Before Bryce Gilmore debuted Barley Swine in 2010, he was already making waves in Austin's culinary scene with his legendary food truck, Odd Duck. Many current patrons of Barley Swine still fondly recall the food truck with its ever-present line—a testament to high caliber of Gilmore's grub. And if that fare was worth standing in line for, then Barley Swine's locally sourced cuisine warrants an overnight camp out. Thanks to the brick-and-mortar location, though, you won't have to go to such extremes.

You can just take a short stroll down the street from Lamar Union, step inside, and grab a table. Eater Austin recommends you do so this month, crowning Barley Swine one of its 38 Essential Austin Restaurants for October 2015. Don't worry about picking a dish. The kitchen team only offers a seasonally inspired, locally sourced prix fixe menu each evening. Expect to spend up to two hours tasting everything on it.

Barley Swine
2024 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 394-8150
barleyswine.com
www.yelp.com/biz/barley-swine-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr vagueonthehow

Shake Shack started off as a small cart that served burgers and shakes in New York City, but it's expanded far beyond The Big Apple. People on the East Coast can’t get enough of these eclectic burgers and shakes, and now Austin residents can fall under the spell of Shake Shack's tasty treats.

Austin was lucky enough to be the recipient of Texas’ first Shake Shack, and Lamar Union residents will be happy to know that its newest location is right in the same building. Be sure to true their Lockhart Link burger, it’s exclusive to the Austin location! Fans of Shake Shack also recommend the crinkle fries (the crinkle cheese fries are particularly delicious!) It's possible you might not have room for a shake once you've had a burger and fries, but eaters recommend getting one to go to enjoy later.

Shake Shack
1100 S. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 717-0430
www.shakeshack.com/location/south-lamar-austin
www.yelp.com/biz/shake-shack-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr stu_spivack

You’ve heard of contemporary American cuisine, and may have even dined at an American fusion restaurant, but have you eaten at a place that serves Austin-American food?

Stella San Jac opened a few weeks ago inside the Westin hotel, just two miles away from Lamar Union, and the menu honors the city’s unique culinary scene. Reviewers have described this chic restaurant as having a straightforward approach to Southern food, with standouts such as deviled eggs with sausage, crispy Brussels sprouts, crab cakes, fried avocado salad, and s'mores fondue for dessert. You won’t find any fusion dishes or “______-style takes” on your favorite foods at Stella Jan Jac, just good old fashioned Austin cuisine. The open kitchen, inspired menu, and live music are sure to make this restaurant a must dine for Austin foodies.

Stella San Jac
310 E. 5th St.
Austin TX 78701
(512) 391-2333
www.stellasanjac.com
www.yelp.com/biz/stella-san-jac-austin-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr ralph and jenny