Where to Eat in October: Este, Sazan, El Naranjo, and More

At last! The highly anticipated new restaurant from the team behind Suerte has opened its doors. Este is the second collaboration between Chef Fermin Nuñez and restaurateur Sam Hellman-Mass, and that can only mean one thing: It’s high time you made a Resy. For their new spot, they’ve focused on coastal Mexican cuisine and charcoal cooking — but fans of Suerte will be excited to learn that housemade masa is still a main character on the menu.

Remember Rainforest Cafe? Tiki Tatsu-Ya is kind of like that, but for grown-ups. Step inside, and you’ll be instantly transported by the immersive decor, colorful lighting, and island-inspired sound effects that permeate the restaurant. It’s also the type of place you’ll want to visit more than once, not only because it has two rooms, each with their own distinct vibe, but also because the illustrated cocktail menu has more must-try items than you can safely enjoy in an evening. We’re especially fond of the Strip ‘N Go Naked, a gin cocktail with lemongrass shochu and Japanese yuzu lager.

If you’re getting food, don’t miss the spam musubi, which features housemade Spam and chicharron furikake. This place is usually booked to the brim, so don’t delay.

Austin is full of great Mexican food, but thanks to the expertise of two-time James Beard Award-winning Chef Iliana de la Vega, El Naranjo is a memorable stand-out. Originally opened in Oaxaca, the restaurant is a delicious reminder that there’s so much more to Mexican cuisine than Tex-Mex. Be sure to try the camarones enchipotlados (mini shrimp in a chipotle cream sauce with warm corn tortillas for serving), the generously portioned guacamole, and at least one dish that features their housemade mole.

Call 512-520-5750 for reservations.

When you’re feeling indecisive about dinner and just want to eat somewhere good, Launderette is the answer. The atmosphere is welcoming and the food is dependable, whether you’re in the mood for a meal of snacks and sides, or you’re craving a burger and a glass of cabernet franc. The dessert menu is a highlight here, so leave room for a birthday cake ice cream sandwich or some chocolate French silk pie — even if you came for brunch.

Much like its serene interior, Sazan’s menu is beautifully minimalist. They specialize in a creamy chicken-and-pork broth, which makes their ramens lighter (but no less flavorful) than the tonkotsu versions you’ll find on most ramen menus in town. This means you can fill out your meal with some starters, such as the deep-fried “Indomitable Chicken Wings,” seasoned with a curry rub, or some delectable dumplings from Steamies, the family-run shop next door.

No reservations. Find more info here.

Whether you’re looking for an easy walk-in brunch spot or a lively place to spend your Saturday night, Better Half is one of the best. Their menu changes throughout the day, so you could get a granola bowl for breakfast, a veggie burger for lunch, and “big kid spaghetti-o’s” for dinner. In other words: You could spend all day on that patio without getting bored.

No reservations. Find more info here.

A staple of the Austin restaurant scene since 1975, Fonda San Miguel is just the spot for escaping the ACL crowds. Sip happy-hour margaritas in the ornate covered courtyard, then stay for dinner, because you just spotted a delicious-looking enchilada from across the room, and suddenly your mouth is watering.

The next time you’re craving empanadas, head straight to Buenos Aires Café. Actually, scratch that — book your table at this excellent Argentinian spot now, and you won’t have to worry about waiting. In addition to empanadas, the menu also includes Argentine-style pizza, a “from the grill” section, and entrees ranging from shepherd’s pie to gnocchi with sweet potato and chipotle. When you’re done eating, head downstairs to the Milonga Room, a cozy, amaro-focused speakeasy.

These days, it’s hard to read any “best new restaurants” roundup without learning about Canje — and for good reason. This East-Side spot from the Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group melds flavors from Guyana (where chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph is from) with ingredients from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and all the islands in between. The result is an inventive menu full of colorful, perfectly executed dishes, all served in an airy, cheerful dining room.

Find more info here.

Descending from busy 4th Street into a warmly lit room lined with old whiskey barrels feels like escaping into a hidden oasis. Not that this place is a secret — it’s always crowded enough to feel lively, and even a bit festive. But despite the bar’s popularity, it’s never too hard to find a spot on one of the low couches or huddled around a high-top. The cocktails are mostly classics, honed to a T. We’re especially fond of the Midnight Oil, with bourbon, amaro, and Cynar, and you can’t go wrong with an expertly concocted Penicillin.

No reservations. Find more info here.