"Texas Chili Parlor is a portal to Old Austin—there are usually a handful of people sitting at the bar who look like they haven’t moved since the restaurant first opened in 1976. This place is hardly a secret, and yet it still feels like privileged information. Here, Austinites looking to avoid the trendy spots Downtown and on the East Side gather for great chili and Tex-Mex in what looks like an appealingly grungy roadhouse. Order the Freidas Enchiladas—a giant platter of cheese enchiladas topped with a scoop of Texas-style chili (no beans)—and consider adding one of the stiff Mad Dog margaritas if you don’t have anywhere to be later. " - nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs