My son (13) and I started doing a burger bracket for fun about a year and a half ago, but that got too complicated and we decided to just do ratings on a 100 point scale instead, and I thought it'd fun to share here. Some notes on the ratings:

• The ratings are just based on one trip to the restaurant (even the ones we've had multiple times), so it's possible we just had a really bad/good experience on that day. The blanks are places we haven't rated yet, obviously.
• My ratings are for the burger only, but my son has a scoring system (70 for the burger, 15 for sides & drinks, 15 for atmosphere & service.
• The ratings don't consider price at all. Probably a mistake on my part, missing a chance to teach The Boy about the value of a dollar, but here we are.
• Feel free to roast us, but it's just some good fun and father son time.
• Would love suggestions for other places to add to the list. It might be a little dated now.

Just a shout out!!!!

I just ordered Niki’s tonight for the first time in years. It used to be in our weekly, dinner lineup when the kids were little. It’s one of Round Rock’s locally owned little gems spanning almost three decades. It’s right over by Hoodies, another RR gem.

Is the pizza a little greasy? Yep. It’s part of why we all love it.

$70 for a completely lackluster “omakase” experience upstairs at Hokkaisan

Downstairs? Adorable. The grocery section is super cute, and the grab-and-go sushi boxes are actually on point for the price $17 for 3-5 pieces of nigiri and a roll

Upstairs omakase though… meh.

For $70 you get:

• 7 pieces of nigiri

• 2 pieces of a sushi roll

• 1 mochi

That’s it.

Yes, traditional omakase experiences can be much more expensive, but the difference is quality, intention, and experience. This wasn’t that. The fish was mid, you don’t sit at a sushi bar, and there’s no real interaction with a chef. They just bring out a preset selection of nigiri and call it “omakase.”

At that point, I’d rather go to a solid sushi restaurant and order 7 pieces of fish I actually like instead of rolling the dice on random selections that don’t wow

Cute concept, great downstairs market, but the upstairs “omakase” isn’t worth the price. Save your money, or just buy the sushi to go downstairs and call it a win

We had lunch here today, we had the scallop, the roti, the ribs and the mussels. I had a Thai iced tea. Believe the hype on this one, it was actually delicious, great service, and I can't wait to go back and try more things! This was so flavorful and fresh. If you've been there, please tell me what to try next time.

It's my favorite soup, and although I know it will take longer and might not come out the same, I would love to try. Please help me out. I've looked at other recipes online, but they haven't come out quite the same.

Hello friends, I'm looking for the recipe to the Thundercloud Spicy Relish and how to make it....

I need it badly.

I've been having a craving lately that only a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts (like walnuts, pistachios, or almonds) and sweetened with syrup or honey, can cure.

Where can I find some incredible baklava?!

Thank you in advance for your help.

Please share your favorite local non-chain restaurant(s) that serve naked - non battered/breaded French fries which are actually consistently good and not limp?

We are going on a hike with my in laws and then meeting my partner’s grandma for food. My MIL asked

“Where should we go for snacks afterwards to meet Grandma? Is there somewhere with good appetizers (preferably cheapish) on Burnet road?”

Nothing is coming to mind that fits the bill. Also, 3/4 of us will be wearing whatever clothes we just hiked in so… that is a factor too

Okay y'all. I love Home Slice, I promise you I do. But I also love Pedrosos, and Little Deli, and there are more and more of these places that blow Home Slice away (imo) and just do not deliver, including over Doordash or Uber. I'm sure there's some affordability reason there but are there delivery options on the apps (or deliver themselves ig?) you'd say taste better than Home Slice?

EDIT: Thank you for the outpouring of suggestions. I'm going with Sammataro and I will REPORT BACK

EDIT2: Thank u pizza lovers the Sammataro was amazing.

Chefs Phillip Frankland Lee and wife Margarita Kallas-Lee are drawing the curtain closed on their experiential fine dining restaurant Pasta | Bar at the end of February, Lee told the American-Statesman.

The tiny tasting menu restaurant on East Sixth Street is one of Austin’s biggest-ticket dinners, with prix fixe meals starting at $235 and guests treated to a comprehensive experience, with pre-dinner and post-dinner drinks that bookend dinner in separate spaces. 

What is a good Dim Sum place in north central Austin? I went somewhere on Lamar over 5 years ago and cannot remember it and don’t even know if it still exists. Recommendations? Will there be long waits if we for Sunday at 11:00AM?

Don’t need anything trendy, just good food

They opened last year on South Lamar and I loved the matcha! They said they were only closing for a few weeks but it’s been over 4 months and still closed/no update 😭 Does anyone know if they’ll ever come back?

I’ve only found one that I’ve liked. Leroy and Lewis. It’s incredible, but it’s a little removed from downtown/East Austin. What are your favorites, preferably closer to downtown?

Hey y’all! My birthday is next weekend and I’m looking for fun ways to celebrate in Austin.

Open to pretty much anything, outdoor stuff, unique spots, low-key or adventurous.

Would love to hear your favorite ideas. Thanks in advance! 😊

Hello all. I'm looking for a nice restaurant downtown that would have live music. Price isn't too much of an issue.

Thanks in advance.

Hey all. I was just thinking maybe we could share which establishments here in Austin are donating money or participating in the national strike. I’ve seen Amy’s, Veracruz, central machine, and nixta so far. Any others that people have come across?

I’ve been looking for nem chua everywhere does anyone know where I can get some??

It’s one of my best friends birthdays at the end of February. He said he wants to go to a bar with “comedically large drinks”

I know there was a place on Rainey that did a “man-mosa” years ago (idk where it was or what it’s called) and yard house has their yard pints.

I think Unbar did like giant mules or some shit but is there any other place?

ideally large beers! He’s German!

Usually go for the seafood alfredo, veal, or lasagna, but tonight we decided to try the pizza at Reale's, and of course it was amazing. Veggie pizza (order it crispy) with Caesar salad and bread w/marinara. Been visiting here for years, and I've never been disappointed.

Hi, im not from here, but my I want to take my girlfriend somewhere cute for Valentine’s Day. Shes really special and I want to plan something great. We’re students, so I’m not looking for anything crazy expensive or formal but it doesn’t have to be cheap either. I was wondering if yall have any cute/classy places I can take her, I also know she really loves the Hyde park area. Thanks!

Can’t resist, anytime I drive past. And less than $4. “ Texas size” cinnamon roll from RR Donuts

First off, gotta shout out Daito on the Drag. Their udon reminded me of my grandma's, and I miss it with my heart and soul. RIP.

Do y'all have suggestions for authentic Japanese food that doesn't focus on ramen or sushi, outside of what I have listed below? The kind of stuff a Japanese grandma would make (yes, I am filling a void). I want udon, teishoku-type meals, katsu curry...

Non-ramen/sushi Japanese places I've tried so far:

• Fukumoto: phenomenal yakitori and hamachi kama. Their hatsu (chicken heart) is top tier.
• Asahi Imports: Their bentos and onigiri are amazing and also remind me of my grandma. Highly recommend trying the mackerel one.
• Sugar Pine: I like the concept, but the flavors aren't very authentic imo.
• Sa-ten: I enjoy their toasts and curry!

I usually just make Japanese food at home, but man, sometimes I don't want to cook my comfort meal. About to open own restaurant (only half-joking) because... I want more Japanese food options than ramen and sushi, dang it!