Texas Getting Michelin Star Ratings in 2025

[hornbri 1346]

36 minutes ago, irishtexan said:

I'll eat my hat if either of those restaurants get two stars. Barley Swine is great, but I've never been to Pasta Bar. But neither are not doing anything that 200 other restaurants in America aren't already doing. Nowhere in Austin offers menus as sophisticated, or the level of service required to earn two stars. Two star restaurants tend to be $300+ per person tasting menus with a $100+ wine pairing. That just doesn't really exist in Austin because the people here are (traditionally) unpretentious and don't tend to value that kind of dining experience (or price) so it historically hasn't been offered. We're a taco truck (and now $17 cocktail) kinda town. But that's changing and we might see something like that in the future. 

There are EXCELLENT restaurants in Chicago (my reference point as I lived there for 10 years and ate out for pretty much every single meal) much better than Barley Swine that did not earn a star. Avec and Girl and the Goat were Bib Gourmands. Hell, Publican was just a "selected restaurant" and it's comparable to Barley Swine. 

Point being, it's REALLY fucking hard to earn just a single star and you have to be doing something truly innovative with exemplary service to get a single star, much less two. 

 

 

I agree that it is stretch, and it’s my home town favoritism. If i am more realistic those two could each get 1 and the other 3 a Bib Gourmand. 

But I do think location might play into it, Barley Swine is not as good as Oriole in Chicago, but it is as good as Picasso in Las Vegas, and I would say it is very similar to Saison in San Francisco. 

[hornbri 1346]

18 minutes ago, Brisketexan said:

And along those lines....I would give anything if the star for "tacos" in this town (there's a decent chance there will be one) goes to some freaking taco truck on North Lamar that the hipsters haven't even found yet.  Just two old mexican gals making fantastic al pastor the way their family has been doing it for 50 years.  It would be glorious.

That would be awesome right up to the point that they were crushed with hipsters. 

[jimmyjazz 45064]

Y'all rave about Red Ash . . . where is it in this heirarchy?  I mean, when it's not on fire.

[Deej 76086]

1 hour ago, Brisketexan said:

And along those lines....I would give anything if the star for "tacos" in this town (there's a decent chance there will be one) goes to some freaking taco truck on North Lamar that the hipsters haven't even found yet.  Just two old mexican gals making fantastic al pastor the way their family has been doing it for 50 years.  It would be glorious.

There aren't very many the hipsters have found. So many of them and most hipsters won't venture here. I hit a lot of them and I rarely see another gringo. 

I've almost got celebrity status for being the only one frequenting them, many after drunken stumbling to them from my house in the middle of the night. 

Edited July 17 by Deej

[ztejas 42746]

38 minutes ago, jimmyjazz said:

Y'all rave about Red Ash . . . where is it in this heirarchy?  I mean, when it's not on fire.

I feel like just from what I hear and what's said of it and how many people mention it it's sort of popularly the best restaraunt in Austin right now. 

I think I'd have it #1 on my list of places I want to try that I haven't in Austin.

[DalTxHornFan 3066]

Joe's Bakery or maybe Juan in a Million should get some recognition.

[Deej 76086]

Juan should get a star just for the handshake.

[Texzilla588 764]

I'll eat my hat if either of those restaurants get two stars. Barley Swine is great, but I've never been to Pasta Bar. But neither are not doing anything that 200 other restaurants in America aren't already doing. Nowhere in Austin offers menus as sophisticated, or the level of service required to earn two stars. Two star restaurants tend to be $300+ per person tasting menus with a $100+ wine pairing. That just doesn't really exist in Austin because the people here are (traditionally) unpretentious and don't tend to value that kind of dining experience (or price) so it historically hasn't been offered. We're a taco truck (and now $17 cocktail) kinda town. But that's changing and we might see something like that in the future. 
There are EXCELLENT restaurants in Chicago (my reference point as I lived there for 10 years and ate out for pretty much every single meal) much better than Barley Swine that did not earn a star. Avec and Girl and the Goat were Bib Gourmands. Hell, Publican was just a "selected restaurant" and it's comparable to Barley Swine. 
Point being, it's REALLY fucking hard to earn just a single star and you have to be doing something truly innovative with exemplary service to get a single star, much less two. 
 
 

If girl and the goat doesn’t have a star then there’s few joints in Texas have a shot.

[Deej 76086]

We have a girl and a goat I think the goat would be good for you, aggy. 

Edited July 18 by Deej

[Mitch Cumsteen 18327]

4 hours ago, randomhorn said:

I’ve been to Bliss and Cured and don’t think either would rate a star, but it’s been a while since I’ve been to either. Il Sogno might have if it were still open.

Agreed on both. I never thought Il Sogno was that special. If Le Reve (another of Andrew Weissman’s restaurants) were still around, it would be the no brainer choice. Don’t think juicy burger is going to make the cut.

[royiv 9043]

3 hours ago, jimmyjazz said:

Y'all rave about Red Ash . . . where is it in this heirarchy?  I mean, when it's not on fire.

It’s a damn good steakhouse. That said, I’m not sure it’s worthy of a star. There’s just too much competition in that space.

[randomhorn 1480]

9 hours ago, Mitch Cumsteen said:

Agreed on both. I never thought Il Sogno was that special. If Le Reve (another of Andrew Weissman’s restaurants) were still around, it would be the no brainer choice. Don’t think juicy burger is going to make the cut.

Never made it to Le Reve. But I figured one of Andrew Weissman’s restaurants would have been likely to get a star. Even if it wasn’t Mr. Juicy 🍔

[CycleTex87 2944]

It’s too bad the egg roll stands on the drag got busted. 

[horn4life 3748]

One thing that is sort of interesting me regarding Michelin is the Bib Gourmand ratings.  As it was something I searched when we went to NY and Philly 2 weeks ago.  

Bib Gourmand 

Not quite a star, but most definitely not a consolation prize, the Bib Gourmand - named after Bibendum, the friendly Michelin Man and the official company mascot for the Michelin Group - is a just-as-esteemed rating that recognizes friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.

We found a place called Little Alley in NYC around the corner from our hotel that was awesome for the money.  We even got happy hour discounts.  So while I don't see an avalanche of Michelin Stars in Texas, I would think that a few would be in order.  But we tend to do more casual dining (because it's Texas and I only put on long pants in Summer for funerals and weddings.). So the bib gourmand ratings will probably be the ones I will start trying out in my travels.  I'll check the others out in winter...

 

 

[Longhornfan1024 1707]

18 hours ago, hornbri said:

Eater is insane Austin is not getting 19 stars…lol

The most likely in my opinion. 

2 stars - Barley Swine, Pasta Bar

1 star - Franklin, Nixta, Odd Duck

No sushi in Austin should get a star. 

Otoko deserves at least a star based on some of the one star sushi places I've been to.

[jimmyjazz 45064]

Quote

the Bib Gourmand - named after Bibendum, the friendly Michelin Man and the official company mascot for the Michelin Group - is a just-as-esteemed rating

Really?

[jimmyjazz 45064]

dp 

Edited July 18 by jimmyjazz

[hornbri 1346]

55 minutes ago, Longhornfan1024 said:

Otoko deserves at least a star based on some of the one star sushi places I've been to.

Otoko is pretty awesome, I do wonder about it. 

The Sushi scene is Austin is crowded with places right now that are very similar and if I was a judge deciding between Otoko, Craft, Tsuke Edomae, Scratch, and Uchi (which i would put at the bottom) would be tough. 

[Texzilla588 764]

One thing that is sort of interesting me regarding Michelin is the Bib Gourmand ratings.  As it was something I searched when we went to NY and Philly 2 weeks ago.  

Bib Gourmand 

Not quite a star, but most definitely not a consolation prize, the Bib Gourmand - named after Bibendum, the friendly Michelin Man and the official company mascot for the Michelin Group - is a just-as-esteemed rating that recognizes friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.

We found a place called Little Alley in NYC around the corner from our hotel that was awesome for the money.  We even got happy hour discounts.  So while I don't see an avalanche of Michelin Stars in Texas, I would think that a few would be in order.  But we tend to do more casual dining (because it's Texas and I only put on long pants in Summer for funerals and weddings.). So the bib gourmand ratings will probably be the ones I will start trying out in my travels.  I'll check the others out in winter...

 

 

I nominate Mary’s Cafe in Strawn.

[Lazarus Bocanegra 303]

On 7/16/2024 at 3:54 PM, Jive Turkey said:

the X factor here is that a taco stand in Mexico City got a star.  you would hope that a few BBQ joints (like Franklin or Cattleack in Dallas or Goldee's in Ft. Worth) will be considered, as well as some taco joints.  and that could raise the number a little bit.

El Califa de Leon.  Named in honor of the great bullfighter, who was the grandfather of a good friend from college.  Not to be confused with Califa tacos, which is the hipster CDMX torchy's analogue but slams

 

[Jive Turkey 12205]

November 11 is the big day.

 

[Brisketexan 103198]

5 minutes ago, Jive Turkey said:

November 11 is the big day.

 

I presume that Torchy's and Texas Roadhouse will have reps there to take home their prizes.  I mean, to hear everyone from outside of Texas tell it, Torchy's invented the taco.

[texasdago 7378]

16 minutes ago, Brisketexan said:

I presume that Torchy's and Texas Roadhouse will have reps there to take home their prizes.  I mean, to hear everyone from outside of Texas tell it, Torchy's invented the taco.

I heard a rumor that Joe's Crab Shack will have BOGO jalapeno poppers when they get their first star.

[HenryJames 64953]

2 hours ago, texasdago said:

I heard a rumor that Joe's Crab Shack will have BOGO jalapeno poppers when they get their first star.

[South Austin 51429]

There’s definitely something Michelin-worthy at the Chili’s on 45th and Burnet. It’s amazing how packed that place is.

[Deej 76086]

4 hours ago, Brisketexan said:

I presume that Torchy's and Texas Roadhouse will have reps there to take home their prizes.  I mean, to hear everyone from outside of Texas tell it, Torchy's invented the taco.

I have heard they just recently invented fresh-made tortillas. 

[ztejas 42746]

6 minutes ago, South Austin said:

There’s definitely something Michelin-worthy at the Chili’s on 45th and Burnet. It’s amazing how packed that place is.

From the outside looking in you can't understand it. From the inside looking out you can't explain it. 

[futureman 22330]

45 minutes ago, Deej said:

I have heard they just recently invented fresh-made tortillas. 

you’re shitting me.  cooking them fresh in-house?   I need to get over there. 

[sidis 9608]

missed this the first time around.

my prediction is no 2 or 3 star designations for austin. pretty much impossible.

for one stars, the restaurants i see getting strong consideration are pasta bar, uchi, barley swine, jeffreys, and dai due.

outside shot: luties (which shouldn't be), el naranjo, este/suerte, hestia, and maybe one of the omakase places.

one that won't get consideration but should imo is juniper. if comedor was still doing what it did when it first opened, i would say it should get one too. 

On 7/17/2024 at 6:07 PM, jimmyjazz said:

Y'all rave about Red Ash . . . where is it in this heirarchy?  I mean, when it's not on fire.

was good when it first opened. now a complete pass.

[Deej 76086]

12 minutes ago, futureman said:

you’re shitting me.  cooking them fresh in-house?   I need to get over there. 

That's the word

[Underdog 27977]

Thought grease was the word. 

[luke duke 6360]

19 Austin restaurants getting a star is the most delusional prediction i've read in a while, and i read the Cloak Room and $9.95 regularly.

You obviously didn’t read the pre-season predictions on TexAggy.

[Deej 76086]

39 minutes ago, Underdog said:

Thought grease was the word. 

Potato, potahto

[Underdog 27977]

Don't recall those in the lyrics. 

[wild_turkey 3078]

November 11 is the big day.
 

Is it expected to be an all at once kind of deal or slow release over a period of time?

[Jive Turkey 12205]

4 minutes ago, wild_turkey said:

Is it expected to be an all at once kind of deal or slow release over a period of time?

Dallas Morning News article I read said it will be all at once.  Chefs, restaurant owners, and media will be there on November 11 when it’s announced, then the list will be dropped online.

[52-80 18969]

On 7/17/2024 at 7:06 PM, nolongerU2horn said:

They do not consider service in any way when giving stars. It's about the food only.

empirically, casual-service places do not get 2/3 stars. for 1 star, only few casual places, which themselves seem like random token additions. i.e. if selection was based on food, we can think of better alternatives for each pick.

theres a level of service and refine thats synonymous with the stars.  it may be merely correlative, but it doesnt change the reality and what has gotten the stars so far.

my experience with 1* vs 2*vs 3* places across different cuisines in different country doesnt jive with what i found better.

IMO gault millau does a better index for what tastes best.

[TheFlyingBoat 906]

Austin's only hope for stars imo is in barbecue and maybe an omakase place. Barley Swine, Odd Duck, etc. are not worthy of a star and wouldn't get one if you plopped it down in SF, Chicago, or NYC.

I don't see Jeffrey's getting one. Here is the list of steakhouses in all of America with a star: https://guide.michelin.com/en/us/restaurants/1-star-michelin/steakhouse No traditional steakhouse other than Gwen in LA makes the list. You two have two Korean barbecue joints crossed with a steakhouse with Cote NYC/Miami, you have Niku which leans heavily into Japanese flavors and techniques, and Capa which is a steakhouse with a Spanish tapas edge. Like I don't see what Jeffrey does that's better than a starless steakhouse in NYC.

The one thing Austin does better than anywhere else is barbecue and I think Michelin will reward that heavily with Franklin for sure getting one star, Interstellar and Leroy & Lewis probably getting one, and maybe Distant Relatives if they choose to give 4 away to barbecue. Birdie's and Nixta have a chance maybe? But idk.

[TxTower 648]

this is probably the truest statement on this thread.  Cafe Annie, Abacus, The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Routh Street Cafe.  those were all worthy of a star.  groundbreaking Southwestern cuisine that would have matched up with Michelin criteria.

Amen. The youngsters will never know how good it is was in DFW. Each of those were absolutely deserving of a Michelin star.

[sidis 9608]

i have no idea if it is still around but back when i was constantly having to travel to houston, i ate at a place called mark's that was on montrose or westheimer (can't remember) back in the mid-2000's that i think would have gotten one then. also cafe annie and an italian spot called tony's that i fondly remember. i spend little time in houston now so i am not as up to date on the good spots.

i have never known jack shit about restaurant offerings in dallas. mainly because i avoid dallas other than rrs. i once went to place called grape or the grape that a local was excited to take me to a long time ago and i don't remember it at all now. i am woefully ignorant on the good spots up there. i do eat in stephen pyles' place in luv whenever i'm there so i guess there's that.  

[TxTower 648]

Tony’s was famous in Houston but more style than substance. First Fearing at The Mansion, then Pyles at Routh Street followed by Rathburn at Abacus and Del Grande at Annie’s may never be equaled in Texas.

[royiv 9043]

2 hours ago, sidis said:

i have no idea if it is still around but back when i was constantly having to travel to houston, i ate at a place called mark's that was on montrose or westheimer (can't remember) back in the mid-2000's that i think would have gotten one then. also cafe annie and an italian spot called tony's that i fondly remember. i spend little time in houston now so i am not as up to date on the good spots.

i have never known jack shit about restaurant offerings in dallas. mainly because i avoid dallas other than rrs. i once went to place called grape or the grape that a local was excited to take me to a long time ago and i don't remember it at all now. i am woefully ignorant on the good spots up there. i do eat in stephen pyles' place in luv whenever i'm there so i guess there's that.  

Mark’s was on Westheimer and was later home to Chris Shepherd’s five year project, One Fifth, which got disrupted by the pandemic. It now sits empty, but is going to be renovated into a Japanese concept as if we need yet another one along that stretch of Westheimer.

[tx 3 putt 74780]

5 hours ago, sidis said:

i have no idea if it is still around but back when i was constantly having to travel to houston, i ate at a place called mark's that was on montrose or westheimer (can't remember) back in the mid-2000's that i think would have gotten one then. also cafe annie and an italian spot called tony's that i fondly remember. i spend little time in houston now so i am not as up to date on the good spots.

i have never known jack shit about restaurant offerings in dallas. mainly because i avoid dallas other than rrs. i once went to place called grape or the grape that a local was excited to take me to a long time ago and i don't remember it at all now. i am woefully ignorant on the good spots up there. i do eat in stephen pyles' place in luv whenever i'm there so i guess there's that.  

 

mark's was very good food 

[HoustonHorn 1059]

 
mark's was very good food 

Was Mark's in the old church? I went there 25 years ago and it was incredible. Was sorry when that closed.

[Da Fino 2654]

42 minutes ago, HoustonHorn said:

On 10/9/2024 at 12:48 AM, tx 3 putt said:

 
mark's was very good food 

Was Mark's in the old church? I went there 25 years ago and it was incredible. Was sorry when that closed.

Yes

[APMP 684]

Invitations went out yesterday. Word is that everyone that received an invite will be recognized in some way, but they won't know if it's star(s), bib, green star, or recommendation until the event happens.

[NoName 16197]

People are just going to be pissed their local spot only got a Bib 

Texas is going to get a lot of Bibs and not a lot of actual stars.

 

And that's absolutely ok

[Wiler77 1540]

I had a dream last night the Costco at Mopac and William Cannon got a star. I woke up in the middle of the dream and definitely got a chuckle at 2am.

[DaysOff 7676]

Tony’s was famous in Houston but more style than substance. First Fearing at The Mansion, then Pyles at Routh Street followed by Rathburn at Abacus and Del Grande at Annie’s may never be equaled in Texas.

Went to Tony's for prom, 1985.

Surly Old.

[gsoda3 3187]

1 hour ago, Wiler77 said:

I had a dream last night the Costco at Mopac and William Cannon got a star. I woke up in the middle of the dream and definitely got a chuckle at 2am.

if it were up to my kids they'd get a star.