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Franklin Barbecue: Find Some of Austin’s Best Barbecue near Elan East

January 9, 2015 by

Considered the best barbecue in the country by bon appetit magazine—not to mention The Washington Post and the Travel Channel—it should come as no surprise that the food at Franklin Barbecue draws some famous customers. President Obama cut the ever-present line at Franklin Barbecue in July of 2014 and bought more than $300 worth of the famous grub!

With accolades like this, you might be surprised to learn that Franklin Barbecue only opened in 2009. Granted, its founder Aaron Franklin had been perfecting his brisket in a backyard smoker for many years before that, but still, he and wife Stacy were new to the commercial barbecue game. Their modest trailer near Elan East in an East Austin parking lot quickly began drawing a crowd, and it continues to do so today. More than 1,700 Yelp reviewers sing its praises, citing the brisket and Tipsy Texan sandwich as its two best offerings—just don't forget to save room for the bourbon banana pudding pie!

Franklin Barbecue
900 E. 11th Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 653-1187
franklinbarbecue.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/franklin-barbecue-austin

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Unique Austin Pizzas at Via 313 Near Elan East

December 26, 2014 by

Pizza parties are to thank for the unique fare served at Via 313 in Austin. When brothers and Detroit natives Brandon and Zane Hunt began tossing around the idea of bringing their home city's style of pizza to Austin, they needed a few guinea pigs to test recipes. Their group of friends became those guinea pigs, attending weekly pizza parties to sample the latest creations. Once a recipe was approved, it was added to the menu for a future pizzeria. That pizzeria is now a food trailer in front of the Violet Crown Social Club, called Via 313. It's just a short trip away from Elan East, making it convenient to try the place for yourself.

Grab a classic Detroit-style pie—that is, a square pizza with four corner slices—at Via 313. Yelp reviewers particularly like the Cadillac, a pie topped with gorgonzola cheese, fig preserves, parmesan, shaved prosciutto, and a balsamic glaze. However, there are also more conventional options like the Detroiter with cheese and double pepperoni or the Herbivore with mushrooms, sweet onions, green pepper, and black olives.

Via 313
1111B E. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 939-1927
www.via313.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/via-313-pizza-austin

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Contigo: Austin Dining near Elan East

December 11, 2014 by

Contigo Austin is a unique eatery modeled after its parent restaurant, Contigo Ranch in South Texas. This urban version channels the private, relaxing feeling of the ranch through its outdoor seating and hundreds of string lights mimicking the star-filled night sky. Guests enjoy their meals at hand-built tables atop wooden platforms, while a large, leafy tree provides a bit of shade on a hot Texas day.

Like Contigo Ranch, Contigo Austin is known for its icy cold margaritas, impressive selection of beers and upscale bar food made with only local ingredients. The menu includes beer nuts as a snack, mussels with bacon jam to share amongst the table and rustic dishes like rabbit and dumplings or, if you’re feeling less adventurous, a simple burger and fries for dinner. On weekend mornings, Contigo serves a fun-filled brunch complete with morning libations, fried chicken and eggs Benedict, although because the menu changes from day to day, you can expect a tasty surprise each time you visit.

Contigo Austin
2027 Anchor Lane
Austin, TX 78723
(512) 614-2260
www.contigotexas.com

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Round the Clock Breakfast near Elan East at Austin’s Star Seeds Café

December 4, 2014 by

Star Seeds Café may be one of the best late night eateries in all of Austin, and though its breakfast is very popular, those pancakes are available round the clock. The casual and eclectic restaurant is open 24-hours a day, and breakfast is served any time of the day or night.

The menu includes morning favorites like omelets and breakfast tacos, as well as steaming hot coffee with free refills. For lunch and dinner, Star Seeds Café also offers burgers, salads, wraps and other all-American favorites. Its retro-inspired décor and diner feel make it a pleasant place to dine, and it fits in perfectly in the creative and bustling city.

Inside, Star Seeds showcases local artwork from area artists and it even holds art shows each month. Whether you stop in for lunch or to have a late night bite after catching some live music, this is a reliable spot for good food and a fun atmosphere — all in a spot not too far away from Elan East.

Star Seeds Café
3101 North IH-35
Austin, TX 78722
(512) 478-7107
www.starseedscafe.com

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Enjoy Japanese Cuisine Near Elan East at Austin’s Komé

October 23, 2014 by

Austin’s culinary scene offers a number of great international cuisine options, and Komé is just one of the impressive restaurants that are worlds away from traditional Texas barbecue. This stylish eatery’s owners started Komé because they cooked so frequently for other people in their home, and they use the same techniques for home-style Japanese fare in every dish on the menu.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is casual and comfortable, with warm wooden fixtures, a sleek sushi bar and ample accommodations for large parties. There are also intricate examples of craftsmanship throughout the interior. The menu consists of traditional food including sushi rolls, dumplings, meat skewers and grilled fish. Komé also offers sake and Japanese beers. With affordable prices and friendly, knowledgeable service, Komé is a must-try restaurant for Austin area foodies.

Komé closes between lunch and dinner, so check the hours before planning a visit from Elan East.

Komé
4917 Airport Boulevard
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 712-5700
www.kome-austin.com

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El Sapo Botanas y Burgers: An Austin Eatery near Elan East

October 9, 2014 by

Located just a short trip from Elan East, El Sapo Botanas y Burgers is a garage-turned-Tex-Mex burger place. Once the home of a gas station and auto shop, this Austin eatery serves some of the best burgers around, according to guests. Aside from the regular beef patties, the menu features fish, shrimp, chicken, lamb, and pork burgers.

There’s much more on the menu at this restaurant, which is a part of the Carlos Rivero’s El Chile Restaurant Group. Once you're settled in, take a look at the impressive drink selection. The folks behind the bar serve Texas wines — (these pair well with the burgers) — ciders, Texas craft brews, and signature cocktails with a kick.

You can start your meal with chips and guacamole, salsas, and chile con queso. When it's time for the main course, one popular choice is the hearty Angus beef burgers or a super-sized all-beef hot dog. Don't forget to load your dog with chile con carne, pico de gallo, Mexican cheese, fire-roasted jalapenos, and guacamole for extra flavor. For dessert, you can even enjoy a milkshake or an ice cream sundae!

El Sapo Botanas y Burgers
1900 Manor Road
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 366-5154
www.elsapoatx.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/el-sapo-austin

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Elaine’s Pork and Pie: A Unique Menu near Elan East in Austin

September 11, 2014 by

Pork and pie is quite the random combination, but that's what it's all about at this Austin eatery. Chef and owner Elaine Martin has been at the helm of Elaine's Pork and Pie and satisfying customers for nearly three decades. The menu here isn't too large; in fact, it's pretty simple. Customers typically come here for — you guessed it — the pork or the pies. If you decide to stop by, consider dining in or ordering takeout to enjoy back at Elan East.

It probably comes as no surprise that the pulled pork sandwiches are some of the most popular items here. Customers say they are cooked just right, they're quite large, and the price is reasonable at $5.95. Regulars also praise the pulled pork tacos that are sold for just $1.75 apiece. If you'd prefer something a bit lighter, opt for the lentil soup or the green bean or Greek salad. When it's time for dessert, try one of the house-made pies such as the bourbon buttermilk, lime, ancho fudge, or strawberry cream cheese pies.

Visit Elaine's Pork and Pie's website to find out more about this restaurant near Elan East.

Elaine's Pork and Pie
2113 Manor Road
Austin, TX 78722
(512) 494-1464
www.elainesporkandpie.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/elaines-pork-and-pie-austin

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Haymaker: Hearty Comfort Food near Elan East in Austin

August 7, 2014 by

"Darn good poutine. Ice cold beer. Big, burly sandwiches." This is the tagline of Austin's Haymaker, a local restaurant near Elan East inspired by the neighborhood bars of the Midwest and Northeast. Chefs and bartenders both adhere strictly to the eatery's motto in everything they do, whether they're pouring a pint of craft beer, making poutine, or piling together a towering sandwich.

Set up shop in front of a TV and watch whichever game plays that evening while you wait for your food. According to Yelp reviewers, you can't really go wrong with any of the sandwiches, since they're all stuffed with natural meats and whole ingredients—no preservatives, artificial ingredients, or fillers. The sweet potato waffle fries are actually the best item on the menu, say regular customers. So whether you get a 1/3-pound burger, a grilled cheese, or the namesake Haymaker with rare roast beef, fries, gruyere sauce, tomatoes, slaw, and a single fried egg, add an order of sweet potato waffle fries for the full Haymaker experience.

Haymaker
2310 Manor Road
Austin, TX 78722
(512) 243-6702
www.haymakeraustin.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/haymaker-austin

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La Condensa: Flavorful Food in Downtown Austin

July 3, 2014 by

La Condensa features a flavorful selection of fare served in a vibrant, upscale Austin setting. Go there to get your fiesta started with a tropical themed libation like a Watermelon Elderflower Martini or a Mango Passionflower Margarita. Add on a tasty starter like Guacamole & Chips, Hamache Ceviche with yellowtail & habanero truffle oil, or Vida de Cameron with poached shrimp.

La Condesa's wood-fire grilled entrees include Carne Asada – New York Strip with braised fennel, Costillas de Puerco – spicy guava-glazed pork ribs, and Robalo – whole branzino with garlic oil. Tacos, tostadas, and huaraches – crisp corn tortillas with a variety of toppings, are also available. Stop by on weekends to dine on yummy brunch items like Huevos y Carne Asada – eggs with grilled hanger steak, and Huevos Rancheros – fried eggs with black beans & salsa.

Located just a short trip from Elan East in downtown Austin, La Condesa is open every day.

La Condesa
400 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 499-0300
https://lacondesa.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-condesa-austin

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Trendy Meets Traditional at No Va in Austin

June 26, 2014 by

In English, the Spanish phrase "no va" translates to "it doesn't go." Since the entire premise behind No Va is the juxtaposition of old and new, traditional and trendy, it makes a fitting name for Chef Brad Sorenson's Austin restaurant.

A former Food Network contestant and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Sorenson has never lacked in creativity when it comes to cuisine. No Va puts his artistic flair on display, not only in its cuisine but also in the building itself. Housed inside a strikingly modern former home, No Va clashes with the other historic buildings that dot Rainey Street. The aesthetic works well for Sorenson's vision, letting in the Texas sunshine through large windows that almost make diners feel as if they're outdoors. Of course, they can actually go outdoors and eat on the patio, which connects to the dining room via a double-sided fireplace.

Chef Brad's food also draws in crowds. It's inventive and portioned in plates small enough to share (for the most part). Pass around plates of whipped bleu cheese with bacon bread or kale salad tossed with a coconut dressing at dinner. Or simply stop by for a cocktail, such as the Lo' Daddy, a blend of bacon bitters, sazerac, salt, maple, and cherry.

No Va
87 Rainey Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 382-5651
www.novaonrainey.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/no-va-kitchen-and-bar-austin

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