While there is no shortage of fun restaurants in Austin City Limits, there are definitely some that stand out beyond the rest when it comes to fun dining. With love, music, regional cuisine and a local flavor, any of the following selections will provide an enjoyable dining experience.
Centrally located near the state capitol, not only does Hickory Street Bar & Grill offer all manner of live music around the clock, but you are also bound to catch an episode of Family Guy or something equally fun inside the dining room. Their shining star on the menu is their half-pound Angus burger, but they also offer a wide variety of comfort food and a mammoth salad bar. Full of personality, the expansive patio seating includes solar-powered umbrellas that light up at night. They have a stellar Happy Hour, which includes wings, domestic and imported beers. Hickory Street prides itself on fostering the local art scene, hosting a variety of poets and musicians and featuring local muralists on their walls. This Austin stronghold has been in business for more than 25 years.
You can't get more fun that unlimited Kool-Aid at this Southern cooking favorite. Home to nightly live music, Threadgill's is a music museum wrapped in a restaurant, with memorabilia covering every inch of wall space. An Austin institution for more than 75 years, Threadgill's had a major part in the development of the local music scene. It was here that rednecks and hippies jammed in the same building on Wednesday nights in the 1960s, and Janis Joplin developed her special blend of blues-rock at the restaurant. Southern favorites abound on the menu, including chicken fried steak, fried green tomatoes and meatloaf. Be sure to save room for desserts that include banana pudding, four different types of pies and fruit cobbler. Home of the first alcohol license handed out in Travis County, there are plenty of drinks to be had at Threadgill's, including the Texas Margarita.
Live music, open mic and karaoke are just some of ways to have a good time at Baby Acapulco. Frozen margaritas of every color of the rainbow go on special during a generous Happy Hour. Mammoth purple margaritas are a favorite among the clientele, and there is a limit for two per customer. The authentic Mexican cuisine is the main draw of this Austin favorite that has been in business for more than 25 years and has several locations throughout the city. Try the puffy taco and Baby A's signature soup, which includes shredded chicken, avocado and tortilla strips. A kid's menu features several entrees that are American classics, and they all include a free drink. Self-dubbed "the original party place," Baby A's offers catering and private party services.
