Salon Sovay may look more like a small, bungalow-style house than an upscale salon, but on the inside the talented team of stylists works their magic on even the most unruly tresses. The salon specializes in taming curly, frizzy hair, but they also provide a number of other hair services that range from basic trims and highlights to impressively realistic hair extensions. Salon Sovay also offers a full list of beauty services in addition to its hair services, including manicures, pedicures, waxes, and brow tinting.

Its homey interior is quaint and cozy, and it is furnished with comfortable leather sofas in the waiting area, floor-length mirrors and eclectic art on the walls near the styling stations—and a Farrah Fawcett mural outside that is sure to inspire your desire for great hair!

Salon Sovay is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Salon Sovay
2444 S. First Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 519-9937
www.salonsovay.com
www.yelp.com/biz/salon-sovay-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Allie_Caulfield

Ramen Tatsu-Ya co-owner (and half of its namesake) Tatsu Aikawa describes ramen as "the soul food of Japan." He should know, given that he's lived in Japan. He's also lived in L.A.—that's where he cultivated his culinary talents as a chef at a sushi bar—but Tatsu still considers Austin his hometown. He met Takuya Matsumoto, the other half of the Tatsu-Ya equation, when they were both working as DJs in Austin. After each DJ did some soul-searching, they ended up on the same culinary path. So when Tatsu moved back to Austin from Los Angeles, it didn't take long for he and Takuya to debut their ramen restaurant.

The duo is serious about crafting authentic, perfectly presented ramen—that's why they don't allow takeout. In the time it takes you to travel from the restaurant to your home, the noodles could get soggy and the broth could separate. No, it's best to dip your spoon into a piping-hot bowl of noodles within the walls of Ramen Tatsu-Ya. From original pork to soy-based vegan ramen, none of the soups disappoint. However, Yelp reviewers do recommend adding some heat with a Spicy Bomb mix-in (it consists of spicy red pepper paste) and some flavor with fried Brussels sprouts on top.

Ramen Tatsu-Ya
1234 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
ramen-tatsuya.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ramen-tatsu-ya-austin-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr insatiablemunch

If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by a menu and unable to make a decision about what to order, Barlata might be a great place to dine — especially for a large group.The dining experience here is tapas-style. You can order several dishes and share with the table.

Some of the standout dishes include the octopus with fingerling potatoes and adobo and the house-cured salmon with crema and red onions. One of the most inventive snacks in town might be the papas bravas at Barlata: exquisitely fried potatoes served with spicy tomatoes and aioli. The cocktails are assembled with a delicate eye for balance and flavor.

The atmosphere is also well regarded, with large communal tables helping you get to know your fellow diners. Visit Barlata's website to learn more about this Austin restaurant!

Barlata
1500 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 473-2211
www.barlataaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/barlata-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/wordridden