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

Maudie’s: Tex-Mex Fare in Bee Cave

Maudie’s in Bee Cave has figured out the perfect symphony of Tex-Mex cuisine and even provides a gluten-free menu for people with special dietary needs. From the moment you walk in your senses will be intrigued with the unusual angles and beautifully woven yucca ceiling. Having been open for over 20 years, Maudie’s food may just keep regulars coming back for the next 20.

On the weekends, make sure to check out their breakfast tacos stuffed with fluffy eggs and just about any other ingredient you could imagine. One favorite dish seems to be the Al Pastor tacos which are full of achiote and citrus marinated pork on corn tortillas, pico de pina, cilantro, and onions.

Want to learn more about this Bee Cave restaurant? Visit Maudie's website!

Maudie's
12506 Shops Parkway
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-1116
www.yelp.com/biz/maudies-bee-cave

Plate by Dzintra: Serious Servings

When you first walk into Plate by Dzintra you might be surprised at the small space this exceptional restaurant occupies. Owner & 2010 Food Network Star Finalist, Chef Dzintra Dzenis prefers it this way, so each customer can feel and see the entire experience, from being seated to the last bite of dessert. The menu is ever evolving to keep your tastes satisfied and reflect the unique produce of each season. There are staples from the menu that are sure to keep you coming back. People are raving about the savory sweet pear and fig pizza topped with melted French brie and, of course, the sushi and sashimi. Many Bee Cave locals put it among the best sushi they’ve ever eaten. This hidden gem offers so much more then lunch and dinner: from personal chef services, dinner clubs, to cooking classes. So keep an eye out for their new events and stop in for a dinner you will remember for a long time.

Plate by Dzintra
12717 Shops Pkwy Ste 100
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 358-4776
www.yelp.com/biz/plate-by-dzintra-bee-cave

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