24 Diner: Austin Comfort Food

24 Diner offers classic American fare with a modern twist in a fun, laid-back Austin atmosphere. The inspired menu, plus a great beer, wine and cocktail selection turn up the volume on the ordinary diner experience. Partygoers love the fact that they stay open round the clock right in the heart of central Austin.

24's all day breakfast menu means you can sidle up to Eggs, Sausage and Waffles at any hour. Burger and sandwich options include a French Dip with gruyere & horseradish, Chicken Salad with spicy pepper relish and a Bacon Avocado Burger with smoked aioli. Entrees include Meatloaf with sweet onion gravy, Pork Chops with sage butter, Roast Chicken with shallot jus, Vegetable Plate with lemon vinaigrette, and No-Bean Chili with cornbread.

Austin's 24 Diner is open daily.

24 Diner
600 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 472-5400
http://www.24diner.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/24-diner-austin

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Make Leaf Your Go-To Spot for a Salad Lunch

If you work in downtown Austin, grab a healthy lunch from Leaf, a custom salad cafe. The salad bar is stocked with a wide variety of sustainable ingredients and dressings are made from scratch. You can choose from one of the "Big 12" signature salads, or create your own. Although service can be spotty, the staff builds your salad to order, and the results are always delicious. If the list of salad add-ins overwhelms you, try the Strawberry Fields signature salad with baby spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, bacon, red onion, sunflower seeds, and candied pecans tossed with a Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Prices are very reasonable at $10 for a portion that customers regularly describe as enormous. Become a "Loyal Leafer" and get a free salad after you buy five. Dine in the casual cafe or get your meal to-go.

Leaf
419 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-5323
http://www.leafsalad.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/leaf-austin-2

Mulberry: Wine and More in Austin

This eclectic wine bar and bistro has quickly won fans among Austinites, who love its cozy ambiance and delectable menu of New American fare. Polished oak panels and a golden marble bar highlight the restaurant’s décor, creating a lovely ambiance for enjoying Mulberry's food.

Visit Mulberry, and begin with a glass or bottle from their expansive wine selection along with an appetizer like Seared Foie Gras with roasted figs, Salmon Sashimi with garlic oil & fried capers, or Escargot with lemon thyme butter. Several sandwiches adorn with menu, as do entrees like Corn Ravioli with blackened shishito & grape tomatoes, Halibut with saffron jam, Beef Tenderloin with coconut demi-glace, and Lamb Torchon with yellow curry yogurt sauce.

Mulberry also serves brunch on the weekends, offering flavorful fare like Toasted Brioche, a House Frittata, Lemon Ricotta Crepes, and Poached Eggs with béchamel sauce.

Mulberry
360 Nueces Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 320-0297
www.mulberryaustin.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mulberry-austin

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The Clay Pit: An Austin Indian Restaurant

A warm, inviting ambiance with cinnamon-hued walls greets you when you enter The Clay Pit. The menu features a flavorful selection of Indian fare served attentively in an upscale setting. Order a beer or glass of wine from their extensive selection and a delightful appetizer like Veggie Samosas, Clay Pit Pakoras, Curried Crab Cakes or Coriander Calamari.

The Clay Pit's signature curry dishes include Jeera Saag – pureed spinach with spices, Vindaloo with bell pepper, onion & potatoes, and Mirch Masala with jalapenos, garlic, ginger & onions. Other dishes include Kabuli Chicken with korma sauce, Goat Saag with pureed spinach, Rack of Lamb in yogurt masala, and Lamb Roganjosh with creamy onion sauce. Stop by at lunchtime to feast on the flavorful array of dishes on the buffet table.

This Austin Indian restaurant is open every day.

The Clay Pit
1601 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 322-5131
http://claypit.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-clay-pit-austin

TRIO: Taste the Eponymous Trio of Steak, Seafood, and Wine

Steps from Austin’s bustling downtown and overlooking scenic Lady Bird Lake, TRIO gives diners the best of both worlds. Trio’s carefully-curated menu offers both steak (range) and seafood (Gulf) options. Gulf offerings include Texas shrimp served with red mole sauce, shishito peppers, and corncakes and grouper prepared with grapefruit, roasted cipollini, and brown butter hollandaise. In addition to succulent steaks, TRIO’s range options include chicken, lamb, and antelope for more adventurous eaters. Locals love the made-to-order omelette station at Sunday brunch—as well as the unlimited mimosas, coffee, and tea. TRIO welcomes diners seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Guests praise the attentive and accommodating service as much as the cuisine. One frequent diner had TRIO’s staff custom-create her wedding cake, while another asked (in advance) for the pastry chef to bake a birthday dessert that was not on the menu. Both were pleased with the results!

TRIO
98 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 685-8300
http://www.triorestaurantaustin.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/trio-austin-2

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Over 100 Tequilas Have a Home at Iron Cactus

Head to Iron Cactus' flagship Austin location for post-work drinks 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 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
http://www.ironcactus.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/iron-cactus-austin-6

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