grilled Mediterranean food that provides authentic, "soul-fed"…read moreexperience that's hard to find elsewhere. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, suitable for a place nice enough for a family/friend gathering. The service is friendly and reassures wanting to provide an enjoyable meal. The standout here is the charcoal grill definitely must try. It's all fresh and top-tier.

Tried the Loro x Siete: Backyard BBQ collab at Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar and it was such a fun…read morehappy hour bar experience. Loro is an Asian smokehouse and bar featuring grilled and smoked meats with Southeast Asian and Japanese-inspired sauces, sides, and a bar that boasts craft beer, boozy slushees, and batch cocktails. Parking at this location is a bit of a challenge. They have overflow parking in the back but the spots are really small. We sat at the bar area and worked our way through cocktails, apps, and dessert. We opened a tab and the bar staff takes your order which is convenient, versus how you normally have to order by waiting in line at the bar. The bar staff was extremely busy because they have to make all the cocktails and take the line orders at the bar. They are a master of multitasking. It was $3 martini night on Tuesday, so was excited to sample the four different drink options. lychee martini, Mexican martini, and Lucky Cat cosmo martini. Lychee martini is made with new amsterdam vodka, sake, elderflower, Mexican martini with espolon blanco, olive, yuzu, lime and cosmo with vodka, blood orange, naranja, lime. The lychee was hands down my favorite of the three. We started with the Dip Sampler that included a trifecta of smoked shishito queso, smoked salmon dip and Thai green salsa with the Siete blue corn tortilla chips. We went through the chips quickly and got a second round of wonton chips which I preferred to the Siete chips. Tried the Mango Chamoy frozen Slushee with Siete Chamoy Botana Sauce & Siete Chile Lime Seasoning Rim, passionfruit, Aperol, Sake and Sparkling Wine which was refreshing. All their boozy slushies are $5 during happy hour. Ordered the oak grilled edamame from the happy hour menu and it was a flavor explosion with a dusting of serracha powder, lemon zest and white sesame. For dinner, I ordered my go-to rice bowl with coconut-scented rice, seasonal pickles, thai herbs and steak as the protein. They normally served this with Bavette, but the steak was a bit tough and chewy this time. Finished everything off with cheesecake with five spice crumble, yuzu marmalade for dessert. The vibe at the bar was relaxed and lively without feeling overwhelming, and the collab menu felt creative without trying too hard. The ingredients are very thoughtful for a fully developed flavor profile. Just what I would expect from the culinary minds of Tyson Cole and Aaron Franklin. Definitely one of the regulars in my list when craving good cocktails with a casual but elevated food menu.

Plenty of parking, lots of seating options both indoor and outdoor, no wait, easy ordering at the…read morebar, creative menu. We came here for a small late lunch during a hot day and this place checked all the boxes. Plenty of seating options and we loved the AC. Both high chairs and booster seats available for kids. The char siew pork belly was very good. Nothing like barbecue pork belly or asian char siew, but somehow they made it work. Chicken karaage was what you would expect, similar to what you get at Japanese places. Portions are big. The sesame rice noodles were highly reviewed but kinda underwhelming. Sauce was surprisingly spicy and the sesame flavor wasn't super obvious. We also tried the rendang beans and rice, which was a creative spin. I enjoyed the curried beans with the fragrant coconut rice. Nice spot to rest, relax, enjoy a meal and drinks. Enjoyed our experience.

The food here is consistently delicious and well-portioned for the price. Highlights are the super…read moreduper wrap (as big as my forearm), the crave fries, and falafel. This is my default spot when I don't want to think about what to get, and beats the neighboring Chipotle any day. No notes. Shoutout to Julio and the rest of the staff for the genuinely cheerful service that keeps me coming back for more and leaving with a smile.

I ordered from the kebab shop through uber eats. I had the bowl and then also tried their falafel…read moreand hummus. The falafel and hummus were great. The bowl was only okay. The chicken was a little weird and I avoided it. The bowl overall had a little bit of a strange chemical ish taste. I don't regret trying it and wouldn't be opposed to trying again. Not a must have though.

I love this halal truck!! My favorite in Austin. The food is excellent (beef over rice is my…read morego-to), but the staff is super friendly, and provides quick service. Absolutely can't go wrong here!

Why 4 stars? Because I had a halal itch and this kind of scratched it…read more --- --- --- I recently visited New York and every time I do that, I usually have to visit a halal cart. This time, I barely managed to squeeze one into my trip, and it was kind of a last minute stop from a food truck that wasn't even on Yelp. It was fine, but I was left yearning for more after barely getting a taste of it. Enter: my trip to Austin. Upon doing my food research, I was struck by Halal Time's great rating and couldn't pass up the opportunity to visit. I was staying in a hotel less than a mile away, which made it even easier to stop by. The result? I wouldn't say it fully hit the spot on what I'd remembered from old NYC trips, but I did enjoy it. I went with the Beef Shawarma Over Rice plate and it was a perfectly "good, not great" dinner.

9/10 Halal Hub was…read moreabsolutely worth the stop. I ordered the chicken shawarma over rice and salad, and it was packed with flavor, fresh, and a huge portion. There was still a line at 11 PM, which tells you everything you need to know. It's a little hidden on the corner of a gas station, but don't let that fool you. I wasn't a fan of the red spicy sauce, but the tzatziki was delicious. Next time, I'm trying the tabouli. Great food, open late, and I'd definitely come back.

One of the best food trucks in South Austin, this not-so-hidden gem seems to have a steady stream…read moreof people always. Options are classic like chicken/gyro/combo over rice with perfectly tasty sauces that compliment well. Meals are reasonable with generous sizes. Everything comes out quickly and piping hot. Can easily serve for two meals. Side salad with meals is also welcome. Definitely a go-to spot.

Such an unassuming food truck, but don't let that fool you. This spot is a hidden gem!…read more Michelin rated, high quality BBQ. Love the Egyptian twist. The flavors of everything were spectacular. Stand out was definitely the mediterranean rice. I would have never thought to mix BBQ with rice, but this works. The soft tender meat with the delicious sides makes the perfect bite. Delicious meal!

KG BBQ is located in a food park area next to a bar/restaurant. Parking can be a bit difficult as…read moremost places in Austin TX. You walk up to a food trailer and wait in line to order. Place your order, pay and they give you a pager that will light up and buzz when your order is ready. The brisket was good as was the sausage but the lamb chops were the best. Go and give it a try.

Pretty convenient little spot off the road. Nice setup with a couple spots to sit outside. One of…read morethem is covered. Bit of a language barrier with the guy taking orders. He was really nice though. So I didn't get what I wanted but got what he suggested. And he suggested the beef dumplings as a substitute for what I couldn't get. And oh man, those things are pretty awesome. Tasty for sure. And the presentation I think is really nice. We also had the chicken skewers over rice. Those were good too. But I'd probably stick with the beef next time.

Amazing and authentic Afghani cuisine! The Mantu, Beef…read moreChapli Kabuli and Chicken Skewers were very good! Very tasty and a must have in ATX! Big congratulations to Armaan for being extra artistic and friendly! Keep up the good work! I am now a forever customer! Appreciation!

Review: Fierce Flavors at Austin's Top 100 BBQ Tucked into a…read morequintessential corner lot, this Austin food truck isn't just serving barbecue; it's serving a certified experience. As a recipient of the prestigious Texas Monthly Top 100 BBQ Award, the expectations were high--and for the most part, they were met. The venue itself provides a fantastic, relaxed vibe, complete with plenty of TVs and a music stage, making it the perfect spot for chilling out on a lazy afternoon or settling in for an evening hang. The Main Event: Pitmaster Excellence The true test of a Texas BBQ joint is the holy trinity, and here, they nailed the fundamentals: * Brisket: This was Texas BBQ as it should be. The brisket was super juicy, delivered a profound, deep flavor, and possessed a flawless, great bark that spoke to hours of skillful smoking * Spare Ribs: A study in contrast and texture. The ribs offered a satisfying "good pull"--firm enough to bite but still falling cleanly off the bone. The thick, peppery bark was beautifully balanced by a slight sweetness from a pepper jelly glaze, adding a layer of sophisticated flavor you don't always find. * Pork Belly Burnt Ends: These were pure decadence. Each bite provided a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth experience with a distinct and welcome hint of Fierce Whiskers bourbon woven into the smoky, fatty flavor. They are so rich and irresistible, you know you shouldn't eat too many, but good luck stopping. * Jalapeño and Cheese Sausage: This locally sourced link brought the heat with a good level of spice. The flavor was excellent, though the texture leaned slightly toward the processed side, which was the only minor drawback among the meats. The Supporting Cast: Sides A great plate of BBQ requires sides that stand up to the meat, and while two of these were stars, one needs a little work. * Mac & Cheese: An absolute winner. It was cheesy, creamy, and featured an excellent smoked flavor that permeated the dish. The slightly charred edges added a delightful textural counterpoint. * Hash Brown Casserole: This was a surprisingly strong contender, offering a nice assembly of savory flavors. The secret weapon was the corn flake topping, providing an unexpected but welcome crunch, complemented by a satisfying hint of bacon. * Creamed Corn: Unfortunately, this side was the weakest link. It tasted primarily bland, despite a slight peppery note. It desperately needs some fresh jalapeños mixed in to cut through the creaminess and add the essential Texas kick. Final Verdict The meat selection here is truly Top 100 worthy, excelling in technique, flavor, and execution (especially the Brisket and Burnt Ends). The atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed gathering. While the Creamed Corn missed the mark, the stellar Hash Brown Casserole and Smoked Mac & Cheese prove that their side game is usually strong. Come for the high-quality, authentic Texas barbecue, stay for the great outdoor patio.

After my tastebuds were disrespected last week, I decided to reward them with a proper lite…read moreafternoon snack at Rollin Smoke BBQ, located in the Chalmers Bar, and they did not disappoint. I wanted to order Moist Beef Brisket and Pork Spareribs but the Ribs were not going to be ready for another 30 minutes. The Prime Pork Belly Burnt Ends were suggested as an alternative and my side was the smoke tomato and okra. The Moist Beef Brisket was exceptionally juicy and flavorful with a bark that had my attention. The Prime Pork Belly Burnt Ends were definitely an excellent choice. They were slow-smoked and then tossed in Fierce Whiskers Bourbon Sauce .and smoked again to create a very nice glaze and it was not overly sweet. I ordered the smoked Okra and Tomatoes that more than satisfied my veggie requirement. I am definitely returning to Rollin Smoke for a lite afternoon snack consisting of Pork Spareribs, Beef Brisket, Pork Belly Burnt Ends and the Smoked Mac and Cheese which I am told is beyond measure.