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

Sip, Swish and Savor at The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen

Wine lovers in the West Austin area know that when you’re looking for a spot to sip Chardonnay with friends, The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen is the place to go. This sleek and modern wine bar is filled with light and ample seating, making it a wonderful eatery for large groups and small dates alike. There is a long, lime green bar area where visitors can relax with a glass of wine and some appetizers, or if you’re looking for a larger meal, the spacious dining room features numerous wooden tables and cozy booths.

For lunch and dinner, The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen serves a full menu of bruschetta samplers, entrée salads, and seasonal pastas, as well as light, healthy seafood, grilled meats, and local veggies. Pair any meal with a glass (or a whole bottle) from the impressive wine list for an evening out that you won’t soon forget.

The Grove Wine Bar and Kitchen
6317 Bee Caves Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 327-8822
www.grovewinebar.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-grove-wine-bar-and-kitchen-austin-6

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

Arlo’s: Vegan Cheeseburgers You Just Have to Try

Vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters alike flock to Arlo's food truck on a daily basis. This Austin eatery serves seriously mouth-watering food made fresh daily, and it's all vegan friendly. The vegan bacon cheeseburgers are something of a local legend, and when paired with a side order of crispy, golden tater tots, the burger makes a hearty and drool-worthy meal. You'll also find spicy chili, cornbread wedges, tomato-basil hot dogs, and even vegan chicken tacos on the menu, but the cheeseburgers are really the main draw. It’s the cheeseburgers that cause lines to wrap around the side of the truck during peak times.

The only downside to eating at Arlo’s is that as a food truck, Arlo's doesn't have any seating to offer. This generally isn't a problem, however, as nearby bars usually allow you to bring your Arlo's meal inside, so it's easy to pair your meal with a cold beer and a seat.

Arlo's
900 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 628-0608
www.arlostruck.com
www.yelp.com/biz/arlos-austin

Blue Dahlia Bistro: Enjoy French Cuisine, From Breakfast Through Happy Hour

Whether you’re looking for a charming breakfast spot or a place to relax with friends over happy hour drinks, Blue Dahlia Bistro is the place for both in Austin. In the morning, the expansive menu includes French dishes like fresh-baked croissants, rich yogurt and fruit, and berry blintzes stuffed with sweet ricotta cheese. Later in the day, enjoy a lunch or dinner of French cheeses, duck mousse pâté and fresh mussels, or opt for something a bit more filling with housemade pastas and Bouillabaisse.

If you stop in for happy hour, Blue Dahlia Bistro offers special rates on red and white wines and festive champagnes, as well as a large selection of beer and snacks to share. No matter the time of day, this charming French bistro is a stylish, laid-back locale to enjoy authentic Parisian cuisine here in Austin.

Blue Dahlia Bistro
1115 E. 11th Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 542-9542
www.bluedahliabistro.com
www.yelp.com/biz/blue-dahlia-bistro-austin

Verde’s Mexican Parrilla: A Spicy Option for Tonight’s Dinner

A large, lively restaurant in Austin, the family-friendly Verde's Mexican Parrilla has an atmosphere that’s a bit more polished than some Mexican fare eateries. The building’s exterior is designed to look like the buildings found throughout Mexico, complete with arched doorways, an adobe-style facade, and even a spacious outdoor patio with rustic fixtures and a covered roof to shield you from the sun. Inside, there is a spacious dining room, a full bar, and touches of Mexico throughout.

Verde’s menu includes carne asada, beef enchiladas, and fresh-made tortilla soup, as well as a large list of wines, beers, and cocktails. Finish your visit with a piece of chocolate tres leches cake and you’ll likely leave feeling more than satisfied.

Don't skip a discounted margarita or sangria during Verde's happy hour, served 4-6:30p.m. daily!

Verde’s Mexican Parrilla
16018 Hamilton Pool Road
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 263-0500
www.verdesmexican.com
www.yelp.com/biz/verdes-mexican-parrilla-austin

Marye’s Gourmet Pizza Pub: Making Pizza a Bit More Nutritious

By using only fresh, local ingredients and nutritious cooking techniques, Marye’s Gourmet Pizza Pub offers a healthier take on the usual pizza. This thoughtful approach to pizza doesn’t sacrifice its delicious flavor, however: the restaurant’s tasty pies are still flavorful, delicious, and indulgent.

Stop by this local favorite pizzeria and discover pizzas with names like the Mother Lode and The ‘Que, as well as classics like the veggie-loaded Nature’s Treat and the decadent Four Cheese. There are gluten-free pizza crusts for those with restricted diets, and if you’re not in the mood for pizza, Marye’s even offers large sandwiches, lasagna, and salads that are just as delicious. Have a glass of wine or beer with your pizza in the minimal, modern restaurant, or take it to go to enjoy at home while relaxing in front of a movie.

Marye’s is open Mondays through Thursdays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Marye’s Gourmet Pizza Pub
3663 Bee Caves Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 327-5222
www.maryesgourmetpizza.com
www.yelp.com/biz/maryes-gourmet-pizza-austin-2

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

Expect Bold Flavors and Fresh Ingredients at Uchiko Austin

Uchiko is a Japanese farmhouse style dining establishment on North Lamar. The ambiance is set with eclectic modern lighting and a mix of tile and wood accents that add to the upscale but comfortable farmhouse feel.

Award-winning chef and Uchiko owner Tyson Cole never fails to amaze with his culinary creations, which showcase bold flavors and fresh ingredients. The best way to try a bit of everything is to choose one of the chef’s tasting menus, which change daily and offer both hot and cold small plates. The dishes include highlights like fresh ceviche or a hot rock with Wagyu beef and ponzu sauce. Not only are the dishes bursting with flavor, they are so carefully plated that each is like a work of art.

Uchiko accepts only a few reservations daily to ensure they have room for walk-in guests. The restaurant is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Don’t miss sake socials daily from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the bar!

Uchiko
4200 North Lamar
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 916-4808
www.uchikoaustin.com

Free Beer and Stellar Brisket: la Barbecue

Perhaps the only downside of eating at one of Austin's popular food trucks is that they always seem to have a line stretching away from the window, requiring would-be eaters to wait in the oppressive Texan sun. At la Barbecue, though, customers cross their fingers for a long line. The food truck offers a simple amenity to make the wait bearable, even pleasant: free beer.

Cool off your complimentary suds while you decide what to order. It should be a relatively easy decision, given the fact that la Barbecue's brisket is the favorite by far. However, pulled pork, sausage, turkey, and chopped beef are also on the menu. For some added flavor, order one of the specialty sandwiches like El Sancho Loco with your choice of meat and pickled red onions. Make sure you arrive well ahead of the lunch rush, though, because la Barbecue's opening hours are simply 11 a.m. to "sold out."

la Barbecue
902 E. Cesar Chavez
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 605-9696
www.labarbecue.com
www.yelp.com/biz/la-barbecue-austin-3

Pin It on Pinterest