Expect Local Fare and Craft Beers at Snack Bar

Right off South Congress is Snack Bar, an intimate eatery serving up some delicious organic, local fare. Self-described as "indie", Snack Bar proudly boasts an authentic Austin vibe, from the local food to the Texas craft beers.

Here, meats and eggs are hormone free, humanely treated, and raised on pastures. The menu is healthy and offers plenty of vegan and gluten free options. Try the fried eggs with leek, cabbage, shrimp, and bacon, or go for the bagel topped with salmon, cream cheese, and dill. Other entrees include the avocado quinoa with pineapples and banana peppers, braised lamb with couscous and dates, and the goat tostadas with avocado and pico de gallo.

Wash everything down with local craft beers from Lone Star and Fireman's #4 to Wytchmaker and Scratchin' Hippo. Regulars love the relaxing atmosphere, outdoor fire, and the dog-friendly policy at Snack Bar.

Snack Bar
1224 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 445-2626
http://snackbaraustin.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/snack-bar-austin

Gourdough’s: Delightful Donuts

Ready to fall in love with a big, freshly baked donut heaped with creatively decadent toppings? Head to Gourdough’s, where the motto is, ‘Big. Fat. Donuts.’ Fans flock to the shiny silver aluminum trailer in South Austin to indulge. Maybe that’s because these donuts are handmade, fried fresh to order and served hot. Combine that with creative toppings and fillings, not to mention the fun, funky names, and you’ve got a winning combination. 23 flavors include Cherry Bombs – donut holes topped with glazed cherries, cinnamon sugar & sprinkled with cake mix, Flying Pig – donut topped with bacon & maple syrup icing, Baby Rattler – topped with crumbled fudge Oreos, fudge icing and a gummy rattlesnake, and much much more!

Gourdough's
1503 S. 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 707-1050
http://www.gourdoughs.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/gourdoughs-austin

Flip Happy Crepes: A South Austin Creperie

Craving some tasty crepes? Austin's Flip Happy Crepes is a sweet little food truck serving up a yummy mix of flavorful French pancakes filled with sweet and savory ingredients. Savory options include Roasted Chicken with caramelized onion, garlic aioli & goat cheese, Roasted Veggie with feta/buttermilk sauce, Ham and Gruyere with green onions, Shredded Pork with cheddar cheese, pickles & Tabasco sauce, and Smoked Salmon with herbed cream cheese, spinach & tomato. Make your sweet tooth happy with Vanilla Pastry Cream with fresh berries & berry sauce, Cinnamon Sugar with toasted coconut, crushed almonds & cream cheese frosting, and Lemon Curd with blueberry dressing. Flip Happy Crepes is open Wednesdays through Saturdays — check its website for full hours and more information!

Flip Happy Crepes
400 Josephine Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 552-9034
http://fliphappycrepes.blogspot.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/flip-happy-crepes-austin

Lick Ice Creams: Frozen Treats in South Austin

Seeking a sweet, frozen treat in South Austin? One top pick might be Lick Ice Creams. Go there to sample of few of their innovative flavors, before you choose a couple that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Their flavors are based on what’s fresh and local and all of their milk and cream is sourced from nearby dairies. They love to mix tastes in unique ways, combining fruits, herbs and even vegetables in the mix. In summertime you’ll find flavors like Blackberry, Lime & Basil, Mexican Marigold & Blueberry Swirl, Strawberry Basil, Lemon Lavender, and Honeyed Peaches with Rosemary. Year-round flavors include Fresh Mint & Chocolate, Hill Country Honey & Vanilla Bean, Caramel Salt Lick, Goat Cheese, Thyme & Honey and Roasted Beets & Fresh Mint. Open every day.

Lick Ice Creams
2032 S. Lamar
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 363-5622
http://www.ilikelick.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lick-ice-creams-austin

Chill Out at Austin’s Shady Grove

Nestled in a grove of pecan trees, Shady Grove has offered American comfort food favorites since 1992. Regulars love their beefy chili — anything on the menu that features this signature creation is a guaranteed hit. The chili cheese fries, Frito pie and chicken fried steak topped with green chili sauce are also perennial favorites. If you want lighter fare, there are several salads as well as the popular vegetarian “hippie” sandwich which layers grilled veggies, mozzarella, and pesto onto homemade bread. Old-fashioned stone work complete with a fireplace makes Shady Grove a great place to stay a while and savor your food. Their outdoor patio is spacious and every Thursday they host “Unplugged at the Grove” which features Austin’s musical talent.  Don't miss the mixed drinks, either …

Shady Grove
1624 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 474-9991
www.yelp.com/biz/shady-grove-austin

Giovanni’s Pizza Stand: Al Fresco Pies in South Austin

What’s not to love about a down-home little outdoor pizza stand located smack-dab next to a gas station? South Austin's Giovanni’s has earned a host of fans who adore the thin-crust, sizzling pies turned out of this friendly little eatery. There are a few tables for sitting, but most pies go home with their new owners. Yummy toppings include portabella mushrooms, gorgonzola cheese, chipotle pesto, roasted eggplant, steak, kalamata olives and shrimp. Stop by at lunchtime for their bargain special and get a slice of pizza with two toppings, and soup or salad for $5.49. Pasta is also on the menu and their daily soup is reportedly super-tasty. Cruise by in the a.m. for some hearty breakfast tacos and fajitas. Giovanni's Pizza Stand is open Mondays through Saturdays.

Giovanni's Pizza Stand
2900B S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 442-7033
http://www.giovannispizzastand.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/giovannis-pizza-stand-austin-2

Fair Bean Coffee: An Austin Spot for Great Coffee

‘Drink Coffee Responsibly’ is the motto at Austin's Fair Bean Coffee, where life is about more than just a great cuppa joe. They buy all of their beans from Fair Trade organizations that ensure coffee farmers and workers get a fair price for their product and labor. But you really don’t have to know all that to enjoy a trip to this friendly little java spot and coffee roastery. Just order yourself one of their yummy coffees or an espresso drink and find yourself a comfy spot at a table or on a couch and settle in to relax. Large windows make for a sunny, open ambiance and free Wi-Fi means you can bring your laptop and surf the net or catch up on your email. Food is also on the menu, with some yummy light fare to complement your drink. Fair Bean Coffee is open every day.

Fair Bean Coffee
2210 S. 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
http://www.fairbeancoffee.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fair-bean-coffee-austin

Green Pastures: Elegant Austin Dining

Located on a lush Victorian-era estate with expansive lawns, strolling peacocks and spreading live oak trees, Green Pastures is known as ‘The Grande Dame of Austin restaurants.’ Go there for a splurge-worthy dining experience in an elegant, historic setting. Sunday brunch is a favorite time to stop in for their famous Milk Punch spiked with bourbon, rum and brandy. The prix fixe brunch menu features a groaning board of dishes like Creole Spiced Beef, Green Lipped Mussels, Moroccan Chicken, Chilled Shrimp and Prime Rib. Lunch and dinner offerings include some yummy entrée salads, sandwiches and main dishes like Spiced Spring Rack of Lamb, Texas Redfish with Crawfish, Seared Duck Breast, Espresso Cocoa Ribeye, and Grilled Tofu with Spinach. Open Monday through Sunday.

Green Pastures
811 West Live Oak Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 444-4747
http://www.yelp.com/biz/green-pastures-restaurant-austin

Le Barbecue: A South Austin Barbecue Destination

Described by one fan as "The Mount Olympus of Barbecue" Le Barbecue is South Austin destination for delightful BBQ!

Super-friendly staff, great outdoor seating, live music on weekends and some of the juiciest, most succulent barbeque around, is why people wait in line to chow down here. Brisket, Beef Ribs, Pork Ribs, Pulled Pork, Turkey and House-Made Sausage are what’s cooking, ordered by the pound, as a plate or on a sandwich. A favorite sandwich is the El Sancho with a big pile of pulled pork or chopped brisket, sausage and red onion slaw. Order it ‘loco style’ with all three meats. Yummy sides include Potato Salad, Chipotle Slaw and Pinto Beans.

Le Barbecue is open Wednesdays through Sundays for lunch and dinner.

Le Barbecue
1502 S. 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 605-9696
http://labarbecue.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-barbecue-austin

Vespaio: Incredible Italian Cuisine

Vespaio is an Italian restaurant with exceptional food in a laid-back environment. The simple decor of brick and dark wood is a warm invitation, and the open kitchen is a fun and welcoming sight to incoming visitors. The menu contains authentic Italian food of the highest quality. Delicious antipasti like calimari and beef carpaccio lead into delicious salads and wood-fired pizzas. There are also mouth-watering specialties like prosciutto-wrapped jumbo prawns and veal scaloppine, as well as a wide array of pasta options. There's even gluten-free pasta here! The wine list receives regular updates and is among the best in the city for Italian wines, and the bartenders make a great cocktail, as well. Vespaio is a great choice for high quality food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Vespaio
1610 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 441-6100
http://www.yelp.com/biz/vespaio-austin

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