Porter Ale House and Gastropub: Contemporary Food and Drink for the Everyman

Porter Ale House co-owners Neil, Joe, and Trevor share many common interests, namely good food, good drink, and good music. In fact, Johnny Cash's ditty Hey Porter inspired the name for their Austin eatery. The moniker's meaning is two-fold, though, because it also obviously refers to porter ale—historically the drink of choice for the English working class. The trio attempts to create a comfortable atmosphere that caters to the everyman, the type of folks who would drink porter, at their gastropub. If its widespread popularity is any indication, they've succeeded.

Of course, customers don't come just for the atmosphere. The food and drink also play a major role in Porter Ale House's constant crowds. The beer cheese fondue, in particular, earns raves. It comes with apples and caraway pretzels for dipping. You can also start your meal with oxtail croquettes or a kale salad with beer-battered anchovies on top. When it comes to the main course, try the bangers and mash, curry-fried chicken thighs, or porter burger topped with triple cream brie. Don't forget to sample one of the many beers and cocktails on the drink list.

Porter Ale House and Gastropub
3715 S. 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 291-6299
porteraustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/porter-ale-house-and-gastropub-austin

Enjoy Freshly Made Pastries and Pretzels at Easy Tiger

The sweet aroma of freshly baked breads engulfs you when you pass through the doors of Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden in downtown Austin. The comforting, warm ambiance invites you to relax and stay while you enjoy the made-from-scratch menu.

The extensive coffee and tea list includes espresso, chai lattes, hot teas, and a variety of water, soda, and juice choices. Don't miss one of Easy Tiger's melt-in-your-mouth pastries, danish, cookies, and croissants. Snacks and sandwiches include beef jerky and pretzels, as well as house-smoked pastrami, turkey breast, and muffulettas. The restaurant also offers a variety of charcuterie boards and house-made sausages.

Easy Tiger has a full bar and the cocktail, beer, and reserves menu is extensive.

Easy Tiger
709 E. Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 614-4972
www.easytigeraustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/easy-tiger-austin

Enjoy Freshly Made Pastries and Pretzels at Easy Tiger

The sweet aroma of freshly baked breads engulfs you when you pass through the doors of Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden in downtown Austin. The comforting, warm ambiance invites you to relax and stay while you enjoy the made-from-scratch menu.

The extensive coffee and tea list includes espresso, chai lattes, hot teas, and a variety of water, soda, and juice choices. Don't miss one of Easy Tiger's melt-in-your-mouth pastries, danish, cookies, and croissants. Snacks and sandwiches include beef jerky and pretzels, as well as house-smoked pastrami, turkey breast, and muffulettas. The restaurant also offers a variety of charcuterie boards and house-made sausages.

Easy Tiger has a full bar and the cocktail, beer, and reserves menu is extensive.

Easy Tiger
709 E. Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 614-4972
www.easytigeraustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/easy-tiger-austin

Get an Education in Thai Sauces at Sway

Sway's Jungle curry is fittingly named, given that it exudes the heat of the jungle. That's thanks to its red chili and peppercorn, which spice up the Texas wagyu beef, eggplant, baby corn, and coconut cream base. This careful balance of spicy tones with other complex flavors results in a dish that has won rave reviews from more than 100 Yelpers. This should come as no surprise to anyone who's ever dined at Sway. The eatery is notorious for recreating classic Thai dishes in a way that delights taste buds.

The Son in Law entree also earns high marks from regulars, and not just for its creative name. This braised pork dish comes with a crispy, farm-fresh egg and soy smothered in a classic Thai sauce known as nahm prik pla. If you prefer beef to pork, try the equally popular Tiger Cry dish instead. It showcases chargrilled hanger steak seasoned with Thai basil, red chili nahm jim, fresno chile, and served with toasted rice and spicy nahm prik pao jam.

Sway
1417 S. 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 326-1999
swayaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sway-austin

Ramen Tatsu-Ya: Japanese Soul Food

Ramen Tatsu-Ya co-owner (and half of its namesake) Tatsu Aikawa describes ramen as "the soul food of Japan." He should know, given that he's lived in Japan. He's also lived in L.A.—that's where he cultivated his culinary talents as a chef at a sushi bar—but Tatsu still considers Austin his hometown. He met Takuya Matsumoto, the other half of the Tatsu-Ya equation, when they were both working as DJs in Austin. After each DJ did some soul-searching, they ended up on the same culinary path. So when Tatsu moved back to Austin from Los Angeles, it didn't take long for he and Takuya to debut their ramen restaurant.

The duo is serious about crafting authentic, perfectly presented ramen—that's why they don't allow takeout. In the time it takes you to travel from the restaurant to your home, the noodles could get soggy and the broth could separate. No, it's best to dip your spoon into a piping-hot bowl of noodles within the walls of Ramen Tatsu-Ya. From original pork to soy-based vegan ramen, none of the soups disappoint. However, Yelp reviewers do recommend adding some heat with a Spicy Bomb mix-in (it consists of spicy red pepper paste) and some flavor with fried Brussels sprouts on top.

Ramen Tatsu-Ya
1234 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
ramen-tatsuya.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ramen-tatsu-ya-austin-2

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 Marquis at Barton Trails, Javelina is open every day.

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

Chez Nous: An Austin French Restaurant

Chez Nous’s romantic, candle-lit ambiance and authentic French dishes like foie gras, escargots, and house-made pâté can whisk diners away on a culinary journey.

Visit and you can try the sautéed veal sweetbreads with button mushrooms, or check out the pepper crusted beef tenderloin with a brandy and demi-glaze reduction. All entrees are served with warm French bread, pommesdauphines (crispy potato puffs), and fresh vegetables. At $29.50, many customers praise the affordability and variety of Chez Nous’s three-course prix-fixe dinner menu.

Chez Nous’s downtown location and quiet and intimate atmosphere make it a great go-to spot for business-colleague lunches or catch-up night with friends, or date-night with that special someone. Chez Nous provides hungry patrons with lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday, serves dinner Saturday and Sunday, and is closed Mondays.

Chez Nous
510 Neches Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 473-2413
www.cheznousaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/chez-nous-austin

Chez Nous: French Cuisine in the Heart of Austin

Thirty years after three Parisians decided that Austin needed an authentic French eatery, Chez Nous is still serving delectable fare. This casual French bistro features a flavorful array of dishes, with expert service and a cozy, romantic ambiance.

Start your meal with a flavorful appetizer like Escargot de Bourgogne – sauteed snails with button mushrooms, Chevre Chaud Sur Canape– baked goat cheese on baguette, or Assiette de fromages – assorted cheeses with fresh fruit. The Salade Lyonnaise is a delectable choice, with lettuce, grape tomatoes, poached local farm egg and Dijon vinaigrette. Entree options include Entrecote bearnaise – grilled Ribeye with bearnaise sauce, Bar Cari – grilled striped bass with curry coconut milk sauce, and Cotes d’agneau Manon – grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops.

Chez Nous is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Chez Nous
510 Neches Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 473-2413
www.cheznousaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/chez-nous-austin

Franklin Barbecue: Possibly Austin’s Most Buzzed-About Barbecue

If you’re searching for great barbecue in the South Austin area, simply drop what you’re doing and head to Franklin Barbecue. This old-fashioned barbecue joint uses family cooking traditions passed down from generation to generation, but its brick and mortar location is the ideal blend of Austin’s signature eclectic decor and a sleek, modern flair.

The menu is very small, but each dish is so expertly prepared that you won’t even think of anything else. Plates and sandwiches made with chopped beef, pulled pork, sausage, and other smoked meats are served with your choice of pinto beans, slaw, or potato salad, and Franklin Barbecue has sold out of its famous pulled pork every day since its opening in 2009.

Hailed as one of the top barbecue restaurants in the country by Bon Appetit, the New York Times, Southern Living, and many other esteemed publications, Franklin Barbecue is an absolute must-try Austin restaurant.

Franklin Barbecue
900 E. 11th Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 653-1187
www.franklinbarbecue.com
www.yelp.com/biz/franklin-barbecue-austin

The Jalopy Rotisserie & Press: Globally Inspired Flatbread Sandwiches

The Jalopy Rotisserie & Press is a favorite among Austin locals, and once you get a meal from this colorful little food truck, you'll likely understand why. The menu promises a global culinary tour, offering a broad range of tasty sandwiches, each wrapped in a piece of fresh, house-made flatbread.

Try the Italian inspired caprese sandwich stuffed with mozzarella, tomato, and pesto, or bite into a spicy Thai style sandwich heaped with pickled onions, tangy Asian slaw, and peanut sauce. There’s a substantial vegetarian menu, too, featuring sandwiches like “the butler,” which is filled with rich, buttery brie, and topped with picked apples, honey, and slivered almonds. The Jalopy Rotisserie & Press is happy to convert any of the sandwiches into gluten-free salad bowls and will even transform your order into a set of tacos, if you like.

However you order, add a side of colorful veggie chips or creamy hummus to enjoy a full, hearty meal.

The Jalopy Rotisserie & Press
1502 San Antonio Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 814-8557
www.jalopyaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-jalopy-rotisserie-and-press-austin-2

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