Expect Farm-to-Table Fare at Wink in Austin

Wink Restaurant is a fun, fresh and creative eatery in Austin that is consistently voted one of the top restaurants in the city. The kitchen operates on a farm-to-table system, sourcing almost all of its seasonal ingredients from local farms and suppliers in order to create dishes that are distinctly Austin.

The menu at Wink changes just about every day, and it often includes unique combinations such as grilled quail with coconut and lamb sausage and chilled poached flounder with white bean salad. There are also always a few options for vegetarian guests. At the bar, Wink focuses on wines from across Texas and around the world, and you’ll even find additional seating in this more casual area of the restaurant.

The next time you want to celebrate an occasion, have a hearty meal, a decadent dessert, and a perfect wine pairing at this beloved eatery.

Wink
1014 N. Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 482-8868
www.winkrestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/wink-austin

There’s More Than Just Wine on the Menu at Austin’s Vino Vino

Vino Vino in Austin is more than just your neighborhood wine bar. Beyond vino, the restaurant offers a variety of specialty cocktails, beer, and an extensive food menu. Vino Vino offers over 20 wines by the glass, selected by the owner who may come check on you during your visit. The menu is full of tapas-style plates, as well as a few larger plates and even a take-out menu. The interior has a comfy casual environment with dim lighting and wooden decor, where you can graze on a cheese plate and sip on a bold, earthy red all night long.

Many locals agree that the Old Fashioned is one of the best in town, especially during happy hour when it is $2 off. Happy Hour offers $2 off all wine, beer, and house cocktails, as well as a selection of half-priced appetizers. Happy hour is held 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays.

The kitchen and bar have varied hours, so be sure to visit the website so you don’t miss the chance to try your favorite dish!

Vino Vino
4119 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78751-4222
(512) 465-9282
www.vinovinoaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/vino-vino-austin

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

Julio’s Cafe: Don’t Miss the Breakfast Tacos

From its green enchiladas to the breakfast tacos, the authentic Mexican fare dished out by Julio's Cafe has been impressing Austin eaters since 1983. Thanks to that fresh, carefully crafted fare, one really seems to mind that this laid-back eatery is cash only. Patrons are more than happy to make an extra stop at the ATM if it means they can slurp up a bowl of Julio's chicken soup for dinner.

The soup features roasted chicken, one of the menu's mainstays, mixed with fresh, colorful veggies. You can also get the chicken all on its own by the quarter, half, or whole. Enjoy it with a smorgasbord of accouterments, including pinto beans, Spanish rice, tomatoes, lettuce, and salsa. If you come by a little earlier in the day (before 11:30 a.m.), you can dig into one of the popular breakfast tacos. Pick your own ingredients from a list that includes eggs, bacon, Mexican sausage, pinto beans, cheese, and rice. Migas, huevos rancheros, and even French toast are also on the morning menu.

Julio's Cafe
4230 Duval Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 452-1040
www.juliosaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/julios-caf%C3%A9-austin-2

Dig Into Vegan Fare Fit for a Meat-Eater at Arlo’s

"Everything in this trailer is vegan, but even if you're a meat-eater you'll be happy here," says one Yelp reviewer of Arlo's. The self-described "curb-side kitchen" shirks all processed ingredients in favor of local, non-GMO, organic grub from Texan farmers. And despite the fact that there's not an animal product anywhere to be found in the kitchen, its vegan fare still appeals to all types of eaters thanks to chefs' creative impulses.

Regulars highly recommend the bac'n cheeze burger, which actually features a patty made from soy in-house, topped with seitan bac'n, vegan cheeze, ketchup, mustard, mayo, and the classic tomato, onions, pickles, and lettuce. You can also grab a barbecue burger or chick'n sandwich. Tacos show up on the menu, too, stuffed with either soy or seitan and grilled pico de gallo, chipotle sauce, and lettuce.

Arlo's is parked along Red River Street with an umbrella-shaded, fenced-in outdoor space for eating, so feel free to grab food and stay for a while at the food trailer.

Arlo's
900 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 840-1600
www.arlostruck.com
www.yelp.com/biz/arlos-austin

Tony’s South Austin Pizza: A Nice Time for a Slice

The next time you’re craving pizza, Tony’s South Austin Pizza is there to meet your cravings both day and night. This tried-and-true pizzeria offers a wide selection of creative pies with names like the Mediterranean, the West Coast, and the Backyard BBQ, as well as all of your favorite appetizers to go along with them. Pair the pie of your choosing with an order of garlic bread, housemade wings, or a fresh garden salad, and don’t forget to try an order of pizza rolls with your choice of unique fillings. If you’re not in the mood for pizza, Tony's South Austin Pizza also offers a great selection of subs and pastas that are just as tasty and filling.

The restaurant has a casual, friendly atmosphere with ample seating inside, but if you’re in a rush, they’ll also have your order ready for pickup or deliver to just about anywhere in the South Austin area.

Tony's South Austin Pizza
2203 FM 1626
Manchaca, TX 78652
(512) 280-2800
www.tonyspizzaaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tonys-south-austin-pizza-manchaca-2

Toast a Special Occasion Over a Steak Dinner at Jeffrey’s

If you’re looking for your next special occasion splurge, consider making a reservation at Jeffrey’s, a venerable Austin dining destination that's been in business since 1975.

Expect to be pampered here. Diners' cars, for instance, are parked by the complimentary valet service, while plush intimate seating encourages you to sit and linger. The waitstaff is professional and hospitable, so don't be shy about requesting that they pass by with the martini and cheese carts before your meal. The menu is crafted with care and encompasses steaks, unique appetizers like burrata with strawberries, and soups and salads galore. Save room for one of the decadent desserts, like the poached pear tart!

Jeffrey's is open for dinner 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Sunday is "wine night" with half-priced bottles from Jeffrey’s wine cellar, and happy hour is served daily from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Jeffrey’s
1204 West Lynn Street
Austin, Texas 78703
(512) 477-5584
www.jeffreysofaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/jeffreys-austin

Numero28: Southern Italian Specialties in Downtown Austin

Southern Italian food is the specialty at Numero28, but even this gourmet food plays second fiddle to the warm, welcoming owners. Many Yelp reviewers mention Marco and Bernardo by name, citing them as part of the reason they return to Numer28 on a regular basis. The owners take special care to make every guest feel at home—and they watch over what's going on in the kitchen so that each and every dish is crafted carefully.

The menu boasts a slew of traditional favorites, including thin-crust pizzas. From the classic margherita with tomato, mozzarella, and basil to the Austin pie with jalapeno, sausage, and red peppers, the pizza menu offers a wide array of options for all tastes. And if you aren't into pizza, you have plenty of other entrees to choose from. Dig into the classic lasagna Bolognese (or a vegetarian version), the ziti with eggplant and mozzarella, or the porchetta with wild herbs and spices. Add a glass of wine to your meal for the full Numero28 experience.

Numero28
452 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 494-5510
www.numero28austin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/numero-28-austin

Bite Into Fresh Seafood at Turf N Surf Po’ Boy in Austin

You’ll discover a whole lot more than just po’ boy sandwiches at Turf N Surf Po’ Boy, a casual seafood favorite in the Austin area. This nondescript local spot may not look like much from the outside, but experienced locals know that it’s one of the best places in town for fresh and tasty fried fish.

You’ll find jalapeno hush puppies served alongside fried catfish po’ boys, and if you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter, you can also order your po’ boy topped with blackened mahi mahi or other grilled fish. All of the shrimp, lobster, and fish selections are priced at market values that change from day to day, but no matter which style you order, everything at Turf N Surf Po’ Boy tastes better when paired with the cilantro French fries.

Enjoy it all inside the colorful, bar-style eatery, or even order through the window if you’re looking to pick up food to go!

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

El Pollo Regio: Mesquite Charcoal Grilled Chicken With Humble Beginnings

El Pollo Regio came from humble beginnings before growing into a chain of 49 locations, including several in Austin. Opened by Juan Jorge Bazaldua in a special trailer with a mesquite charcoal grill, El Pollo Regio features the founder’s popular marinated chicken. You can order the whole chicken, which comes with rice, beans, and tortillas. You’ll also the chicken in such menu options as the chicken tostada, chicken soup, and chicken poblano mole. The menu also lists grilled carne asada and flour tacos.

If you want to share the popular, authentic Mexican dishes with your friends, El Pollo Regio provides catering services. Nostalgic fans of the restaurant can take it a step further and pay homage by traveling to Oklahoma City, where the original trailer is still in use at one of the branches.

El Pollo Regio
1110 B. East William Canonn Drive
Austin, TX 78745
(512) 215-0235
www.elpolloregio.net
www.yelp.com/biz/el-regio-austin

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