Maudie’s: Tex-Mex Fare in Bee Cave

Maudie’s in Bee Cave has figured out the perfect symphony of Tex-Mex cuisine and even provides a gluten-free menu for people with special dietary needs. From the moment you walk in your senses will be intrigued with the unusual angles and beautifully woven yucca ceiling. Having been open for over 20 years, Maudie’s food is sure to keep regulars coming back for the next 20. On the weekends, make sure to check out their breakfast tacos stuffed with fluffy eggs and just about any other ingredient you could imagine. The local’s favorite dish seems to be the Al Pastor tacos which are full of achiote and citrus marinated pork on corn tortillas, pico de pina, cilantro, and onions. So next time you want fresh Tex-Mex fare and maybe one of their locally famous frozen margaritas, come down to Maudie’s and experience why they've won so many awards.

Maudie's
12506 Shops Parkway
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-1116
http://www.yelp.com/biz/maudies-bee-cave

Second Bar + Kitchen: The Wow Factor

Second Bar + Kitchen is a trendy little hotspot that will wow you. Order something from their hefty selection of beer, wine and artisan cocktails paired with an appetizer like Smoked Salmon Fritters, Black Truffle Pommes Frites or Green Garlic Gnocchi. Lunchtime offerings include a Congress Burger, a Fried Egg & Avocado Sandwich and Short Rib Sliders. Dinner rolls out some delectable artisan pizzas, plus entrées like Roasted Rainbow Trout with black radish salad, Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop with green chile hominy or Braised Beef Short Ribs with black truffle grits. Brunch offerings include Steak & Eggs, Brioche French Toast, Corned Beef Hash and Texas Eggs Benedict. Open every day.

Second Bar + Kitchen
200 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 827-2750
http://www.yelp.com/biz/second-bar-kitchen-austin

Man Bites Dog: Not Your Typical Hot Dog Stand!

Warning: this is not your typical hot dog stand! 

Man Bites Dog is South Austin’s hot dog hot spot, where signature franks are 1/5th of a pound.  The ingredients are fresh and flavorful, and you won’t find any boring buns here — they’re fluffy, sweet brioche that hold up the the mountains of toppings. The menu features inventive wieners like the Danger Dog — bacon wrapped, topped with jalapeños, hot sauce, and cotija cheese.  And, its not only beef franks on the menu; the Bruschetta Dog, for example, is made with Italian chicken sausage. These dogs are a full meal at a great price. (Smaller dogs are available for those that want a lighter snack.) There are even vegetarian franks, vegan chili, and gluten-free buns.

Man Bites Dog
3005 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 215-0422
www.yelp.com/biz/man-bites-dog-austin-4

Artisan Bistro Austin: French Traditional Cuisine

Many chefs try to open a bistro, but few were raised in the heart of Paris like Chef Cesidio d’Andrea. From the moment you walk into Artisan Bistro Austin you know you are in for an authentic, flavorful treat. They offer lunch, dinner, dessert and a full bakery to pick up all of your favorite French pastries and freshly baked bread. Everything from their French fries to their sautéed shrimp and garlic tomato sauce with basmati rice are sure to delight your palate. With how eclectic and wonderful the menu is, it can be hard to believe that it’s all prepared with just one chef, but when you take your first bite you can tell this meal was prepared just for you. It is well worth it to stay for dessert and try Chef d’Andrea’s famous creme brulee if you still have room.

Artisan Bistro Austin
900 RR 620 S Ste C107
Lakeway, TX 78734
(512) 263-8728
http://www.yelp.com/biz/artisan-bistro-austin-lakeway

Java Dive Bistro: Charming and Healthy!

The Wall Street Journal calls Java Dive Bistro’s morning meal “the breakfast of champions,” and locals agree with that assessment.  Java Dive Bistro makes what the regulars call “enlightening meals” that makes you want to walk in and just sit for the day and sample everything they have to offer. A particular favorite is the scrambled eggs and cheese on a toasted organic sprouted bun with organic pesticide-free tomatoes and fire roasted poblano peppers. Another of their signature ideas is the coffee ice cubes made of coffee and the regulars are hooked. Their specialty organic coffee beans are only served within days of being roasted and you can tell the difference. The atmosphere matches the quality of the food and it is top notch with a clean quiet patio to sit and just enjoy the savory foods and coffee. They’re also a certified gluten free restaurant so they can accommodate a number of dietary needs.

Java Dive Bistro
900 Ranch Rd 620 S
Lakeway, TX 78734
(512) 263-5995
http://www.yelp.com/biz/java-dive-organic-cafe-lakeway-2

Yaghi’s New York Pizzeria: Budget Friendly Lunch in Austin

Looking for a quick and cheap lunch in west Austin? Try Yaghi’s New York Pizzeria. This no frills Italian-American café offers pizza by the slice or pie, as well as salads and sandwiches. The $5 lunch specials are popular and include a 12 oz drink. Be traditional and go with two slices of cheese, or try the gyro sandwich. Customers recommend the Greek salad to go with any specialty pie. Yaghi’s offers several “white” pizzas. You can double down on your East Coast cuisine with the Philly Cheesesteak Pizza topped with steak, onions, peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic, and mozzarella. Yahi’s delivers to spots in the West Austin area. Check the website for current specials and coupons!

Yaghi's New York Pizzeria
12400 W Highway 71
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 402-0202
www.yaghisnewyorkpizzeria.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/yaghis-new-york-pizzeria-austin

Tony C’s Coal Fired Pizza: Casual Pizzeria in Austin

Enjoy a casual dinner date at Tony C’s Coal Fired Pizza in Bee Cave. This table service pizzeria specializes in New York style thin crust pizza. Coal-fired ovens heat to over 1000 degrees and create a perfectly crisp and chewy crusts. A favorite is the prosciutto and goat cheese pie, topped with arugula and roasted garlic. The menu also offers fresh salads and traditional pasta dishes. Reasonable prices make splitting a salad and pizza an affordable meal. Brick walls give Tony C’s a pleasant ambiance.  The second floor mezzanine is great for watching the pizza chefs at work. Conveniently located in Hill Country Galleria, just moments from Paseo at Bee Cave, it's a great spot for dinner and a movie.

Tony C’s Coal Fired Pizza
12800 Hill Country Boulevard
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 263-3473
www.tonycs.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tony-cs-coal-fired-pizza-austin-2

Santa Catarina: Unique and Delicious

Everyone has been to a traditional Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurant, few have experienced a  place like Santa Catarina – a boutique gourmet Mexican restaurant that prides itself on offering a rare assortment of authentic dishes from the interior. When you pull up to a strip mall you may not believe that you are about to embark on one of the best meals you have had but just keep walking in the door and you will see. The tortillas are made fresh daily in house and where most restaurants offer a chili relleno they go above and beyond to offer multiple options stuffed with local Gulf seafood, corn Mexican truffles and sauteed vegetables.  The regulars come here for the food but stay for the fresh specialty drinks made in house from scratch including fresh grapefruit, agave nectar, and homemade sangria, all rich in flavor. This spot is worth the drive for adventurous diners. 

Santa Catarina
1310 Ranch Rd 620 S
Lakeway, TX 78734
(512) 300-0946
http://www.yelp.com/biz/santa-catarina-restaurant-lakeway

Tarka Indian Kitchen: Indian Cuisine in Austin’s Allandale Neighborhood

Tarka Indian Kitchen is a quick and inexpensive to satisfy an Indian food craving from Biryanis to Kabobs, Curries to Lassis.  Run by the same owners as popular Clay Pit, there are three area locations, including in north Austin’s Allandale neighborhood.  The casual Indian cafe with counter ordering is popular even among Indian cuisine experts.  The menu offers traditional items like Tikka Masala as well as innovative twists like the “Naaninis” – a panini style sandwich made with naan.  Pair your favorite dish with soft and fluffy garlic naan and a mango lemonade with free refills.  Everything on the menu is under $10; you can dine in, take out, or have delivery through Dine on Demand.  Check out their iPhone app for online ordering.  Tarka has even been recognized as a “Green Restaurant” by the City of Austin for their environmentally friendly practices – just another reason you can feel good about giving in to that craving. 

Tarka Indian Cuisine
2525 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 323-0955
www.tarkaindiankitchen.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tarka-indian-kitchen-austin-2

Buenos Aires Cafe: Fresh, Local And Giving Back

Nestled in the Hill Country, Galleria Buenos Aires Café’s atmosphere is a breath of fresh air. Bright, vivid colors jump at you from the walls and you get smiles from employees and customers alike. This Argentinian spot will have you staring at the menu in a daze as every single item sounds like the perfect dinner or lunch. The vegetables are all hand-picked and come from mostly local farms. Each ingredient is of the highest quality with all of the meats and greens being organic, and all dressings are made on site daily. The die-hard locals swear by the lomi beef sandwich with the chimicurri sauce, and everyone will tell you the Mojito and Spanish martini are the best they’ve had, bar none. Not only are the food and service impeccable, but they give back to the community by donating scraps for composting and making weekly trips to the Ecology Action of Texas. You won’t be disappointed.

Buenos Aires Café
Hills Country Galleria
13500 Galleria Cir, Ste 120
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 441-9000
http://www.yelp.com/biz/buenos-aires-cafe-bee-cave-2

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