The Roaring Fork: Get Fired Up to Feast in Austin

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.until 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m., and Sunday from 5 p.m. until 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
www.roaringfork.com
www.yelp.com/biz/roaring-fork-austin

Austin Java: Much More Than Just Coffee

Spicy peanut soup. Eggs Benedict. Breakfast tacos. Not exactly the type of fare you'd expect to find at a coffee house. And yet, Austin Java's various locations throughout its namesake city serve them all—and to rave reviews from customers.

Despite its title, Austin Java is actually much more than a mere cafe. Yes, it does serve locally-roasted coffee. But it also offers a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and breakfast is served all day. That's probably to the delight of those regulars who love the breakfast tacos, which are stuffed with everything from honey-cured ham or chorizo to veggies or black beans. Some other morning favorites include migas, a spicy take on the traditional omelet, and thick-sliced farmers' French toast.

Later in the day, enjoy a different savory dish like the crawfish quesadillas or pasta primavera. Other lunch and dinner options encompass salads, various meat-laden pastas, and house soups.

Austin Java
1206 Parkway
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 476-1829
www.austinjava.com

www.yelp.com/biz/austin-java-austin

RIO Rooftop Bar & Lounge: Taking Nightlife to New Heights in Downtown Austin

Whether you’re looking for a hip spot for date night or a venue for a planned event, RIO Rooftop Bar & Lounge is a primo place to party in downtown Austin. The venue features a rooftop lounge with a swimming pool, a sports bar, and restaurant with chic, modern decor and premium service. They have a flavorful menu of small plates suitable for sharing.

Get your party started with a glass of wine, or one of their elegant artisan cocktails like the Spring Blossom with gin, St. Germaine liqueur, & lime juice, or the Paloma with tequila, pink grapefruit juice & lime. RIO's dining options include Filet Sliders with garlic herb butter, Truffled Mushroom Flatbread with thyme & arugula, Heirloom Tomato Salad with burrata mozzarella, and Queso with tortilla chips.

RIO Rooftop Bar & Lounge
601 Rio Grande Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 436-8464
www.riorooftop.com
www.yelp.com/biz/rio-rooftop-pool-lounge-and-restaurant-austin

Over 100 Tequilas Have a Home at Iron Cactus

Head to Iron Cactus' flagship Austin location for cocktails 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 here 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
www.ironcactus.com
www.yelp.com/biz/iron-cactus-austin-6

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

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 Mosaic at Mueller in downtown Austin, La Condesa is open every day.

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

Wingo!

Do you like bingo? Do you like chicken wings? If the answer is yes, meet us at Pluckers this Thursday night for Wingo- it is bingo on steroids! The party starts at 10 and there will be great prizes to be won. See you at Pluckers, 2222 Rio Grande Street.

Click here for more information.

Turf N’ Surf Po Boy: Take a Bite Out of This Classic New Orleans Fare

The famous po' boy is a sandwich made famous in Louisiana, but Austin’s Turf N’ Surf Po Boy does a great job of imitating the sandwich's crispy French bread, fried seafood, and generous toppings. This dark, nondescript restaurant looks unassuming from the street, and the inside is decorated with eclectic wall art and industrial decor that is fairly standard in the Austin area.

It's the food that really makes Turf N’ Surf Stand out, however, and the menu lists fried favorites that are served piping hot and positively packed with seasonings. The hush puppies are arguably the most popular menu items, but the fish tacos and, of course, the po' boy sandwiches come in close behind. The menu also includes fresh fish salads, cilantro fries, and pulled pork platters that are equally as tasty.

If you’re looking for a taste of New Orleans in the Austin area, this is the place to get it.

Turf N' Surf Po Boy
407 Lavaca Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 276-2763
www.facebook.com/pages/Turf-N-Surf-Po-Boy/364351950938
www.yelp.com/biz/turf-n-surf-po-boy-austin

Iron Cactus: Brunch and More in Austin, Texas

Brunch is a favorite meal at Austin's Iron Cactus. Stop by on Saturday or Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to feast on yummy delights like Peel & Eat Shrimp, Fajitas, Omelets, Waffles and Roast Beef Au Jus. Bottomless Mimosas are sure to add a festive spirit to your daytime meal. Happy Hour is another great time to get your party on with some tasty discounted libations and snacks.

Entrée favorites served at the eatery include Baja Fish Tacos with Iron slaw with black bean relish, Stacked Pork Enchiladas with red corn tortillas, Pescado Del Sol with roasted tomato-lobster cream sauce, Chipotle Glazed Salmon with sweet & spicy chipotle glaze, and Tournedos de Tejas – beef medallions grilled with southwest spices. Burgers are also on the menu. Iron Cactus is open every day.

Iron Cactus
10001 Stonelake Boulevard
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 794-8778
http://www.ironcactus.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/iron-cactus-austin-3

Wink Restaurant & Wine Bar: Fresh Food and Fine Wine in Austin

Austin’s Wink Restaurant & Wine Bar believes in supporting small farms and sustainable agriculture, and it is a member of the international slow food movement. Wink sources more than 75% of its menu items from within 100 miles of the restaurant, and the menu changes daily depending on what ingredients are fresh and available.

For diners who want to take a tasty tour of the day’s best offerings, Wink features a daily chef’s tasting menu of five or seven courses. Wink also features a daily farm and garden vegetarian tasting menu. Appropriate wine-pairings enhance each course. The elegant and intimate restaurant space fills up quickly, so reservations are recommended. Guests can also enjoy the full menu, and a more casual environment, in the Wine Bar.

The Wine Bar opens at 5 p.m. daily. The dining room opens its doors to dinner guests from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from 5:30 p.m. ‘til 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Wink Restaurant & Wine Bar
1014 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 482-8868
www.winkrestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/wink-austin

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