The October Hit List: Kemuri Tatsu-ya, Andiamo, Barley Swine, Aba, and More

A new Chicago import from a Top Chef alum sounds like something from pre-pandemic days, but that’s just what Aba is: the second location of chef CJ Jacobson’s Mediterranean restaurant, just opened on South Congress. The menu takes inspiration from across the region, with dishes like short-rib hummus, muhammara, khachapuri, and more. Bonus points for the patio shaded by a giant heritage oak tree. More info here.

Dining status: patio and dine-in, reservations only. For reservations call 737-273-0199.

After a few months of to-go picnics, the restaurant at the Carpenter Hotel is open for dine-in service. Or, well, dine-out service, as they’re only seating the patio for now. (Don’t worry, they have a covered quonset hut seating area if it rains.) The menu includes “Tex Mez,” a Texas-inspired riff on Middle Eastern mezze platters, burgers, club sandwiches, steak frites, and a solid cocktail menu.

Dining status: reservations, walk-ins, and to-go.

Kemuri is not only open for dine-in on their patio, they’ve launched an entirely new menu. The Omakase Club is comprised of three menus — one meat-focused, one pescaterian, and one vegetarian — that offer diners 7 to 10 small dishes of their Texas barbecue-meets-izakaya cooking. Pair with a highball made from one of Austin’s best Japanese whisky selections, and you’re in for a treat.

Dining status: dine-in, reservations only.

This Barton Springs Road favorite is heading north, and opening a second location in the Arboretum in February 2021. For now, you can still enjoy the original location, serving its typical menu of pizzas, pasta, and other Italian favorites. Which, if 2020 calls for anything, it’s a solid Negroni.

Dining status: dine-in, patio, to-go and delivery.

What happens when a Jewish kid from El Paso opens a burger truck and then a brick-and-mortar? Burritos stuffed with latkes and queso; burgers topped with pastrami and Hatch chiles. It could read as a gimmick if it weren’t so dang delicious.

Dining status: dine-in, patio, and takeout.

Thursdays through Sundays, Barley Swine is offering their tasting menu to a socially-distance dining room, gradually turning over the menu to fall as fall ingredients come through. For to-go, they’ve got their Barley-Q takeout packages: several dishes of smoked goodies available with meat or as a vegetarian menu. Either way, can’t lose.

Dining status: dine-in, to-go.

Tucked inside the Maufrais hat shop on South Congress is the latest offering from the folks who brought you Better Half, Hold Out Brewing, and, you guessed it, Little Brother Bar on Rainey Street. Much like its hard-partying sibling, Little Brother Bar SoCo brings you solid bevs … but just of the caffeinated variety, plus seasonal kolaches.

Dining status: walk-up window.

The weather is perfect for a brunch on the lawn, or a late afternoon glass of rosé. Happy Foods and Swoop Wine Garden offer both, with a vegetable-focused, largely gluten free menu and killer wine list from the restarateurs behind Sawyer & Co.

Dining status: patio and to-go.

Popular East Sixth food truck Carabao Express has opened a fast-casual brick-and-mortar in North Austin. Filipino favorites like chicken adobo, loganisa patties, and lechon are offered as mix-n-match combos, à la carte, or bundled as a family meal. Oh, and did we mention Dole Whip floats for dessert?

Dining status: patio, take out, delivery.

This North Austin Italian favorite has just launched their fall menu, dressing up the pastas they’re known for with seasonal farmers market ingredients like squash and mushrooms. Pro tip: They’re offering bottles of wine to go at 50% off.

Dining status: dine-in and takeout.