Noble Sandwich, drink.well, qui, Craft Pride Land National Year-End Nods

Drink.Well owners Michael and Jessica Sanders. [Photo: Andrea Grimes/EATX]

It's December 19, which means that many publications dedicated to food and drink coverage are trotting out lists of their favorite things of 2013. Be it sandwiches, bar food, or cocktails, there's a "best of" list for everything. Many a year-end list has featured an Austin establishment or two - here are some recent highlights:

SANDWICHES — The distant, beloved, and soon-expanding Noble Sandwich Co. lands two entries on The Daily Meal's "Year In Sandwiches": both the eponymous Noble Pig sandwich and the seared beef tongue merit approving mentions. The shop's house-cured ham also gets singled out for great taste. [The Daily Meal]

BAR FOOD — Small but mighty North Loop favorite drink.well is lauded as one of the Top 18 for "Best Bar Food in the U.S." The magazine oddly focuses their write-up exclusively on the clever cocktail menu verbiage, with nary a mention of their favorite plates. [FOOD & WINE]

IMPORTANCE — Of course Paul Qui won something this week. qui lands on the opening page of Zagat's "25 Most Important Restaurants of 2013," putting him in the company of Estela, Trois Mec, and Serpico. The slideshow suggests sitting at the bar to catch the kitchen action and also singles out Austinite Keith Kreeger's dishware. [Zagat]

NEW BARS — Rainey Street's all-Texan tapped Craft Pride and East 6th cocktail newcomer Whisler's each make Thrillist's list of "The Best New Bars In America." Thrillist mentions Craft Pride's local beer focus, reclaimed wood finishes, and Via 313 pizza proximity as reasons to stop in. Whisler's draws praise for their experienced bartenders and the 1917 building's thoughtful makeover. [Thrillist]

— Tom Thornton