FRIDAY DINNER

Let me get this out of the way up front. We’re saving the steakhouse for Saturday night. Friday night is about options and mobility. You didn’t go the private chef route, opting for an array of possibilities when it comes to fueling up for the night ahead. 

I’ve seen free-for-all situations where it’s every man for himself and we’ll see you at XYZ bar at 9. Fine. The college buddies go here, the high school friends go there. The work friends get after it somewhere else. 

If you want to keep the group together, here’s what we’re looking at. 

Italian - Austin is about as renowned for its Italian food as your buddy is for his crypto investing. That being said, the new kid on the block, Sammie’s, is blowing people away. Legitimately a top 3 all-time Carbonara and an atmosphere to boot. Need a rez a month in advance, but it’s beyond worth it.  ++: Enoteca, Red Ash, Il Brutto 

Asian - Bit more of a scene here and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Google results will give you Uchiko or Ramen Tatsu-ya, which are fantastic given the price point, but you won’t have more fun than packing 12 at a table at Maiko for happy hour and getting out of there full of A-/B+ sushi at $50 a person.

++: LORO (BBQ/Asian fusion. Great patio), Wu Chow (happy hour specials pick), and TenTen (best AC in Texas on West 6th)

Mexican - If you weren’t able to indulge in Matt’s El Rancho last night, this is a great opportunity. Get there knowing you’re waiting 45+ mins because they don’t take reservations. Ideally the bar is open and you get going with a knockout martini. If you’re looking for something closer to downtown, Ranch 616 reopened with a bang after “winter storm” damage that screams insurance fraud and is the perfect combo of GREAT food, wild talent, great environment and top notch location. 

++: La Piscina ($$$), El Alma (patio), Suerte ($$$), ATX Cocina

The Rest  - We’ve kind’ve covered these between the take-it-easy night and BBQ spots, but some honorable mentions that will absolutely deliver. Side note, I understand I’m not hitting every part of the world here. Just going with the most doable. If you need more specific recommendations, hit me up and we can figure something out. 

Polish off the last piece and buckle up

++: June’s (get the chicken sandwich), Anthem, Emmer & Rye (cacio e pepe), Aba (greek + people watching), Devil May Care (mediterranean),