best place to eat in austin?

Question

hey i just moved to texas , and im looking for a few great, and affordable places to eat.

Answer 1

Mangia Pizza, Pluckers, Kerby Lane Cafe, and Sushi Sake (all are reasonable priced minus sushi, but you pay for the best).

Answer 2

That depends upon what you want...One block north on South First off of William Cannon, there is a hole in the wall shopping center with two restaurants, that have the very best food of their type. Both are very affordable with great people to meet. One is called Evitas Botanitas, true mexican food. They bring out 5-7 salsas at the beginning, and have the best shark fajitas during lent. The other is Seoul Korean Restaurant and sushi bar. DK, owner and sushi chef has what I believe to be the best sushi and wasabi in all of texas at great prices. Tuesday night is 2 dollar sushi night. He also has japanese and korean fare as well. Monday nights he does disco karaoke and everyone has a blast. By far these are two wonderful, unique and inexpensive places next to each other. website is dksushi.com

Answer 3

Well most of the names I've seen on this list are the standard answers we see again and again in Austin - and of course since they are institutions how can we help but think they deserve mention?



So rather than echo and of these, I'll add a couple that are more off the beaten path:



1. My hands-down favorite restaurant in Austin is Mars (http://www.marsaustin.com/menu.htm). They offer meals that are a fusion of indian, thai, japanese, and american. My favorite menu item is the rice paper wrapped fish with wasabi. Every time I've had it the fish was just perfectly done. They also have lovely appetizers. Just my favorite little restaurant in the city.



2. Suzi's Chinese Kitchen/Suzi's Chinese Grill. Both of these restaurants offer pretty authentic chinese food in a nice atmosphere. Way better than that PF Chang's knock-off chain. ;-)

(http://www.suzischinagrill.com/)



3. Thai Kitchen off of Bee Caves road is a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant but I always loved their food.



So hopefully those are a few that are a little different than the norm.

Answer 4

Bess Bistro or Magnolia Cafe on Sixth Street, Chuy's on Barton Springs, Salt Lick in Driftwood, Fonda SanMiguel on North Loop, Vespaio on South Congress, Ski Shores off City Park, Iguana Grill on the Lake, Teo's Gelato on 38th, Alborz on Anderson Ln, Eddie V's or Z'Tejas in the Arboretum, Driskill Grill or 1886 Cafe & Bakery @ the Driskill Hotel, Tino's Greek Cafe on 183, Athenian Grill on Colorado, Iron Works on Red River, North by Northwest on 360 and Whole Foods on Lamar, Baby A's on Stonelake, Saccone's on 183.... just to name a few.

Answer 5

Kerby Lane, Maggie May'.s, Congress Grille

Answer 6

Austin has many solid eating places! regrettably, Italian is the only substantial food it is lacking here. i could recommend you inspect lots of the eating place evaluation web content like yelp or chowhound that may assist you identify.

Answer 7

Austin has so many different options, you should have no problem having a few new places to go every weekend.



Try searching http://cityguide.aol.com/austin for your dining preferences.

Answer 8

Try Reale's Pizza and Cafe, it is a small family owned Italian restaurant, the prices are good, and the food is terrific!



http://www.realespizzaandcafe.com/

Answer 9

Like someone else said, it really depends on what you want to eat.



East Side Cafe - on Manor Road just east of IH-35

Great food (generally American fusion food; excellent brunch). Great Service. My favourite restaurant in Austin.



Shady Grove - (someone already mentioned this) on Barton Springs Road just west of Lamar. Great burgers and good ol' Texas - American eating, excellent cobblers (peach or berry depending on the day / week), and good margheritas. Great outdoor space no matter the weather. You'll adjust to the birds. Get one of their tees.



Sushi Sake - in the Shopping Plaza at 360 and 183. One of the best Sushi / Japanese dining experiences in Austin.



Silhouette - on Congress Ave downtown. From the name, the jazz bar-esque chalk board outside, the music, and the general ambiance of the place you'd never guess the place serves some great SUSHI! READ that chalk board, it's the only clue you'll get...unless you walk inside. It's a great place and the staff are very courteous.



Malaga - on 5th east of Lavaca. Excellent Tapas. Great wine selection. Cozy atmosphere. Great for small and large groups.



Saba - on 5th a few doors right of Malaga. Interesting menu items, definitely delicious. Brilliant deserts! Good bar and DJs.



Paciugo - on 2nd east of Lavaca. A must do for the gelatto lover. Besides, you'll get to mark down a variety of other eateries and shops in this 2nd street shopping district.



Whole Foods - on Lamar and 5th. Variety! Yes, it's a SUPERmarket, but there's a wonderland of food options in there. Try the seafood counter in the back for a cooked meal (a bit pricey, but worth it). There's also gelatto that changes from month to month, so always something interesting there. Salad bars galore...somewhat of a rarity in Austin (Hickory Street, on Congress Ave, is the only other one I've come across).



(the Indian Food fast food counter) - at the Highland Mall food court. Yes, an odd suggestion, but the food's actually quite good and served hot. Be adventurous!



Inoteca - on S. Congress; all you have to do is walk south and you'll find it; or just ask. All 'round good italian eating and great atmosphere indoors and out. Besides, you'll be on South Congress, great place to be. Have you done First Thursday, yet? Gotta do that.



South Congress Café - on S. Congress about a block north of Inoteca. Atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere. Friendly service. And, definitely, excellent food! Good wines, too.



La Taverna - on 2nd and Lavaca. Portion control is what makes this one of my favourite places downtown. The amount of great and tasty food on one's plate is not overwhelming. Great indoor and outdoor seating. Excellent wine list. Good brunch!



Stubbs Gospel Brunch - you'll find Stubbs quite alright! The gospel brunch (food and music) and the concerts are about the best things I like about Stubbs. Go, eat your heart out on a Sunday morning, just remember to make a reservation before hand. It's fun and it's on Sunday.



Havana Calle 6 - on 6th just west of IH-35. A must do if you want some Cuban cuisine or if you just want to do Happy Hour with friends. The staff are friendly, the bartenders are exceptional, and the ambiance indoors and out is just right.



Marakesh - on Congress half a block south of the Capitol. Good middle eastern fare. Good, quick lunchtime service.



Ararat - 111 E North Loop Blvd. Now if you want middle eastern, this is THE place to go. Take a group of friends and bring your own wine along or buy some at the mini mart across the street. I suggest making a reservation before going, especially if you want to go with a group. There's belly dancing which is a treat. Also mind you don't opt to sit outside when it starts getting hot...it gets sticky out there; or just ask for a table near a fan - there aren't too many.



The Kitchen Door - on Lake Austin Boulevard about 2 blocks west of MOPAC. Also affectionately, the Chicken Door, because they have THE BEST chicken salad sandwhich I've ever had. There are other menu options (you have to try the chocolate, coconut, and something else cookies!), so go ahead, take a peek. Just mind the parking, there's not much, but somehow, someway BIG and little cars manage. Friendly service!



Apple Annie's - on 6th Street, I believe east of Lavaca. This is one of the greatest lunchtime finds I've made in Austin. The food is worth multiple trips. They have an amazingly delicious tomato something soup (if you like tomato soups), great sandwhiches, and excellent hot meal options. It's a cross between a cafeteria and cozy fine dining. You might miss it, 'cause it's not at street level. Watch for the apple logo sign and stairs heading down.



Chez Nous - 510 Neches St. French cuisine, french atmosphere, french wine, even the staff speak french. It's a wonderful restaurant and the food is excellent. The staff are very welcoming and polite. Make a reservation before going. Great couples date night or group night. (Pricey.) PS It's a small place.

Answer 10

well if u go to burnet(itz rite above austin)theres this great place called "the bluebonnet cafe"they have souv......AND PIE!!!!!!!!...lol...and yummy food.itz PROB 30 mins away from austin...idk....i live in pearlad....but ive been there though

Answer 11

Topnotch!! Cash only. Burgers, fries....onion rings...., Thundercloud - Sandwiches and soups *wonderful veggie delight*, Kerby Lane - both veggie and regular food.

Answer 12

Chuy's (Barton Springs) for Tex-Mex, Shady Grove (Barton Springs), Whole Foods (Downtown)

Answer 13

in a table with chairs.

Answer 14

there is a new place called McDonald's. you'll love it

Answer 15

Ok...so here is where you need to go for that info



Best of Austin from the Austin Chronicle...here is the latest info..but you also need to add Magnolia' Cafe...Love that place



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Best Bartender: TIE: Duc Dinh at 219 West, Emily at Elysium

Last year, our readers clued us in to the wonders of 219 West's Duc Dihn, known for his signature libation, Asian Love, and his signature style of debonaire drinkery. This year, add to your list of cocktail curators one wonderful Emily of Elisium. Known for her attentive and sweet demeanor, Em pours 'em mean and neat and dry or sweet. And if you aren't careful, you'll fall prey to her specialty, the Bloodshot, a Jim Jones Kool-Aid affair that'll have your eyes in the same condition the next day. Then you'll just have to keep them closed – so you can dream of Emily!

219 West, 219 W. Fourth, 474-2194; Elysium, 705 Red River, 478-2979 www.219west.com; www.elysiumonline.net



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Best Beer on Tap: The Ginger Man

With more than 75 revolving beers on tap – not to mention 100 bottles of beer on the wall – it's no wonder that Fourth Street beer lovers' haven the Ginger Man capitalizes on the Beer on Tap category. One of four Ginger Mans, the Austin hold boasts international brews, ciders, and wines to play Prozac to your thirst.

304 W. Fourth, 473-8801 www.gingermanpub.com



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Best Beer/Wine Prices: HEB

HEB is the true one-stop shopping destination. After you've picked up some fresh produce, soy milk, and maybe a little sushi; delve into their extensive and impressive beer-and-wine section for an excellent array of hooch at prices that can't be beat.

7025 Village Center Dr. (Far West), 502-8445; 2400 S. Congress, 442-2354; 2701 E. Seventh, 478-7328; 10710 Research; 6900 Brodie, 891-8900; 1000 E. 41st, 459-6513 www.heb.com



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Best Beer/Wine Selection: The Grape Vine Market

It may sound like a tall tale, but with more than 5000 labels in stock, it's easy to believe that Texas' largest selection of German and Italian wines can be found here. Add to that largesse a beer selection spanning 20 countries, and you have the stuff legends are made of. Bridal registry, party planning, and home-delivery services round out the bill.

7938 Great Northern, 323-5900 www.grapevinemarket.com



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Best Brunch Crowd: TIE: Chez Zee, Austin Java Co.

At Chez Zee, you can have your Benedict surfed or turfed, as beef tenderloin and salmon are but two options. Or perhaps a simply elegant Eggs Sardou will do? At Austin Java, the variations are more Tex-Mex, like their Green Chili Tomatillo Eggs Benedict and their Egg in a Hole. Whichever you choose, you needn't be a Benedict Arnold. There are four weekends in every month after all, why not brunch jump? Don't be surprised if you run into the same people at both. Our readers know a good Benedict when one is poached for them.

Chez Zee American Bistro, 5406 Balcones, 454-2666; Java Lounge at Austin Java, 1206 Parkway, 476-1829; Austin Java Cafe & Bar, 1608 Barton Springs Rd., 482-9450 www.chezzee.com; www.austinjava.com; www.austinjava.com



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Best Catering: Word of Mouth

Word of Mouth, the "Tiffany's of catering", as the owner says, is truly a well-oiled machine inside and out, and is, yet again, Austin's best catering company. Able to pull off events with such professional grace and consistency, Word of Mouth has put themselves in a league of their own. From weddings to bar mitzvahs, Austin City Limits to the weeklong opening of the Blanton, the nationally recognized company has apparently been getting the word out.

2501 N. Lamar, 472-9500 www.wordofmouthcatering.com



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Best Cheap Meal: Changos

Not only is this locally owned (part of the Manuels' family) taqueria cheap, but it's good too. Changos uses the freshest ingredients to make your order when you order. We suggest the grilled mahi mahi tacos which are very yummy yummy. Their aguas frescas are known across town for hitting the spot. Cheap and tasty, can't beat that for a quick meal.

3023 Guadalupe, 480-TACO; 3005 S. Lamar, 415-1500 www.changos.com



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Best Cocktails/Cocktail Menu: 219 West

From call brand martinis and mojitos to gourmand comfort food like chipotle macaroni and mini caprese burgers, everything we've ever enjoyed at this downtown hot spot has been simply scrumptious. We hear they even grow their own vegetables – how Austiny! Whether you're looking for a nice cocktail or cocktail corn dogs, 219 West has got you covered. And now they've expanded their happy hour to include Saturdays – yay!

219 W. Fourth, 474-2194 www.219west.com



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Best Coffee/Tea Selection: Austin Java Co.

Step over the signature wonky Lone Star embossed in the pavement and into the home of the Fog Cutter, the best pick-me-up coffee in town. Austin Java Co.’s two buck bottomless cup and a row of differing roasts and blends turns every trip into a tasting session. The only bigger selection is the food menu, with more than a week’s worth of all-day breakfasts and terrific lunch options on board.

Austin Java Co., 1206 Parkway, 476-1829; Austin Java Cafe & Bar, 1608 Barton Springs Rd., 482-9450; Java Lounge at Austin Java, 1206 Parkway, 476-1829 www.austinjava.com; www.austinjava.com



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Best Desserts: TIE: Manuel's, Chez Zee

Pop into either joint on any given night of the week, and you're likely to find yourself amid a sea of moms, liberated for the night, enjoying adult libations and sharing copious plates of Chez Zee's luscious ginger marscapone cheesecake or Manuel's famous flan. Either one of these award-winners is perfect for a girls' night out or a sweet nightcap on a great date.

Chez Zee American Bistro, 5406 Balcones, 454-2666; Manuel's, 310 Congress, 472-7555; 10201 Jollyville, 345-1042 www.chezzee.com; www.manuels.com



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Best Gourmet/Specialty Grocer: Whole Foods Market

Where most organic and whole-foods grocery stores are small operations, locally founded Whole Foods’ eco-friendly megastore on North Lamar is a behemoth. Bringing economies of scale to environmentalist gastronomy, the national Whole Foods chain proves that quality food from quality produce is not a niche market. Whether you’re stocking up on farm-made cheese and locally produced fresh fruit, or making your own salad concoction from the huge and exotic selection, Whole Foods is helping keep Austin healthy. Even their tender barbecued and sauce-slathered brisket is a healthy, clean-living option.

9607 Research Blvd. #300, 345-5003; 525 N. Lamar, 476-1206 www.wholefoods.com



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Best Local Food Company: Whole Foods Market

Where most organic and whole-foods grocery stores are small operations, locally founded Whole Foods’ eco-friendly megastore on North Lamar is a behemoth. Bringing economies of scale to environmentalist gastronomy, the national Whole Foods chain proves that quality food from quality produce is not a niche market. Whether you’re stocking up on farm-made cheese and locally produced fresh fruit, or making your own salad concoction from the huge and exotic selection, Whole Foods is helping keep Austin healthy. Even their tender barbecued and sauce-slathered brisket is a healthy, clean-living option.

9607 Research Blvd. #300, 345-5003; 525 N. Lamar, 476-1206 www.wholefoods.com



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Best Locally Produced Food Product: Sweet Leaf Tea

What's your poison? You like the Mint & Honey Green Tea, but your pops prefers the old-school sweet stuff. There's a flavor to suit every palate on offer from the purveyors of Sweet Leaf Teas. Clayton Christopher and David Smith, through their passionate, DIY efforts, have ensured that you, too, can have Mamaw-approved sweet tea hither and yon.

507 Pressler, 328-7775 www.sweetleaftea.com



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Best Lounge: Club de Ville

No one ever gets tired of those limestone walls. Half patio bar, half red-and-black lounge, de Ville fills all of our needs for gathering, entertainment, and libation. With more music right around the corner – not to mention their regular karaoke gigs – de Ville hits for the third year in a row as Best Lounge.

900 Red River, 457-0900 www.myspace.com/clubdeville



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Best Outdoor Seating: Shady Grove

You might have to wait a little longer to get a table during the prime summer months, but there's no better way to enjoy your Hippie Sandwich than underneath those lovely fairy lights, watching some weird old movie, and slurping a delish margarita. Add a sweet breeze, and you've got a perfect Austin dining experience.

1624 Barton Springs Rd., 474-9991 www.theshadygrove.com



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Best Place to Dine Alone: Zen

Allegedly, Zen serves fast food. The only thing speedy about the Zen dining experience is how quickly it’s cooked to order and served. Soft, organic curves of bamboo and the firm’s signature sea-green on the walls are calming to diners seeking peace, letting them serenely relish every flash-fried morsel.

1303 S. Congress, 444-8081; 2900 W. Anderson #250, 451-4811; 3423 Guadalupe, 300-2633 www.eatzen.com



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Best Place to Drink Alone: Casino el Camino

It's been one of those days. Work sucked. The last person you want to see is your lazy-*** roommate. What you need right now is a ginormous burger, a nice Pernod/Maker's/Lone Star, minimal conversation, and Johnny Cash singing in your ear. Choose your poison and go with it.

517 E. Sixth, 469-9330 www.casinoelcamino.net



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Best Place to Meet for Lunch: Austin Java Co.

Step over the signature wonky Lone Star embossed in the pavement and into the home of the Fog Cutter, the best pick-me-up coffee in town. Austin Java Co.’s two-buck bottomless cup and a row of differing roasts and blends turns every trip into a tasting session. The only bigger selection is the food menu, with more than a week’s worth of all-day breakfasts and terrific lunch options on board.

1206 Parkway, 476-1829



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Best Place to Take a First Date: Manuel's

Salsa. Magaritas. Red lights. Oh, just box those fajitas up and take us now, right on top of this ultra-hip table! Hopefully your date will be just as, uh, impressed with your choice of restaurant. Manuel's feels fancy, but the prices are more than reasonable. The sexy vibe and excellent food at this downtown institution make it an ideal get-to-know-you destination.

310 Congress, 472-7555; 10201 Jollyville, 345-1042 www.manuels.com



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24-Hour Cheap Eats: La Mexicana Bakery

If Delicious Heaven exists, it's La Mexicana Bakery. One step through the automatic doors reveals rows and rows of sugary goodness behind the glass counter — churros, cookies, cupcakes, pastries, ooohh just try one of each, they're affordable, and you won't be sorry. Best of all, La Mexicana is open 24 hours, so no matter what time you get a craving for their deliciously sopping tres leches cake (in regular and chocolate) or a breakfast taco (which will happen, we guarantee), you'll be able to get some.

1924 South First, 443-6369 www.la-mexicana-bakery.com



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Best 24-Hour Coffee Resurrection: Epoch Coffee

The day the 24-hour lights at Mojo’s on the Drag went dim, night owls citywide went limp with the prospect of decaf evenings and unproductive moonlight. Alas, Mojo’s isn’t one to roll over and die. This summer, Joe, Chris, Steve, and Kevin of the former coffeehouse opened doors on North Loop’s Epoch, the only locally owned 24-hour coffee joint left in town. Sure, there’s the 24/7 Starbuck’s on Anderson, but Epoch is blessed with liberal-minded folks, a beautiful – if crowded – patio, and that luscious, refreshingly sweet Iced Mojo of which you dream. Students and graveyard-shifters have been officially saved. And rumor has it grub and beer are coming soon.

221 W. North Loop, 454-EPOC



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Best Corner Revamp: Barton Springs Saloon/P.Terry's Burger Stand

If you haven't driven past the corner of Barton Springs and Lamar in a while, make your way over there already. We insist! What used to be two lonely, empty buildings has been revitalized and revamped and the corner is now bustling with activity almost every night of the week. First came P. Terry's, a new locally owned burger joint that rises above the standards of traditional fast food and is so cute we could just eat it up, and we do. After enjoying the ambiance of the dog-friendly patio and stuffing your belly with their delicious, hormone-free burgers and freshly cut fries, you are going to be so blissfully full, doing anything that requires energy might seem impossible. Not to worry, call some buddies and roll yourself right next door to Barton Springs Saloon. The perfect place to wind down after a hard day at work or cool off with a refreshing ale after a hot afternoon at nearby Zilker Park. We think this is one corner that satisfies all of your food and drink cravings, what more could you want?

Barton Springs Saloon, 424 S. Lamar, 482-9673; P. Terry's Burger Stand, 404 S. Lamar, 473-2217 www.bartonspringssaloon.com/index.html; www.pterrys.com



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Best Crepes This Side of France: Flip Happy Crepes

Oh la la … French kisses, French flicks, French accents, french fries. (Yes, we know they originated in Belgium, just roll with it.) There is just something so decadent and delicious about all things French. No room in your budget for a trip to that fair country across the sea? Well, if it is a crepe you're craving, no worries. We've got our own little taste of France nestled in an Airstream trailer behind what used to be Flashback on South Lamar. The delicacies Flip Happy Crepes delivers are so tasty you'll hardly even notice, much less care whether you're in gay Paris or not. We have yet to reach our goal of sampling every single one of their crepes, both savory and sweet. So far we've found that their creations are enough to satisfy our inner Francophile.

2041 S. Lamar, 552-9034 www.fliphappycrepes.com



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Best Home-Cooked Meal: Tony's Southern Comfort

The "concept" of "home cookin'" in the restaurant scene is a bit of a conundrum. The idea that there is a formal genre around recreating the home-style meat-two-veg paradigm for the general dining public defeats the purpose a bit, doesn't it? Sure, there's plenty of great home cookin' in Austin: Our town is built on piles of mashed potatoes and chicken-fried steak. But most places that offer this cuisine are offering just that: cuisine. It's a concept, and you get dressed up to go and eat it. You might, after all, run into someone you know or want to hang out for the band afterward. Well, sometimes, that's not what we want on the menu. When going out for home cookin' gets to be too much, but you still crave that mom-and-pop touch, head to Tony's Southern Comfort, the last name in comfort food. Tony's delicious dishes may very well qualify as cuisine, but it won't matter. You'll be too busy swooning and grinning at the very low-key atmosphere, the personal service, and the flavors that take you home to notice. (Note: Tony's is as family-style as it gets. So on Sundays, you might want to gussy up a bit.)

1201 E. Sixth, 320-8801 www.tonyssoutherncomfort.com



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Best Hosts With the Most: Dick and Surin at Little Thailand

When you walk into this little eatery off of Highway 71 East, you will be greeted warmly by Dick Simcoe, your guide for the evening. The friendly Army pilot, along with his wife, Surin, has been serving home-cooked Thai food to lucky Texans (including ex-Faces member Ian McLagan, who Dick counts as his No. 1 customer) for more than 20 years. He will recommend certain dishes. Order them. (He's not lying when he says their squid is surprisingly delicious.) Then, while Surin is busy in the kitchen making your Pot Oh La Pah, he will offer you a seat in Dick's Lounge. Do take him up on the offer. There, he will recommend a certain drink. Have a couple. (One, if you're driving.) If you're lucky, Dick will sit next to you at the bar for a drink and a chit-chat until Surin rings the dinner bell, if you don't mind. You won't. Tell your friends.

4315 Caldwell, Del Valle, 512/247-3855



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Best Italian Renaissance: Austin's Pizza and Gelato Explosion

There was a time in this town when a true New York Italian pizza was hard to come by, and even a decent pizza could require a trek across town, as there are so few center-city restaurants devoted to the art of the pie. You wouldn't know it now. With Home Slice, Southside Flying Pizza, Salvation Pizza, East Side Pies, Mandola's, and Mangieri's filling out the map over the past year, just choosing one place to get your fix is an exercise in denial. And somehow (perhaps the 2010 census will shed some light on this?) we've had a similar influx of other Italian specialty stores. With Mandola's Market at the Triangle and enough gelato joints to put the bubble-tea craze to shame (the most recent additions being Mandola's, Paciugo, and the new Gelato's location on the drag) we are sensing a conspiracy bigger than DaVinci. And we like it. Benvenuto, Italianos!

Home Slice Pizza, 1415 S. Congress, 444-PIES; Southside Flying Pizza, 2206 S. Congress, 442-4246; East Side Pies, 1401-B Rosewood, 524-0933; Mandola's Italian Market, 4700 N. Lamar, 419-9700; Mangieri's Pizza Cafe, 5900 W. Slaughter #490, 301-0063; Paciugo Italian Gelato & Cafe, 241 W. Second, 474-7600; Gelato's, 9070 Research #303, 371-9858; 3300 Bee Caves Rd., 732-2198; 3100 Guadalupe, 323-5202; Salvation Pizza, 624 W. 34th, 535-0076 www.homeslicepizza.com; www.southsideflyingpizza.com; www.eastsidepies.com; www.mandolasmarket.com; www.mangieris.com; paciugo.com/html/locations/location_details.php?recordID=24; www.gelatos.net



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Best Local Authorities on Tea: Tea Embassy

Growing out of an online company called Tea Treasures (www.teatreasures.com), Tea Embassy set up shop in 2004 at the historic Campbell-Miller house, a figurative Graceland for tea connoisseurs anywhere. With well more than a hundred teas harvested from Texas to England to Kenya to India to China, Tea Embassy feels more like the Renaissance-era Far East than an oddly placed tea house in an Old Austin neighborhood of quiet real estate and law offices. Minus the scurvy and violent spice traders, of course.

900 Rio Grande, 330-9991 www.teaembassy.com



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Best Maybe I'll Have One More ...: The Parlor

Slice, pint, play on the jukebox … favorite pizza place. While the suckers to the south and east might wonder why the Parlor opened its second location so close to the original on North Loop, we in the area aren't complaining. How life-affirming is it to feast on the fresh and bubbly haute-punk pies – getting hungry just thinking about them, seriously, and we ate lunch, like, 20 minutes ago – at one spot and then to walk off the calories en route to beers and maybe a band at the other? No clue, but it's nice to know we can find out if we wanna. Bonus: coffee, Wi-Fi, and the Movie Store right next door.

100-B E. North Loop, 454-8965 www.myspace.com/theparlor



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Best Morsels With Mouthfeel: Breasteses

They are decadent. They are perky and sweet. They come in pairs, melt in your mouth, and when you're finished, you're not quite satisfied. Don't worry, it's not just you. Breasteses have that effect on everyone. The melty, chocolatey goodness is the culinary creation of one Lois M. Rodriguez, mistress of the baked goods. Chocolate-covered chocolate cake delectably gives way to a creamy whipped chocolate mousse center. And a sweet perky raspberry to top it off and give it a Breasteses appeal. The treats can occasionally be found in the refrigerated section at Nueva Onda. There's no wrong way to get a mouthful of Breasteses.

Nueva Onda, 2218 College Ave., 447-5063 www.nuevaaustin.com



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Best North Austin Coffeehouse: Genuine Joe Coffeehouse

Genuine Joe has all the basics that make a good coffeehouse: tasty beverages, comfortable seating, homey atmosphere, and quirky art. It has quickly become a neighborhood center, hosting Spanish lessons and several community groups in its meeting room. But Genuine Joe is so great because the staff there is so gosh darn … well, genuine. They serve the diverse Anderson Lane crowd without hipster hegemony or blandness, but with a funky, welcoming smile.

2001 W. Anderson, 220-1576 www.genuinejoe.com



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Best Nostalgic Homage With Great Chow: The Stallion

Whisper the word "Stallion" to some old Austin fogey and you'll witness wistful sighs and grown men cry. The old favorite is honored in the name of this new addition to the Airport road dining dash of decadance, as it brings the best of Southern fare with Southern flair to a strip peppered with working-class cuisine. And the new kid does the old namesake proud. Hands down, our fave of the weekly specials is the smothered chicken, but we can make a meal out of nothing but the sides (sweet cooked carrots, home-style green beans, and corn bread, oh yes).

5201 Airport, 380-9433



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Best Taco Lunch: TacoDeli

Nestled in two nondescript locations on opposite ends of the city, TacoDeli takes the fine art of the taco to a whole new delectably unique level. Their signature Frontera Fundido is only one of a choice of 20 authentic Interior-Mexican-style tacos that will change your lunch hour as you know it. Try the Taco Blue Plate: a choice of any two tacos with rice, beans, and salad. And add the green Doña salsa if you dare: delicious yet literally spicy enough to "make the toes wiggle."

1500 Spyglass, 732-0303; 12001 Burnet Rd., 339-1700 www.tacodeli.com



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Best Texified Tuna: Chicken-Fried Yellowfin Tuna at 219 West

What is it about Texas? Sometimes it seems like we have to put our mark on everything we touch and make it our own. Maybe it's because we just know how to do things better? Now food, we Texans love our food, especially staples such as chicken-fried steak. Well, the chefs at 219 West mixed it up a bit and have chicken-fried tuna. Brilliant! Served on a bed of wasabi mashed potatoes with hoisin sauce, this mouthwatering, Texified dish is sure to have you shouting, "Yeehaw!"

219 W. Fourth, 474-2194 www.219west.com



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Best Upscale After Hours Dining: Capitol Brasserie

Sure, Magnolia Mud and Kerby Lane pancakes still hit the spot after another night of Tito's shooting and Shiner swilling, but is anyone else having some late-night craving for something different? Like a little upscale French bistro, perhaps? Try Capitol Brasserie, conveniently located in the heart of the Warehouse District and also, conveniently, serving fine yet reasonably priced food until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights. While the escargot may not settle too well after a night of downtown rowdiness, there are few things more delectable then the Steak Frittes or Croque Monsieur after the bars kick you into the rue.

310 Colorado, 472-6770 www.capitolbaustin.com



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Best Waitron at a Fast Casual/Family Restaurant: Diana Lucio at Kerbey Lane UT

Show us a waitron who doesn't roll his or her eyes at the sight of a toddler being plopped into a high chair in their section and we'll introduce you to Diana Lucio, the endlessly cheerful and eminently competent server at Kerbey Lane UT. Lucio has been slinging 'cakes at Kerbey for more than five years, and it shows in her warmth, unflappable professionalism, and deft hand with snobs, drunks, and babes in arms. It will be a loss to diners everywhere when she finally decides to go to grad school.

Kerbey Lane Cafe, 2606 Guadalupe, 477-5717 www.kerbeylanecafe.com



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Best Way to Feed the Whole Team: Mongolian BBQ

Let's say you're part of a hungry team that happens to be made up of people like "I Only Eat at Buffets Guy," "I Don't Want to Split the Bill at the End and Pay For All Your Expensive Crap When I Only Ordered a Salad Girl," and "Coach I Love Seahorses." Luckily there's Mongolian B-B-Q. Your finicky pals will enjoy the raw buffet, where they can pick out whatever veggies, meats, and sauces they want before handing them over to the cooks at the grill. The bill is easy to split up at the end since everyone will have the same thing. Oh, and Coach will find the seahorse aquariums inside utterly delightful.



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Best Yes, It Is Meant to Be On-the-Bone: Student Biryani

The scent and color of real Indian food is turmeric. It's that heady perfume and the yellow that stains your fingers when you bite into a tender, oven-baked slab of tandoori chicken. At $3.99 for a two-entrée plate, with pilau rice and a fresh, unleavened naan, Student Biryani's homemade Indian and Pakistani cuisine is fast food at its least corporate and most tasty.

2021 Guadalupe (Dobie Mall, second floor), 708-1699 www.shopdobie.com



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Best You Are Paying for It, So You May as Well Eat There: Texas State Capitol Grill

Which members of the Lege are getting schmoozed by corporate interests over tacos? Are our mortal enemies doing some bipartisan socializing at the deli counter? And what state reps can't eat a burger without dripping ketchup on their red, white, and blue ties? For answers, politico-watchers can observe state hacks in their natural habitat, the Capitol Grill. It's the works canteen for the state's movers and shakers that frequent our town. Tucked away in the State House underground extension, its breakfast and lunch menus are diverse, day-fresh, and cheap enough to get you grousing about political perks. It's a great way to impress out-of-town visitors who want a behind-the-napkin view of the corridors of Texas power.

1100 Congress, 305-8400 www.therkgroup.com/CapitolGrill.htm



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Most Kickass Caterer: Curra's

We could go on and on about the "Interior Mexican" this or the "poblano" that; we could yak for days about the nuttiest rice and the smoothest black beans ever, but really it all comes down to the Flautas Cancun. A staple at many a Chronicle party, these delicate, crispy rolls of sweet and tangy yum are just the right party food. And we can vouch for the fact that unless we get in that serving line early, it is one of the first items to disappear from our buffet. Every. Single. Time. Dammit.

614 E. Oltorf, 444-0012; 6801 Burnet Rd., 451-2560 www.currasgrillsouth.com



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Most Revolutionary Juice Maestros: The Daily Juice

In two words: compostable cups. Yes, the sweet, organic juices pumped by the gallons by Daily Juice hotties are now handed over the counter in cups made of earthy love. They look like plastic but are a teensie bit … silkier. Not plastic. Not petroleum. Corn. What better way to celebrate your health than by visiting a cutting-edge green business in Austin and getting a takeout green drink in a cup you can toss in the flower bed? Your body will be happy and so will your garden.

1625 Barton Springs Rd., 480-9501 www.dailyjuice.org



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Quick Lunch Downtown: Noodle-ism

If you're looking for a quick place to grab a healthy, tasty lunch downtown, check out Noodle-ism. Brought to you by Bistro 88's Jeff Liu, Noodle-ism offers food influenced by French, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and Southeast Asian dishes. There's even a Kobe-style hamburger and fries for those picky lunch dates.

107 W. Fifth, 275-9988 www.noodle-ism.com



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Yummiest UT Tribute: Kyoto's Longhorn Roll

Ever since our beloved Longhorns won the national championship this year, it seems as though burnt orange and other Bevo-esque items are in even greater abundance than usual. However, we know one particularly yummy UT tribute that has been pleasing sushi and football fans alike for years, the Longhorn Roll at Kyoto. This combination of deep-fried sushi rolls served in the shape of the aforementioned steer and covered in their special orange sauce is definitely one taste-bud-tickling salute to greatness. Now, we're not quite sure what they put in that mysterious sauce – it's a secret to even the waitstaff – but whatever it is, it's addictive.

315 Congress, 482-9010 www.kyotodowntown.com



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Yummiest Vegan and Veg Cuisine: Nu Age Cafe

A meal at this Tarrytown cafe is an all-out sensory joyride. From the first step in, past the display case loaded with a variety of exotic teas (their extensive array of natural bevvies take up an entire menu), the first impression is mauve and otherworldly. The staff says the decor is based on a dream. Which makes sense as the almost rococo ambience, subdued by the formality of linens and the gentle quiet that permeates the place, is a great atmosphere for enjoying the delicate and exciting array of flavors in dishes like the Sesame Seitan and Malaysian Roti Prata. For the vegetarian beginner (or resister) there is plenty, such as the delicious and decadent Scallion Mango Pita or the Nu Age Veggie Burger, served with yam and yucca fries which strangely approximates the American burger experience without one animal product.

2425 Exposition, 469-9390 www.nuagecafe.com



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