Where Hugh Acheson Likes to Eat in Austin

Hugh Acheson, the Top Chef judge, Georgia restaurateur, and cookbook author, is coming to the city for the Austin Food & Wine Festival this weekend. He’ll enter the Rock Your Taco competition (perhaps with this octopus one) and talk about avocados at the festival grounds.

This isn’t the chef’s first time in Austin, so he shared his favorite local restaurants and bars with Eater, along with newer spots he plans on hitting up. Without further adieu, here is Hugh Acheson’s Austin eating and drinking guide.

Where he’ll drink:

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya: “Going for the endless supply of great vittles, and staying for that Matcha Painkiller. Make that two.” (2713 East 2nd Street, Holly)

Whisler’s and Mezcalería Tobalá: “A mezcal bar? Yes sir, you can count me in.” (1816 East 6th Street)

“I have not been to Small Victory or White Horse, but plan to hit both while in Austin. I hear great things about Small Victory's fresh take on cocktails, and you can't go to Austin without catching live music. So there's that.” (Small Victory: 108 Eeast 7th Street, Downtown; Whisler’s, 500 Comal Street, East Side)

Where he’ll dine:

Uchi: “Absolutely stunning sushi. Landlocked be damned!” (801 South Lamar Boulevard)

Contigo: “Great food on perhaps the best patio around. Take in that Austin sun before it gets too hot.” (2027 Anchor Lane, Mueller)

Olamaie: “This is Southern food done right.” (1610 San Antonio Street, Downtown)

La Barbecue: “The line at Franklin [Barbecue] is well deserved, but I think La Barbecue is equally stellar without the four hour commitment.” (1906 East Caesar Chavez)

Foreign & Domestic: “[Chef] Ned Elliot's place. I like Ned. (Hi, Ned.)” (306 East 53rd Street, North Loop)

“I also eat a lot of tacos. Like a ton. So I plan to get my fill in Austin at Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ and Veracruz All Natural.” (Valentina’s: 11500 Manchaca Road, Far South Austin; Veracruz’s two trailers: 704 East Cesar Chavez & 4204 Manchaca Road)

Coffee: “Planning to go to Cuvee Coffee and Flitch Coffee, then Sa-Tén Coffee and Eats. All three for coffee, and Sa-Tén for toasts.” (Cuvee: 2000 East 6th Street; Flitch: 641 Tillery Street, Govalle; Sa-Tén: 916 Springdale Road, Govalle)