Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, Batch, Kome, and More, Now on The Resy Hit List

Because the shine just keeps coming. Austin’s favorite new twist on barbecue just got some  love from Bon Appetit, which named it one of the country’s 10 best new restaurants of the year. The magazine praised the izakaya/barbecue mashup for its “fearlessness” with dishes like squid (marinated in its own guts). The stars here are the smoked fish and meats (get the mackerel!), as well as a deep Japanese whiskey list.

Because the only thing better than a kolache is a kolache paired with a great craft beer. Batch is now open just south of Mueller, and it boasts Czech treats made with Micklethwait barbecue, local fruit, and much more. Oh— it also has one of Austin’s few mix-and-match six pack operations. A lovely beer garden, what more do you need?

Walk-ins only.

Get your sushi fix at the original location while you still can. Wrangle a group and sample both sushi and izakaya-style grilled meat and seafood. Flying solo? As always, the lunch specials are a great deal.

Walk-ins and large party reservations only.

Because after years of killing it at other restaurants around town, chef Callie Speer has her own show. Holy Roller is a brunch-all-day situation that veers fancy-diner and features such treats as migas kolache, mini pizzas called “Struggle Snacks,” and a brunchy burger topped with ham, hashbrowns, and a fried egg. And since it has the same menu all day, brunch is served whenever you manage to recover from the night before.

Because after a long week, sometimes you just want a proper Old Fashioned and a hot dog. Or a couple of boilermakers—your call. This bar-and-food combo truck – from the folks behind Detroit-style pizzeria Via 313 – is in the former Longbranch Inn space and it pays homage to its predecessor  with some serious nods to dive bars (but, you know, alongside a serious cocktail program).

Walk-ins only.

Because Austin might actually need another Tex-Mex place. If your old favorites have gotten a little dusty, try this West Anderson newcomer from ex-Tacodeli chef Joel Fried. Come for the enchiladas, stay for the 5-salsa sampler (which includes the terrifying-sounding El Scorpio). C’mon, you can handle it (a margarita or two will help).

Walk-ins only.

After a summer facelift, the space and menu now focus on Italian-American family style dining. So bring the gang, and load up on housemade pasta classics like spaghetti bolognese, linguine with clams, and 17-layer lasagna.

Because you need a steamed bun fix right about bao. This super-casual spot in Mueller— from the folks behind the nearby hand-pulled noodle house, Xian Sushi and Noodle—has a minimal menu focused on bao, which come in sweet and savory variations, including vegetarian options.

Walk-ins only.

Because this new Burnet favorite is killing it. Chef Phil Speer (husband to—you guessed it—the aforementioned Callie Speer) serves his twist on bistro-diner food all day. Come for the burger (which is low-key one of the best in town), the famed Pommes Rosti, and the desserts, which reflect Speer’s background in pastry.

Because Austin’s on a diner kick, and this entry from the folks behind South Austin wine bar Winebelly hits all the right notes. Classic faves like pancakes and eggs benedict? Check. Modern additions including a hatch chili migas served over sopes? Check. A smoker named Flapjack? You bet your…check.

Walk-ins only.

Because at long, long last, the airport is upgrading its food game in a serious way. New options include an outpost of downtown favorite Second Bar + Kitchen, a new Italian concept called I Vini, and a revamp of restaurant from barbecue classic Salt Lick. Time to fly in style, Austin.

Walk-ins only (with a plane ticket, natch).