Austin, Texas
Austinites know the Whip In, a funky café-market hybrid, primarily for two things: tasty Gujarati-style Indian food prepared with mostly regional ingredients, and a terrific beer selection heavy on Belgians, Texas brews and other U.S. craft. But while straight beer-food pairings are certainly encouraged here—general manager Dipak Topiwala recommends washing down the red-curry lamb meatballs with an Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel—the kitchen really shines with dishes that combine its strengths: a “chili curry” made with Lone Star beer and locally raised beef; various biryanis that use meats and vegetables cooked in local suds. Still thirsty? Plans are afoot for an in-house brewpub this year.