Austin, TX
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
Austin, TX
Appeals court rules Texas can require public schools to display Ten Commandments in class
DALLAS (AP) — Texas can require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms, a U.S. appeals court ruled Tuesday in a victory for conservatives who have long sought to incorporate more religion into schools.
WATCH: Texas school board approves new course material that includes Bible passages
It sets up a potential clash at the U.S. Supreme Court over the issue in the future.
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals said in the decision that the law did not violate the First Amendment, which protects religious freedom and prevents the government from establishing a religion.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, called the ruling “a major victory for Texas and our moral values.”
“The Ten Commandments have had a profound impact on our nation, and it’s important that students learn from them every single day,” Paxton said.
Organizations representing the families who challenged the law, including the American Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement that they were “extremely disappointed” by the decision.
“The court’s ruling goes against fundamental First Amendment principles and binding U.S. Supreme Court authority. The First Amendment safeguards the separation of church and state, and the freedom of families to choose how, when and if to provide their children with religious instruction. This decision tramples those rights,” the statement said.
The law is among the pushes by Republicans, including President Donald Trump, to incorporate religion into public schools. Critics say it violates the separation of church and state while backers argue that the Ten Commandments are historical and part of the foundation of U.S. law.
The ruling, which reverses a district court’s judgment, comes after the full court heard arguments in January in the Texas case and a similar case in Louisiana. The appeals court in February cleared the way for Louisiana’s law, requiring displays of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals voted 12-6 to lift a block that a lower court first placed on the law in 2024.
Texas law took effect on Sept. 1, marking the largest attempt in the nation to hang the Ten Commandments in public schools. About two dozen school districts had been barred from posting them after federal judges issued injunctions in two cases against the law but went up in many classrooms across the state as districts paid to have the posters printed themselves or accepted donations.
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Waymo self-driving car navigating city traffic, San Francisco, California, August 20, 2024. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is launching a new authorization system for companies looking to operate automated motor vehicles.
A new goes into effect next month that requires companies using automated vehicles to be authorized by TxDMV with the following requirements:
- Complies with all applicable Texas traffic and motor vehicle laws
- Is equipped with a recording device
- Uses an automated driving system that complies with federal law
- Can achieve minimal risk condition in the event of a system failure
- Has a proper title and registration
- Maintains motor vehicle insurance
The process allows companies to submit their applications online through the Texas Motor Carrier Credentialing System.
The new laws outlined in Senate Bill 2807 go into effect on May 28.
Automated vehicles in Texas
The backstory:
Autonomous driving services are already operating in major Texas cities. Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio are all serviced by the driverless ride-share company Waymo.
In Austin, the service has received dozens of complaints about vehicles stalling, speeding and crashing.
There have also been complaints of vehicles illegally passing school buses.
In March, Swedish company Einride announced plans to bring autonomous freight trucks to Central Texas.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and previous FOX Local reporting.
AUSTIN, Texas – A man was charged with intoxication manslaughter after a crash in East Austin.
The backstory:
According to an arrest affidavit, on April 17, around 1:31 a.m., officers responded to a crash in the 2800 block of East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
An investigation revealed the driver, Jalen Carter, 32, was driving a 2026 white Nissan at an estimated speed of 100 mph in a 45 mph zone. The car “bottomed out” at a train crossing and lost control. The car then hit a utility pole, hit a bus station, and five parked cars before finally coming to a stop.
A passenger in the car, Carter’s mother, suffered a serious hand injury.
One witness told an officer that Carter had been smoking marijuana about 30 minutes before driving and was acting “abnormal and paranoid.” An officer described Carter’s eyes as bloodshot and glassy.
An officer said he also “exhibited cyclic behavior” and was alternating between grabbing his mother and falling unconscious.
When officers tried talking to Carter, they said he was uncooperative and combative. They also said he ignored verbal commands and had to be removed from his mother.
Carter and his mother were taken to a local hospital. His mother lost her thumb and required emergency surgery.
At the hospital, Cater was so aggressive that it took about 10 people, including four security guards, to hold him down. He was eventually sedated and intubated.
Carter was later charged with intoxication assault.
The Source: Information from an arrest affidavit
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