Chef Philip Speer's Guide to Austin City Limits

Where to eat, stay and play in the Live Music Capital of the World.

Editors of Late Checkout

October 2, 2024

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From working at some of Austin’s most innovative and creative restaurants to advocating for a shift in the hospitality industry culture, James Beard-nominated Chef Philip Speer is a fixture in the Austin community with an impressive career that spans over two decades.

Speer began his journey baking and rising through the ranks at local staples Uchi and Uchiko before opening groundbreaking Mexican restaurant Comedor, named one of the ‘Best New Restaurants’ in the US by Esquire and Robb Report, as well as ‘Restaurant of the Year’ by Austin Monthly and “Best New Restaurant” by Texas Monthly. 

More recently, Speer, who has been vocal about the recovery from addiction, has used his platform to create support for his peers and colleagues to engage in more health-conscious lifestyles. In 2019, Speer founded Comedor Run Club to “shift the post-shift culture.” The urban running group, which meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, aims to create an inclusive space in the local food service community where professionals can build meaningful relationships.

With this in mind, we asked Chef Speer for his Austin favorites timed to this month’s Austin City Limits, a music series, festival and venue that celebrates music in Austin.

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Where To Stay

Austin Proper Hotel

Downtown upscale experience.

Rooms start at $365, book now.

Hotel Saint Cecilia

South Congress, old Austin vibes, opulence and poshness, plus I did the menu. Possible who’s who sightings here, as well!

Rooms start at $399, book now.

The LINE Austin

Great location, awesome experience, right by our crown jeweled hike-and-bike trail on Lady Bird Lake (but call it Town Lake to speak like a local).

Rooms start at $325, book now.

Commodore Perry Estate

A getaway from the hustle and bustle, but in town! Beautiful space, pampered experience.

Rooms start at $457, book now.

Soho House Austin

Urban hotel stay, high energy vibes, younger connected crowd!

Rooms start at $610 for non-members, book now.

Where To Eat & Drink

Bill’s Oyster

Small East Coast-style oyster bar with fun Cajun influences, using super fresh seafood and don’t miss out on their killer po’boy and burger!

‍Proud Mary

A jump from the festival site, incredible and ethically sourced coffee (all single bean origins), great brunch and lunch fare and an awesome staff with that Australian vibe!

Bar Toti

Always a good choice and one of my favorite burgers ever. Plus, a farm on site, using their own and other delicious local ingredients in all of their dishes, check out Este too for a full dinner.

Épicerie

If you want to venture a bit off the beaten path for some amazing pastries and New Orleans-inspired French café fare, check out Épicerie in the Allandale neighborhood (this is my neighborhood gem, worth traveling to).

Birdie's

The best hospitality and incredible food in popular and beautiful East Austin. Check out their thoughtfully curated beverage program including a ton of unique nonalcoholic offerings!