Nicolai McCrary

photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL South Lamar is only technically a street. In practice, it's its own little territory crawling with enviable homes, shopping, worthwhile bars and music venues, and a handful of Austin's best restaurants—including our overall favorite. The area is always fun, but without the overcrowded scene that Downtown and the East Side can be. When you're looking for a good meal, head to one of these spots. Unrated: Restaurants we want to re-visit before assigning a rating.

506 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701 Searching for Tambien on Apple Maps might not get you very far. That’s because this mezcaleria is hidden in a back room at Arriba Abajo, a Mexican restaurant on the rooftop of the Thompson hotel Downtown. On Thursday nights, the tiny space—usually reserved for private events—turns into a vibey six-seat tasting menu experience involving impressive dishes that might eventually make their way into the main dining room.

Little Wolf is a fried chicken operation inside of Long Play Lounge. The menu is simple—popcorn chicken, wings, and bone-in pieces—plus a few “big shot baskets” that include caviar add-ons and steak frites. There are also eggplant tenders for the vegetarians. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists.