Name: Courtney Fowler Powers

Family: Lauren Loeffler Powers, Margaret Woolf Powers (12), Luke Loeffler Powers (8), Gretchen Fowler Powers

Occupation: University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company. Managing Director – Investments

Education: University of Georgia – AB English ‘94, University of Texas at Austin – MBA ‘04

Best Tex-Mex

Matt’s El Rancho – when you sit down, order a skinny margarita and “a large Bob”. Just do it…then tacos al pastor. (I won’t not tell you to get the Crenshaw steak (cooked medium) with jalapeños. Makes Jordan Davis run a 4.4 40).

Maudie’s – beef lovers enchiladas with onions or the Grandpa’s Special. If you are up for eggs, order the chorizo migas with serrano peppers and a side of papas (skillet fried potatos). Adult drink? Wall margarita, ranch water with lalo tequila, or Dos Equis draught with a lime.

Interior Mexican

Fonda San Miguel – good mole (pronounced “Mol-eh” Ades).

Fresca’s – serious chicken

Best Burger

Hopdoddy – bison burger

Casino el Camino – buffalo burger

Best Breakfast Tacos

Yeah, it’s a big thing in TX. Just don’t call them breakfast burritos … that’s McDonalds. Heinous.

Texas Honey Ham – bacon, egg and cheese or chorizo, egg and cheese. Red salsa. They do fresh tortillas. Door dash for morning drop.

Full Breakfast

Cisco’s – old Austin staple on East side (have been Willie sightings in the past).

Maudies – see above – chorizo migas with papas

Kirby Lane – pancakes etc

Best Steak

El Naranja – filet

Ranch 616 – ribeye

Best Italian

Sammie’s – chicken parm

Vespaio – Veal Saltimbocca and Cacio e Pepe (ask for it if not on menu)

Best BBQ

It ain’t even close to Gold Coast/Carolina … but if you need some brisket …

Franklin – but get in line four hours before lunch and hope they don’t run out.

Terry Black’s

Cooper’s – got to get the center cut pork chop.

Best Sushi

Uchi – but good luck getting in

Uchiko – same chef, bigger place. It’s pretty special.

Best Brunch

Mattie’s – outdoor seating

Best Cocktails

Small Victory – true speakeasy … upstairs with no signage. Go early cause it fills up. Best sazerac in town (bulleit rye and no sugar). Signature order is the punch bowl.

Best Roof Top Bar

Azul – Westin Hotel

Otis Hotel

Hotel ZaZa

Best Sports Bars

Pluckers Wing Bar

Shoal Creek Saloon (po-boys, raw oysters, shuffle board)

The Tavern – solid burger

Best Pizza

Homeslice

“Favorite” Pizza – big, new york style pies

Via 313 – Detroit style

Best Fine Dining

Eddie V’s – if they have redfish, I get that and a tomahawk ribeye (sliced) for the table to share.

Jeffrey’s – Jerry Jeff Walker’s old hangout

Clark’s – Oyster Bar (best for late lunch)

Best Dive Bars

Deep Eddy Cabaret – cold Dos Equis pitchers. May still have a cigarette machine.

Mean Eyed Cat

Best Local Beer

Twisted X – Gulf Kolsch and McConauhaze (alright … al ugh)

Honky Tonks

Broken Spoke – an Icon that is still holding out as the condos rise. Two stepping and line dancing. Cheap beers

Donn’s Depot – another iconic Austin watering hole with two stepping. Soemone was kicked off the dance floor for doing the Carlton in topsiders once I heard.

Honorable Mentions

Perry’s Steak House – I dare you to order the pork chop.

Hula Hut on Lake Austin – Hawaiian fajitas

Tumble 22 – Nashville hot chicken

Pinthouse Pizza – craft beer, solid pies and lots of TVs