You are here: Home / Archives for Austin Dining

Explore the Flavors of Mexican Cuisine at El Alma

July 22, 2014 by

Obviously there is no shortage of Mexican food in Austin, but locals will unanimously say that one of the can’t-miss eateries here is 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 an awesome 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 incredible duck emmoladas—mole-covered enchiladas stuffed with healthy portions of some of the most tender, flavorful duck you’ll ever eat—as well as the shrimp chelada, a dish of seafood cooked in citrus, ceviche-style, and topped with beer.

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

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Pass Around Shared Plates With Your Pals at Barlata

July 15, 2014 by

If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by a menu and unable to make a decision about what to order, Barlata might be a great place to dine — especially for a large group. Because service is tapas-style, you can order one of everything and sharing with the table in a large convivial feast.

Some of the standout dishes here include the octopus with fingerling potatoes and adobo and the house-cured salmon with crema and red onions. One of the most inventive snacks in town might be the papas bravas at Barlata: exquisitely fried potatoes served with spicy tomatoes and aioli. The cocktails are assembled with a delicate eye for balance and flavor.

The atmosphere is also well-regarded, with large communal tables helping you get to know your fellow diners. Visit Barlata's website to learn more about this Austin restaurant!

Barlata
1500 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 473-2211
www.barlataaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/barlata-austin

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Sip Coffee With a Cause at Dominican Joe

June 17, 2014 by

Dominican Joe is an independently-owned coffee shop located on the intersection of Riverside and South Congress. As the name suggests, this shop serves coffee farmed in the Dominican Republic. Not only is this java ecologically friendly and delicious, but it also helps support farmers who are trying to lift themselves out of a devastated economy. Dominican Joe doesn't stop there. Using the profits from the store, Dominican Joe helps support Makarios, a non-profit that helps educate impoverished children.

The cafe also serves pastries, plus lunch and breakfast items sourced from local eateries. You can even order a thick yogurt based smoothie made with healthy ingredients, like berries and peaches. Free Wi-Fi is offered.

Dominican Joe
515 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 448-3919
http://www.dominicanjoe.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dominican-joe-austin

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Sip Wine, Share Small Plates at Winebelly Tapas Restaurant

June 10, 2014 by

The tapas tradition has become a popular choice for new restaurants in the United States. Eschewing the traditional meal structure of appetizer, entree, dessert in favor of a number of small plates meant to be shared among the table, it’s a great way to sample lots of different dishes with friends at a good price. One of the best places in Austin for tapas is Winebelly, a hip little bistro that has built a devoted clientele of noshers.

When you walk in the door, you’ll notice that this place is always packed. Some of the more popular plates include the awesome parmesan truffle fries, which are earthy and delicious, and the cured white anchovies with vinegar and salsa verde. Larger offerings that win raves include the delectable beef carpaccio with arugula and hearts of palm, as well as the steamed mussels with sofrito and bacon in a cider broth. Their wine pairings are also expert.

Winebelly
519 W. Oltorf Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 487-1569
austinwinebelly.com
www.yelp.com/biz/winebelly-austin

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Chow Down On Excellent Fish Tacos at Cabo Bobs Burritos

May 20, 2014 by

Austin has no shortages of places to dine on excellent Mexican food, so you have to really do something special to stand out. What brings people back to Cabo Bob’s Burritos time and time again is simple: 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.

Portion sizes are generous, and prices are very reasonable.

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

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

The Roaring Fork: Get Fired up to Feast in Austin

April 15, 2014 by

Everything is supposed to be bigger and bolder in Texas, and Austin locals know The Roaring Fork’s flame-grilled food and wood-fired flavors are no exception. For a spicy start, try the kettle of green chili pork served with warm, buttered tortillas. One favorite burger is a behemoth beef patty topped with cheddar, smoked pepper bacon, and poblano peppers. Other meaty selections include braised beef short ribs and a spit-roasted half chicken. The award-winning restaurant also offers market-fresh fish and creative cocktails like their huckleberry margarita.

With its prime location in the heart of the city and its classy yet casual atmosphere, The Roaring Fork fits the bill for business lunches or a night out on the town. This Austin restaurant serves dinner Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. ‘til 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. ‘til 11 p.m., and Sunday from 5 p.m. 'til 9 p.m. They also offer a daily happy hour between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Lunch is served weekdays only starting at 11 a.m.

The Roaring Fork
701 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 583-0000
http://www.roaringfork.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/roaring-fork-austin

Public Domain/Public Domain
Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Find Comfort Food at Austin’s Bacon

April 1, 2014 by

Austin is filled with quirky restaurants, and Bacon is no exception. Here, just about everything on the menu is either topped or stuffed with — you guessed it — bacon. Regulars make the trek downtown for the Chicken and Waffles, a tasty meal of crispy chicken on a bed of bacon-stuffed waffles, perfectly sized for large appetites. Breakfast tacos with house-made chorizo, bacon, and pulled pork are another popular item.

Although breakfast is the busiest time, Bacon offers lunch and dinner options as well, including a flavorful Pulled Pork Sandwich topped with bacon. (If your arteries can handle it, get a side of Bacon Fries topped with cheddar cheese, sour cream, chives and of course, bacon.) The small space has indoor seating for 50, as well as communal picnic tables outside. Counter-ordering and an efficient kitchen staff minimize the wait.

Bacon
900 W.10th Street
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 322-9777
http://www.baconaustin.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bacon-austin

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Taste Rare Indian Curries at New India Cuisine

March 18, 2014 by

New India Cuisine on South Congress offers up homemade Indian food with an American twist. New India takes pride in using natural ingredients that are free from artificial colorings and MSG. Another bragging point: New India is the only restaurant in America that serves Malvani and Gomantak curries. There are also plenty of vegan and gluten free options, as well as delicious yeast-free naan.

Inside this cozy restaurant, you can select from traditional dishes like the gingery tikka masala or go for a quesadilla made with Indian seasonings. For drinks, New India is now serving craft beers and organic wines. There are also some yogurt based drinks that come in flavors like mango and cumin.

There's plenty of parking, but if you take your bicycle or walk in management will give you a dollar off your meal. It's the staff's way of encouraging people to go green.

New India Cuisine
2304 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 445-9727
http://www.newindia.us/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/new-india-cuisine-austin

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Leave Your Taco Comfort Zone Behind at Doc’s Motorworks

February 18, 2014 by

Located right on South Congress is Austin's own Doc's Motorworks. The atmosphere at Doc's is friendly and a little loud, like a good sports bar should be. There are plenty of TVs and patrons can enjoy a game of washers, too. Doc's claims to have one of the largest selections of Texas beers, so if you enjoy indulging in local flavor, then you'll be pleased with what's on tap.

Leave your taco comfort zone with a bite of the chicken fried avocado with tomatillo cream sauce, or chow down on chicken eggrolls served with beans. Other must-haves include the massive Frito pie with all the fixings and the veggie tacos with marinated portabella mushrooms. Check out the website for daily specials (including the dollar tacos on Wednesdays) and event schedule.

Doc's Motorworks
1123 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 448-9181
http://eatdrinkdocs.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/docs-motorworks-austin-2

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Enjoy Inventive Italian Fare and a Serenade at Botticelli’s

February 11, 2014 by

Botticelli's is a family-owned Italian restaurant located right in the heart of the South Congress shopping district. Owners Andrew and Matt Botticelli work hard to ensure their restaurant serves authentic Italian food with integrity and inventiveness. Menu items include ravioli stuffed with butternut squash, pansotti pasta featuring mushrooms and ricotta cheese, and duck breast with ravioli and black pepper fig sauce.

There is a wide choice of wines and a happy hour on Sundays and Mondays, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Besides the food and drink selection, customers enjoy relaxing in the idyllic beer garden, where diners can expect to be serenaded by live music Thursdays through Saturdays. Large parties are advised to make reservations and the beer garden fills up fast, too.

Botticelli's
1321 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 916-1315
http://botticellissouthcongress.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/botticellis-austin

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »

Pin It on Pinterest