I can see El Arroyo is on quite a few lists for tex-mex. I recommend the original for the atmosphere, but in all honesty, I haven't been to the others so if anyone out there thinks otherwise let me know and I might try it. Here is the link to their menu. http://www.ditch.com/menu.htm

bookmark for me

I didn't realize that there were so many red neck gringos in Austin, lol.
M

For great upscale mexican food, try "Fonda San Miguel" and don't forget to go to the bridge over the colorado river to watch the bats come in. i can't remember which time of year that takes place tho.

The bats are usually here from March through November. As you might know, bats sleep during the day and only come out at night. At dusk you can watch a million bats fly out from under the bridge. It looks like a black cloud coming out of the bridge. It's the best free show in town.

I meant that literally when I said there are a million bats that live in that bridge. Austin has the largest urban bat colony in the world, so I've heard.

I liked Kerby Lane for lunch. Yummy and lots of healthy choices. Forr BBQ, I haven't been to the Salt Lick but liked Iron Works (I think it was on one of Rachel Ray's shows), and Atz Rib House. The beef brisket was yummy. They have good folk/ country entertainment at Artz also. I had a good burger at the Posse East near UT. I liked both Driskell Grill and Roaring Fork for a upscale meal. I went to the Continetal Club and saw a good blues band. Saw bats last August. FYI, I'm not a resident but my daughter is (I've been there twice).

My husband has returned from Austin! With the Salt Lick trio BBQ bottle set. Thanks for the advice. He took my list of eat places based on your posts. He loved Salt Lick. And it was reasonable. All you can eat for two cost around $23. He ate at the Iron Work twice because it was next to the convention site, but didn't care for it as much as Salt Lick. He liked Chuy's ok, but didn't have a chance to go to Hula Hut or Fonda San Miguel.

P_M, you're right. He didn't recognize the city much. All of the buildings at his old air force base was torn down except for the tower and one other building.

Question: How do I get the smoke flavor of BBQ when I don't have a smoker? I have an outdoor gas grill.

offlady,

You will NEVER get BBQ or smoke flavor from a gas grill because that's exactly what you're doing - grilling - not BBQ'in.

In order to do 'q right and proper, at the minimum you need a charcoal BBQ, like a Weber kettle that you can purchase at Home Depot or probably even your local Wal-Mart. I have a Weber, and get a super delicious flavor as well as lots of smoke. Once you buy it, there's lots of instructions to guide you along.

Biggest help when using a Weber is to cook with indirect heat, the coals and wood on the opposite side than the meat. Comes out yum-yum every time.

Just allow lots of time to do it right. Takes a good couple hours to do ribs, and chicken, and all day for brisket.

weber.com has lots of info if you're really interested.

Of course, getting a real fancy smoker is best. Try amazon.com for ideas if you have nothing nearby.

Okay. Time to stoke up the 'q.

So glad hubby liked it here. We kind of fancy it ourselves. Y'all are welcome to come back, ya'hear!