Don’t Miss the Ainsworth at Fricano’s Deli

The Ainsworth doesn't refer to a single sandwich at Fricano's Deli, but rather a concept. It's new each day. That's thanks to the creative sandwich makers at Fricano's who improvise the Ainsworth on a daily basis. Using whatever fresh ingredients they have on-hand that day, they pile a brand new sandwich into existence—maybe one that's never been on the menu before.

So it should come as no surprise that the Ainsworth is a popular item to order when you visit Fricano's Deli, but it's far from your only option. Another customer favorite is the spicy Reuben, a twist on the classic with the addition of pepperoncini peppers, pepperjack cheese, red onion, and "Rocket sauce." No matter which sandwich you choose, you can't go wrong with any of the spreads slathered inside. They range from a garlicky pesto to an Italian olive tapenade to roasted red pepper hummus.

Fricano's Deli
2405 Nueces Street
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 482-3322
www.fricanosdeli.com
www.yelp.com/biz/fricanos-deli-austin-15

Turf N’ Surf Po-Boy: Don’t Miss the Mahi Mahi

It'd be accurate to call Ralph Gilmore a jack of all trades. He's worked beneath the hoods of ailing cars; he's constructed and sold customized bikes; he's designed modern living spaces. But he took on an entirely new type of venture in the early 2000s when he debuted Turf N' Surf Po-Boy, a food trailer that eventually spawned a more permanent kitchen (and sidewalk order window) on Lavaca Street.

You can choose to have your food one of three ways: as a po'boy, tacos, or a salad, Then just pick your fixings. The mahi mahi is a popular option, whether or not you go for a po'boy or taco. But you can also go for blackened ribeye with horseradish cream buffalo chicken with bleu cheese, or grilled veggies (known as The Hipster). You can also opt for a basket of fried shrimp, catfish, oysters, or even crawfish. On the side, order one of the popular costars from the menu: the cilantro fries or the jalapeno hush puppies.

Turf N' Surf Po-Boy
407 Lavaca Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 276-2763
www.lavacastreet.com/turf-n-surf
www.yelp.com/biz/turf-n-surf-po-boy-austin

The Emerald Restaurant: Taste the Luck of the Irish

The Emerald Restaurant is a beautiful and cozy eatery tucked away in a scenic part of West Austin that locals truly adore. Approach the cottage-style restaurant and you’ll be amazed at its quaint beauty and lush, green lawn, which creates a stunning backdrop for the many private parties, weddings, and graduation dinners that are held here.

The Emerald Restaurant serves an imaginative menu of Irish-inspired dishes, and everything is made entirely from scratch using tried-and-true family restaurants straight from Ireland. Roasts and meats are carved tableside on silver platters, while onion soups are served flambéed and Tipperary sweetbreads come wrapped in Irish bacon. Each artistic dish is hearty and a bit dramatic, and there are even complete two-person dinners perfect for special occasions.

No true Irish meal would be complete without an accompanying beverage, and The Emerald also boasts a long list of libations to choose from.

The Emerald Restaurant
13614 Highway 71 West
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 963-4272
www.theemeraldrestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/austin-nature-and-science-center-austin-2

Maudie’s Hill Country: Where the Tacos Are Spicy and the Margaritas Are Icy

Maudie’s Hill Contry is a Tex-Mex favorite in a city full of similar eateries, which says a lot about the quality of its food. With a colorful, casual interior and a somewhat secret upstairs bar and patio, this popular spot is just as inviting as it is delicious. You’ll find flavorful Tex-Mex fare morning, noon, and night at Maudie’s, starting with breakfast dishes like blueberry pancakes, huevos rancheros, and sausage migas and a very wide selection of enchiladas, tacos, and burritos for lunch.

There are vegetarian options and gluten-free options for those with restricted diets, as well as affordable lunch specials throughout the work week. During happy hour at Maudie’s, you’ll find even more savings on the restaurant’s fresh, fruity margaritas and Mexican cervezas, and during the weekend brunch, the Bloody Marys are a must-sip.

Maudie’s Hill Country
12506 Shops Parkway
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-1116
www.maudies.com
www.yelp.com/biz/maudies-hill-country-bee-cave-3

Bee Cave Coffee Co: Feed Your Caffeine Craving

Bee Cave Coffee Co. has just about everything you could want in a coffee shop. It's locally owned, has plenty of seating, lots of electrical outlets for laptops and tablets, and offers free Wi-Fi. Best of all, though, this place serves up some of the tastiest coffee in the Austin area, according to regulars. Try a rich, foamy cappuccino, or sip on a sweet vanilla latte. Get serious with a straight shot of espresso, or relax with a plain old cup of joe.

Bee Cave Coffee Co. serves more than your morning caffeine jolt, though. You can fuel up with breakfast tacos and burritos stuffed with cage-free eggs, spiced potatoes, sausage, and shredded cheddar. At lunch try turning your attention to chicken salad served on a croissant, or bite into toasted flatbread piled high with caramelized onions, mild red and yellow peppers, peppery arugula, and fresh, tangy goat cheese.

Whatever you order, you can expect the service to be quick, friendly, and efficient.

Bee Cave Coffee Co.
13420 Galleria Circle
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-9900

www.beecavecoffee.com
www.yelp.com/biz/bee-cave-coffee-co-bee-cave

Stop Into Jason’s Deli for a Fast and Healthy Lunch in Austin

A chain restaurant with a presence in more than half of the nation's states, Jason's Deli proudly proclaims that it was the first eatery of its kind to ban artificial trans fats and high fructose corn syrup from its menu. So when you sink a fork, spoon, or tooth into Jason's Deli's organic salads, piping-hot soups, and loaded sandwiches, you can feel reasonably certain that your meal is in line with your healthy lifestyle.

The fast-casual restaurant's vibe is similarly wholesome; the chain appeals to families with its relaxed atmosphere and robust kids' menu. Little ones 12 and under can choose from well-balanced meals that include antibiotic-free chicken nuggets, grilled cheese on multigrain bread, and bowtie pasta with meatballs. A side of organic carrot sticks or apple slices helps ensure Junior gets his fair share of fruits and veggies.

Note that Jason's Deli also serves a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Jason's Deli
3300 Bee Cave Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 328-0200
www.jasonsdeli.com/restaurants/tx/austin/plaza-de-las-lomas-deli

Lucky’s Puccias: Try a Grilled Sandwich From This Famous Food Truck

A puccia is a type of flatbread from the Puglia region in Italy, but in Austin, most people would recognize it as the hearty sandwiches served by the famous Lucky’s Puccias. This often buzzed-about white and orange food truck is located in the Market District area of downtown, and it features a few small tables outside where customers can enjoy their sandwiches.

The menu includes puccia sandwiches made on fresh baked bread and topped with organic ingredients, and then the whole thing is baked in an oven to create a wood-fired taste. The signature sandwich is the Lucky’s Puccia, which features prosciutto, tomato, mozzarella, and chipotle mayo. Other puccias come with a variety of other meats or vegetables to accommodate vegetarian customers.

The wait at Lucky's can be a bit long, but regulars recommend stopping by one of the nearby bars for a drink while you wait for your tasty sandwich. Lucky’s Puccias is open daily.

Lucky’s Puccias
817 W 5th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 739-8785
www.facebook.com/LuckysPuccias
www.yelp.com/biz/luckys-puccias-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

The League Kitchen & Tavern: Comfort Food for the Sophisticated Palate

The League Kitchen & Tavern offers a unique dining experience. The dining room at this Austin hotspot is decorated to evoke the feeling of a Prohibition-era speakeasy, and once you're seated you just might find yourself glancing over your shoulder as you order a cocktail in your historic-feeling surroundings.

The food at The League Kitchen & Tavern, however is, thoroughly modern. The kitchen is focused on elevating familiar comfort foods, and regulars say the hand-cut truffle fries served with garlic aioli shouldn't be missed, while the bacon wrapped shrimp atop a smoked gouda grit cake makes a tasty start to any meal. The spinach and kale salad mixes savory and sweet with a combination of shaved cheddar, tart granny Smith apples, candied walnuts, and red onions, and hearty eaters will enjoy the chicken fried pork chop accompanied by mashed potatoes and a creamy jalapeno gravy.

Whatever you decide to order, Yelp reviewers say you're sure to enjoy the restaurant’s innovative preparations.

The League Kitchen & Tavern
1310 Ranch Road 620 South
Lakeway, TX 78734
(512) 263-3279
leaguelakeway.com/page/home
www.yelp.com/biz/the-league-kitchen-and-tavern-lakeway

Baguette et Chocolat: A Colorful Parisian Culinary Experience

Baguette et Chocolat creates French pastries that are almost too pretty to eat, but they’re so decadent that you won’t be able to resist. The authentic French bakery and fine pastry shop is located in Bee Cave, Texas, and it features a quaint, modern interior with decorative light fixtures and a few cafe tables scattered throughout.

Baguette et Chocolat gets very crowded around breakfast and lunch times, but the spacious counter area makes ordering fairly efficient. The glass display case shows off the wide selection of intricate French delicacies, from almond croissants to colorful macarons in a variety of flavors. Regulars rave about the freshly brewed coffee and specialty espresso drinks, and croissant sandwiches and crepes make a unique meal.

However, Baguette et Chocolat is best known for its made-from-scratch baguettes baked fresh daily. Head over from Sendera Barton Creek to try one for yourself.

Baguette et Chocolat
12101 Bee Cave Road
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-8388
www.baguetteetchocolat.com
www.yelp.com/biz/baguette-et-chocolat-bee-cave

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