Explore Innovative Japanese Fare at Uchiko

The sibling eatery to Uchi, Uchiko features a new menu but with the same innovative and fresh cuisine as its predecessor. If you’re on the search for fresh sushi, sashimi, or nigiri, Uchiko is the place to go.

Some of the plates are so unique, they actually look like works of art. That said, steer away from your usual spicy tuna or California roll! Step out of your comfort zone and try Uchiko’s shime saba or hamachi rolls. If possible, sit at the sushi bar so that you can watch the chefs prepare your meal. It is suggested that you explore the sake menu, as they have a wide selection by the glass with detailed descriptions. Regulars suggest ending your meal with the tobacco cream.

Uchiko is open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Uchiko
4200 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 916-4808
www.uchikoaustin.com

Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant: Order Dumplings to Your Doorstep

On those nights when you’re just too tired to cook and all you want is a relaxing evening at home, consider ordering delivery from Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant. This popular Austin eatery offers both dine-in and delivery options on a wide variety of Chinese fare favorites, from crab puffs and fried dumplings to classic sesame chicken, egg drop soup, and lo mein noodles.

Regulars say that the food is generously portioned, and that prices aren't too hard on the wallet (go for a meal combo if you want the best deal!).

Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekends.

Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant
14735 Bratton Lane
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 251-0827
www.fourseasonschinese.com
www.yelp.com/biz/four-seasons-chinese-restaurant-austi

Ng BMT: Banh Mi and More in Austin

Although its name sounds like a secret code that only Austin locals understand, Ng BMT is actually a Vietnamese sandwich spot located within the Hong Kong Supermarket. This unique sandwich cafe-meets-bakery serves traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches on fresh-baked baguettes.

Each banh mi is available with your choice of peppered shrimp, tofu, pork, or other meats to accommodate both meat eaters and vegetarian guests. Diners new to the banh mi might enjoy the pork banh mi, which sandwiches slices of marinated pork within a warm baguette with creamy mayo, pickled carrots, cilantro, and, for a little spicy kick, jalapeno peppers! Counter the heat with the chilled sweet tofu dessert.

Ng BMT is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Regulars note that the prices at Ng BMT are easy on the wallet, so you can grab a cheap lunch that’s bit out of the ordinary.

Ng BMT
8557 Research Boulevard
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 931-1088
www.ngbmt.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ng-bmt-austin

Julio’s Cafe: Don’t Miss the Breakfast Tacos

From its green enchiladas to the breakfast tacos, the authentic Mexican fare dished out by Julio's Cafe has been impressing Austin eaters since 1983. Thanks to that fresh, carefully crafted fare, one really seems to mind that this laid-back eatery is cash only. Patrons are more than happy to make an extra stop at the ATM if it means they can slurp up a bowl of Julio's chicken soup for dinner.

The soup features roasted chicken, one of the menu's mainstays, mixed with fresh, colorful veggies. You can also get the chicken all on its own by the quarter, half, or whole. Enjoy it with a smorgasbord of accouterments, including pinto beans, Spanish rice, tomatoes, lettuce, and salsa. If you come by a little earlier in the day (before 11:30 a.m.), you can dig into one of the popular breakfast tacos. Pick your own ingredients from a list that includes eggs, bacon, Mexican sausage, pinto beans, cheese, and rice. Migas, huevos rancheros, and even French toast are also on the morning menu.

Julio's Cafe
4230 Duval Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 452-1040
www.juliosaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/julios-caf%C3%A9-austin-2

Fork and Vine: New American Fare with Austin Flair

The "Austin-inspired" dishes at Fork and Vine are almost too pretty to eat—almost. Head chef Camden Stuerzenberger plates his New American cuisine beautifully, but it tastes even better than it looks. Case in point: the ptrtzel bread pudding. Smothered with mustard-caramel sauce and topped with a dollop of whipped cream, the pretzel bread pudding walks the line between dinner and dessert.

Before you indulge in something sweet, try one of Chef Camden's entrees or a few tapas. The small plates include PEI mussels in guajillo chile broth, wood-fired veggies with shrimp and Thai curry, or house-made chips with eclectic dips. Full entrees range from wild grouper with pickled shrimp to a massive 36-ounce cowboy ribeye steak, served with crunchy onions and bleu cheese butter. Any of the eats pair well with a pint from the expansive beer list or a glass from the equally impressive wine list.

Fork and Vine
3010 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 489-7000
www.forkvine.com
www.yelp.com/biz/fork-and-vine-austin

Have Lobster at Garbo’s Restaurant

Garbo's Restaurant is the bricks-and-mortar extension of Heidi Garbo's popular local food truck. Like the original food truck, Garbo's Restaurant specializes in fresh, buttery lobster rolls served either "Maine style" or "Connecticut style" and accompanied by fries or clam chowder, but this Austin restaurant also offers an expanded seafood menu.

Yelp reviewers recommend trying the smoked fish dip, served with crackers or grilled French bread, as well as the crispy clam fritters accompanied by a gribiche sauce for dipping. Main dishes include whole gulf shrimp simmered in a spicy herb and lemon broth, as well as beer battered fish and ships served with house-made ketchup and tartar sauce. Don't forget a bowl of creamy, New England clam chowder, topped with scallions and served with traditional oyster crackers to round out your meal.

Don't worry if seafood's just not your thing, either, because the restaurant also serves a popular Texas wagyu burger accompanied by fries and a pickle.

Garbo's Restaurant
14735 Bratton Lane
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 350-9814
www.garboslobsteratx.com/restaurant
www.yelp.com/biz/garbos-restaurant-austin

Jasper’s: Gourmet Cookout Cuisine

While the words “gourmet” and “cookout” aren’t normally used in the same sentence, they are at Jasper’s restaurant in Austin. This uniquely conceptual eatery is stylish and upscale, but its menu of so-called backyard cuisine is anything but pretentious.

Enter the sleek, modern dining room, with its dim lighting and artistic décor, and you’ll be met with a menu filled with Maytag bleu cheese potato chips, Texas gulf crab cakes, and Pimentón Rotisserie Chicken, as well as slow-smoked baby back ribs prepared just like they are in backyards all across Texas. Cast iron sides are the perfect accompaniments, and Jasper’s full bar churns out thoughtful cocktails, craft beers and premium wines to go along with the meal. For a gourmet spin on a taste that’s truly Texan, Jasper’s is one of the very best spots in town!

Reservations can be made online or by calling Jasper’s directly.

Jasper’s
11506 Century Oaks
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 834-4111
www.jaspersaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/jaspers-austin-7

The Stonehouse Wood Fire Grill: Al Fresco Dining in Austin

In January 2012, The Stonehouse Wood Fire Grill brought the newest outdoor dining concept to Austin. The restaurant serves up a variety of American, Mediterranean, and Spanish fare flavors. Visit the outdoor picnic area and dine on Mediterranean fare such as veggie pitas or fire-grilled kabobs of tender lamb, marinated chicken, or spicy garlic mushrooms. There’s also a selection of burgers made with seven-ounce patties hand-formed using fresh-ground Angus beef and set atop a locally baked bun.

Every third Wednesday, stop in for SteakNights, one of the many monthly events at The Stonehouse Wood Fire Grill. Other events may have you enjoying your meal with live music or yard games. If you want to take the party to your own special event, try the restaurant’s catering services!

The Stonehouse Wood Fire Grill
5400 Balcones Drive
Austin, TX 78731
(512) 769-6478
www.thestonehousegrill.com
www.yelp.com/biz/stonehouse-wood-fire-grill-austin

Sonora Hot Dogs: Get the Frank Con Todo

Sonora Hot Dogs may look like a mere food truck at first glance—and that assessment isn't entirely wrong. But the Sonoran-style hot dogs, fully loaded burritos, and gooey quesadillas that come from its kitchen on wheels are a few notches above your typical fast food. The gourmet versions of American comfort food have won the acclaim of local publications like Eater Austin and even the food critics from nationwide restaurant encyclopedia Zagat.

Regulars highly recommend getting the Sonoran-style hot dog "con todo," topped with everything from mustard and mayo to crispy strips of bacon. Sonora also offers a meat-free veggie dog version zig-zagged with Vegenaise. You can also opt for an overstuffed carne asada burrito, which features not only the grilled steak, but also mashed avocado and freshly made pico de gallo. Get the carne asada as a quesadilla if you're craving cheese.

Sonora Hot Dogs
5715 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 994-8982
www.tlocs.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sonora-hot-dogs-austin

Donut 7: Get Your Morning Off to a Sweet Start

Whether you have a sweet tooth or you’re craving a hearty, bacon-topped breakfast sandwich, Donut 7 is a dependable choice for a casual breakfast in the North Austin area. Since 1983, this small bakery and cafe has given hungry early risers a place to grab breakfast tacos, breakfast sandwiches, and freshly baked doughnuts and kolaches in the wee morning hours.

Stop in before work to pick up a dozen glazed doughnuts for the office, or treat yourself to an apple fritter or a cinnamon roll. Those who prefer savory fare can go for a kolache, which arrive stuffed with cheese, sausage, and jalapenos. The breakfast sandwiches also receive high marks. These handheld creations layer egg, cheese, and breakfast meats between your choice of croissant or biscuit. Of course, no order at Donut 7 is complete without a piping-hot cup of coffee, and this Austin eatery has plenty to go around!

Donut 7 is open 6 a.m. to noon Mondays through Saturdays.

Donut 7
11005 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 837-9221
www.donut7austin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/donut-7-austin

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