Although Austin’s food truck scene is impressively large and fairly competitive, The Jalopy holds its own against the numerous taco vendors and barbecue trucks with its unique blend of globally influenced sandwiches and healthy sides. You may have never tried a Pad Thai sandwich or a vegan bacon wrap before, but the Jalopy’s flavorful ingredients and delicious combinations might just make you a fan. There are options for gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian diners, as well as meat-heavy choices for those with heartier appetites.

Just about everything is available in sandwich, wrap or bowl form, and healthy sides like veggie chips and hummus plates are available with your meal. The restaurant is located inside of a colorful, artistically painted semi truck on a popular street corner right in downtown Austin, so it's easy to get there from Lamar Union. Visit The Jalopy's website to find out more!

The Jalopy
1502 San Antonio Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 814-8557
www.jalopyaustin.com

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/stu_spivack

Cipollina restaurant is the type of neighborhood gem that regulars adore, and Austin diners may be quick to recommend this authentic Italian bistro to anyone who asks. Cipollina’s owners are the same talented restaurateurs who run the popular Jeffrey’s and Shoreline Grill, and although Cipollina is distinctive, it offers the very same high quality fare and casually elegant atmosphere as these other beloved eateries.

Located just a short trip from Lamar Union, the restaurant features a charming brick front with small café tables lining the sidewalk, while the inside is dimly lit, airy and incredibly cozy. For lunch, Cipollina serves hearty Italian sandwiches, antipasto and wood fired pizzas straight from the oven, while dinner entrees include a number of pastas homemade on site. Fresh mussels and artisan cheese plates make the perfect beginnings to any meal, and no visit is complete without sampling the bevy of premium wines and beautiful desserts.

Cipollina
1213 West Lynn
Austin, TX, 78703
(512) 477-5211
www.cipollina-austin.com

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Mathew Packer

This beloved Austin cafe chain serves a full food menu in addition to its high quality coffee, which makes it a popular hot spot at any time of the day. Austin Java's Barton Springs location near Lamar Union is housed in an eclectic building with a spacious outdoor patio ideal for warm Texas afternoons, a light-filled interior with pastry cases overflowing with delicious baked goods, and comfortable tables throughout the space.

Skilled baristas create handcrafted espresso drinks and plain drip brews for coffee purists, and they even double as bartenders if you choose to order an icy margarita instead. Breakfast is served all day long and includes things like healthy granola and steak and eggs omelets, while for lunch, the menu switches to tacos, burgers and salads. For a casual meal with a hip ambiance, Austin Java is a popular local spot.

Austin Java
1608 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 482-9450
www.austinjava.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/slightlyeverything