Some pizzerias take pride in having huge menus. Others, like Unit D Pizzeria, takes pride in keeping the offerings "deliberately concise," focusing on excelling at a handful of winning dishes. This pizzeria, which opened about two weeks ago in a spot that's less than a half mile from Elan East, seems to have hit a home run with this formula, if reviews are any indication — diners praise the well-curated menu.

Start your meal with the kale salad, which features pickled peaches, golden raisins, and millet, before moving onto the cheese and charcuterie board. When it comes to pizza, the mushroom pie has its share of fans, but reviews agree that you can't go wrong with any of the pizzas here. They're all thin-crust Neapolitan style pies made by hand by chef Chris Turgeon.

The atmosphere is casual but upscale, with dark, curved wood as well as stellar service. Note that Unit D doesn't deliver or offer takeout, so reserve this place for when you're in the mood to sit down and enjoy a meal in the dining room. Chances are you'll be happy with your choice!

Unit D Pizzeria
2406 Manor Road
Austin, TX 78722
(512) 524-1922
www.yelp.com/biz/unit-d-pizzeria-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr illustir

A great new restaurant located less than two miles away from Elan East, The Halal Corner offers authentic Halal and Mediterranean food made with love and care. Run by a Jordanian family who also owns Kismet Cafe, The Halal Corner is has the same friendly service diners have enjoyed for years at the family's first restaurant.

Open for just a few weeks, The Halal Corner is already gaining a reputation for serving high-quality, delicious and reasonably-priced cuisine. Kebobs, falafel, and hummus are all seasoned with spices imported from Jordan. Combination plates like the gyro over rice with white sauce and the Mediterranean BBQ are sure to please. If you can't decide what to order, staffers are happy to offer you samples. The restaurant has plenty of seating both inside and on the patio, and with order-ahead pick-up and catering services, too, The Halal Corner is a great new dining option in the area.

The Halal Corner
1200 Barbara Jordan Blvd.
Austin, TX 78723
(512) 480-0048
thehalalcorner.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-halal-corner-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Burger Baroness

You have a lot of options for barbecue in Texas, and there's no better time to sample a slew of them than Texas Barbecue Week. However, if you prize convenience first and foremost, make La Barbecue your top priority during the week-long feast. It's located only three miles away from Elan East, and it's joining in the fun until July 18.

Like the other eateries involved in Texas Barbecue Week, La Barbecue serves up a special plate in honor of this Texas version of Restaurant Week. Of course, La Barbecue's legendary brisket will star. The La Frito sandwich, the centerpiece of the Barbecue Week platter, contains chopped brisket, chipotle slaw, sliced jalapenos, gooey cheese, and, for some added crunch, corn chips. During Texas Barbecue Week, you can snag the decadent sandwich for $12.75. While you wait in line, you might even get a complimentary pour of beer, as is customary at La Barbecue.

La Barbecue
Texas Barbecue Week
July 12 to 18
902 E. Cesar Chavez
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 605-9696
www.tmbbq.com/events/texas-barbecue-week-2
www.labarbecue.com

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr stu_spivack