Threadgill's, Austin

Threadgill’s is an Austin institution, the place for tried-and-true chicken-fried steak and cream gravy on homemade biscuits. Threadgill's began life as a gas station back in the 30s and the rest is Austin history. Some local pickers started playing outside, crowds came, and the owners began serving beer. Soon food followed, and the gas pumps were gone. Through the years, the restaurant has seen many live music acts, none more famous than Janis Joplin. Live music is still a draw for this restaurant (although you'll find even more live music at the Threadgill's southern location.)

Today's diners are lured by the restaurant's Texas-sized portions of Southern home cooking. Try the pork roast, liver, and chicken and dumplings with black-eyed peas and okra; we especially liked the fried chicken livers and chicken fried steak. It's all accompanied by a huge selection of vegetables that truly give the cafe the taste of home cooking. Everything's enjoyed in a diner-like setting all lined with plenty of neon signs and old beer clocks.

For downtown diners, a second Threadgill’s is open at 301 W. Riverside Dr. with another planned for the Cedar Park area.

Location: 6416 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin

Part of town: north Austin

Telephone:512-451-5440

Hours: open for lunch and dinner daily

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