The tapas tradition has become a popular choice for new restaurants in the United States. Eschewing the traditional meal structure of appetizer, entree, dessert in favor of a number of small plates meant to be shared among the table, it’s a great way to sample lots of different dishes with friends at a good price. One of the best places in Austin for tapas is Winebelly, a hip little bistro that has built a devoted clientele of regular diners.

This place is very popular, and it's often busy. Some of the more popular plates include the awesome parmesan truffle fries, which are well-regarded among regulars, and the cured white anchovies with vinegar and salsa verde. Larger offerings that win raves include the delectable beef carpaccio with arugula and hearts of palm, as well as the steamed mussels with sofrito and bacon in a cider broth.

Winebelly
519 W. Oltorf Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 487-1569
www.austinwinebelly.com
www.yelp.com/biz/winebelly-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Jeff Kubina

Walking into Henri’s feels like entering a quaint European bistro, from the white stone fixtures to the wall of wines and cheeses.

The charming cheese shop stocks a thoughtful selection of cheese and charcuterie, as well as simple sandwiches and salads that are well-suited to an elegant, casual lunch. Later in the evening the shop serves wine, cheese, and charcuterie pairings only, an ideal arrangement when you simply want a nightcap or you’re waiting for a table at one of the upscale restaurants nearby. Each cheese plate comes with a generous assortment of lovely preserves, freshly baked bread, and nuts that complement the cheese selection. For dessert, Henri’s serves French-inspired baked goods such as decadent chocolate cake.

Henri’s serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and wine and cheese from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The retail store is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Sunday lunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. only.

Henri’s
2026 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 442-3373
www.henrischeese.com
www.yelp.com/biz/henris-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/maureen lunn

Adding a bar cart to your home enables you to make fancy cocktails for your guests and adds a bit of vintage charm to any room. If you have the bar cart but don’t have the supplies to go on it, this list of home bar essentials can help.

• Cocktail shaker. Invest in a high quality cocktail shaker made of a durable material like stainless steel. This will help you to mix drinks thoroughly and to pour them without spills.
• Bottle opener and corkscrew. If you or your guests prefer wine and beer to a complex cocktail, these basic tools will come in handy.
• Wine glasses, martini glasses, highballs, and tumblers. These are the necessary glasses for just about any drink you’ll make.
• Blender. It’s not possible to make an icy margarita without a high quality blender, so be sure to keep one stored under your bar cart.
• Cocktail strainer. These tools strain out pulp, ice, and other solids from cocktails while letting your booze pass easily into a glass.
• Cutting board and knives. If you frequently garnish drinks with lemons, limes, and other fruits, keep an arsenal of sharp knives and a reliable cutting board on hand.
• Coasters. You’ll never worry about guests ruining your wooden furniture when you have a supply of coasters in your bar cart.

The Guide to A Well-Stocked Wet Bar [Esquire]
25 Essentials for a Legit Home Bar [Complex]
10 Things You Should Have in Your Home Bar [Buzzle]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Quinn Dombrowski