This East Austin darling from Chef Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and partner Arjav Ezekiel looks and feels like the quintessential neighborhood place but one glance at the line out the door and it's clear Birdie's is also a destination for visitors. Be prepared for a wait to order at their counter, then find a seat indoors or out on the shaded patio.
Everyone is here for a taste of their unfussy but well-executed, contemporary American cooking. Begin with a few small bites like the crispy polenta or the chilled tomato and peach soup with fried sourdough croutons. Pasta, like the house-made tortiglioni in a sauce of slightly sweet Sungold tomatoes, is a must, and nothing beats a gooey chocolate chip cookie with house-made soft serve.