Austin, TX

Top 5 Restaurants in North Austin, Texas

Published

2 years ago

August 10, 2024

Top 5 Restaurants in North Austin, Texas

Austin is a massive city. For perspective, traveling north to south usually takes me about 45 minutes on a good day. I don’t know how much I want to travel an hour every time I want to get the scoop on good food around here. Don’t even get me started on the bad driving. Consequently, I try to stay in my neck of the woods. However, it’s not always easy.

Honestly, I struggle to find a good restaurant to eat around here sometimes. So many chain establishments occupy the real estate that I end up resorting to something simple and convenient like McDonald’s or Taco Bell. It’s easy to chop this place up to a city for dive bars over anything else. Drunk people probably flock to a Whataburger more than a local joint.

However, a foodie like myself is committed to finding the best food you can’t find anywhere else across the country. After a year of living north of Austin, Texas, I can report back with 5 of the best restaurants to check out while you’re here.

The Best Restaurants in North Austin

Honorable Mention: Iwayne’s Caribbean Kitchen

(Caleb Catlin/Wide Open Country)

I really agonized over this honorable mention slot. For what it’s worth, when I visited Iwayne’s Caribbean Kitchen, I was blown away. The gentleman in charge perches on a lawn chair on the phone, dancehall blaring on a nearby speaker. The atmosphere adds up immediately, informing me that I’m about to get an incredible plate.

After ordering with the man and waiting on a bench by his food truck, I receive a couple Jamaican patties and the rasta pasta. The food proves to be everything I could imagine and more. Frankly, I don’t know why I would pick an chicken alfredo when the rasta pasta takes it money in the flavor department. So much rich spice, perfectly creamy, I devoured the plate almost instantly.

Ultimately, it’s my lack of revisiting that keeps Iwayne’s Caribbean Kitchen from joining the rest of North Austin’s best. However, if I go back more often, it’ll prove to be on this list in no time.

5. The Thirsty Chicken

(Caleb Catlin/Wide Open Country)

Thirsty Chicken first greeted me when I just began sinking my roots into the northern Austin area. Coming from Los Angeles, California, I adore the places that serve hot chicken. In Austin, I couldn’t scratch that itch. Oftentimes, I would find intriguing places but they specialize in soul food as a whole. Sometimes, I just want a basket of hot chicken loaded fries over the more traditional feasts. Thirsty Chicken has my back here.

The hot chicken and the loaded fries here are incredible. Thirsty Chicken opts for a fluffy potato wedge style fry. However, they never sacrifice the crispy exterior and they still manage to stay fluffy on the inside. Then, the chicken comes in a variety of flavors. They offer bizarre selections like a Big Red flavor or they offer a dry rub in Honey Hot Cheeto. Even at the basic level, it’s still delicious. Conversely, if you’re all about the spice like I am, dip into the cajun rubs or their Fire Quacker to test your taste buds. For the drinkers out there, their daiquiris are very alcohol forward. Don’t be too proud to have a designated driver!

Directions: 104 W Willis St, Leander, TX 78641

Hours: 11am-9pm Sunday-Thursday, 11am-11pm Friday/Saturday

4. Munchies ATX

(Caleb Catlin/Wide Open Country)

(Caleb Catlin/Wide Open Country)

This veteran owned and operated establishment is just getting off the ground floor. The crew just recently opened, setting up in a local kitchen most weekends or going out to events to cater. However, the hectic setup doesn’t impact the quality they put into every plate. I find their tenders to be perfectly crispy and the fries to be richly spiced. Their lemonades are delightfully tart and sweet, good counterbalances to all the fried foods I devour.

Additionally, the customer service proves to be out of this world. Oftentimes, the crew go out of their way to make sure I’m taken care of. Furthermore, they would also allow me to try different options. On my first visit, they personally went out of their way to discount me and my slightly complicated order. They did everything in their power to ensure I had a great first impression. They succeed in spades in that regard.

With a brick and mortar location, Munchies would be a fast favorite in Austin. Moreover, it’ll be a repeat visit just like the others heads ahead on the list. If you find yourself in town, check out when they’re open and support the amazing people behind the restaurant.

Directions: 2051 Cypress Creek Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613, Check Website For Availability

Hours: Hours Vary, Check Website munchiesatx.com

3. Nervous Charlie’s Bagels

(Caleb Catlin/Wide Open Country)

(Caleb Catlin/Wide Open Country)

Initially, I figure Texas to be more of a donut city. Obviously, you have a dozen Shipleys scattered across all corners of the city, in addition to the countless city chains and local spots. However, the breakfast sandwich market proves to be pretty barren. Thankfully, Nervous Charlie’s Bagels proves to be the cream of the crop.

The bagel spot dips into both breakfast and lunch, excelling at both styles. You can pick your style of bagel but it would be foolish not to choose the jalapeño cheddar or the garlic options at every turn. See The Longhorn in the first picture, where the hot sauce and the jalapeño acts as perfect counterparts to the gluttonous fattiness of sausage, cheesy egg, and beautiful charred potatoes. The BLT plays pretty straightforward but its produce is incredibly refreshing. Moreover, they don’t often skimp on the bacon portions, creating a heavenly matrimony. There’s few better ways to spend your mornings in north Austin.

Directions: 410 W Whitestone Blvd Suite 300, Cedar Park, TX 78613

Hours: 7am-2pm Everyday

2. Yak N Yeti

(Caleb Catlin/Wide Open Country)

(Caleb Catlin/Wide Open Country)

Within the last few years, I’ve looked to expand my taste palette. My instincts always bring me to the usuals: soul food, Chinese, Italian, Mexican. However, I would neglect Indian and Nepalese dishes, aside from my love for curry chicken. Yak N Yeti changes that reality with some of the best food you could have in north Austin.

The flavors Yak N Yeti brings to the table is out of this world. The spices prominently featured in the first picture should show just how much dimension they bring to the table. Admittedly, I almost exclusively order the butter chicken but it really is that good. The medium spice level has just the right amount to make your nose run a little bit. But it never forsakes the depth they bring to the table. Additionally, their Mango Lassi tastes delectable, a sweet, delightful refresher amidst the delightful Chicken Pakora and Chicken 65. It’s a must try if you’re in the area.

Directions: 200 Buttercup Creed Blvd Suite 125, Cedar Park, TX 78613

Hours: Hours Vary, Usually Runs from 11am-3pm and 5pm-9pm, Closed on Sundays

1. Whip My Soul

(Caleb Catlin/Wide Open Country)

(Caleb Catlin/Wide Open Country)

Without question, the best food you can find in all of Austin is at Whip My Soul. Admittedly, I’m a glutton for their catfish. With a modest dressing of hot sauce underneath a slice of white bread, it’s few better pleasures to be had. Additionally, there are so many sides to fall in love with on their menu. On weekends, they dazzle with a beautiful cornbread dressing. The collard greens are perfectly porky and strong, ditto for the red beans and rice. However, it would be foolish not to pick up a side of mac and cheese when you visit. So many layers of cheese throughout the noodles and not too much where you’re often left with a grease pool at the bottom.

Moreover, the service excels over everything else. Oftentimes, the notion of southern hospitality gets overblown but not at Whip My Soul. Frequently, you’ll see the owner and his daughter take the brunt of the orders with warm introductions and plenty of patience for even the most indecisive customers. Sometimes, the restaurant gets swamped with people and it’s easy to feel like you’re in the dark about when you’re ever going to get your food. This soul food spot differs, clearly communicating any long waits or even giving updates personally when it might be taking longer than expected.

I go to Whip My Soul almost every week because they truly do make you feel at home with family. At this rate, they practically are family. They aren’t just the best soul food I’ve found in Austin. It’s the best food in town.

Directions: 11416 N FM 620 Unit F & G, Austin, TX 78726

Hours: 11am-8:30pm Monday-Saturday, 11am-5pm Sundays

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Austin, TX

A total lunar eclipse will turn the moon blood red on Tuesday

Published

10 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

A total lunar eclipse will turn the moon blood red on Tuesday

A blood-red moon will soon grace the skies for a total lunar eclipse — and there won’t be another until late 2028.

The spectacle will be visible Tuesday morning from North America, Central America and the western part of South America. Australia and eastern Asia can catch it Tuesday night. Partial stages of the eclipse with small bites taken out of the moon can be seen from Central Asia and much of South America. Africa and Europe will be shut out.

Solar and lunar eclipses happen due to a precise alignment of the sun, moon and Earth. There are between four and seven a year, according to NASA.

The eclipses tend to follow each other, taking advantage of the sweet spot in the celestial bodies’ orbits. Tuesday’s total eclipse of the moon comes two weeks after a ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse that dazzled people and penguins in Antarctica.

During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth is between the sun and full moon, casting a shadow that covers the moon. The so-called blood moon looks red because of stray bits of sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere.

The show unfolds over several hours, with totality lasting about an hour.

Compared to a solar eclipse, “the lunar eclipse is a little more of a relaxed pace,” said Catherine Miller at Middlebury College’s Mittelman Observatory.

For those in the path, there’s no need for any special equipment to observe — just a clear, cloudless view of the sky.

Use a forecasting app or any online celestial calendar to look up the exact timing for your area. Venture outside a few times to see Earth’s shadow darken the moon, eventually revealing the reddish-orange orb.

“You don’t have to be out there the whole time to see the shadows moving,” said astronomer Bennett Maruca with the University of Delaware.

There’s a partial lunar eclipse on the docket for August, visible across the Americas, Europe, Africa and west Asia.

While most people are looking forward to seeing the eclipse, throughout history — many people saw eclipses as omens of doom. Some superstitions and fears still exist. NBC 5 producer Sara Sanchez learned more from historians and eclipse experts.

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Austin, TX

Austin Animal Services Hosts Free Spay/Neuter Clinic

Published

22 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Austin Animal Services Hosts Free Spay/Neuter Clinic

Austin Animal Services is hosting a free, high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter for cats and dogs now through March 2 in North Austin.

The five-day clinic, which is being held in partnership with Greater Good Charities, is taking place at 11580 Stonehollow Dr., Suite 160. Registration and drop-off begin on-site each day from 7:30-10 a.m. or until capacity is reached.

In addition to free spay/neuter surgeries, pets receiving surgery will also receive vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and microchips, ensuring that they return home healthier and better protected.

Spaying and neutering is the most effective tool in preventing unplanned litters and reducing the number of stray and surrendered animals entering local shelters. Managing overpopulation helps individual owners and also strengthens community health by reducing roaming animals, easing shelter overcrowding, and decreasing long-term strain on animal welfare resources.

This is the seventh free clinic the city has hosted since 2024. The previous six clinics provided spay/neuter services to more than 6,000 pets. The upcoming clinic is expected to complete approximately 1,200 surgeries in just five days. It is a significant investment in prevention that helps reduce future shelter intake and supports responsible pet ownership across Austin.

High-volume, high-quality spay/neuter clinics offered at no cost are rare, and many pet owners face procedure costs ranging from $75 to several hundred dollars, along with wait times that can stretch for weeks or months. This clinic removes those barriers by providing same-day services at no charge.

“This clinic is about prevention,” said Austin Animal Services Director Monica Dangler. “When we provide accessible spay and neuter services, we’re helping families care for their pets while also reducing strain on shelters like ours and improving safety across our community.”

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Austin, TX

Why is Austin so warm in February?

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

AUSTIN, Texas — February is typically one of our cooler months in Austin, Texas.

In 2021, a series of ice storms and snow storms caused mass chaos and is a winter storm that Austinites will never forget. Now, instead of worrying about scraping ice off of our cars, we’re grabbing the swimsuits.

Austin is in the midst of one of the warmest February’s in the city’s history. This year’s January cold snap lingered around for Feb. 1, but since then, only two days have been slightly below average. Compare that with 20 days above average, with the rest of this month expected to have temps in the mid to upper 80s.

But how does this compare to our warmest February ever? We don’t have to go back too far to find the hottest February on record in 2017. The average high temp was 76.5 degrees with 12 out of the 28 days spent above 80 degrees.

Other years in the top 5 were 1999, 1976, and 1957 with each year having numerous days above 80 degrees. So far, 2026 has ten. Plus, I’m forecasting 2 more 80 degree days. Should we hold onto this weather pattern, this will be in the top five hottest February’s of all-time.

Austin is in the midst of one of the warmest February’s in the city’s history. (Graphic: Michael Crowley)

For some, this heat may be just another day to grab the swimsuit or head outside and work up a sweat, but this has meteorologists sweating for different reasons. We are in a serious drought now.

The latest drought monitor released on Feb. 26, 2026 has 9 of the 13 counties in the CBS Austin viewing area in an “extreme drought,” which is the second worst category of drought conditions.

The latest drought monitor released on Feb. 26, 2026 has 9 of the 13 counties in the CBS Austin viewing area in an “extreme drought,” which is the second worst category of drought conditions. (Graphic: Michael Crowley)

In the past 190 days, two of those days have had rainfall over 1 inch. Our current streak of 123 days in a row with less than 1 inch in rainfall is one of the longest since 2000.

Combine the heat and the rainless days, and you get a flash drought. Opposite of a flash flood, hot temperatures rapidly dry out the soil and drought conditions can worsen quickly. With the dehydrated vegetation, dry air, and above average temperatures, you’re now looking at dangerous fire weather.

We’ve already had several fires reported across Central Texas in just the past week. The Nebo Mountain Fire in Gillespie County and the Cedar Gulch Fire in Burnet County. With this above average heat and below average precipitation, we are especially vulnerable.

But there is some good news.

The start of March looks to be starting off very warm, but our pattern looks to become a bit more active. Our long-term futurecasts look to be favoring more showers and storms possible for the first few weeks of March.

Remember that we are also getting closer to our severe weather season. So while we do need the rain, we must remain safe in case we get locally high rainfall amounts in these thunderstorms and be mindful of tornadoes and damaging winds.

Hopefully we can see an improvement in this drought and heat, but history is made in different ways every year nowadays. Maybe it’ll be for the right reasons this time around.

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