With an accessible menu of authentic and traditional Mexican dishes, El Mesón is a great spot to dine out without breaking the bank. The food here is as authentic as it comes, with many of the dishes springing from old family recipes. Incredible incarnations of classic Mexican dishes like moles and fajitas are lovingly prepared and sent out in very filling portions. If you're coming in hungry, make sure that you start out with some chips and the unbelievable guacamole. Of course, any regular will also tell you that El Mesón will make you one of the best breakfast tacos you've ever had. El Mesón is one of those places where any time is the right time to come. Make sure that you try the food of this incredible gem, and experience its amazing Mexican creations for yourself.

El Mesón
5808 Burleson Road
Austin, TX 78744
(512) 416-0749
http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-meson-austin

Flipnotics is a laid-back coffee shop in South Austin's Barton Springs neighborhood. This little cafe has a legion of fans that enjoy the comfy atmosphere and reasonably-priced drinks. In addition to caffeine, Flipnotics makes a mean milkshake — try the moonquake with a double shot of espresso in vanilla ice cream blended with bananas. Light snacks include pastries, pie, breakfast tacos, and empanadas. The cafe is surrounded by decks, so you can enjoy your coffee and relax in the sun. Need distraction or inspiration? There's live music every night of the week.
 

Flipnotics
1601 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 480-8646
www.flipnotics.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/flipnotics-coffeespace-cafe-austin

Don’t let the quaint cottage exterior of Uchi fool you. This contemporary Japanese dining and sushi restaurant is anything but quaint. The interior of this popular restaurant—with chef Tyson Cole at the helm—is striking, with bright red patterned wallpaper, and crisp, wooden lanterns hanging from a reflective ceiling. Enjoy the freshest of ingredients available—seafood is flown in daily from the Tsukiji market in Tokyo—while enjoying local tastes; the restaurant uses local seasonal ingredients and keeps a close relationship with local farmers. Open seven days a week beginning at 5 p.m., Uchi accepts a limited number of reservations each night.

And don't miss Uchi's newer sister restaurant, Uchiko, a warm, charming take on Japanese cuisine, set in a rustic farmhouse. This follow up eatery to Uchi also serves the freshest in Japanese cuisine, and plenty of seating capacity—Uchiko accepts both reservations and walk-ins alike.

Uchi
801 South Lamar
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 916-4808

Uchiko
4200 North Lamar
Austin, TX  78756
(512) 916-4808