Cherry Creek Catfish: Fresh Seafood You’ll Love

There’s plenty of delicious food to be had in Austin. But if you’re looking for some of that old-school, Texas-style comfort food, there’s absolutely one place you must start with. It’s called Cherry Creek Catfish, and as you would expect by the name, you can get the classically soulful seafood dishes of this state’s cuisine in generous quantities.

This Manchaca Road establishment is well-known for its down-home approach to food. Here you’ll find many comfort food staples, like fried green tomatoes, chicken fried steak, and barbecue ribs. But it's the seafood that really stands out. Check out the blackened catfish, which is dredged in Cajun spices and seared. If you’re in the mood for a po’ boy, Cherry Creek has you covered, with your choice of shrimp, oysters, or catfish. When enjoyed with a side of the crowd-favorite hush puppies, this Texas-style cuisine makes for quite a satisfying meal.

Savor Brazilian Street Fare at Boteco

Tucked between Granny's Tacos and Vintage Heart Coffee, Boteco is situated in the heart of one enclave of the local food scene in Austin. Like many of Austin's top eateries, Boteco doesn't have a formal kitchen and dining room but rather operates out of a food truck. This actually allows its chef to be more creative, not restrained by the confines of a classic menu or the costs that come with a more traditional space.

This means you can expect hot, authentic Brazilian fare at Boteco Food Truck. Named for the Brazilian term for a local watering hole, Boteco dishes out street fare that delights Austin diners. Dig into a plate of yuca fries, the Brazilian version of classic French fries, perhaps on the side of the feijoada completa, the "national dish of Brazil." It includes black bean stew teeming with pork, ribs, and sausage as well as rice, collard greens, toasted yuca, Pimenta Biquinho peppers, and an orange slice. Stop by for something truly unique this week!

Peche: Austin’s First Absinthe Bar

With the popularity of all things "craft" soaring, it’s little wonder that cocktails are undergoing something of a renaissance. But there’s one place in particular that seems to be drawing visitors by throwing it back to the old days of drinking—think pre-1920s. It’s called Peche, and it’s well worth your time.

Located on West 4th Street in Austin, Peche made its name by being the first absinthe bar in the city. As such, it has an excellent selection of absinthes, but what makes it even more special is the kind of cocktails it serves to patrons. With a specialization in pre-Prohibition-style drinks, you can be sure you’re getting something out of the ordinary here. Of course, sophisticated drinks need sophisticated foods, and this spot makes no mistake in offering an excellent variety of French-inspired dishes, like braised short ribs and duck confit. The next time you’re in the mood for an elevated meal, keep this bar in mind.

Sample the Breakfast Tacos at Taco-Mex

It doesn't have to be Taco Tuesday for you to enjoy some hearty Mexican cuisine. Taco-Mex offers top-notch, made-to-order tacos, and it's conveniently located not far from Elan East. While this restaurant specializes in unique breakfast tacos which you can get all day, the staff here also make tasty lunch tacos as well as other favorite Mexican dishes, including burritos, chile relleno, and quesadillas. All menu items are served a la carte, though platters which include rice and beans are also available.

The next time you're craving authentic Mexican cuisine, be sure to order delivery or take-out from Taco-Mex. Since all the food is made to order, be sure to call ahead or place your order online for fast service.

Build Your Own Dessert at Ice Scrapers

Ice Scrapers is a mobile ice cream business, but it's nothing like your average ice cream truck. Instead of dishing out packaged ice cream creations that have been sitting in the freezer all day, Ice Scrapers' staff creates one-of-a-kind frozen treats according to your specifications while you stand and watch.

There are three steps to ordering. First, pick your ice cream. There are dairy ice creams and coconut milk ice creams, so even the lactose intolerant can enjoy a treat at Ice Scrapers. Pick vanilla, chocolate, or coffee ice cream. Then add your "fillers," which range from fresh banana slices and cherries to peanut butter cups, Nutella, and even green tea. Finally, select toppings such as Fruity Pebbles, caramel, or unusual extras such as cayenne pepper. There are specialty ice cream rolls and cookie ice cream sandwiches on the menu too.

Get a Free Juice with Your Purchase of Six at Daily Greens

When you’re looking for a refreshing but healthy treat in the East Austin area, check out Daily Greens on Springdale Road. The Juicery is conveniently just two miles from Elan East Apartments. Local residents can buy Daily Greens juices across lots of different locations in the city of Austin, but guests can taste and buy different juices at the Springdale Road storefront location.

Each of the Daily Greens juices have been made from six pounds of produce, and each contains up to two grams of fiber. Inspired by southern food, the staff at Daily Greens strive to create unique and healthy flavors like Himalayan pink salt and Madagascar vanilla. Guests can buy single juices for approximately $8.00 each or several juices as part of a more extensive juice cleanse. Stop by today to take advantage of Daily Greens' current special: when you buy six bottles of juice, you’ll get your seventh free.

Enjoy a Coffee, a Show, a Beer, or All Three at Cherrywood Coffeehouse

In a world full of cookie-cutter cafes, Cherrywood Coffeehouse stands out in the crowd. From it's ornate mosaic-topped tables to the stained-glass art pieces perched on the windowsills, Cherrywood Coffeehouse is full of life and color—and not just when it comes to the decor. The Austin cafe also regularly hosts live music and, after happy hour, switches from coffee to booze, so you can enjoy a beer with the show.

But if you're just swinging by on your way to work for a morning pick-me-up, regulars highly recommend that you order the Cuban con leche, which teems with sweet condensed milk. You may have to wait in line for it, but it'll be time well spent. Of course, you can always just grab a cup of brewed coffee, a latte, or an Americano at Cherrywood Coffeehouse too. Add a breakfast taco too, like the Sol. It contains a blend of eggs, black beans, bacon and sausage, potatoes, green onions, and cheese.

Try the Best Food Truck Fare in Town at Trailer Food Tuesdays

You can visit the colorful food trailer parks of Austin any time, but if you want to taste the best grub its food trucks have to offer, there's no better time than Trailer Food Tuesdays. One Tuesday each month through the summer, Trailer Food Tuesdays brings out the best of the best for a food truck festival. The idea originated with the Gypsy Picnic in 2010 and has only grown in scope since then.

The next Trailer Food Tuesday is July 19, and it will feature live tunes by the Anthony Ray Wright Band. Although its exact food truck lineup has yet to be announced, you can expect vendors similar to those who showed up for the first Trailer Food Tuesday on June 7. They included Wholly Kabob, Mission Dogs, SLAB BBQ, and Mmmpanadas, to name just a few. If you can't make it to the Trailer Food Tuesday on July 19, mark your calendar for the next one on August 16. Doodlin's Hogwallops will supply the live music for this fest, and you can expect prominent local food-truck chefs to make an appearance too.

Treat Yourself to Some Affordable Mediterranean Fare at Abo Youssef

Some of the best Mediterranean food in the area is available at Abo Youssef, an unassuming food truck that is usually parked on Manor Road. Located just a half-mile from Elan East, the food truck serves an assortment of Mediterranean specialties like shawarma, falafel, gyro, tabouli, and baba ganoush. The truck even offers a selection of desserts to top off your meal—think baklava and rice pudding. The food truck is loved by locals not only for its delicious food but also for its affordable prices. Most wraps cost around $5.99, and most entrees are just $9.99.

Unlike many food trucks, the area around Abo Youssef is complete with a number of picnic tables for those who want to dine there. The food is also available for take-out for those who would like to bring it home. Many patrons have called Abo Youssef the best spot for Mediterranean food in Austin, so be sure to check it out soon!

Butterfly Bar: A Hidden Gem of the Austin Bar Scene

Just a short trip from Elan East, Butterfly Bar is a laid-back and one-of-a-kind bar with a cool vibe that can only be found in Austin. Butterfly Bar is located inside of Vortex, an avant-garde theater, but it’s definitely worth a visit whether you have tickets to a show or not. Butterfly Bar offers both indoor and outdoor spaces including a huge patio, a spacious lawn, and a small greenhouse, though the main bar is housed inside the theater.

Parked out back is Patrizi’s, a family-owned food truck serving some of the highest-quality and most delicious meals you’ll find in the area. Pair your plate with a specialty mixed drink, champagne, wine, or a beer from the rotating selection here. As you may expect from a bar inside a theater, Butterfly Bar hosts unique entertainment like magicians, musicians, trivia, and more.

Butterfly Bar
2307 Manor Road
Austin, TX 78722
(512) 478-5282
http://butterflybaraustin.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-butterfly-bar-austin?sort_by=date_desc

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