Texas BBQ is legendary – slow smoked meats served with or without sauce, with our without sides. Although Llano, Lockhart and Taylor boast the most storied BBQ joints in the state, Austin holds its own with some incredible BBQ options. Whether holding to the bottom line of Texas BBQ, beef brisket, or expanding out to include sausage, pork ribs, or chicken, BBQ lovers can find down-home joints, high-tone restaurants, and even music venues serving up Austin’s finest.

Stubb’s: Probably the most famous Austin BBQ originally came from Lubbock, in the plains of West Texas, where C.B. Stubblefield’s hickory-smoked meats and heavenly sauce fortified a burgeoning music scene, including Joe Ely and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. In Austin, Stubb’s sauce was bottled informally until the restaurant and music venue bearing his name in tribute, opened on Red River. With an outdoor amphitheater and an indoor nightclub, concert goers can chow down on great cue before the show – without losing their parking place! (801 Red River / Austin, Texas 78701 / 512.480.8341)

Iron Works: Downtowners and out-of-towners alike flock to this unassuming corrugated metal shack, lured by the aromatic smoke curling throughout the business district. The Iron Works was formerly just that – an iron working business, but in 1978 the building got a historic designation and the family began serving up BBQ. They also offer custom smoking of any meat you bring to them . (100 Red River / Austin, TX / 78701 / 512-478-4855)

Sam’s: This east side institution serves their delectable fare until late in the night, making it a favorite of the local musicians and music fans. The building might seem a little run-down, but make no mistake – this is some of the finest ‘cue in Texas. Sam’s is justifiably famous for its friendly service, musician-friendly hours, and an offering not found at many other Austin joints –melt-in-your-mouth mutton. (2000 E 12th St / Austin, TX 78702-1702 / (512) 478-0378)

Green Mesquite: Located just south of the river, along “Restaurant Row” on Barton Springs just adjacent to Zilker Park, this funky, charming spot is one of Austin’s favorite BBQ joints. Their meat combos are popular, and they offer other temptations like some of the best fried catfish in the area. The décor is purely South Austin – with neon, music posters, cushy booths and a checkerboard floor. Cold Shiner Bock on draft, bluegrass in their biergarten – this place is hard to beat. (1400 Barton Springs Rd / Austin, TX 78704 / (512) 479-0485

Lambert’s: A relative newcomer to the River City’s BBQ scene, Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue is one of the more upscale joints in town to dish out some well-made Texas food. Located in a renovated building in the burgeoning 2nd Street shopping and dining district, Lambert’s features live music, mostly jazz and DJs, in addition to grilled steaks, seafood, inventive sides, and of course, fine smoked meats. Beef and pork ribs, the ubiquitous brisket, and “fancy” surprises such as quail and trout emerge from their oak burning smoker. (401 W 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701)

Ki is a realtor working in the Austin Texas real estate market. His website provides a graphical search of the Austin MLS. He also runs a blog covering Austin real estate.

Austin is full of originals from people to music to landmarks, this town has a personality all its own. Some things are bound to come and go. With any growing city, turnover is common in business (particularly locally-owned and operated establishments), but some businesses manage not only to survive, they thrive. Kerby Lane Cafe is one of these Austin originals that has beaten the odds and firmly established itself as a culinary landmark in the Live Music Capitol of the World.

No matter what time of day you find yourself hungry in Austin, Texas, you can find a healthy, delicious meal at the Kerby Lane Cafe. Founded in 1980 by a pair of Austinites dedicated to fresh food and affordable prices, Kerby Lane Cafe has come to be a true Austin staple, catering to patrons from all walks of life. The 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week schedule and reasonable prices are sure to draw in the late-night college crowd from local Universities in Austin, but you'll find a full house most any time of day or night at any of the restaurant's four locations around Austin.

What makes Kerby Lane Cafe such a popular spot? With literally hundreds of unique, affordable dining options around Austin, what is it about Kerby Lane Cafe that keeps people coming back again and again? For one, it offers affordable fare. With entrees ranging from $7-$13, Kerby Lane Cafe makes it easy to eat well, without overspending. For another thing, the restaurant's commitment to using produce and products produced locally helps promote other local businesses which is a big plus to many Austinites. Their green approach to business and extensive community involvement are also big selling points for many local regulars.

But the most convincing reason has to be the food. From award winning pancakes (you can even buy their pancake mix online or in local grocery stores around town) and creative seasonal menus to delicious pastas and satisfying sandwiches, Kerby Lane Cafe truly offers something for everyone. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or a regular old carnivore, Kerby Lane Cafe aims to please. Texas staples like queso (melted cheese dip) and chicken tortilla soup come together with homemade red pepper hummus, middle-eastern inspired salads, fresh fish dishes and many more unique offerings to create an eclectic menu full of flavor and personality. The 24-hour breakfast menu is a sure bet, with delicious Texas staples like migas and biscuits and gravy, and French toast made with thick-cut Texas toast.

Kerby Lane Cafe is well known for its originals, too sweet potato fries, gingerbread pancakes and their signature hippy burger are all local favorites. Plus, their creative seasonal menus keep things changing, bringing the freshest, best produce and products of the season directly to the table. The full bakery on-site churns out cobblers, cheesecakes and other delicious desserts daily from old fashioned gingerbread to silken mocha tofu cake further increasing the restaurant's versatility and appeal. No matter what you're craving, and no matter when you're craving it, Kerby Lane Cake is sure to satisfy.

Ki lives and works in Austin as a realtor. His site provides information on the Austin market with a free search of the Austin MLS and a blog filled with Austin real estate statistics. He also provides updated mortgage graphs for potential borrowers.

Austinites are known for enjoying the local flavor that thrives in Austin. With a plethora of cool local restaurants in Austin the food scene can at times seem to rival Austin's music scene. Hula Hut located in in central Austin is one of the restaurants that contributes to this. It has been an Austin favorite since it opened in 1993. With bamboo walls, tiki torches, grass-thatched bars, thousands of colored lights, and great music, Hula Hut already has a somewhat cheesy but extremely enjoyable atmosphere, but the best aspect is that it is located right over Lake Austin.

Not only does it have an awesome atmosphere that is great to just hang out with family or friends or even to impress those clients that came into town, but it also has spectacular food. It is a menu derived from both Tex-Mex and Hawaiian traditions, and, although the combination sounds somewhat bizarre, they have perfected to it pure, tastebud exciting enjoyment. In addition to the wonderful flavors, the portions are usually generous enough to have leftovers for lunch the next day. What's better than a great, relaxing dinner that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and getting to enjoy it again the next day?

Although on the best of nights there is usually somewhat of a long wait, it is definitely worth it. It's a huge place and has tons of tables, so they are usually pretty good about seating as quickly as possible. If there happens to be a wait, you can relax on the benches or hang out by the Palapa bar with a cold drink and some, free chips and salsa, and if you get there at the right time, the sun setting over the water of Lake Austin is a gorgeous view.

Not only does the lakeside location provide a spectacular view over Austin's Town Lake, but also some convenience for those who have been hanging out on the lake, or just don't feel like driving their car over. Hula Hut provides a boat dock that can hold approximately 10 boats. So if you're hanging out on the lake and want a bite to eat for lunch or dinner, just pull in, enjoy the atmosphere, have some great food, and head back out on the water.

While the food is wonderful and the drinks even better, Hula Hut is most definitely popular because of the wonderful atmosphere. If you're looking for a relaxing place to hang out with friends or family, somewhere comfortable for that first date, or something impressive to show off Austin to some clients that came into town, Hula Hut is the place to go.

Ki helps investors interested in Austin real estate. His site allows visitors to search for Austin homes and Austin condos.

Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World. One of the best parts about having that distinction is that even if you aren’t necessarily into the club scene, you can still hear live music at restaurants throughout the city. Whether you feel like hearing Cajun, blues, country, Latin or rock, you can almost always find a great meal enhanced by a great band playing.

Threadgill’s is legendary not only for their chicken fried steak and cheese grits, but for also being the place that gave Janis Joplin her start. With a newly refurbished north location, and their World Headquarters just south of the river, Threadgill’s features the best in bluegrass, country, and soul music, as well as hosting a delicious and rejuvenating Gospel Brunch. Steaks, seafood po-boys, and the best vegetable side-dish selection in town, this is the quintessential Austin food and music spot. 301 West Riverside Drive, Austin, Texas 78704 // 6416 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78752

Artz’ Rib House is another gem of a music/food venue in Austin. As their name suggests, their specialty is smoked ribs, with country style pork, baby backs, or big beef ribs to choose from. They also make one of the better burgers in town, offer the Texas BBQ staples of brisket and sausage, and even have an inventive vegetable kabob on the menu. Their musical offerings are just as tasty, with an emphasis on western swing and a monthly Old Time Fiddlers Jam. Artz is located in the barton hills neighborhood at 2330 South Lamar, Austin, TX 78704

Quality Seafood is both a seafood market and a restaurant, serving some of the finest and freshest fish in town. Three days a week they feature music along with food and drink specials. Mondays they usually feature a hot jazz combo, and offer a great deal on succulent king crab legs, and on Wednesdays a folky blues duo entertains while the crowd feasts on peel and eat shrimp. A DJ holds forth on Thursdays, sometimes with live instrumental accompaniment, and the special rotates – recent Thursday food specials include spicy Texas crawfish and soft shell crab po-boys. 5621 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78751.

Las Palomas serves some of the finest Mexican food in the city, and features one of Austin’s best kept musical secrets. When they aren’t on tour with a major Texas country star, you can find the cream of Austin’s crop of pickers joining a gypsy jazz violinist for some jaw-dropping jazz every Wednesday night. Famed for their enchiladas “Tres Marias,” Las Palomas also offers ceviche, chicken mole, and other specialties. 3201 Bee Caves Road, Austin, TX 78746.

Having survived the ups and downs of Austin’s East Side, the Victory Grill is truly a piece of Austin history, but is just as vibrant today. Built in 1945, the club has hosted acts including B.B King, Ike and Tina Turner, and Billie Holiday, and today features Austin’s finest blues acts. With a rotating menu of down home cooking, the Victory Grill is a slice of Old Austin.

Ki works in Austin Texas with clients interested in Austin real estate. He keeps people up to date on his Austin real estate blog and has a free search of the Austin Texas MLS.

One of the challenges we faced as new parents was what to do on those nights when you just need to go out and grab a quick bite – no time to plan for a sitter or make reservations. Nothing in the fridge, too tired to slice and dice, or an all too common scenario in our household: “Wait, I thought YOU were doing dinner tonight!?” When our child was a baby, this was fairly easy – pop him in the car seat, pop him into a high chair, and keep the zwieback coming. As he got older, it got harder. We of course insist on good manners, but what three and half year old (or four, five or six, for that matter) can sit perfectly still and quiet, even with crayons and a funny menu?

Lots of them you say? Good on ya! Not ours! To preserve the family dining night out tradition, we learned quickly that a place with a playscape could accommodate our need for dinner out with a three year old’s need to get his ya-ya’s out. Austinites are particularly lucky in this regard, because so much of the year is outdoor weather for us, and so many great places for family dining are out there. Here are our current favorite places to eat that have playscapes.

Southpark Meadows: I had, shall we say, “issues” with finding good food and play in a shopping center, but this place rocks. The playscapes are HUGE and inventive – woven through enormous shade trees, with slides galores. There is a fantastic little area where water shoots up from the ground – so perfect for letting the little guys cool off. They even have live music outside, periodically. The best part, though, is that the playground is in the center of a bunch of GREAT restaurants, most of which have patio dining so you can watch them play while you linger over your food. Mama Fu’s does great pan-asian good, Austin Java is perfect for lunch or brunch, Waterloo Ice House will fill your burger needs, and at Jason’s deli you can even get a box lunch and sit on a bench under the trees. I35 and Slaughter, across from Supertarget

Freddie’s Place: Freddie’s makes one of the greatest burgers in town, and its outdoor area is right next to a babbling brook, under big oak trees. Their playscape isn’t huge, but they have around 5 picnic tables right next to it, all with great sightlines to the stage, so you can integrate your meal, play and music. The atmosphere is South Austin cool, and the food is terrific, and although parking can be an issue, it is worth it to get their early and let the kids play while you and your friends (or spouse, unless , as in my case, he’s on the stage) catch up on adult talk. 1703 S 1st St Austin, TX 78704 (512) 445-9197

Patsy’s Cowgirl Café: Patsy’s playscape is outside of the dining area, but it is still a great help in burning off steam. Sometimes we get a drink and hang out while he plays and slides and runs around with the other kids that are bound to be there. The décor inside is really fun, and since we are usually there to see a band, we can usually work it to where he starts winding down and wanting dinner as the music starts. 5001 E. Ben White Boulevard, Austin TX 78741.

If you go out to eat and bring the some children along it always nice to have a place for the kids to run around. This article details which restaurants in Austin provide playscapes for the kids.

Ki runs a site focused on Austin real estate which has a search of the Austin MLS along with a Austin related updates on his Austin real estate blog.