Austin is known for its live music venues, but Maverick’s Country Rock shows off the city’s dance moves, as well. If you love to kick up your heels to upbeat country music, Maverick’s spacious dance floor and some of the area’s best DJs will ensure that you have a rocking good time.

The dance floor isn’t just your usual open space, however: Here, a 5,000-square-foot dance floor features state-of-the-art lights and sound and a number of multimedia projectors that work in time with the music. Outside, Maverick’s 3,000-square-foot deck area features lots of outdoor seating and another full bar to service those who wish to enjoy the Texas evening. The bar also makes a fun place to dance the night away.

Maverick’s is open 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Maverick’s Country Rock
1700 Grand Ave Parkway
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 514-5650
www.maverickscountryrock.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mavericks-country-rock-pflugerville

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/carlota

Long before vegetarianism and veganism went mainstream, Mother's Cafe was already on board. It opened in Austin back in 1980 with a completely meat-free menu. Plant-based eating may be commonplace today, but back then, this eatery was blazing a new trail.

Perhaps that's why it's continued to thrive in the years since; vegetarians and vegans know that they can count on a fresh, carefully prepared meal here. Even if you're a meat-eater, you'll still be able to appreciate the fact that Mother's uses healthy ingredients such as non-GMO canola oil and offers purified water (which chefs also use when cooking). Locals suggest you try the Bueno burger, which showcases a patty made of veggies, grains, seeds, and tofu tucked inside a vegan whole-wheat sesame bun with tomato, pickle, red onion, and lettuce. Add vegan cheese or guacamole for some extra flavor. The artichoke enchiladas are a big hit, too, so opt for these if you're craving something spicy.

Mother's Cafe
4215 Duval Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 451-3994
www.motherscafeaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mothers-cafe-and-garden-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr regan76

Every once in a while, chain restaurants can pleasantly surprise you. The Austin location of North Italia is just one example.

North Italia is well known for its unique cocktail menu. The go-to drinks are the apple bourbon punch and the red sangria. North Italia also serves a variety of local beers from around the Austin area. As for the food, you can’t go wrong with the house-specialty Bolognese pasta, which is best paired with the crowd-favorite heirloom beet salad. It arrives piled high with roasted beets, apples, arugula, hazelnut, ricotta salata cheese, and lemon crème fraiche. You’ll want to save room for dessert: the salted caramel budino is a must-try!

As a bonus, North Italia has a cozy patio with ceiling heaters to keep you warm. A word of advice: Make reservations, especially if you’re planning on going during the weekend.

North Italia
11506 Century Oaks Terrace
Austin, Texas 78758
(512) 339-4400
www.northitaliarestaurant.com/locations/austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr cahadikin