Austin is home to Texas' Capital and The University of Texas' main campus, located off Interstate 35 in the heart of the Hill Country. "Keep Austin Weird" is the general motto for inhabitants of the groovy city! Austinites love locally derived products and homegrown establishments. This motto embodies that ideal and the fact that these local products (members of the population included) and original, non-corporate institutions continue to flourish in a metropolitan city and throughout the corporate age we live in. Austin accommodates numerous thrift and antique shops, incredibly unique Mom and Pop restaurants, trendy coffee cafes, and of course the original Whole Foods organic grocery store. Artists, idealists, vagabonds, and entrepreneurs of any kind have flocked to the city and over the years have brewed together a concoction of "weirdness" that locals have tried to preserve.
These unique features accentuate every turn you make down Austin streets because the city strives to keep its reputation for "coolness" that is virtually indescribable. And even as an outsider, it is hard to dislike a city whose true concern is to keep the idea of capitalism and the "American Dream" alive. Austin's likeability transcends the fame of being known as a "weird" metropolis for the state of Texas by establishing itself as THE foodie destination for those in need of a great-tasting vacation! That's where LYD members say: "Don't mind if I do!" and "We're on our way!"
The LYD troupe made its mark on our Tour De Austin by camping out and visiting some prime fooderies along the way. LYD travelled farther into the Hill Country to Pedernales State Park in Johnson City, the birth place of 36th president Lyndon Baines Johnson. LYD are women of adventure so we headed into Johnson City to learn Texas history and the story of the Johnson's struggle on the ranch. It is a great place for families and wonderful place for a picnic! When LYD had enough of the country livin', we went into the city for some good eats! This is what Austin is all about! Even though you are thinking that you might not get to eat at anywhere else like these places again; you should be thinking about how much you have to look forward to when you make your return trip! As we know LYD will do!
Schoepf's - Belton, TX
I-35 is a major highway through the middle of grand ol' Texas. Off this highway are many hidden gems and treasures for travelers and adventurous souls!
Tour de Austin was just beginning and the beast, our motor home, needed refueling! Thank goodness she did because across the street from the gas station were smells of heaven! LYD was intrigued by the aroma coming from this place called Schoepf's! The air was filled with smokey, meaty goodness. It didn't take long at all for us to come to the unanimous decision that this Old Time Pit Barbecue destination was where we were eating. Once you enter this restaurant of champions, you are greeted and herded into the back room where you are free to let your stomach gluttonously gaze at the ribs, brisket, sausage, turkey, chicken, sirloin, and pork that have been smoking all day to perfection on the enormous fire-pits. LYD was in meat heaven!!! After selecting a meat to feast on you then have to choose between homemade sides: potato salad, macaroni, baked beans, cucumber salad, cheesy potatoes and OOOOH so many more. Now the time has come to sit and enjoy the masterful feast before your eyes! Every bite was seasoned perfectly and made for a scrumptious, close your eyes, experience! One of LYD's biggest concerns with BBQ joints is the sauce. BBQ sauce is generally a hit or miss and Schoepf's is a HOME-RUN! LYD left with a smile on our faces and a full belly! Schoepf's was a highlight of the Tour De Austin and a real gem for the town of Belton, TX... This is a Texan must and a new joint for those traveling down I-35!
LYD says, STOP HERE!!!! Exit 294A
http://www.schoepfsbbq.com/
702 East Central Avenue
Belton, TX 76513
254-939-1151
Get Directions
Pad Thai - Austin, TX
Like a little spice in your life?? Try Pad Thai. Pad Thai is one of the many spots you can eat at in Austin, Texas that has a flare for adding a little zip to your pallet. Pad Thai is an authentic Thai joint, so adventurers step up, come one come all! Eating here is like taking a trip to Thailand and trying their cuisine for yourself. The 'Rice Balls' were one of the apertifs that LYD chose to attempt and they were savory. Thai food is made from fresh ingredients and every spice in the cabinet, so if you are worried about not knowing what each ingredient is... no worries! Pad Thai is the type of place where you will especially want to utilize the wait-staff for advice on what to try. They offer a very extensive menu and choices for all types of eaters: chicken, seafood, vegan, steak, and salads. When you are in Austin stop by Pad Thai for a tasty, spicy trip to Thailand.
LYD says: If you are not sure what to get ask the server for help. Thai food can be tricky with all the different seasonings, but it makes for a joyous, delicious meal! Definitely try the fried rice balls!
1201 Barbara Jordan Boulevard
Austin, TX 78723
512-469-1778
Get Directions
Azul Tequila - Austin
Austin's growing status as a major culinary city has a lot of great non-chain restaurants to thank and Azul Tequila is definitely one of them. What's better than an afternoon of Mexican food, good conversation, and delicious-unique flavored margaritas? When you're from Texas it doesn't get much more perfect than that. LYD decided to finish our Tour de Austin on a full tummy, like y'all would expect less! The LYD crew sampled an array of dishes: All-Star Fajitas, Chile Relleno, and Chilaquiles con Pollo. These dishes were delicious and SO tasty! Texans have the right to be hard critics of Mexican food and the meals LYD had at Azul Tequila...SPECTACULAR!! I do warn you that if you're an adventurous eater, you will find it hard to pick out only one thing on their outstanding menu because everything will sound amazing! And of course, there are options for those just wanting the standard fajitas (fantastic ones in fact) and all your favorite Tex-Mex meals. Let your taste buds dance to the Latin flavor!
Happy hour anyone? If the answer is 'YES!!!' stop in to try Azul Tequila's original and flavorful drink options. In true Austin fashion Azul Tequila has a live mariachi band on Friday and Saturday nights. Not only is Azul Tequila a great place to eat, the atmosphere is very chill and the perfect place to catch up with friends. ¡Viva Azul Tequila! ¡Olé!
LYD says:
Enjoy the spicy hot salsa, warm chips, and the All Star Fajitas. These fajitas are not like your ordinary Mexican restaurant style fajitas. You can choose from corn or flour tortillas to put the seasoned meats- shrimp, chicken, and steak along with grilled veggies, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Don't forget to top off your fajita with the beans and rice. This meal is too scrumptious to pass up. Yummy!!!
Chile relleno fans, do yourself a favor and order one of their dishes!!! I've eaten chile relleno all across the land and Azul Tequila's is unsurpassed! I would cross the desert to eat it again, no fibbin'.
Don't forget to try any number of their famous margaritas (highly recommend the cucumber marg on the rocks and the avocado rita) which they can make to order from your favorite tequila.
Also, try a spicy, cheesy Mexican breakfast dish!
http://www.azultequila.com/
4211 South Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
512-416-9667
Get Directions
Czech Stop - West, TX
Czech it out. This place is right off I-35 and if you haven't stopped here, you're missing out. This isn't a really a restaurant, but LYD just felt this favorite could not be left out of the mix. Be prepared to wait for about ten minutes as you stare at fruit filled pastries, fresh cookies, brownies, cupcakes, cheesecake bars, cannoli, homemade sandwiches, sausage kolaches, pickles, candied peanuts, spicy peanuts, delectable jams, brittle, cinnamon candies, breakfast burritos, oven fresh breads and muffins, to-die-for tamales, fresh sausage, and SO MUCH MORE! Is your mouth watering yet??? Don't worry about the calories, just indulge in the goodness!
LYD commands: STOP AT EXIT 353 and you will not be disappointed!
http://www.czechstop.net/
105 North College Avenue
West, TX 76691
254-826-4170
