Domo Alley-Gato, Carpenters Hall, Easy Tiger, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because the praise just won’t quit for the brand-new restaurant at the boutique Carpenter Hotel. Coming off a rave review from the Austin Chronicle, Carpenters Hall is becoming the go-to brunch spot in town, thanks to its sunny dining room and sensational burger. Dinner’s a must-dine, as well—start with the caviar and potato chips before moving on to the swoon-worthy schnitzel.

Because the Tatsu-ya gang can do no wrong, and Domo Alley-Gato is their latest concept. This is the perfect time of year for Japanese curry– sweet, steaming, and topped with crispy-fried katsu (or Texas sausage, your call). The bar menu packs options ranging from Kirin Ichiban with a frozen foam cap to a mix-n-match Japanese highball menu.

Walk-ins only.

Because the northside location of this uber-popular bakery and biergarten just might have the power to transform a neighborhood. The area surrounding Highland was already buzzing thanks to ACC’s takeover of the defunct shopping mall, but it may become a thriving restaurant district. At Easy Tiger, enjoy the contemporary riff on classic Bavarian design, complete with destination-worthy pastries and bread.

Walk-ins only.

Because this cozy shrine to handmade pasta is quickly becoming an Eastside favorite. “Intimate,” Statesman critic Matthew Odam called it in his recent review, and indeed the maze-like Italian spot makes for a perfect date night. And don’t skip the house-made chocolates at the end of the night.

Because this take-out shop and beer garden is reinventing rotisserie. Lou’s offers a mouth-watering spread—breakfast tacos, sandwiches—but rotisserie is where it really shines. Choose from chicken, beef, porchetta, or whole roasted cauliflower, and top it off with a signature dipping sauce (pro-tip: go for the green sauce), add some sides for good measure (rotisserie potatoes, for one), and you’re in take-out heaven.

Walk-ins only.

Bar Peached pays tribute to Austin favorite Peached Tortilla with its chili crab toast and mapo Bolognese, and rounds out the offerings with signature on-tap cocktails. Try the gin-based Cherry Pop, Paloma, or the cucumber-water infused Yoga & Chill.  

For reservations call 512-992-0666.

Because Little Brother Bar has your late nights and early mornings covered. This bite-sized spot—related to Better Half and Wright Bros. Brew and Brew—does what its siblings do best, only smaller: coffee, booze, and a limited menu of hoagies, natch.

Walk-ins only.

Because cozy up to some dumplings and congee at this East Austin counter service restaurant. Sweet Chive is bound to cure winter blues with its satisfying bowls of noodles and savory pan-fried dumplings.

Walk-ins only.

Because this beloved Thai spot has reopened—now helmed by the original owners’ niece and nephew, Kanjanut and Thanet Thomas. The restaurant’s latest iteration includes a renovated dining room, plans for a bar, and plenty of fresh Thai curries and noodles that regulars remember.

Walk-ins only.

Because come for the handmade pasta, and stay for the exceptional Italian wine list. This North Austin staple serves authentic Italian fare (think ossobuco and veal scallopini alongside gnocchi and ricotta-filled ravioli), that practically begs for a date night.

Because at long last, Kerbey Lane has descended on East Austin, which folks in the Mueller area have been clamoring after for years. Get your pumpkin bread french toast on; it’s finally here.

Walk-ins only.