Whether you're a seasoned wine expert or a novice to wine drinking, the service and selection at The Red Room Lounge just might make this place your new go-to wine bar in Austin. The knowledgeable sommeliers are happy to put together tasting flights, make recommendations, educate you about the wine-making process, and help you find just the right vintage for your own particular taste.

The Red Room Lounge’s atmosphere is dramatic, featuring dim lighting, exposed brick, deep leather couches, and lots of dark wood. Note, however, that this is not a place where you should expect to get dinner along with your wine. The Red Room Lounge offers a small selection of cheese and charcuterie plates, but this dedicated wine cellar focuses mainly on drinks.

The Red Room Lounge
306 E. Third Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 501-1536
www.redroomatx.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-red-room-lounge-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/cyclonebill

At Brown’s Bar-B-Que in South Austin, true Texan barbecue is served every day from a tiny food truck bursting with delicious aromas. Stop in for a casual lunch and order from the decadent menu of slow-smoked brisket, ribs and sausage, and don’t forget to pile on the Southern sides, like homemade macaroni and cheese and cabbage and onions. Just about any of the meats can be made into a sandwich if you’re looking for a hands-free meal, and if you’re looking for a great deal on a lot of food, the three meat platter comes with two sides for one low price.

Once you place your order, grab a seat at one of Brown’s Bar-B-Que’s wooden picnic tables in the covered patio area and dig in to some real Texan cuisine.

Brown’s Bar-B-Que is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Brown’s Bar-B-Que
1901 S Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 517-8520
www.yelp.com/biz/browns-bar-b-que-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr reynolds.james.e

Austin has long since become a foodie’s playground, and despite the city's laundry list of so-called "must-try" restaurants, few have quite as much buzz as Uchi. This popular sushi spot is upscale without being pretentious, which makes it the perfect place to go for a first date, a family dinner, a business meeting, and everything in between.

The breezy outdoor patio makes the perfect place to relax while waiting for a table inside the warm, minimal dining room, which is always a great place to see and be seen in Austin. Once you find your table, you’ll face the difficult task of choosing from the delicious selection of baby octopus pops, salmon toro, seared Wagyu beef and foie gras sushi rolls, among many other creative dishes.

There is also a well-regarded selection of wine, beer, and sake. Regulars recommend arriving a bit before the restaurant opens to avoid a long wait.

Uchi
801 S Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 916-4808
www.uchiaustin.com

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Charles Haynes