"Whip In is a lot of things. It’s a convenience store off I-35 where you can pick up a bag of chips on your commute home. It’s a bar with nearly 100 beers on draught, most of them local. It’s a restaurant where you’ll find a mix of classic Indian dishes and others imbued with a bit of Texas flair. And it’s a music venue that hosts live performances on weekends and special occasions. Most significantly, it’s an Austin institution that’s been around since the mid-’80s. In terms of the food, think fusions like South Asian frito pies, goat sliders, and nachos topped with cilantro chutney. None of it will wow you enough to make this your new favorite Indian spot, but it can satisfy a late-night desire for chicken tikka masala. Whip In is casual and funky inside, with a divey interior and a patio that’s well-suited for sipping beer. They’re not trying to be trendy, and that’s why it works—come for the draughts, stay for the food, and if a band starts playing, maybe stick around a little longer. Food Rundown photo credit: Taylor Hannan Masala Wings The wings are pretty crispy, and the masala adds a nice warm flavor. These go especially well with a cold beer from the bar. photo credit: Taylor Hannan Naan Pizza Basically a large piece of naan with cheese on it, this falls a little short of scratching a pizza itch. Skip it unless your 10pm brain really wants to know what a naan pizza looks like. photo credit: Taylor Hannan Lamb Vindaloo It’s not quite as punchy or tangy as other versions in town, and it feels kind of pricey for the portion size, but it gets the job done. We like to get it with garlic naan." - Nicolai McCrary
