Stop Into Jason’s Deli for a Fast and Healthy Lunch in Austin

A chain restaurant with a presence in more than half of the nation's states, Jason's Deli proudly proclaims that it was the first eatery of its kind to ban artificial trans fats and high fructose corn syrup from its menu. So when you sink a fork, spoon, or tooth into Jason's Deli's organic salads, piping-hot soups, and loaded sandwiches, you can feel reasonably certain that your meal is in line with your healthy lifestyle.

The fast-casual restaurant's vibe is similarly wholesome; the chain appeals to families with its relaxed atmosphere and robust kids' menu. Little ones 12 and under can choose from well-balanced meals that include antibiotic-free chicken nuggets, grilled cheese on multigrain bread, and bowtie pasta with meatballs. A side of organic carrot sticks or apple slices helps ensure Junior gets his fair share of fruits and veggies.

Note that Jason's Deli also serves a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Jason's Deli
3300 Bee Cave Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 328-0200
www.jasonsdeli.com/restaurants/tx/austin/plaza-de-las-lomas-deli

Tasty Mexican Cuisine in Austin at El Alma

This upscale Mexican restaurant is named after chef Alma Alcocer, who was born in Mexico City and attended the legendary Le Cordon Bleu academy in Paris for culinary training. After her studies, she moved to Austin where she paired with restaurant magnate Carlos Rivero to open El Alma in 2012. The restaurant’s location is unique and charming; it’s built into a limestone hillside with a delightful outdoor patio.

Of course, the food is the biggest reason to take a trip here. Some of the menu’s most-loved dishes include the duck emmoladas—mole-covered enchiladas stuffed with healthy portions of tender, flavorful duck—as well as the shrimp chelada, a dish of seafood cooked in citrus, ceviche-style, and topped with beer.

Visit El Alma's website to learn more about this Austin restaurant!

El Alma
1025 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 609-8923
www.elalmacafe.com
www.yelp.com/biz/el-alma-austin-2

Mimi’s Café: French-Inspired Bites at Hill Country Galleria

“What makes a perfect bite?”

Mimi’s answer is a bit sweet, a bit savory — a surprising combination of tastes and textures. No one does this better than the French, of course, so Mimi’s brings you a variety of French-inspired soups, sandwiches, and snacks. From goat cheese to orange zest, ingredients are sourced from France where possible, sauces are made in small batches, and chefs are trained in traditional techniques.

Locals like much of the retooled menu, singling out the croissants, pies, and desserts for special praise. Service is decent, and while there’s something for everyone here, diners point out that dishes are variably successful depending on your taste. There’s a full bar and reservations are recommended for nights and weekends.

Check Mimi’s site for menu details and location information.

Mimi’s Café
12316 Galleria Circle
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-9731
www.mimiscafe.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mimis-cafe-bee-cave

Odd Duck: Rustic-Contemporary Farm-to-Table Dining in Austin

Borne out of humble beginnings as a food truck hunting down the best farm-sourced ingredients, Odd Duck brings farm-to-table cuisine to Austin. In a modern-rustic setting, this 110-seat eatery serves dishes that rely on seasonal ingredients.

Menus vary by the season, but past highlights have included the steaming hot onion bread with housemade butter; the ham and cheese pretzel; Cajun grilled shrimp over okra stew; and a soft cooked duck egg with fried rice and gourmet mushrooms. Next, order the succulent lamb ribs in a soy glaze, or go for the foie gras mousse with a cured duck breast and figs. Save room for the fig trifle, lime panna cotta, or a coconut latte popsicle for dessert. Draft beer, signature cocktails, and wine are also served.

The restaurant serves dinner daily, while lunch is served weekdays. Swing by for happy hour 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, and don't miss brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sundays.

Odd Duck
201 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 433-6521
www.oddduckaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/odd-duck-austin-2

Hopdoddy Burger Bar: Enjoy Burgers in Austin

Just like peanut butter and jelly, burgers and craft beers are simply meant to be together. Austin’s Hopdoddy Burger Bar combines these two tasty indulgences, and it does so in a stylish location to boot. The South Congress location is often very crowded, which creates a fun, lively atmosphere that bolsters the restaurant’s overall funky vibe. The inside features modern decor with bold neon green chairs at the number of tables scattered throughout, as well as a spacious outdoor patio perfect for cooler evenings.

Unique burgers made entirely of antibiotic-free beef and housemade buns promise a fresh burger experience. Creative options like the tzatziki-smothered Greek or the Southwestern Terlingua feature Hopdoddy’s numerous toppings, and each one comes with Kennebec fries or chili con queso for even more delicious flavor. Finish your meal with a craft beer or one of Hopdoddy’s thick milkshakes—or splurge for both—and you’ll leave feeling full and satisfied.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar
1400 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 243-7505
www.hopdoddy.com
www.yelp.com/biz/hopdoddy-burger-bar-austin

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill: Modern American Food and Drink

The Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill was revamped in time to open its doors in 2003. This Austin establishment offers modern American food and libations in a laid back atmosphere.

The bar serves classic cocktails, including house-made moonshine and hard lemonade as part of the extensive full bar menu. Start your meal with the corndog shrimp, the creamy and hot bacon dip, or a steaming bowl of spicy chicken tortilla soup. Overstuffed sandwiches and salads are loaded with only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. The platters are known to be hearty and feature Southern favorites such as chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, large, classic cowboy flat-iron steaks and baby back ribs smothered in the restaurant's secret barbecue sauce.

If you’re interested in letting Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill host your next event, check out the banquet facilities that are available for private parties.

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
303 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 236-9599
www.moonshinegrill.com
www.yelp.com/biz/moonshine-patio-bar-and-grill-austin

Javelina: Craft Beer and Fine Cuisine in Austin, Texas

Founded by four college pals, Javelina features what the owners call ‘Hill Country Soul.' It’s your go-to spot to kick back with a craft beer and a bite to eat while listening to some great music from Austin’s array of musicians.

Settle in with a craft beer or one of their signature cocktails like the Sandiamo with vodka, watermelon juice, fresh lemon and agave syrup. If you need a nosh, order something from the starter menu, like the all-time favorite Green Chile Pork Fries with your choice of plain or sweet potatoes topped with a heaping mound of pork-infused green chile. The yummy burger selection includes the Javelina topped with green chile pork, mustard & jack cheese, and the Miga with fried egg, tortilla strips & American cheese. Entree salads are also served.

Just a short trip from Lantana Hills, Javelina is open every day.

Javelina
69 Rainey Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 382-6917
www.javelinabar.com
www.yelp.com/biz/javelina-austin

Pieous: Try Out These Unlikely Pizza Pairings

Though Austin is known more for its barbecue than its pizza, Pieous may just change your mind about how the Lonestar State makes its pies. This quirky pizzeria is housed within a cozy, red building in the western part of the city, and it features a clean, modern interior with chalkboards covering many of the walls.

The pizza itself has a thin, crispy crust with a tender, soft interior, and the creative combinations of toppings include things that you just have to try to believe. Brussels sprouts and marmalade may not seem like the most likely pizza toppings, but hey, don’t knock it ‘til you try it! In addition to pizza, Pieous offers hearty pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, fresh salads, and chocolate chip cookies the size of the plate they come on. Throw in a great selection of wine and beer, and Pieous quickly becomes a go-to restaurant on any Austin foodie’s list.

Pieous
12005 Highway 290 West
Austin, TX 78737
(512) 394-7041
www.facebook.com/Pieous
www.yelp.com/biz/pieous-austin

Barley Swine: Go On a Tour of the Senses at This Adventurous Eatery

Austin’s food scene is very big on locally sourced ingredients, and Barley Swine is equally dedicated to the cause. This popular South Austin gastropub is both complex and sophisticated, and it appeals to a very adventurous, open-minded palate. With that said, many view this as one of the finest restaurants in Austin.

Your meal comes in the form of 14 courses, each with a small plate of a completely different flavor, and most diners opt for the wine or beer pairings, as well. Innovative cooking techniques and adventurous plating result in dishes like antelope leg with shishito pepper or poached salmon with blackberries, though you never quite know what the chefs will come up with next. With a sleek, modern exterior and a dining room accented with warm wood and comfortable seating, Barley Swine is truly an experience for all of the senses.

Barley Swine is open 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.

Barley Swine
2024 South Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 394-8150
www.barleyswine.com
www.yelp.com/biz/barley-swine-austin

Enjoy Fish Tacos at Cabo Bobs Burritos

What brings people back to Cabo Bob’s Burritos time and time again is simple: some of the best fish tacos anywhere in the city. Upon your first visit, you might be a little intimidated by the line from the counter, which can stretch all the way to the door on busy days. But have patience and you will be rewarded!

These tacos are made with perfectly fried fish slathered in chipotle crema and served with a mango pico de gallo salsa that’s sweet and spicy. When you’re ready to move on and try the rest of the menu, some other dishes that win raves from regulars include the great brisket burritos, which fold slow-cooked beef in an ancho chile tortilla with cheese, rice, beans and the house special "66 red" sauce.

Cabo Bobs Burritos
500 E. Ben White Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 432-1111
www.cabobobs.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cabo-bobs-burritos-austin

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