When you’re traveling west out of Austin along Highway 290, be on the look out for Chappy’s Pit BBQ. This no frills trailer offers a straightforward menu of brisket, pork, ribs, and sausage as a plate or sandwich. Customers agree the meat is flavorful, tender, and just as delicious without the homemade BBQ sauce. Favorite sides include baked beans, cucumber and tomato salad, and corn on the cob. Chappy's Pit BBQ may not be a full service restaurant but they do accept debit cards and cash. Sure, the trailer may not look like much, but it houses what might just be one of the tastiest barbecue you'll find around Austin.
 
Chappy's Pit BBQ
6837 Highway 290 West

Austin, TX 78735
(512) 481-2227
www.facebook.com/pages/Chappys-Pit-BBQ/172990876150290
www.yelp.com/biz/chappys-bbq-austin

We’ve seen a recent upswing of high-quality cocktails and creative mixology in the past few years. If you’re an at-home mixologist who wants to learn to make the perfect Manhattan or attempt to imitate that whiskey cocktail from your favorite bar, these helpful websites will show you how.

TheBar.com
This beautifully designed, easy-to-navigate website allows visitors to search for cocktails by name, event, flavors, spirits or brands to plan the perfect drink menu for any occasion. If you’re unsure of the exact drink you’d like to make, TheBar.com also allows you to browse by category to find drinks that you and your guests will love.

Cocktail Builder
Perfect for the nights when you have a few half-empty bottles in your bar and no idea of what to do with them, Cocktail Builder is an innovative website that allows you to type in the types of alcohol you have and find drink recipes based on those items. The site also features a large database of cocktail ideas if you’d rather browse on your own, from classic favorites like the Whiskey Sour to new combinations like the creamy, tropical White Dream of the Sky.

CC-BY-SA-3.0/Flickr/The Culinary Geek

For a great meal without the fuss of heading downtown, try Artisan Bistro Austin in Lakeway, just a short drive from Sendera Barton Creek. Don’t let the location fool you; this little restaurant offers authentic French cuisine in a charming ambiance. Brick walls, dim chandeliers, and simple French country décor aren’t the only “eye-candy”. Everything from escargot to macaroons is beautifully presented, not to mention delicious! If you’ve never had escargot, Artisan does them right with a herbed butter sauce. Another menu favorite is the duck confit, but don’t overlook any specials, including cheese and charcuterie offerings. If you're in the area for lunch, treat yourself to a classic Jambon Beurre, a ham and butter sandwich on a baguette. Save room for dessert, Artisan offers everything you’d expect of a French bakery like flaky bread, buttery croissants, delicate custards, and flavorful tarts. You can stop in to pick up baked goods anytime.

Artisan Bistro Austin
900 RR 620 S

Lakeway, TX 78734
(512) 263-8728
www.artisanbistroaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/artisan-bistro-austin-lakeway