Mic's Picks: Austin and San Antonio

When you ask Texans to choose their favorite city in "the greatest state in the Union", Austin and San Antonio will top the list. For foodies: a wide range of epicurean experiences are available from chin-dribbling barbecue to sophisticated souffles. In addition to edible goodies, these towns provide arid environs of tree-covered hills bisected with rivers and waterways, stylish environmental design, a hip-swinging music scene, bigger-than-life personalities and shopping to satisfy even the most discerning sybarite. And on top of all that, you'll find a walloping down-home sense of humor that's irresistible.

Austin

WHERE TO EAT

For breakfast: MAGNOLIA CAFE
To find a good breakfast joint I called three upscale, well-known hotels and each one pointed me to the Magnolia Cafe, which has two locations in Austin and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Basically, it's a diner. But instead of greasy spoon victuals, you get a modern-day treat for the taste buds. Of note was the Magnolia vegetarian omelette with lemon sour cream sauce, gingerbread-banana pancakes and Love migas (a scramble in spicy LOVE butter). 2304 Lake Austin Blvd., (512) 478-8645; 1920 South Congress Ave., (512) 445-0000

For lunch: EASTSIDE CAFE & GIFT SHOP
When looking for the new and interesting, follow the artists. Austin's creatives are transforming the once dilapidated eastside structures into hip and desirable neighborhoods and not surprisingly, some of Austin's best eateries are finding homes on the new eastside. A charming bungalow houses the restaurant and its matching garage-converted-to-gift-shop provides a delightful way to pass time while waiting for your table. If you go for brunch on the weekend, expect to wait, but it's worth it. Notables include the shrimp and goat cheese quesadillas and melt-in-your-mouth wild mushroom crepes. 2113 Manor Road, (512) 476-5858; eastsidecafeaustin.com

For Dinner: THE COUNTY LINE
This popular chain has several locations, but I'm specifically recommending the one on "the Lake". Nestled on the riverbank you'll find a boisterous atmosphere, ginormous Texas-sized portions and better than average barbecue. Make sure you save room for dessert; the bread pudding portions are big enough to share, but you won't want to. The main attraction about this place is not the food, but the large outdoor patio where you can dribble barbecue sauce and sip margaritas while watching the kids (or kids at heart) feed the hundreds of turtles in the gentle river only five feet away. It's barbecue served up with a side of laughter and childish joy. 5204 FM2222 just before 360,
(512) 346-3664; countyline.com

WHERE TO DRINK

HOTEL SAN JOSE
What do you get when you mix Tex-Mex bungalow and streamlined mid-century design? A hip little oasis just meters and minutes away from the bustle of South Congress Avenue and Austin's downtown. For those who enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail, stop by the courtyard lounge-a lush retreat from the heat and open to non-residents from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. 1316 South Congress Ave.; (512) 444-7322; sanjosehotel.com

WHAT TO DO

ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE
Any movie house that has waiters serve you beer and buffalo wings while you watch a flick is a must-go for cinema buffs. A popular venue for film festivals, pick up a copy of the Austin Chronicle for current movie listings and events, then just sit back and prepare to be waited on. 1120 South Lamar, (512) 476-1320; drafthouse.com; austinchronicle.com

San Antonio

WHERE TO EAT

For Breakfast: MAGNOLIA PANCAKE HAUS
Unrelated to the Austin diner of a similar name, the Magnolia Pancake Haus was on everyone's lips for best breakfast in San Antonio. My first venture there was on a weekend and the wait was an hour and a half with no complainers. The breakfast menu had enough choices for an army and plenty eyebrow-raising combinations to intrigue even the most sophisticated palette. Must-haves include anything with eggs-especially the frittatas-and the oatmeal cookie pancakes. 13444 West Ave., Suite 300, (210) 496-0828; magnoliapancakehaus.com
 
For Lunch: LIBERTY BAR
Celebrity local Tommy Lee Jones is reportedly spotted at the Liberty Bar weekly, however I didn't see him while lunching there. I was too busy ogling the freshly baked breads, pies and custards that are put out to cool on sideboards in the dining room. To start, try figs with balsamic vinegar, toasted pita and goat cheese. Sandwiches that make you sigh with pleasure: the lamb burger and chicken salad sandwich. For dessert, just peek at the dining room sidebar/cooling rack and select something just out of the oven; I can recommend the coconut custard and buttermilk pie, which will make you yearn for a visit to grandma's house. Until you realize that the Liberty Bar's fare just might be better. No offense, grandma. 328 East Josephine St., (210) 227-1187; liberty-bar.com

For Dinner: BIGA'S ON THE BANKS
Overlooking San Antonio's famed River Walk, ask for patio seating so you can enjoy the view and sounds of the active River Walk below. While the entire menu is worth sampling, at Biga's I recommend that your dinner be made up entirely of appetizers, especially the Chicken Fried Oysters. Also remarkable are the fresh Game Packets wrapped in Bibb lettuce and radicchio. For a fresh cocktail, try Biga's signature drink-the Flirtini-made with Chambord, pineapple juice and Champagne. 203 South St. Mary's St., (210) 225-0722; biga.com

WHERE TO DRINK

PESCA ON THE RIVER AT THE WATERMARK HOTEL
If you're a seafood lover, begin your evening of wining and dining on the River Walk at Pesca on the River, which is ideally located below the Watermark Hotel and at ground level with the River Walk, so that after cocktails you can easily walk to dinner or dancing. Sit at the oyster bar and enjoy one (or three) of Pesca's signature tequilitinis, fresh oysters and the herbed calamari. 212 West Crockett Ave., (212) 396-5817; watermarkhotel.com

HOTEL VALENCIA
Rated high amongst San Antonio's hippest new hotels, the Hotel Valencia on the River Walk houses one of the city's most romantic spots: the Courtyard. Enjoy the hotel's ultra-swanky and modern V-bar, voted in 2005 "best place to be seen" by the San Antonio Downtown Alliance, and once you've had enough of the crowd, grab your drink and your date and head for the intimate and romantic Courtyard on the third floor. With comfy chaises and chairs surrounding a towering fire fountain, the Courtyard is an ideal spot to cozy up with your sweetie and a nightcap. 150 East Houston St., (210) 227-9700; hotelvalencia.com

WHAT TO DO

SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK
San Antonio's claim to fame is the river that runs through the heart of downtown. Lined with shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels, the River Walk is a hubbub of activity day or night for tourists and locals alike. Start your day on the River Walk with a River Cruise tour. Reminiscent of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean except that along with being fun, it's historically informative and gives you a great overview of the River Walk and interesting spots you'll want to return to. If you have a party of eight or more, ask about cocktails or dinner on the Cruise while enjoying a private tour. (210) 227-4262; sanantonioriverwalk.com; River Boat Cruises: (800) 417-4139
-M.B.

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