Whip in

"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

"The Travis Heights bar and Indian restaurant is all about beers, available on more than 95 taps and bottles and cans that line the shelves of the shop. The aesthetic is brewery chic, with unfinished ceilings, a tap wall, long shared tables, and, in true Austin fashion, a sizable outdoor beer garden with covered tables." - Nadia Chaudhury

"Whip In – South Asian Food Meets South Austin Moods Part Tex-Indian restaurant, part brewpub, part music venue–Whip In is anything but ordinary. This former convenience store-turned-restaurant is where locals go for south Asian food with South Austin moods. This quirky stomping ground offers comfort food and a of 72 taps of curated, quality beer. Its house-made brand, Kamala Brewing, develops beers and ales that are specifically designed to complement the menu. Not a beer lover? Whip In has an exceptional wine menu too. All this combined live music and indie movie events make it a perfect hangout for travelers seeking an authentic Austin vibe. Image courtesy of Whip In."

"The South Asian convenience store, market, restaurant, and bar has been expanding its retail offerings, with eggs, milk, bacon, pet food, household goods, toiletries, and more. Call ahead for curbside pickup or shop in person." - Nadia Chaudhury

"The Indian version of the pie uses spicy beef chili and cilantro chutney for an extra kick." - Nadia Chaudhury