Austin Restaurants Featured in OpenTable’s First-Ever Icons List as Culinary Scene Thrives

Hey Food Lovers! Austin’s Culinary Scene Shines Bright!

Hey there, fellow food aficionados! If you’ve been pining for a flavor-packed experience in the bustling city of Austin, you’re in for a treat! Nine stellar restaurants have just made it onto OpenTable’s exclusive first-ever Austin Icons list, showcasing all that our city has to offer in terms of scrumptious eats crafted by talented chefs!

What’s the Scoop?

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the talent brewing right here in our very own Austin. OpenTable’s inaugural Icons list, launched in July 2024, raises the curtain on some local gems across the United States and Canada. Restaurants earned their spot based on prestigious accolades like Michelin stars and James Beard Awards, combined with rave reviews from folks like you and me. Pretty cool, right?

Dine with a Hint of Class

This freshly minted list features a delightful mix of fine dining and worldly culinary experiences, mostly found in downtown, Central, and East Austin. Yes, please! If you love bold flavors, you’ll be excited to learn that Mexican cuisine is well-represented, with a whopping four out of nine spots dedicated to modern and contemporary Mexican cuisine. Talk about delicious diversity!

Among the honorees is our very own Este, a standout in East Austin. Este has made quite a name for itself with its unique take on classic dishes. But that’s not all! The celebrated cocktail bar Prélude, home to acclaimed executive chef Mathew Peters, also made the list. Peters is known for his playful twists on fine dining staples, and who can resist innovative dishes like corn hushpuppies with Iberico ham? Or cocktails that feature a tequila highball topped with cornflakes and toasted rice? Count me in!

Let’s Get to the Good Stuff: The List!

Drumroll, please! Here’s the full lineup of Austin Icons—a feast for your eyes and taste buds:

• Jeffrey’s Restaurant: A tradition in American fine dining for nearly 50 years. Dine on exquisite dry-aged steaks and treat yourself to caviar service!
• Canje: With award-winning Caribbean fare, this is a treat for anyone looking to spice things up at dinner.
• Este: Located in East Austin, offering a modern take on beloved Mexican dishes.
• Prélude: A cocktail bar serving up creative culinary delights, thanks to the genius of chef Mathew Peters.
• (Plus, five other notable establishments you’d love to rediscover!)

Don’t you just want to try them all? We definitely do!

Voting Has Its Own Perks!

Now, let’s not forget that as we celebrate our city’s culinary accomplishments, there’s another big day on the horizon: Election Day. Whether you’re feeling pumped or just a little blah about voting, local bars and restaurants have turned up the heat with some fantastic offerings for those heading to the polls. How do free pizza slices and wild watch parties sound?

The Election Day Deals

Here’s how you can snag some tasty rewards while learning about your favorite candidates:

• Aloft Hotels: A “No Watch Pawty” featuring stress relief with furry friends.
• Bambino: Pizza and party all night with $1 slushy shots for state calls!
• Home Slice Pizza: Wear your “I Voted” sticker for a free slice. Simple and delicious!
• Kerbey Lane Café: One free pancake for voters. Who doesn’t love pancakes?
• Star Bar: Get those red and blue jello shots while cheering for your favorite candidates!

Final Thoughts

Austin is bursting with culinary innovation and communal spirit, making it clear that whether you’re dining out or casting your vote, there’s always something to celebrate. So, lace up those shoes, grab your friends, and explore Austin’s culinary masterpieces while indulging in some Election Day fun!