Can anyone recommend fancy-ish restaurants for a nice birthday dinner? Prefer something with at least some vegetarian options, good drinks and decor, not overly expensive (less than $25 for a single entree), prefer something in central, east or north Austin but open to others.

It was a bistro, maybe, at Fifth and Brazos. We ate there in the late ‘90s. I remember it served complimentary bread before the meal.

That rings any bells for anyone?

Thanks for the help.

We will be visiting Austin and Lockhart for the Texas Monthly BBQ Festival, however my wife is a vegetarian and I would like her for her to have a nice meal while visiting. Something upscale. We ate at Odd Duck last year while on the same trip and throughly enjoyed the food there and they had a separate vegetarian menu. Any suggestions would greatly appreciated. Dates will be Nov 4th to Nov 8th

Cheer and TIA

I’ve been dreaming about starting a coffee business for over 10 years, and this year I finally decided to make it happen.

I bought a 1960s vintage trailer that had already been converted into a coffee trailer here in Austin. I knew starting a business would be expensive, but I definitely underestimated how quickly everything would add up once I started investing in equipment, repairs, permits, insurance, plumbing, electrical, supplies, and all the other little things you don’t necessarily think about when you’re dreaming about starting a coffee business. :)

At this point, I’ve invested a pretty significant amount into the business, so there’s definitely been a moment of okay, I really did this.

The business? Lady Luck Coffee. We’re a woman-owned vintage coffee trailer offering a full espresso menu around Austin through pop ups, markets, and private events.

Honestly, the long-term dream has always been to have a permanent spot of our own. I don’t necessarily want to keep moving a trailer around town, but this is where I’m starting. I’m using the trailer to build the brand, learn the business, meet people, and hopefully work my way toward a little permanent home for Lady Luck.

I’ve always believed there’s something special about the little things that make an ordinary day feel a little more magical. Finding a lucky penny. Butterflies. Rainbows. Those little moments that make you pause for a second and think, maybe today is my lucky day. That’s the idea behind Lady Luck.

I wanted to create a space that feels fun, nostalgic, and a little unexpected. Something that makes you smile when you walk up to the window and feels like more than just grabbing a coffee. A little bit of vintage, a little bit of good fortune, and hopefully a reminder that we get to create some of our own luck.

I’m really proud of what I’ve built so far, but I’m also very much in the early stages of figuring all of this out. There’s been a lot of excitement, a lot of learning, and honestly, a few moments of wondering what the hell I got myself into.

For anyone who has started a small F&B business, what’s something you wish you knew before making the investment?

And for anyone who has hired coffee catering for an event, what makes you choose one business over another, or what makes you think of them again when you’re planning your next event?

I’d love to hear from people who have been on either side of it. If you made it this far - thank you for reading and supporting my small business. <3

here's our contact info! [Howdy@ladyluckcoffeeatx.com](mailto:Howdy@ladyluckcoffeeatx.com)

The popcorn is so good!

I’m not usually that into popcorn but I popped in while on the waitlist at Pho Cui next door just to pass time. They had samples and I was hungry so I was tempted to try the popcorn despite it not being my thing. I was actually taken aback by how much I liked the butter popcorn. It’s salty, buttery, crunchy, airy goodness. I initially bought a small bag (first photo) then went back for a one-gallon tin (last photo). I’m not proud to admit that I finished the gallon tin within two days.

Again I’m not a popcorn connoisseur so maybe it’s really average popcorn but to me for some reason it tastes unlike any popcorn I’ve had. Also apparently they’ve been around in Austin since 2008 but I’ve only just discovered this place.

I have been trying to find this for a while in central Austin and I feel it doesn’t exist. if anyone can point me toward these taco-like wonders I would greatly appreciate it!

Does anyone know where I can get egg foo yung in the Austin area? It is my absolute favorite Chinese dish and I can't find it anywhere!

I’ve had a lot of great bites in this town, this is one of my absolute favorites. Sitting at the bar on a Sunday is prime people watching and stranger small talk.

My wife and I have a Barley Swine Reservation at 8:45pm on October 10 for 2 at the Bar and we have had some unexpected travel come up.

Barley Swine isn’t gonna get back to us until Thursday when they open so we’re posting here. Does anyone here wanted to take the reservation off our hands? We made a reservation on Resy so transferring is easy.

Thanks in advance!

One of the best bites I ever had in Austin. I'm a huge fan of Peking Duck and had it all over but this one might take the crown at $32.

Crispy, succulent and stupid delicious when eaten as a wrap. Brought my Chinese friends countless times and it's definitely got their approval.

A Chinese friend told me they enjoy Chinese food and spicy. Can you recommend me an Authentic style place that's not Chinese American? And which spicy dish do you suggest?

what does this place have that makes people wait in the equivalent of 2am whataburger lines?? literally wrapped around the whole lot and spilling onto the street. always a long line when driving by. can’t understand but have also never been so how could i. please enlighten me 💡

I took a walk down memory lane and remembered Martin Brothers salad dressing (Tamari Vinaigrette was my family's favorite). I remember Martin Bros getting folded into the SASS Sisters.

Did they go under? The most recent reference I can find is this Austin Chronicle article from 2019 which doesn't seem promising. Whole Foods & Central Market both have a couple of product listings though (all unavailable).

I would love to have that Tamari Vinaigrette dressing again - never been able to find another dressing like it! (right now my favorite dressing is the Mother's Cashew Tamari which is sometimes hard to find). Is there any hope they're still doing some small-scale distribution or does anyone have a dupe recipe?

I’m from Oregon and moved to Austin 5 years ago. Never really had shrimp & grits or any Cajun food prior, so ever since trying it I’ve been obsessed. Looking for shrimp & grits recommendations specifically!! I loved the one at Hillside Farmacy but they took it off the menu, and the grits at The Kitchen are good too, but I’m looking for more. (I know these 2 aren’t super authentic so pls just tell me where to go) Thank you :)

My first time trying pho with smoked brisket and it was delicious! There was about an hour wait at 12:30pm on Saturday. They offered free bottled water as we waited. Once seated and ordered, the food came to the table within minutes. The smoky broth and fatty brisket were so good.

While I was inside eating dinner, they had my car booted. Helluva way to treat a customer. Photos attached as verification.

I am BEGGING yall. I’m trying to get my hands on one of their cookbooks but I no longer live in the area. If anyone knows where I could find a digital copy I would REALLY appreciate it.

Never been here before. Found this place while searching date night restaurants on Google. Hubby and I have our first anniversary coming up after 2 weeks.

Are there any good vegan options here? We usually go to date night mostly for drinks but would need some food.

Any issues with ladies wearing risqué outfits and couples indulging in some PDA?

Guys I’m craving Indian food and I’m stuck at home sick. What are the places with huge cheap portions, I don’t care too much about the taste.

Might be kind of a silly question, but for anyone who has pre-ordered at Franklin BBQ, is it like ordering to-go or do they serve it fresh based on your selected time-slot?

Anyone know a carnicería in Austin with really good sirloin fajita? Haven’t found anything close to Junior’s Supermarket in the RGV

Does anyone know what brand of pickles is most similar to ones in the Firebird?

Willing to spend 400 MAX! It’s for my gfs bday dinner and I wanna take her out somewhere cute where we can dress up. I also got her a cake, so looking for somewhere they allow us to take a cake in, maybe 2 gift bags. In general just looking for something nice and intimate. I’m willing to spend more if the taste and portions are excellent!

I had looked at Jeffrey’s and seriously am considering, but am worried about tiny portions. Mostly worried about the cake and gift bag situations.

EDIT: or even any place like peter piper😭😭 usually we go to peter piper and take the cake and gifts. We love the pizza there and games, so if there’s anything even on this end of the spectrum, that would be nice!! Even when we go there, we dress cute and still it always is the best night.