Austin, TX
Texas’s Restaurant Community Is Stoked for the Michelin Guide
The Michelin Guide — the international dining review system from the French tire company — has been shaking things up lately. The organization recently awarded coveted stars to a casual taqueria in Mexico, an ice cream shop in Taiwan, and a counter-service Mexican seafood restaurant in Los Angeles. It’s a trend that seems to signal a change in how the organization rates restaurants: No longer are businesses on the Michelin Guide selected based on the relative fanciness of the experience but on the quality of the meal and it’s a reflection of the local dining culture regardless of whether it’s an upscale Japanese omakase or an affordable cart serving barbacoa. What’s next? A barbecue restaurant? That’s a very real possibility now that Michelin’s guide to Texas is finally happening.
Michelin announced its entrance into Texas in July after months of rumors. Its anonymous inspectors have already scouted restaurants in five spotlighted cities — Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth — and determined which are worthy of its desirable designations. It took this long for Michelin Texas to happen, a combination of convincing the powers-that-be that the state is a worthy dining region and hefty buy-ins from tourism boards. Now the question is whether Austin restaurants will get actual stars when the full guide is announced on Monday, November 11.
Without a doubt, Michelin is important to diners and the restaurant industry. For users, it’s a handy indicator of where people should eat, especially for international travelers seeking out destination-worthy dining experiences. For the latter, getting recognition from the organization is proof of dining excellence, not to mention a likely economic boost.
There are downsides of Michelin, too — Eater and other publications have covered them extensively — but to the culinary community in Texas, the guide signals a new era in dining and talent cultivation.
It seemed like a no-brainer that Texas should get Michelin. Its foodways are particularly distinct, rooted in Indigenous, Mexican, cowboy, Czech, German, and Americana cuisines. “It’s going to be great for the state,” says Sara Mardanbigi, the co-owner and director of operations of Austin Mexican restaurant Nixta Taqueria. “It’s going to bring in a lot of different types of folks into our backyard. It’s exciting to be opening up the doors rather than keeping them closed to others.”
Chef Simone Tong, the co-owner of modern Chinese restaurant Zoé Tong, understands the powerful international appeal of Michelin. Before moving to Austin, her now-closed New York restaurant Silver Apricot had received attention from the guide’s inspectors. “It’s good for people around the world to travel to Texas so they have a reference,” she says.
For others, the Michelin Guide’s arrival feels symbolic of a growing maturity of the Texas culinary scene and respect for its traditions. Zoé Tong co-owner Mathew Hyland believes the inspectors’ arrival in Austin offers people an alternative restaurant “critic” perspective in the city. “It’s nice having this other reviewing criticism to a degree.”
Chefs and couple Lorin and Mathew Peters were part of a group rallying for Michelin’s expansion to Texas. Lorin operates Cookie Rich bakery and Goldy’s food truck, while Mathew works for high-end cocktail bar Prélude and forthcoming tasting menu restaurant Maven. Both alums of three-Michelin-starred restaurant the French Laundry, the pair decided to move to Austin, Lorin’s home state, from Napa Valley in 2017. At the time their friends, chef Thomas Keller of the French Laundry among them, questioned why they didn’t go somewhere with a thriving fine dining scene like New York or Chicago. “‘Why are you taking [Mathew] to Texas?’” Lorin recalls Keller asking. “I was like, ‘Chef, I promise, just watch. Texas is going to get there one day.’” This past summer while Keller was visiting Texas, she revisited the conversation. “‘Alright, Chef, how are you feeling about Texas now?’” she asked. “‘God bless Texas,’ he said. “He gets it now.”
But it’s not just about external perceptions of the state’s restaurant industry. Others have praised the guide as a new achievement to strive for, keeping and drawing even more young talent to the state whereas in the past some left to pursue stars in a different market. Wesley Lucas, the director of communications for the city’s tourism agency, Visit Austin (which also helped pay Michelin to come to the city) remembers talking to a professor at Travis Early College High School about the recent guide announcement. “She was like, ‘This is such an amazing thing, because now, these young students who want to make a career don’t have to leave Texas, they don’t have to leave their homes.’”
Emily Williams Knight, the CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, agrees. “Not only can we educate here, but we can tell these young people, who are the next rising talents, to stay in Texas, open your restaurant, and strive for that Michelin designation. It’s going to change the education and interest sides of young people, who are going to drive the future of the workforce and the quality of cuisine here in Texas.”
Along with keeping talented Texan chefs in the state, Michelin will attract out-of-state cooks to Texas too. “You want to move to a city that has that support structure for chefs at that level,” says Lorin Peters.
Michelin translates into money for cities; it’s why tourism boards pay the organization to come to their locales. Governments and business associations see it as a worthy investment in a city’s tourism appeal. The guide practically promotes itself (publications around the world including this one regularly compete to cover its annual lists).
Knight uses Michelin to help plan her trips and points to a frequently cited 2019 survey by consulting firm Ernst & Young that found two out of three tourists would decide to travel to a Michelin city rather than one without the guide, and that 71 percent of tourists would spend more in a city with a Michelin Guide.
Lucas shares that view. “We certainly see the benefit of growing our international visitations, because they’re going to stay longer, they’re going to spend more dollars.” It’s not just the Michelin-recognized restaurants that would benefit, either. People will spend money on hotels (for which Michelin also awards lesser-known “keys”), transportation, souvenirs, and other unrated restaurant meals.
Chefs like Mathew Peters also see opportunity for independent restaurants to boost their revenue. “Hopefully the influx of tourism helps fill in the gaps where people struggle,” he says, referring to Austin’s slow business seasons like this past summer. “We’re excited about small businesses being able to be profitable by the end of the year because of the attraction of what you’re doing.”
While there are potential positives to Michelin coming to Texas, there are worthy concerns that the guide could change Austin’s dining scene for the worse, moving the city away from what makes its dining scene so special. Even before the guide’s arrival the city was already experiencing a proliferation of tasting menus and costly dining experiences, slowly edging out the accessible, DIY, and at times irreverent community staples that enriched the Austin food scene.
Nixta’s Mardanbigi notes that Austin’s food community is characterized by its “camaraderie and collaboration.” However, when she spoke to restaurant owners in Miami, they shared how everything “became a lot more competitive” after Michelin published in 2022, and chefs began to share fewer resources with others. She hopes that doesn’t happen here. “I think it’ll probably take a lot longer if that were to happen, but I can see that potentially,” she says, adding that ultimately it’s up to the community to ensure they continue to celebrate and uplift each other.
Others worry whether Michelin’s processes take into account the full scope of the businesses and people involved to ensure that alleged bad actors aren’t rewarded.
Speaking with Eater in July, Joseph Gomez, chef and owner of Mexican food truck Con Todo, expressed apprehension about Michelin’s ability to view restaurants through a holistic lens, taking into account not just the food and service but the overall workplace. He worries that the pressures of earning and maintaining stars could create toxic kitchen environments (see: The Bear for an anxiety-inducing dramatization of the pressures of fine dining kitchens). “It’s going to create more abuse in kitchens [and] higher-ups taking advantage of their employees,” he says. Ideally, he’d like to see the organization be transparent about how they ensure they’re recognizing restaurants offering safe and healthy environments, but he doesn’t trust that it’ll happen.
In recent years, organizations such as the James Beard Foundation have taken on this task, installing new processes for vetting nominees for the James Beard Awards and pledging to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion following a fraught 2020 awards season; the Beard’s effort, while important, has been a bumpy ride at best.
“People are going to start pushing a little bit harder,” Mathew Peters says. “It’s keeping restaurants true to what they are and what they do.”
Ultimately, Gomez believes it’s up to service workers to take care of themselves and band together to hold chefs, owners, and investors accountable by creating their own spaces to share experiences without fear of retribution.
Gomez is also skeptical of the inspectors’ ability to fairly judge Latin American cuisine. “I’m still on the fence with it. I just feel weird about a European guy just judging Mexican food?”
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The idea of a seemingly fancy-pants reviewing system coming into Texas — the land where people wear jeans to high-end restaurants or the lack of true fine dining establishments in Austin at least — seems incongruent. But that perception isn’t wholly accurate. Mardanbigi and
Texas restaurants received fact-checking questionnaires from Michelin over the summer, but it’s unclear exactly what those forms indicate. From there, a select number of restaurants received invitations to the Michelin gala in Houston in November, where stars are awarded. Consequently, by receiving an invite one might expect to receive some sort of designation whether that be a Bib Gourmand designation, stars, or otherwise.
Chefs hope that Michelin Texas reflects the state well. Tong notes that the Singapore guide includes food hawker stalls, an essential and unique dining experience in the Southeast Asian country. “They do know how to adapt,” she says. “I hope they know how to adapt to Texas.”
Many of the people Eater talked to predict that the state will receive the first barbecue restaurant star. Mardanbigi believes Franklin Barbecue will get one star. “Aaron [Franklin] is such a stalwart in the city,” she says.
She and her husband, Nixta co-owner and chef Edgar Rico, have visited several Michelin-starred restaurants in the past few years in California and Japan. To her, the through-line through those experiences was “really warm hospitality” — something that’s definitely achievable in Texas.
Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Texas lead our favorites to win Women’s College World Series
The Oklahoman’s Jenni Carlson breaks down the top teams to watch in the NCAA softball tournament, looking at the Aggies, Sooners and Longhorns.
The UCF Knights and Texas Longhorns will battle for the Austin Regional championship Sunday.
Texas (48-10), the No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament, needs to win only once to advance to the super regionals. For UCF (35-23-1) to move on, it will need to claim the first game at 1 p.m. at Red & Charline McCombs Field and capture a second victory over the Longhorns later in the afternoon.
Game 1 will air on ESPN+.
Watch UCF softball vs. Texas on ESPN+
The Knights did their jobs Saturday, triumphing 10-2 over Eastern Illinois and 10-8 over Michigan. A loss would’ve ended their season.
On the other hand, Texas has yet to be truly challenged in the Regional. It crushed Eastern Illinois 10-2 Friday and dominated the Wolverines 16-4 Saturday.
The News-Journal is bringing you live updates, scores and highlights from the game. Follow along.
UCF softball score: Texas 2, Knights 0, top of 2
Texas strikes first.
Following a one-out walk to Victoria Hunter, Leighann Goode blasts a Vega pitch over the wall to straightaway center field for a two-run homer.
UCF softball starting pitcher
Isabella Vega will get the start for the Knights. The redshirt freshman enters with a 1.55 ERA across 131⅓ innings (31 appearances).
Teagan Kavan will start for the Longhorns. Kavan holds a 2.59 ERA.
What time does UCF softball vs. Texas start?
- Date: Sunday, May 18
- Time: 1 p.m. EST
- Where: Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin, Texas
What TV channel is UCF softball vs. Texas on today?
UCF softball schedule 2025
Below are UCF’s last five results. To view the Knights’ full 2025 schedule, click here.
- Wednesday, May 7: UCF 7, Utah 5 (Big 12 Tournament)
- Thursday, May 8: Arizona 4, UCF 3 (Big 12 Tournament)
- Friday, May 16: Michigan 4, UCF 3 (NCAA softball tournament)
- Saturday, May 17: UCF 10, Eastern Illinois 2 (5 inn.) (NCAA softball tournament)
- Saturday, May 17: UCF 10, Michigan 8 (NCAA softball tournament)
Texas softball schedule 2025
Below are Texas’ last five results. To view the Longhorns’ full 2025 schedule, click here.
- Saturday, May 3: Texas 12, Kentucky 3 (5 Inn.)
- Thursday, May 8: Texas 7, Ole Miss 6 (SEC Tournament)
- Friday, May 9: Texas A&M 14, Texas 2 (5 Inn.) (SEC Tournament)
- Friday, May 16: No. 6 Texas 10, Eastern Illinois 2 (NCAA softball tournament)
- Saturday, May 17: Texas 16, Michigan 4, (6 inn.) (NCAA softball tournament)
At the end of this month, Google Store Domain Northside in Austin, Texas will open as the company’s seventh retail location in the US.
News about this location emerged in January, with Texas becoming the Google Store’s fifth state. It is located in an outdoor shopping area surrounded by restaurants, residential space, and corporate offices. There is a pretty big Apple Store in the area.
Located at 11701 Domain Blvd, Suite 164, Austin, TX 78758, the Google Store grand opening is set for Friday, May 30 at 10:00 AM CDT.
This is Google’s second store opening this year after Santa Monica, with this upcoming launch matching the two-store pace of 2024. It remains to be seen if there will be others this year.
As always, you can demo and buy Pixel phones, watches, earbuds, and tablets, as well as Nest smart home devices (like cameras and thermostats). There’s also Fitbit, other accessories, and branded Google merchandise.
Meanwhile, those in the area can order online and pick-up in the store, while Google offers troubleshooting, Pixel phone repair, classes, and other activities.
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Austin, TX
Orlando Outpaces Honolulu, Hawaii, Austin, Texas, Cincinnati, Ohio, Salt Lake City as America’s Top Summer Travel Destinations During this Memorial Day Trip Surge, What Everyone’s Talking About – Travel And Tour World
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Orlando is officially leading the pack. As travelers pack their bags for the Memorial Day trip surge, it’s clear that Orlando outpaces every other contender. This year, it’s not just about sunshine and roller coasters—it’s about value, variety, and easy access. While cities like Honolulu, Hawaii, and Austin, Texas offer charm and excitement, Orlando delivers a complete summer travel package. And right now, everyone’s talking about it.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati, Ohio and Salt Lake City continue to attract savvy travelers with cultural gems and outdoor escapes. But even with their rising popularity, Orlando outpaces them in affordability, family appeal, and entertainment options. As the Memorial Day trip surge kicks off the season, the spotlight remains on Orlando.
People are skipping the long-haul flights to Honolulu, Hawaii in favor of quicker getaways. They’re choosing theme park thrills over live music in Austin, Texas. And while Cincinnati, Ohio and Salt Lake City offer great getaways, Orlando edges them out with sheer versatility.
What’s more, everyone’s talking about how Orlando has become the heartbeat of American summer travel. It’s the city that delivers on every front—fun, food, affordability, and family-friendliness.
So, as the Memorial Day trip surge fuels travel conversations nationwide, don’t be surprised that Orlando outpaces destinations like Honolulu, Hawaii, Austin, Texas, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Salt Lake City. This isn’t just a trend. It’s a travel takeover. And everyone’s talking about where they’re heading first.
Travel season is heating up—and so are travel prices. But even as airfare, hotels, and dining costs rise, your dream summer getaway doesn’t have to burn through your savings. A new study from WalletHub reveals the most affordable cities for summer travel in 2025, blending high value with high adventure.
Whether you’re looking to escape for a weekend or plan a multi-week vacation, these U.S. destinations rank highest in terms of cost, access, attractions, and overall travel convenience. What makes them stand out? Each city delivers a uniquely American experience—without the sticker shock.
WalletHub’s Methodology: What Makes a City Budget-Friendly?
WalletHub analyzed 100 major metro areas across six core metrics: travel costs and hassles, local expenses, attractions, weather, activities, and safety. The goal? To identify cities that offer the best value per vacation dollar.
Each destination was scored out of 100, creating a weighted average that puts both entertainment and economics into context. The cities topping the list aren’t just affordable—they’re also culturally rich, easy to navigate, and packed with reasons to visit now.
#1 Orlando, Florida – The Magic of Affordability
Orlando claims the crown this year, and not just because of its world-famous theme parks. While Disney and Universal attract families from around the globe, Orlando also offers incredibly affordable lodging (as low as $42 per night for 3-star hotels) and a surprising number of free and low-cost attractions.
Boat tours, art installations, lakefront parks, and quirky neighborhoods offer endless adventures without premium prices. Orlando blends luxury with budget-savvy fun, making it a no-brainer for travelers of all ages.
#2 Atlanta, Georgia – A Southern Star with Massive Value
Atlanta ranks second for many reasons: its strategic location, airport connectivity, and affordable access make it a central hub for both long-distance road trippers and air travelers. From free festivals and parks to low-cost entertainment, Atlanta stretches your dollar farther than most major cities.
It also shines with its vibrant food scene, rich Civil Rights history, and top-rated attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.
#3 Washington, D.C. – A Capital Experience That Doesn’t Cost a Fortune
America’s capital is surprisingly affordable. With dozens of free museums, national landmarks, and public gardens, D.C. offers one of the most enriching travel experiences in the U.S.—without spending big.
Hotels are reasonably priced, and public transport is convenient and safe. With a lower-than-average crime rate, Washington, D.C. is ideal for families, solo travelers, and cultural explorers alike.
Other Standouts: Culture, Comfort, and Cost-Saving All in One
Here are the remaining WalletHub top 15 affordable summer destinations for 2025:
- #4 Honolulu, Hawaii – Surprising entry, but off-season airfare and island deals make it more reachable than ever.
- #5 Austin, Texas – Live music, lakes, and low costs.
- #6 Cincinnati, Ohio – A Midwest gem filled with art and food festivals.
- #7 Salt Lake City, Utah – Outdoor adventure and calm, walkable neighborhoods.
- #8 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – American history, vibrant culture, and walkable cityscapes.
- #9 Miami, Florida – Art Deco, beaches, and unbeatable summer hotel discounts.
- #10 Dallas, Texas – Museums, music, and modern family fun.
- #11 Knoxville, Tennessee – Gateway to the Smokies with a small-town vibe.
- #12 Tampa, Florida – Waterfront escapes and low-cost thrills.
- #13 Richmond, Virginia – Civil War history and Southern hospitality.
- #14 Chicago, Illinois – Big city adventure with surprising summer deals.
- #15 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Rodeos, rivers, and rising cultural status.
Why Budget Travel Is Booming in 2025
This year, travelers are getting smarter about their spending. Rising inflation and airfare costs are prompting tourists to seek greater value, not just the flashiest destinations.
Tourism boards across the country are responding by offering discounted travel packages, free public events, and hotel loyalty programs that reward extended stays. Many second-tier cities are investing in digital nomad amenities, local experience tours, and free public transit—all of which enhance the travel experience without increasing the price tag.
Moreover, family travel, road trips, and solo getaways are shaping 2025’s travel trends. Travelers want more authentic, local, and affordable experiences, and the destinations on this list deliver.
Travel Smarter: Tips for Booking Your Budget Getaway
Planning your summer escape? Here are a few quick strategies to maximize your travel dollar:
- Travel midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often offer cheaper flights and hotel rates.
- Book early or last-minute: Dynamic pricing rewards both planners and flexible adventurers.
- Use fare alerts: Track routes to cities like Atlanta, D.C., and Orlando for sudden dips.
- Look beyond big chains: Boutique hotels, local rentals, and eco-stays often offer better value and experience.
- Bundle up: Many destinations now offer city cards that include transit, museum entries, and attraction discounts.
What This Means for the Travel Industry
The WalletHub list reflects a broader shift in American travel behavior. Tourists are gravitating away from the most crowded, overpriced destinations and toward cities with soul, affordability, and accessibility.
For airlines and hospitality brands, the message is clear: price transparency, local partnerships, and traveler trust are more valuable than ever. The smartest brands are already tailoring packages to these rising destinations, knowing that volume and value now go hand in hand.
Regional airports, budget airlines, and boutique hotel groups stand to gain the most—especially those that invest in infrastructure and digital outreach before peak summer hits.
Final Word: Don’t Let High Prices Cancel Your Summer Plans
Travel doesn’t have to be exclusive. And a tight budget shouldn’t stop anyone from exploring the incredible diversity of the United States. From oceanfront boardwalks in Florida, to the historic heartbeat of Philadelphia, to the rising food scenes in Cincinnati and Dallas, the options for affordable, inspiring travel are more accessible than ever.
This summer, skip the stress and embrace the savings. Let your budget take you somewhere unforgettable.
Tags: Austin, Chicago, cincinnati, Dallas, florida, hawaii, honolulu, Illinois, Knoxville, Memorial Day Trip, Miami, Ohio, Oklahom, oklahoma city, pennsylvania, Philadelphia, richmond, salt lake city, Tampa, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia
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