Chronicle Names Austin’s Top Barbecue Without a Line

It’s time for Chronicle’s Best of Austin issue, featuring various food and drink picks. While the readers’ picks were straightforward, the critics’ choices fell into more original classifications, like dadcore-friendly (Live Oak Brewing) and outside Austin city limits brewery (Twisted X). For barbecue, the publication highlighted Kerlin BBQ for the best smoked meats “without a wait,” perfectly positioned near Franklin Barbecue and La Barbecue:

They make superlative sausage and beautifully barked brisket, and you won't want to snooze on their bleu cheese coleslaw and jalapeño dill potato salad.

Among other accolades, critics gave Emmer & Rye kudos for a trait previously left off recognitions (hottest restaurant staff), spotlighted under-the-radar Caffe del Fuego and Abo Youssef Mediterranean Food, and underscored the endless work of the do-gooders behind Austin Food & Wine Alliance.

Neighborhood bar Royal Jelly is the place to “expands your pub grub horizons” with octopus panzanella and merguez sliders, and find the ultimate pick-me-up at Dee Dee’s trailer:

Om gai has everything we need – chiles to clear those sinuses, dill to wake up drowsy taste buds, rustic chicken to comfort, and the perfect sticky rice to sop it all up

Readers also picked their favorites from best local artisan food vendor (Salt & Time Butcher Shop & Salumeria) to best pastry chef (Laura Sawicki of Launderette) to best coffee shop (Radio Coffee & Beer), among others.

BLOGS — Fed Man Walking got the burger at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Dine With Shayda checked out South Shore District’s Mour Cafe and Pantry, and The Austinot discovered casual elegance (and baked goat cheese) at 827Ray’s, a new French-inspired addition to northwest Austin.

• Review: Best of Austin 2016, Critics’ Picks, Food & Drink [Chronicle]