Threadgill's is where I go for a quick fix of fried catfish or meatloaf and I don't want to wait very long. While there are two Threadgill's restaurants in town and the one downtown just south of the river (301 W. Riverside Dr.) is larger and has the occasional live band, true Austinites drive up Lamar to go to the original restaurant. The food is all the same, but in my experience, the wait is always less at the northern location.
If you've never been to Threadgill's, you'll have a hard decision to make: do you get the fried/bronzed catfish or the chicken fried steak? For those vegetarians out there (several of my friends included), Threadgill's offers an awesome five-sides plate which lets you enjoy their absolutely wonderful sides: stewed okra and tomatoes, fried okra, garlic cheese grits, squash cassorole, and broccoli rice cassorole to name just a few.
Sure, I might get a look from the waitress for ordering bronzed catfish, stewed okra, and fried okra but after the first bite, who cares?
One last note: while I'm not a fan, I think everyone should try the fried green tomatoes just once.
Check out their menu online: www.threadgills.com