Pitchfork Pretty, Lin Asian Bar, Sour Duck Market, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because chef Ling Qi Wu’s fresh take on dim sum is exactly what you need in the middle of a hot Texas summer. Sourcing as many ingredients as she can locally, the Wu Chow alum crafts a bright pan-Asian menu from within a Clarksville bungalow. And while a giant seafood soup dumpling might not seem like the antidote to 100-plus weather, order it anyway. Trust.

Because the third child of Bryce Gilmore and company is a delightful choose-your-own-adventure. Here for the namesake pastries? Take your pick of the laminated treats and bread. Looking for lunch? Look no further than a burger on the delightful, misty patio. During happy hour, draft cocktails are the move (think a Cucumber Moscow Mule and a tarragon-topped Paloma).

Walk-ins only.

Because sometimes you just need a really good, buttery biscuit. The team behind Thunderbird Coffee recently opened this Manor Road cafe biscuit shop, which frequently sells out of its ever-popular biscuit sandwiches. Try the Lovely Day, featuring house-made chicken sausage.

Walk-ins only.

Because there are some serious masters of masa on East Sixth. Fresh off great reviews from both the Statesman and Chronicle, this modern Mexican restaurant from Sam Hellman-Mass and chef Fermín Núñez just gets hotter and hotter. For some beat-the-heat relief, swing by for happy hour: draft cocktails and mezcal specials, plus a taquito of the day.

Because this Dripping Springs effort from the folks behind Stiles Switch takes Texas barbecue to new places (read: barbecue brunch). Beyond the old faithful BBQ staples, The Switch offers brisket hash and smoked prime rib with eggs, too.

Walk-ins only.

Because this Portland-based burger joint is making waves in East Austin, with made-to-order burgers, root beer floats, local beer, and truffle fries. It’s summertime well spent.

Walk-ins only.

Because this Eastside stunner just launched a Banchan-and-Barbecue night on Mondays. For $29, enjoy all-you-can-eat banchan and choice of meat. And while they cook the meat in the kitchen—no in-table grilling here—opt for stellar seasonal sides like spicy cucumber salad, new potatoes with kimchi, and glass noodles with basil and sweet potato.

Because homesick New Yorkers will find an embassy in this East Austin pub. Inspired by “the great places of NYC,” Gotham serves a little bit of everything: oysters, wood-fired pizza, a signature burger, even house-made pastrami. They’ve promised brunch coming soon—dare to dream of BECs!

Because retreat to Lenoir’s backyard wine garden for a cool and tranquil refresher.  Specializing in seasonal produce—tomatoes, eggplant, summer squash—’tis the season for dining at Lenoir, not to mention killer specials like Gulf snapper or grilled Texas quail (served with peaches!).

Because this cafe and bakery is uber popular in Taiwan, so you know it must be good. Boba tea, fancy cakes, smoothies, and pastries are among the highlights. Come for lunch and grab a cake or pastry to-go.

Walk-ins only.