As is the tradition at Eater, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types, bloggers, and readers. Here's last year's run-down for the nostalgic. The first question off the bat: what were the year's reliable stand-bys? Readers, please add your thoughts to the comments.
Kome. [Photo: Raymond Thompson/EATX]
Q: What was your restaurant standby of 2013?
Melanie Haupt, restaurant critic for The Chronicle and author of Historic Austin Restaurants
Contigo has been our standby pretty consistently pretty much since it's been open. We find ourselves there at brunch with out-of-town visitors, for various celebrations, and for ladies' nights out. It's extremely versatile and very close to our home. For family breakfasts out, our standbys are Amaya's and Joe's Bakery.
Megan Giller, editor of Zagat Austin
Lenoir
Patricia Sharpe, executive editor/food writer, Texas Monthly
I can't get enough of Uchiko.
Dan Gentile, staff writer at Thrillist
Kome, because in the middle of a rough day they're always there with a steaming bowl of ramen.
Jane Ko, editor at A Taste of Koko and food photographer
Sway Thai. I've stopped by this restaurant numerous times when I didn't know where else to eat. No lines, friendly service, amazing Thai cuisine and great wine selection.
Addie Broyles, Statesman columnist and editor of Relish Austin
Thundercloud Subs. It sounds cheesy, but my musician husband, who also works at T-Cloud on South Lamar, is a true sandwich artist, and you haven't had a New York Italian until you've had one that he makes. It's always a nice surprise when he comes home from work with sandwiches and cookies that make the kids squeal with delight.
Meredith Bethune, CultureMap and Serious Eats contributor
I almost always prefer casual over fancy. I found myself returning to Easy Tiger, House Pizzeria, Contigo, East Side King, and Tam Deli again and again.
Melody Fury, Serious Eats contributor and blogger at Gourmet Fury
Pieous - Josh and Paige treat their diners like family. Their sourdough crust is hard to beat, too. And their pastrami. And their hand-stretched mozzarella.
Tom Thornton, Eater Austin contributor and freelance food writer
Take out: Papalote, Tacodeli, Noble Pig. Sit Down: Second Bar & Kitchen, The Carillon.
Paula Forbes, deputy editor of Eater National and Eater Austin editor emeritus
The usual suspects are still there: Contigo, Amaya's Taco Village, P. Terry's, Barley Swine. One place I added to my regular rotation was Via 313 — I'm convinced a night at Craft Pride with all-Texas beers and slices from the truck is a perfect introduction to Austin for out of town visitors. Also after years of heading to trendier brunch spots, I remembered 24 Diner has a place in my heart forever. Half order dark meat fried chicken and waffles with two sunny-side up eggs is the perfect breakfast.
Andrea Grimes, Eater Austin editor emeritus and senior political reporter at RH Reality Check
If I don't stop in and have lunch or dinner at Komé every couple of weeks, I start getting a little twitchy. I'm also fairly sure Komé was my answer to this question on last year's Eater survey, which goes to show how consistently great this place is. For the quality of food, price point and service, I'm not sure you can get a better Japanese food experience in town. And the service really does stand out to me. Recently my husband and I watched the servers set a couple up with their first sushi meal in their entire lives - the staff were so patient and knowledgable, and walked the folks through what, for sushi first-timers, was probably a pretty intimidating experience. What a great, great little restaurant.
Meghan McCarron, editor, Eater Austin
For a fancy dinner, this year I was drawn back over and over to Wink. Their friendly intimacy, impeccable execution and careful sourcing are an unbeatable combination. They've been around for twelve years now, and there's a quiet, expert confidence there that I love. In terms of casual dining, I can't stop won't stop eating at Veracruz All Natural and Tamale House East. Rio's is also great for a way low key Friday night on the east side.
· All Year in Eater 2013 [EATX]
