The November Hit List: Summer House, Qi Austin, Gati Ice Cream, and More

Inside the latest offering from prolific hoteliers Bunkhouse is Summer House on Music Lane, an all-day restaurant with lake house vibes and a locally-focused menu. Chef Jeffrey Hundelt comes to Summer House from Launderette and Fresa’s, and plans a wood-grilled, Texas-inspired menu.

Dining Status: Dining in and patio dining via reservations; takeout.

Chef Ling Qi Wu takes her dim sum skills downtown and turns them up a notch, with her new restaurant, Qi Austin. On offer: a full dim sum brunch with higher-end ingredients like caviar and uni, and luxe weekday entrees including truffle egg fried fice and Szechuan-peppercorn alligator.

Dining status: dine-in by reservations; takeout.

This New York import gets its inspiration from Australia, which — you guessed it — means avocado toast and flat whites. But Two Hands is more than that, offering burgers and cocktails and housemade seasonal kombucha, and an entire menu of specialty lattes (beet lattes! mushroom lattes!), all right in the thick of South Congress. 

Dining status: dine in and patio dining by reservation. For takeout, call 512-215-9692.

The second location of Chinese-American favorite Old Thousand on Burnet Road is takeout only — which works just fine in 2020. They’re serving all your favorites from the original location, including brisket fried rice and kung pao cauliflower, plus daily specials particular to the new location like smoked jalapeno curry popcorn, char siu ribs, and pandan ice cream floats.

Dining status: Takeout only for both locations.

The vegan ice cream you know and love from South Austin institution Thai Fresh, served up in a brand new cafe and bakery on the east side. Chef Jam Sanitchat pulls on her background in Thai cuisine for flavors like tamarind candy and Thai tea, as well as seasonal fruit flavors. She’s also offering gluten-free baked goods by special order for birthday cakes, pies, cheesecakes, and more.

Dining status: Takeout only.

Say ciao to the Garden at Ellera in Bee Cave, a beer and wine garden under sprawling live oaks. The menu here is Italian, with chef Timothy Lane serving pizza, panini, and more after spending 10 years cooking in Rome. More info here.

Dining status: Dine in and patio dining; no reservations.

Your assignment: Watch chef Fermín Núñez talking about his famous suadero tacos on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles, then go into the East Austin restaurant for the real thing. The restaurant also runs taco takeovers, where they partner with local taqueros on specials, and regularly feature local wines and hard-to-find agave spirits from Texas and Mexico.

Dining status: Indoor and outdoor dining by reservation; takeout available.

Looking to start your weekends early? Launderette has reopened for lunch on Fridays. Whether you’re veering plancha burger and pressed Cuban, or rainbow bowl and smoked trout salad, they’ve got a place on the patio for you.

Dining status: Indoor and outdoor dining by reservation; takeout available.

A little love for Lakeway in the form of The Gramercy, a 1920s-themed cocktail bar and grill. The food is a little more modern (waffled grilled cheese sandwich, anyone?) but the cocktails keep it classic. Try their Vesper, Sazerac, or Corpse Reviver No. 2.

Dining status: Dining in. For reservations call 512-575-8828.

This Caribbean fast casual spot by campus is a mix-and-match affair: jerk chicken, mojo pork, and coconut curry ground beef are available as wraps, salads, and rice bowls with a variety of toppings. Try the sweet corn dip. More info here.

Dining status: Takeout only; curbside available.