Haymaker: Hearty Comfort Food near Elan East in Austin

"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

La Condensa: Flavorful Food in Downtown Austin

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

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

Wink Restaurant & Wine Bar: Fresh Food and Fine Wine in Austin

Austin’s Wink Restaurant & Wine Bar believes in supporting small farms and sustainable agriculture, and it is a member of the international slow food movement. Wink sources more than 75% of its menu items from within 100 miles of the restaurant, and the menu changes daily depending on what ingredients are fresh and available.

For diners who want to take a tasty tour of the day’s best offerings, Wink features a daily chef’s tasting menu of five or seven courses. Wink also features a daily farm and garden vegetarian tasting menu. Appropriate wine-pairings enhance each course. The elegant and intimate restaurant space fills up quickly, so reservations are recommended. Guests can also enjoy the full menu, and a more casual environment, in the Wine Bar.

The Wine Bar opens at 5 p.m. daily. The dining room opens its doors to dinner guests from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from 5:30 p.m. ‘til 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Wink Restaurant & Wine Bar
1014 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 482-8868
www.winkrestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/wink-austin

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24 Diner: Austin Comfort Food

24 Diner offers classic American fare with a modern twist in a fun, laid-back Austin atmosphere. The inspired menu, plus a great beer, wine and cocktail selection turn up the volume on the ordinary diner experience. Partygoers love the fact that they stay open round the clock right in the heart of central Austin.

24's all day breakfast menu means you can sidle up to Eggs, Sausage and Waffles at any hour. Burger and sandwich options include a French Dip with gruyere & horseradish, Chicken Salad with spicy pepper relish and a Bacon Avocado Burger with smoked aioli. Entrees include Meatloaf with sweet onion gravy, Pork Chops with sage butter, Roast Chicken with shallot jus, Vegetable Plate with lemon vinaigrette, and No-Bean Chili with cornbread.

Austin's 24 Diner is open daily.

24 Diner
600 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 472-5400
http://www.24diner.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/24-diner-austin

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RIO Rooftop Bar & Lounge: Downtown Austin Fun

Whether you’re looking for a hip spot for date night or a venue for a planned event, RIO Rooftop Bar & Lounge is a primo place to party in downtown Austin. The venue features a rooftop lounge with a swimming pool, a sports bar, and restaurant with chic, modern décor and premium service. They have a flavorful menu of small plates suitable for sharing.

Get your party started with a glass of wine, or one of their elegant artisan cocktails like the Spring Blossom with gin, St. Germaine liqueur, & lime juice, or the Paloma with tequila, pink grapefruit juice & lime. RIO's dining options include Filet Sliders with garlic herb butter, Truffled Mushroom Flatbread with thyme & arugula, Heirloom Tomato Salad with burrata mozzarella, and Queso with tortilla chips.

RIO Rooftop Bar & Lounge
601 Rio Grande Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 436-8464
http://www.riorooftop.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rio-rooftop-pool-lounge-and-restaurant-austin

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TRIO: Taste the Eponymous Trio of Steak, Seafood, and Wine

Steps from Austin’s bustling downtown and overlooking scenic Lady Bird Lake, TRIO gives diners the best of both worlds. Trio’s carefully-curated menu offers both steak (range) and seafood (Gulf) options. Gulf offerings include Texas shrimp served with red mole sauce, shishito peppers, and corncakes and grouper prepared with grapefruit, roasted cipollini, and brown butter hollandaise. In addition to succulent steaks, TRIO’s range options include chicken, lamb, and antelope for more adventurous eaters. Locals love the made-to-order omelette station at Sunday brunch—as well as the unlimited mimosas, coffee, and tea. TRIO welcomes diners seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Guests praise the attentive and accommodating service as much as the cuisine. One frequent diner had TRIO’s staff custom-create her wedding cake, while another asked (in advance) for the pastry chef to bake a birthday dessert that was not on the menu. Both were pleased with the results!

TRIO
98 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 685-8300
http://www.triorestaurantaustin.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/trio-austin-2

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The Clay Pit: An Austin Indian Restaurant

A warm, inviting ambiance with cinnamon-hued walls greets you when you enter The Clay Pit. The menu features a flavorful selection of Indian fare served attentively in an upscale setting. Order a beer or glass of wine from their extensive selection and a delightful appetizer like Veggie Samosas, Clay Pit Pakoras, Curried Crab Cakes or Coriander Calamari.

The Clay Pit's signature curry dishes include Jeera Saag – pureed spinach with spices, Vindaloo with bell pepper, onion & potatoes, and Mirch Masala with jalapenos, garlic, ginger & onions. Other dishes include Kabuli Chicken with korma sauce, Goat Saag with pureed spinach, Rack of Lamb in yogurt masala, and Lamb Roganjosh with creamy onion sauce. Stop by at lunchtime to feast on the flavorful array of dishes on the buffet table.

This Austin Indian restaurant is open every day.

The Clay Pit
1601 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 322-5131
http://claypit.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-clay-pit-austin

Arro: A Trendy Destination for Austin Foodies

Austin foodies with a love of French cuisine are flocking to Arro, the trendy sister restaurant to Easy Tiger Bake Shop. The seasonal menu features a mix of traditional French cuisine (Duck Confit) and more unusual items (Grilled Antelope). If you're new to French cuisine, the three-course menu for $25 is a great way to experience Arro. Diners can choose from several options, and favorites include the Lobster Bisque to start, Mussels and Fries as a main course, and the Lemon Goat Cheese Tart for dessert.

A full bar offers sophisticated cocktails and French wine. Renovations to the restaurant's warehouse setting have preserved the building's open, industrial feel, and large windows offer great urban views of 6th street. Arro's ambiance is ideal for a classy, yet casual, date.

Arro
601 W. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 992-2776
http://www.arroaustin.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/arro-austin

The Jackalope: Proudly Keeping Austin Weird

When you need a different kind of dive bar to kick-start a night of bar-hopping, try The Jackalope, one of the many establishments in town that proudly keeps Austin weird. Best described as a rock-and-roll dive meets foodie hub, The Jackalope promises a fun night for dining or drinking. The ambiance is a mix of vintage and quirky, with velvet paintings, pinup girls, and a large jackalope that welcomes visitors, many of whom climb atop to pose for photos.

The menu has a wide selection of burgers, hot dogs, and po'boys, as well as an innovative beer crust pizza. Bring a friend on Wednesdays for two-for-one burgers, and be sure to pair the Yucatan Burger's smoked pulled pork, jack cheese, and pineapple pico de gallo with a side of the seasoned waffle fries. The drinks are inventive, too; try the signature Guinness Bloody Mary or the Helldorado, a stiff drink meant for sharing. If simple is more your style, The Jackalope has you covered with a daily happy hour, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with $2.75 well drinks and pints.

The Jackalope
404 E. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 703-4628
http://www.jackalopebar.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-jackalope-austin

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