Dine on Brazilian Fare From a Food Truck at Boteco in Austin

Austin is known for its numerous food trucks that make it easy to eat well on the go, but Boteco is one of the most popular in the area. This Brazilian eatery operates out of a bright yellow truck in the Seventh Street food truck park, and it even has covered wooden picnic tables that are perfect for grabbing a quick lunch outside in the sunshine.

On the menu, you'll find Brazilian sirloin steak with rice, beans, and yucca fries served out of convenient (and portable) aluminum foil takeout containers, as well as queso empanadas and cheese croquettes that are great to share with your friends. On Sundays, Boteco also offers an expansive brunch menu with offerings like picanha, fiejoada, and coxinha topped with a fried egg. Wash it all down with fresh juice or coconut water and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Brazil without leaving Austin!

Boteco
1403 E. Seventh Street
Austin, TX 78702
www.botecoatx.com

Cafe 1626: Play Games Over Pizza

At Cafe 1626, you can have fun while dining in or save some time by ordering delivery to anywhere in the South Austin area. This popular pizzeria has a friendly, casual atmosphere and a menu of affordable American fare, including sandwiches, salads, pastas and, of course, delicious pizza. There is also a game room filled with arcade games that the little ones (and the young at heart) will enjoy.

On game days, the 106-inch projector screen makes Cafe 1626 a great place to cheer on your favorite teams, while the large salad bar and pizza bar create affordable lunch options for those who work nearby. If you prefer to order out instead of dining in, Café 1626 also offers convenient delivery that’s perfect for your next movie night at home.

Cafe 1626 is open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Cafe 1626
11600 Manchaca Road
Austin, TX 78748
(512) 440-1626
www.cafe1626.com
www.yelp.com/biz/speakeasy-austin

Don’t Miss the Ainsworth at Fricano’s Deli

The Ainsworth doesn't refer to a single sandwich at Fricano's Deli, but rather a concept. It's new each day. That's thanks to the creative sandwich makers at Fricano's who improvise the Ainsworth on a daily basis. Using whatever fresh ingredients they have on-hand that day, they pile a brand new sandwich into existence—maybe one that's never been on the menu before.

So it should come as no surprise that the Ainsworth is a popular item to order when you visit Fricano's Deli, but it's far from your only option. Another customer favorite is the spicy Reuben, a twist on the classic with the addition of pepperoncini peppers, pepperjack cheese, red onion, and "Rocket sauce." No matter which sandwich you choose, you can't go wrong with any of the spreads slathered inside. They range from a garlicky pesto to an Italian olive tapenade to roasted red pepper hummus.

Fricano's Deli
2405 Nueces Street
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 482-3322
www.fricanosdeli.com
www.yelp.com/biz/fricanos-deli-austin-15

Get a Taste of Texas From a Food Truck at Brown’s Bar-B-Que

At Brown’s Bar-B-Que in South Austin, true Texan barbecue is served every day from a tiny food truck bursting with delicious aromas. Stop in for a casual lunch and order from the decadent menu of slow-smoked brisket, ribs and sausage, and don’t forget to pile on the Southern sides, like homemade macaroni and cheese and cabbage and onions. Just about any of the meats can be made into a sandwich if you’re looking for a hands-free meal, and if you’re looking for a great deal on a lot of food, the three meat platter comes with two sides for one low price.

Once you place your order, grab a seat at one of Brown’s Bar-B-Que’s wooden picnic tables in the covered patio area and dig in to some real Texan cuisine.

Brown’s Bar-B-Que is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Brown’s Bar-B-Que
1901 S Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 517-8520
www.yelp.com/biz/browns-bar-b-que-austin

No Austin Restaurant Tour is Complete Without a Visit to Uchi

Austin has long since become a foodie’s playground, and despite the city's laundry list of so-called "must-try" restaurants, few have quite as much buzz as Uchi. This popular sushi spot is upscale without being pretentious, which makes it the perfect place to go for a first date, a family dinner, a business meeting, and everything in between.

The breezy outdoor patio makes the perfect place to relax while waiting for a table inside the warm, minimal dining room, which is always a great place to see and be seen in Austin. Once you find your table, you’ll face the difficult task of choosing from the delicious selection of baby octopus pops, salmon toro, seared Wagyu beef and foie gras sushi rolls, among many other creative dishes.

There is also a well-regarded selection of wine, beer, and sake. Regulars recommend arriving a bit before the restaurant opens to avoid a long wait.

Uchi
801 S Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 916-4808
www.uchiaustin.com

Baguette et Chocolat Is a Cafe With a Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi

If you think that you have to jet off to the City of Light in order to find an authentic taste of Paris, you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you visit Austin’s Baguette et Chocolate. This traditional French patisserie and boulangerie creates some of the most popular pastries and baked goods from French cuisine entirely from scratch, and it even has the same cozy, intimate feeling as a cafe found on the cobblestone streets of Paris.

Sample colorful macarons and gourmet éclairs au chocolat with a steaming cup of espresso, or pop in for a casual lunch of fresh croque madame sandwiches and pressed paninis around midday. If you’re planning a special occasion, Baguette et Chocolate is also one of the best places in the area to find custom cakes with your choice of decorations.

If you’re looking for an elegant and uniquely cultural lunch option in the Austin area, you’ll find it at this Parisian bakery.

Baguette et Chocolat
12101 Bee Cave Road
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-8388
www.baguetteetchocolat.com
www.yelp.com/biz/austin-nature-and-science-center-austin-2

Dig Into Vegan Fare Fit for a Meat-Eater at Arlo’s

"Everything in this trailer is vegan, but even if you're a meat-eater you'll be happy here," says one Yelp reviewer of Arlo's. The self-described "curb-side kitchen" shirks all processed ingredients in favor of local, non-GMO, organic grub from Texan farmers. And despite the fact that there's not an animal product anywhere to be found in the kitchen, its vegan fare still appeals to all types of eaters thanks to chefs' creative impulses.

Regulars highly recommend the bac'n cheeze burger, which actually features a patty made from soy in-house, topped with seitan bac'n, vegan cheeze, ketchup, mustard, mayo, and the classic tomato, onions, pickles, and lettuce. You can also grab a barbecue burger or chick'n sandwich. Tacos show up on the menu, too, stuffed with either soy or seitan and grilled pico de gallo, chipotle sauce, and lettuce.

Arlo's is parked along Red River Street with an umbrella-shaded, fenced-in outdoor space for eating, so feel free to grab food and stay for a while at the food trailer.

Arlo's
900 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 840-1600
www.arlostruck.com
www.yelp.com/biz/arlos-austin

Chow Down on Farm-to-Table Fare at Café Josie

Cafe Josie is a standout restaurant in Austin’s culinary scene, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing business meeting or an intimate dinner with friends. White tablecloths cover the antique wooden tables throughout the dining room, while the bar is comfortable and the outdoor patio area is decorated with string lights perfect for a dinner al fresco.

Cafe Josie's menu includes farm-to-table dishes made with ingredients sourced from the Austin area, including small plates, entrées, and desserts for both lunch and dinner. Try a Wagyu burger and fresh green salad, or if you’re feeling especially hungry, opt for the Tagliatelle Primavera or goat ribs with tamarind mole. Desserts include both homemade crème brulee and a Mexican Coke float, and the beer and wine list equally impressive.

Cafe Josie
1200B W. Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 322-9226
www.cafejosie.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-josie-austin-3

Tony’s South Austin Pizza: A Nice Time for a Slice

The next time you’re craving pizza, Tony’s South Austin Pizza is there to meet your cravings both day and night. This tried-and-true pizzeria offers a wide selection of creative pies with names like the Mediterranean, the West Coast, and the Backyard BBQ, as well as all of your favorite appetizers to go along with them. Pair the pie of your choosing with an order of garlic bread, housemade wings, or a fresh garden salad, and don’t forget to try an order of pizza rolls with your choice of unique fillings. If you’re not in the mood for pizza, Tony's South Austin Pizza also offers a great selection of subs and pastas that are just as tasty and filling.

The restaurant has a casual, friendly atmosphere with ample seating inside, but if you’re in a rush, they’ll also have your order ready for pickup or deliver to just about anywhere in the South Austin area.

Tony's South Austin Pizza
2203 FM 1626
Manchaca, TX 78652
(512) 280-2800
www.tonyspizzaaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tonys-south-austin-pizza-manchaca-2

La Condensa: Flavorful Food in Downtown Austin

La Condensa features a flavorful selection of fare served in a vibrant, upscale Austin setting. Go there to get your fiesta started with a tropical themed libation like a Watermelon Elderflower Martini or a Mango Passionflower Margarita. Add on a tasty starter like Guacamole & Chips, Hamache Ceviche with yellowtail & habanero truffle oil, or Vida de Cameron with poached shrimp.

La Condesa's wood-fire grilled entrees include Carne Asada – New York Strip with braised fennel, Costillas de Puerco – spicy guava-glazed pork ribs, and Robalo – whole branzino with garlic oil. Tacos, tostadas, and huaraches – crisp corn tortillas with a variety of toppings, are also available. Stop by on weekends to dine on yummy brunch items like Huevos y Carne Asada – eggs with grilled hanger steak, and Huevos Rancheros – fried eggs with black beans & salsa.

Located just a short trip from Marquis at Barton Trails in downtown Austin, La Condesa is open every day.

La Condesa
400 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 499-0300
www.lacondesa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/la-condesa-austin

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