Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

I was only in Austin for a few days to attend the Austin City Limits music festival but I needed to fuel up before starting on day 2. Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill was a few blocks away from my hotel so I decided to try it out despite the hour wait. Tip: Try to make reservations in advance if possible.

I needed coffee after a late night partying the night before. I wanted a soy latte but barista stared at me when I asked if they had soy milk. So I opted for black coffee instead during our wait

When we got seated, they had delicious chili flavored popcorn set on the table. It was difficult to stop munching on it while waiting for my food.  My friend’s one year old couldn’t stop grabbing for the popcorn either.

 I was happy when my dish of chicken and waffles arrived. The chicken was perfectly fried and the waffle was crisp. Sadly, the dish was so large that I couldn’t finish it all.

 303 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Salt Lick BBQ


BBQ was high on my list of food to try in Texas. When Austin City Limits (ACL) decided to cater their food from local eateries, I was stoked to be able to try the local food while enjoying the music festival. The lines were long but moved quickly. Salt Lick BBQ is a famous BBQ chain originated from Dallas. I tried the pork ribs and was very pleased. The ribs were meaty, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor from the dry rub. Finger lickin’ good BBQ.

Hard Knox Cafe

These days the Dog Patch neighborhood of San Francisco is looking to face lift everything, but one place that hasn’t changed in the past 16 years is Hard Knox Cafe. This inconspicuous restaurant, located across from Mr. & Mrs. Miscellaneous ice shop, serves up hearty Southern style comfort food. For $13, you can get a three piece fried chicken dish with two sides of your choice and corn bread. The fried chicken is meaty and perfectly crisp. The mac and cheese is the classical hearty and cheesy mac and cheese that everyone loves. My favorite was the corn bread. It was sweet and moist.

They also serve chicken and waffles and ribs of all sorts. I’m definitely going back to try those next.

If you’re in the Richmond district, look out for their second location.

Locations: 2526 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
2448 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121

ad hoc + addendum

A summer favorite of mine is Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc Addendum. Open only in spring and summer from Thursday to Saturday 11 am to 2 pm, they serve boxed versions of Ad Hoc’s critically acclaimed fried chicken. It’s also a great alternative to try Ad Hoc if you can’t make it to their dinner only seating.

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The BBQ pork ribs falls off the bone easily. I love their moist cornbread. You won’t find it anywhere else. Thomas Keller sure knows how to make southern comfort food.

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When I came last summer, they only offered a boxed version of the fried chicken. They now offer a BUCKET of chicken. Fried chicken lovers, rejoice! Seasoned with salt and sprigs of fresh rosemary, this is the best fried chicken I’ve ever had. It’s moist and packed with flavor.

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Look for Addendum at the picnic area behind Ad Hoc.

(6476 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599)