Grab a Bucket of Delicious Chicken at Lucy’s Fried Chicken

With two locations in Austin, on South Congress and Burnet, no one has an excuse for missing out on Lucy's Fried Chicken. Try fried gizzards and livers made using a secret buttermilk blend, fried chicken spaghetti, or a blackened catfish sandwich served on Texas toast with pimento and jalapeno jelly. Of course, you can never go wrong ordering a bucket of chicken at Lucy's and sharing it between the table. Regulars also tout Lucy's as one of their favorite spots to grab a plate of oysters, raw or smothered in buffalo sauce, garlic butter, or chili sauce, and wood-fire grilled. Attempt to save room for dessert, or consider taking a slice of their homemade pies home for later.

Lucy's has a relaxed, homey atmosphere and makes a great spot for a large, casual get together or more intimate gatherings. Lucy's is open Mondays through Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Thursdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. 

Lucy's Fried Chicken
2218 College Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 297-2423
http://lucysfriedchicken.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lucys-fried-chicken-austin-2

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

Fill Up on Tasty Tex-Mex Specialties at Guero’s Taco Bar

Housed in a seed and feed store that dates back to the 1800s, Guero's Taco Bar is a local Tex-Mex favorite. Guero's uses homemade tortillas, savory refried beans, crisp corn, and expertly-made Mexican rice to create authentic Tex-Mex food right here in Austin.

Try the Santa Fe enchiladas, filled with your choice of meat and sauces, the three tamale plate, or the ground beef tacos with carrots and potatoes. Regulars insist that one of the highlights of this restaurant is the salsa bar, where you can select from a variety of different salsas and toppings, like jalapenos and onions, to complement your main entree. Guero's accommodates those those with special diets fabulously by featuring both a gluten free and a vegan menu that boasts soy chorizo, mushrooms, potatoes, and beans.

Guero's opens early Saturday and Sunday for breakfast.

Guero's Taco Bar
1412 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
http://www.guerostacobar.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/gueros-taco-bar-austin

Make Leaf Your Go-To Spot for a Salad Lunch

If you work in downtown Austin, grab a healthy lunch from Leaf, a custom salad cafe. The salad bar is stocked with a wide variety of sustainable ingredients and dressings are made from scratch. You can choose from one of the "Big 12" signature salads, or create your own. Although service can be spotty, the staff builds your salad to order, and the results are always delicious. If the list of salad add-ins overwhelms you, try the Strawberry Fields signature salad with baby spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, bacon, red onion, sunflower seeds, and candied pecans tossed with a Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Prices are very reasonable at $10 for a portion that customers regularly describe as enormous. Become a "Loyal Leafer" and get a free salad after you buy five. Dine in the casual cafe or get your meal to-go.

Leaf
419 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-5323
http://www.leafsalad.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/leaf-austin-2

The Bonneville: Sophisticated New American Cuisine

Take a date to The Bonneville, a classy restaurant in downtown Austin offering sophisticated New American cuisine. Most dishes are gourmet updates on everyday favorites, like the popular Bacon and Egg Ravioli appetizer — tender dumplings served in a creamy brown butter sauce. Diners also recommend the Grilled Pizza as a starter. (Try the lamb pizza with a spicy eggplant puree, mint, Manchego cheese, and a drizzle of lemon yogurt sauce.) There is a handful of entrees to choose from. The Toasted Orrecchiette Pasta with house-made veal meatballs is a crowd pleaser. Don't skip dessert at The Bonneville; the Lemon Buttermilk Pudding with blackberry compote is out of this world.

A full bar features craft cocktails, like a Habanero Margarita. Stop by during the daily happy hour from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and take advantage of $3 discounts on cocktails and wine by the glass. The ambiance is ideal for a date — a mix of wood and contemporary brick make it sophisticated, yet simple; modern, yet inviting.

The Bonneville
202 W. Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 428-4643
http://www.thebonnevilleaustin.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-bonneville-austin

Quattro Gatti: Italian Cuisine Complemented by the Capitol Building

Take a date to Quattro Gatti in downtown Austin for an Italian meal in the shadow of the Capitol building. Its ambiance is intimate, yet cheerful. Bright yellow walls are offset by an antique wooden bar, and tables are topped with romantic candles. Many regulars come for the thin crust pizza. Try the Montanara, a pizza topped with prosciutto, arugula, and two cheeses.

Quattro Gatti's menu also offers formal Italian dishes, including plenty of pasta and main course items. Try the Rigatoni aella Nonna, replete with tomato sauce eggplant, mozzarella, and basil or the Lombatina di Vitello, a grilled veal chop seasoned with olive oil and rosemary. Customers find the prices reasonable for the generous portions.

Quattro Gatti
908 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 476-3131
http://www.quattrogattiaustin.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/quattro-gatti-austin

Olivia: Understated & Sophisticated

Owned by Chef James Holmes, Olivia has been named one of the “Top 10 Best New Restaurants in America” by Bon Appétit magazine.

The menu changes regularly to feature fresh and seasonal ingredients, but is known for its distinctive flavor combinations of sweet and savory.  Consider the Olivia Salad with pecans, ginger, pumpkin, and a pomegranate vinaigrette.  Perfectly braised chops are a regular feature on the menu, whether lamb, pork, or veal.  For dessert, try the duck egg creme brûlée.  Olivia features a fantastic wine list, and the friendly waitstaff is happy to make a recommendation.  Stop in for a classy brunch and try the South Austin Omelet with lamb chorizzo and salsa.  If you are feeling indulgent, try their six and ten-course tasting menus.  Stone walls and warm wood accents make the modern architecture stand out. Inside, the ambiance is romantic and sophisticated — perfect for an intimate date. 

Olivia
2043 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 804-2700
www.yelp.com/biz/olivia-austin

Over 100 Tequilas Have a Home at Iron Cactus

Head to Iron Cactus' flagship Austin location for post-work drinks and snacks. The large Tex-Mex menu ranges from fish tacos to Carne Guisada, but many come for the drinks. The selection of over 100 tequilas has been recognized as one of the top ten in the nation by Chili Pepper magazine, and the bar menu may be just as extensive as the food menu. Margaritas are made from scratch with fresh squeezed lime juice and organic agave nectar. (Try the "El Pepino" for a traditional margarita with a spicy kick.) Happy hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and features $3 drinks and $5 appetizers, like the Chile Con Queso — a customer favorite. Its three spacious floors accommodate the crowds, while keeping an open feel, and the outdoor patio offers great views of the skyline.

Iron Cactus
606 Trinity Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472-9240
http://www.ironcactus.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/iron-cactus-austin-6

Black Sheep Lodge: A Popular South Austin Bar and Grill

Twenty large-screen HD TVs, pool tables, shuffleboard, darts and free Wi-Fi are a few of the reasons to stop by South Austin's Black Sheep Lodge. A hefty beer selection, both on tap and bottled, plus cocktails and wine are also part of the appeal of this popular sports bar and eatery. When you need a nosh, settle in with some Fried Pickles with ranch dressing, Smoked Chipotle Wings, Beer-Battered Fried Cheese Curds or Chips & Salsa. If your hunger requires something more substantial, order yourself a Black Sheep Burger, a Carnitas Sandwich with slow-roasted pork & coleslaw, a Chile Cheese Dog, or a Portabella Cheesesteak Philly. Sit inside or rustle up a spot outside on their dog-friendly patio and watch the action on South Lamar. Black Sheep Lodge is open every day.

Black Sheep Lodge
2108 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 707-2744
http://www.blacksheeplodge.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/black-sheep-lodge-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

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