Champion Pontiac-GMC-Chrysler-Jeep-Hyundai

8107 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78758

Don R. writes: My wife and I were in the market for a new car.  We stopped by this Champion Auto Plex on research to look at Hyundai's. After kicking a few tires, we met our friendly salesman Dave.  

He let us test drive a Hyundai Sonata, and a Chrysler PT Cruiser.…

Mangia Chicago Stuffed Pizza

12001 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78758

Colby B. writes: It's close to my office. It's close to my house.

I think it's my favorite location. The pizza is pretty freaking good. I just had a philly cheese steak there to break the monotony. It was pretty good. Better than I remember Texadelphia's being.

But,…

MAC Cosmetics

The Domain
11600 Century Oaks Terrace
Austin, TX 78758

Kristen F. writes: Wow, going to MAC really appeals to my girly side.  I'm not a big makeup fan, but something about seeing those little pots of eyeshadow in every bright shade of the rainbow is just invigorating.  The lovely male employees, makeup tool belt on their…

Cole Haan

The Domain
11400 Burnet Rd
Austin, TX 78758

Jon E. writes: Yeah, I know, this store is everywhere.  Anyone with a dollar (a few dollars) and a dream can own his or her share of Cole Haan goodies.  So how could it be "As good as it gets?"  Two reasons.  Good sales, and GREAT service.

First, the sales, since…

Tetco Chevron

3801 W Parmer Ln
Austin, TX 78758

Jon S. writes: This Chevron is on my way to work, and I have to say, the service here is very consistent.

Swipe card. Enter zip code. Would you like your receipt (Y/N)? Would you like a car wash (Y/N)? Select gas and lift nozzle. Fill up gas - it always stops…

Abraham's Shoe Repair

11005 Burnet Rd Ste 103
Austin, TX 78758

Susie G. writes: So my friend found a real Coach purse at a goodwill in the middle of Oklahoma. She didn't like it and gave it to me. I loaded it down with like 20 pounds of stuff, and of course, broke a strap. ( Maybe it wasn't a real coach purse then....) While…

Ross' Old Austin Cafe

11800 North Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78758

Susie G. writes: Walking up to this small house sitting on North Lamar, you wouldn't think much of it. But a treasure lies inside. Ross's has been here forever, right around the corner from my house, I didn't discover it until years later when my dad took me, telling…

Eurway

2236 W Braker Lane
Austin, TX 78758

Allison P. writes: The furniture looks better online than it does in person. If you are wanting some cool modern furniture, but you are on a budget, this might do the trick. But the quality is about equivalent of what you'd find at Ikea.

However, I do like some of their…

Kona Grill

11410 Century Oaks Ter
Ste 132
Austin, TX 78758

Jack N. writes: We had just dropped off fourteen 16 year olds at California Pizza Kitchen, and were trying to decide where to have a quick bite and cocktail while we waited for the fireworks show, so we chose Kona because it was right up the street.

We spotted a…

A La Carrera
Neighborhood: Great Hills

11150 Research Blvd Ste 210
Austin, TX 78759

Don P. writes: Ok... trust me when I say "we aren't talkin' fancy here, people"  

A La Carrera (or "Cha cha" as my old National Instruments buddies and I called it) is in a strip mall and is pretty hole-in-the-wall.  Generic chairs and tables, bright colors, pinatas…

Zio's Italian Kitchen
Neighborhood: Northwest Austin

11617 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78759

Susie G. writes: Whenever my friends from high school come back in town and we decide to have a massive get together, for some reason we go to Zio's. I'm not sure who picked the place initially but we have been coming here once or twice a year  for 5 or 6 years years…

Twin Lion Chinese Restaurant
Neighborhood: Great Hills

4815 W Braker Ln Ste 510
Austin, TX 78759

Jon S. writes: There's a big difference between "OOH!" and "oh...". Let me explain....

OOH! I found a cheap Chinese restaurant very near my place!
Oh... they don't deliver.

OOH! Looks very unassuming, a little worn, and there is a bum sleeping right outside the door.…

Cartridge World
Neighborhood: Great Hills

10740 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78759

Susie G. writes: Brava to Cartridge World! Are you freaking out about your low bank account, but your computer is low on ink and you need a new cartridge? Holding off buying a color ink cartridge because of the high price? Cartridge world is for you!

I discovered it…

Fresh Choice Restaurant
Neighborhood: Great Hills

9761 Great Hills Trl
Austin, TX 78759

Wendy K. writes: "Fresh" choice eh?  Are they back there shucking corn, hulling sweet peas?

Rose Dental Group
Neighborhood: Great Hills

11615 Angus Road
Suite 210
Austin, TX 78759

Karen A. writes: I see Dr. Shelton at this location of Rose Dental Group.    Growing up I always went to a dentist that wasn't a part of a "group", so this was my first foray into managed dental care.  While I can't speak much for the other dentists on staff, I have…

Austin Public Library - Spicewood Branch

8637 Spicewood Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78759

Angela R. writes: I was surprised to find such a comfy little library nestled in between Spicewood and 183. I haven't checked into their book selection, nor have I spoken with the staff but I have hung out there for some peace and quiet and it's sooo nice.

The best…

The Good Life: A Monthly Journal of Austin Stories
Neighborhood: Downtown

P.O. Box 4400
Austin, TX 78765

Sarah M. writes: With local heroes like the Austin Chronicle and Texas Monthly, the little guys are often overshadowed. I stumbled upon The Good Life one weekend when I noticed their newstand outside a retail location on South First. I initially though it was a…

Austin Police Department
Neighborhood: Downtown

PO Box 689001
Austin, TX 78768

Camron R. writes: So they had one of those signs that tell you how fast you're going in a residential area on my route to work.  It's one of those residential streets in the very rich part of Austin that are wider than MoPac.They set it up at the bottom of a hill a…

Los Jaliscienses

6903 Airport Blvd.
Austin, TX 78798

Carrie C. writes: I used to live very near Los Jaliscienses and it was always my go-to spot for tacos or a torta or sopes when I had a little too much to drink and needed a walk and some sustenance before bed time.  The prices are very reasonable, especially  if you…

Rosita's Al Pastor
Neighborhood: Oltorf/East Riverside

1911 E Riverside Dr
Austin, TX 78798

Nick L. writes: You've seen how most taco stands and taquerias in Austin tend to do tacos al pastor: nondescript brown chunks of pork, seemingly stewed-- not cut from a skewer, as should be the norm--and sometimes garnished lightly with chopped pineapples. A pretty…

pleasebloom

Austin, TX 78798

Manasi K. writes: Unique, hand crafted silver jewelry.
Beautiful earrings & pendants.

I purchased a little silver pendant from her sometime back & it's very pretty!

An Etsy seller.

The Yelp Stick

Yelp Happy Hour
Austin, TX 78798

Eileen S. writes: I really love party favors, so when I received a Yelp Stick at the last happy hour, I was an instant convert.

I think finding the right chapstick is almost as hard as finding a good pair of jeans.  The Yelp Stick comes in various flavors that taste…

Austin Farmers' Market at the Triangle
Neighborhood: Rosedale

The Triangle
45th and Lamar
Austin, TX 78798

carolyn v. writes: The Good:
 :: it's in central austin, so it's very accessible for students and hyde park residents
 :: ample parking
 :: good vendors for salmon, in-season fruits and vegetables, bison, honey, tea, coffee, and more
 :: samples for everyone!…

UT Select

Austin, TX 78798

Ann C. writes: OK, so UTSelect isn't exactly a business; but it's an exceptional health insurance plan.  If you are an employee of the state, you can enroll.  I got 3 1/2 years of weekly therapy from a wonderful private psychologist for a small co-pay.  It saved my…

McDonald's

13813 Burnet Rd
Austin, TX 78798

Donna R. writes: I'm not going to talk about the food. It's McDonald's, if you haven't had their food at least once in your life, you've been living under a rock and most likely wouldn't be able to turn on a computer, much less operate one, since you haven't been…

Valero

Brodie
near Eskew
Austin, TX 78798

Eileen S. writes: Gas is gas, right?  Really expensive and not a pleasure to purchase.

But...If I have to fill up, I try to go to the Valero station on Brodie, between Eskew and Alexandria.  And, I always pay in the store.

I don't know how they did it, but this Valero…

Welcome to the Parker

Austin, TX 78798

jessica s. writes: I'm a sucker for all shows on Bravo...Project Runway, Queer Eye for the Straightguy, Blowout, Kathy Griffin, and two new ones, Flipping Out and Welcome to the Parker.  I'm pretty sure I'm a gay man trapped in a woman's body.  

The Parker is a hotel in…

Stortini
Neighborhood: Cherrywood

1917 Manor Rd
Austin, TX 78722

laura G. writes: Sigh.  I was totally prepared to love this place - owned by El Chile owners (correct me if I'm wrong, I'm sure someone will) and wonderful ambiance...but the food was mediocre.  Really, I'm leaning toward 2 1/2 starts here.  I swear the "roasted…

Dirty Dog Bar
Neighborhood: Downtown

505 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78798

jessica s. writes: Isn't it time that arm wrestling made it's come back people?  Dirty Dog's is helping support the cause by having an arm wrestling table thingy ma jig.  Sadly I've never seen anyone use it.  

I'm not a huge fan of 6th Street bars, but there a couple…

Jim's Restaurant

12832 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78750

Jack N. writes: Jim's gets four stars from me for being exactly what they try to be:  a diner serving unfancy but good food.

I have only been for breakfast, but each time I really like it.  The place is pure diner-decorated, with booths, tables and counter service.…

Twin Liquors

9300 S I H 35
Austin, TX 78798

Allison P. writes: 2 for $15 Zinfandel? Whoa!

I have driven past Twin Liquors a million times, but it never occurred to me to actually go in. I stopped in last week after work to pick up a bottle of wine on my way home. I had no idea what a mecca this was!

They have all…

Cathedral of Junk

4422 Lareina Dr
Austin, TX 78798

Don P. writes: The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man ate the space station and pooped in this guy's backyard.

Awesome.

Reid's Cleaners & Laundry

3317 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78798

Jefe R. writes: The service at both Reid's I have frequented over the years, both Lamar and Far West, is the best in the city.  Seriously, there is a guy at each place who should be a bartender.  They remember your name every time, they remember if you like light…

Lobo Austin
Neighborhood: University of Texas

3204 Guadalupe St # A
Austin, TX 78705

Nick M. writes: Plum Smugglers? Banana Hammocks? Snake Baskets?

Fashionable, snug fitting boxer briefs, thongs and other clothing for men. Designed primarily for gay dudes? Sure, but straight guys, I bet your lady won't complain.

They've got GLBT gifts, pride stuff,…

Schlotzsky's Deli
Neighborhood: University of Texas

1915 Guadalupe St
Austin, TX 78705

Tara D. writes: Post Scottish Rite Children's Theater.  Two big people, two small people.  One kids cheese pizza, one kids ham n cheese, a turkey original, a turkey guacamole.  Meh.  Fountain diet coke, meh.  It was good enough for a Sunday afternoon.

Delaware Sub Shop
Neighborhood: Bryker Woods

1104 W 34th St
Austin, TX 78705

Brian L. writes: You could be a turbo wuss and let appearance of places drive you away, or you can enjoy the hole in the wall atmosphere that a place like this offers. That being said, I don't care how crappy the chairs are or how bland the decoration. This place…

Kolache Factory

3706 N Lamar
Austin, TX 78705

Kelly K. writes: Me and all my friends are so so happy that the Kolache Factory has opened here by campus.  It is by far the best kolaches we have ever had.  We used to go to Lone Star but it's just a kolache factory knock off.

My friends and I live in Houston and the…

The Mellow Mushroom
Neighborhood: University of Texas

2426 Guadalupe St.
Austin, TX 78705

Jenn C. writes: For Texas, this is one of the better pizza options I've found out here.  No offense Austin but your Italian options out here are rather limited.  As a crust-o-phile, I will gladly state that their crust is yummy, yummy, yummy and unlike anything else…

Metro Espresso Bar
Neighborhood: University of Texas

2222 Guadalupe St
Austin, TX 78705

Courtney J. writes: Q:  With Starbucks-style prices, only one choice of sugar substitute (Sweet 'n Low), a design identity crisis, and a not-so air conditioned downstairs seating area, what makes Metro Coffee so great?

a.)  No long line backed up by frappaccino orders.…