May this autumn bring you a harvest of fun times and laughter with family and friends!

Taste Puerto Rican cuisine in Austin at Chago's. Chef Chago creates an authentic take on the cuisine, building a menu that features dishes like fried pork chop with rice and beans, beer braised chicken with sweet plantains, and slow roasted pulled pork with pigeon peas. You can’t leave Chago’s without trying the Mofongo, which is made from mashed fried green plantains and pork crackling. If you come in for lunch, you may also want to try the restaurant’s Cuban sandwich, winner of Austin Chronicle’s 2012 “Critics Cuban Sandwich Smackdown.” (There are gluten free options available, as well.)

Come in for lunch, dinner, or a pina colada. The family-owned and -operated restaurant opens at 11 a.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Visit its website to find out more.

Chago’s
7301 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 275-6013
www.chagos.biz
www.yelp.com/biz/chagos-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/kennejima

If you’re looking for a place to make your lunchtime meals a bit healthier, Salata is a great option in the North Austin area. This grab-and-go salad bar offers customizable salads, wraps, and made-in-house dressings and sauces that give everything major flavor. All of the veggies and proteins are prepped fresh daily, and everything on the menu is gluten free.

Salata runs like a well-oiled machine, with friendly employees tossing large salad bowls from behind a long, colorful salad bar filled with greens, vegetables, and an assortment of toppings. There are a number of different soups that change from day to day, and the selection of fresh juices complements the eatery's health-conscious menu.

Inside, Salata’s bright green dining room features light wood booths and tables where guests can enjoy both the lunch and the free Wi-Fi. Customers can even order their meals online and pick them up in person for added convenience on a busy work day!

Salata
10515 N. Mopac Expressway
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 487-5497
www.salata.com
www.yelp.com/biz/salata-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Jessica Spengler