Catfish Parlour @ 183 N Austin

Catfish Parlour is definitively one of the icons of Austin since 1973. They have a fantastic lunch option that it is hard to beat. Every weekday, there is a different offering of veggies and sides (which are posted on their web site) that you choose from and self-serve. Even though, this may be plenty to eat for some people due to the amount of options, you complement your plate with three sizes available of catfish plates or popcorn shrimp. I personally have always ordered the small plate which includes three fried catfish fillets which they can be either spicy, natural or a mix of them. The cost of my lunch (small catfish plate and water) was less than $10.

This is one of those lunch places where you can have a balanced meal that includes food from all the major food groups that we should be eating regularly plus some tasty fried add-ons such as fries and incredible hushpuppies. Let’s not forget that they also have a bonus and unique feature which is their tartar sauce which is mixed with jalapenos that you can have for your fish or fries.

During our visit, even though there was a line of about 10 persons in front of us, it move quickly and in few minutes we were preparing our plates. There was no problem finding a table which this location provides plenty of space. The service was prompt to ask for our drink selection but she failed to check our waters and teas for refill. We pretty much finished eating when she came back to refill our cups. This was really the only weak point (minor but defective) of our visit which we will have to give it a second try on the future.

Finally, Catfish Parlour is one of those restaurants where you can appreciate a true Austinite ambiance where weird, unique and vintage gets combined in one place. This is why I considered a true icon on this aspect and it is definitively worth of our highest score on this category.

On today's ALR R&D visit with missed one of the pillars of this project. To our friend Jim, we wish that you recover soon and hopefully on the very near future you are back to join us to provide your experience and knowledge on food and service. Get Well!!

Link to Catfish Parlour Web Site

Top Notch @ Burnet

Is it a drive-in, or a dine-in?   Yes.

Top Notch Burgers on Burnet Rd. has been an Austin tradition since 1971. Cars park around and under a covered, multi-lane speaker system area where you may order off of the order board via the intercom and sit in your car, or dine inside in a cramped dining area.  I have heard many a story about the delicious burgers produced at this establishment, and remember eating there 4 or 5 years ago and being pleased with the outcome.

Not so today. 

While Top Notch is a successful contributor to the “Keep Austin Weird” mantra as far as setting and decor, it did not contribute today in the flavor and quality category, as it was closer to “Bottom Notch”.

The burgers tastes like they were made with thin, frozen, flavorless patties, that, while having a tolerable char-grilled flavor, that seemed to be the only thing going on with a poorly to no-seasoned low-quality pre-frozen beef patty.  The buns were also very forgetful.  The chili on my chili burger also tasted like canned chili, tasted like Hormel Chili to me!!  Come on Top Notch, what has happened to you???

The fries were of decent flavor, but could have used a little more crispiness.  The tea was weak and not very flavorful.

Top Notch- you are far from living up to your name!!  This place was a waste of time- there are SO many better options in the area for burgers.  These burgers were not as good as the majority of the big chain burger places.

Link to Top Notch Web Site