The 2018 Resy Hit List: Suerte, Better Half, The Brewer’s Table

Because it’s been a wild ride for Sam Hellman-Mass and Fermín Núñez’s shrine to masa. Not only is Suerte a local favorite, but it has become a must-dine destination for visitors to our fair city as well. And this duo is just getting started: hold on to your tacos, because Suerte just launched brunch.

Because Better Half isn’t just a bar, coffee shop, or restaurant, it’s a destination. Come for work meetings, first dates, Friday night burgers, after-work cocktails—whatever suits your fancy. Your marching orders? Spring for the cheeseburger or the redfish torta, and a side of cauliflower tots. Yes way, all-day cafe.

Walk-ins only.

Because this ambitious project dedicated to beer really nailed it. The Brewer’s Table is many things at once: it’s a brewery, for starters, and a high-end restaurant that serves food inspired by beer, and a casual beer garden that serves snacks and sandwiches. The menu varies by season, but the Garden Feast—featuring barbecue squash and a number of creative vegetable sides—is a must-order.

For reservations, contact the restaurant at (512) 520-8199.

Because it’s entirely possible that 40 North serves the best pizza in town (alongside some of the best burgers in town). From the sides to the wine list, you can’t go wrong. Plus, the restaurant frequently collaborates with other Austin eateries to create fun special menus—right now, it’s La Barbecue. And did we mention the pizza is spectacular? Go.

Walk-ins only.

Because there’s nothing quite so satisfying as a really good hotel restaurant. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night: Carpenters Hall serves up Texas-inspired goodies (migas!), hotel classics (club sandwich!), and a damn fine burger by chef Grae Nonas. Be sure to swing by the hotel’s cafe, Hot L Coffee, before you head out.

Because Bryce Gilmore and company went casual in the best possible way. The team behind Austin favorites Barley Swine and Odd Duck opened this all-day cafe, biergarten and market on East MLK this year, serving to-die-for pastries, draft cocktails, and much more.

Walk-ins only.

Because who can say no to sushi and tiki drinks? She’s Not Here looks like an art installation from the outside; inside, it feels like a vacation. The sushi is a highlight, but don’t sleep on the fried chicken.

Because Joann’s brilliantly reinvents Austin classics with stylish, modern flair. Highlights include chicken fried steak and hippie migas (with soyrizo, natch), a vegetable torta and margarita pie (complete with meringue and orange salt). Plus, the courtyard bar facing South Congress has to be some of the best people watching in town.

Walk-ins only.

Because it should come as no surprise that Loro—the brainchild of Aaron Franklin and Tyson Cole—was bound to be one of best openings of the year. It’s barbecue with an Asian twist: Thai green curry sausage, chicken bo ssam, and, yes, brisket—with chili gastrique. Plus it’s one of the prettiest patios in town. So grab a sake slushee and hang for a while.

Walk-ins only.

Because Austin needed a fresh take on dim sum, and chef Ling Qi Wu delivered. Lin is much more than just dim sum, of course—their noodle dishes are exceptional—and it’s in the cutest bungalow on West Sixth Street.

Because all Le Bleu serves is bún and bánh mi, but that’s pretty much all you need. The OG bánh mi, with cold cuts and paté, is the call here, although the spicy chicken bún is also a good move. And sometimes they have soups on special—the bún bò huê’ is a treat.

Walk-ins only.