If you are visiting Austin this or next weekend to enjoy a fun filled weekend at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, you will need yummy grub to keep you pumped for the excitement you will be encountering.  As local foodies, we wanted to suggest the best of the best when it comes to Austin’s culinary scene.  Below are a few of our favorite local hots spots to ensure you have the best dining experience while visiting our great city.   The options are in no particular order other than alphabetized… so pick the option that is closest to where you happen to be, your tastebuds will not be let down.

Our Restaurant Picks

24 Diner
The best item on the menu is the Chicken and Waffles, but if you are dining with a friend… share because the portion is HUGE or opt for a half portion.  The chicken has a light fly and the waffles are dense but delicious.  However, we are told the Bloody Mary is the best in the city.

Clark’s Oyster Bar
Clark’s is a spin off of Perla’s on South Congress.  Belly up the bar and enjoy delicious oysters or give their ceviche a whirl.  Not a fan of seafood, their wedge salad was unbelievably scrumptious.

Jack Allen’s Kitchen
By far… one of the best Sunday brunch spot in Austin, or should I say Southwest Austin.  It is a trek from Downtown Austin, but you will be amazed at the selection offered on the brunch menu from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.  If you want a late afternoon snack, be sure to check out their happy hour where all appetizers are half priced and are awesome.

Lucy’s Fried Chicken
I firmly believe someone has found my grandmother and has her tied up in the kitchen and she is deep frying chicken.  If you are adventurous, try the calf fries.  One of the best items on their menu is the Mason Jar Banana Pudding.  It will literally make your eyeballs roll to the back of your head.

Salty Sow
Settled in East Austin and described as a head to tail restaurant, as they use the entire animal and ensure they use local ingredients.  The charcuterie board was a hit and every item that hit the table was gobbled up without any regrets.

Torchy’s
You can never go wrong with a trip to Torchy’s.  Our all time favorites are The Crossroads, Fried Avocado and The Independent, but the special of the month is often a hit.  They have several locations around town and a food truck on South First.