The February Hit List: BBQ Ramen Tatsu-Ya, Estancia, Comedor, and More

The Tatsu-Ya family of restaurants is growing, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. It’s regional Texas barbecue meets ramen, and really, what more could a hungry Austinite hope for? This made-in-heaven mash-up manifests in starters like brisket sliders with nacho barbecue sauce and wasabi aioli; tortilla chips with miso bean dip; and soy-candied pecans with shrimp and chile. But really, the true highlight is the ramen, featuring bouncy noodles made by hand daily.

Good news for pizza lovers (aka … everyone?): Sammataro finally has a brick-and-mortar location, an expanded menu, and a liquor license. This popular pizza restaurant started out as a food truck on the East side and quickly became a favorite for anyone who’s ever tried (and, as a result, now misses dearly) New York pizza. The new menu still features all your old favorites, like the vodka and supreme pies, but now they’ve added salads and starters, like meatballs and cacio e pepe arancini.

No reservations. More info here.

For special occasions (or any day when you feel like celebrating, just because), head to Estancia. From tender filet mignon to Parmesan-coated pork tenderloin, the meats are, unsurprisingly, the stars of the show — and the fact that they’re hand-carved tableside only adds to the experience. But don’t stop there! Brazilian side dishes like yucca fries, caramelized bananas, and carreteiro rice round out a meal that always hits the spot.

We’ll take any excuse we can get to have dinner at Jjim — so when they started accepting reservations at the end of last year, we were first in line. Start your meal with some kimchi and a salty soy-marinated egg, then move on to entrees like L.A.-style galbi, kimchi fried rice, and — of course — galbi jjim, a must-have. If you’re not in the mood for beef, you can get the chicken jjim, which is just as mouthwateringly sweet and savory as the short-rib version. Jjim has the kind of menu where you’ll want to try every dish at least once, so come with a group and order family-style to make the most of your meal.

Take advantage of the weather by grabbing a Resy for the serene courtyard at Comedor. While the restaurant boasts a wide-ranging menu of modern Mexican cuisine, their seafood dishes are where they really shine. We’re especially fond of the fish tacos, which are beautifully fried and satisfyingly crunchy, thanks to thinly sliced grilled cabbage. The smoked pescado tostada, topped with chiles and dabs of creme fraiche, is another highlight. Those celebrating the end of Dry January will also be pleased to hear that the cocktails are excellent across the board, whether you’re in the mood for a margarita or a jalapeño-infused martini.

In our book, a night that ends at Garage is a Very Good Night. What’s the one way to guarantee such an evening, you ask? Just tap that big blue button below. The bar’s off-kilter location (yes, it’s really in a parking garage) may make you assume that the cocktails would be secondary to the gimmick — but not so. The bartenders at Garage clearly love dreaming up inventive new concoctions just as much as we love drinking them, and whether your drink style is classic or unique, they’re sure to mix you up something memorable.

Is there any better combo than fried chicken and biscuits? Have a sandwich from Bird Bird Biscuit, and your answer will be a resounding no. The Firebird, made with fried chicken, dill mayo, sweet pickles, and cilantro, is a crowd favorite, but don’t sleep on the non-chicken sandwiches either (we particularly enjoy the Bird Bird Bacon, which is essentially a bacon, egg, and cheese on a biscuit). They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options, making this a good option for those with dietary restrictions.

No reservations. More info here.

It can be difficult to find a wine-bar restaurant where the wine doesn’t overshadow the food. But at Aviary, the kitchen and the bar pull their weight equally. By-the-bottle wines are organized by entertainment icons: The Etta James wines are “sultry, rich, sexy, smooth,” while the Twiggy options are “lean, bright, austere, mineral.” And the food menu is just as playful, featuring starters like a fried “ramen egg” with garlic aioli and anchovy, and crispy mushrooms topped with a cloud of aerated truffle beurre blanc. The beef short rib is another menu highlight, thanks to its melt-in-mouth tenderness and perfect touch of sweetness. And for dessert, you need to try the maple panna cotta, which comes topped with two of the cutest little mini pancakes you ever did see.

Call 512-916-4445 for reservations.

Located in a colorful ‘30s-era house, Ani’s is the kind of spot where you’ll want to post up and stay a while. And thanks to their enormous patio and beverage menu with options for any time of day (or night), you can accomplish that easily. The cafe menu offers everything from espresso drinks to creative matcha concoctions; and from the bar, we’re big fans of the “Aperol We’ve Been Through,” a frozen cocktail that has a tropical vibe without being too sweet. Food-wise, their patio hosts a rotating lineup of food trucks and pop-ups, like donuts from Andy K’s and Cuban sandwiches from Oye Chico.

No reservations. Find more info here.

Shareable appetizers, housemade pasta, and a large selection of regional Italian wines — Olive and June checks all the boxes for your go-to Italian spot. And with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a great choice for big groups and date nights alike. Pasta-wise (because we know that’s what you’re really here for), they have a variety of options, from squash-and-leek ravioli to pappardelle with short-rib ragu. But the dish we find ourselves ordering again and again is the bucatini all’amatriciana — a Roman classic that tastes great in Texas, too.

Call 512-467-9898 for reservations.