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

CRAVE: Come for the Sliders, Stay for the Sushi (Or Vice Versa)

Not many eateries exist where you can order sushi, sliders, and caprese flatbread in the same sitting, but CRAVE is one of them.

The Austin eatery prides itself not only on the variety of its menu, but also the array of options when it comes to serving size. Smaller appetites can stick with a small plate like the CRAVE sliders (although some guests note that they're actually large enough to serve as an entree). The smoky bites of beef are topped with cheddar cheese, caramelized onion, and the house's signature burger sauce. Flatbreads and sushi also make for a smaller meal.

But there's nothing small about the crab-crusted filet mignon or One Big Meatball, oozing mozzarella cheese over an angel hair foundation. Some other full-sized entrees include pan-roasted sea bass and fried chicken and waffles, all of which pair well with a cocktail, pint of beer, or glass of wine. Plus, the menu boasts an impressive list of gluten-free options for diners with dietary restrictions.

CRAVE
340 E. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 469-0000​
www.cravetexas.com
www.yelp.com/biz/crave-austin-4

Franklin Barbecue: Possibly Austin’s Most Buzzed-About Barbecue

If you’re searching for great barbecue in the South Austin area, simply drop what you’re doing and head to Franklin Barbecue. This old-fashioned barbecue joint uses family cooking traditions passed down from generation to generation, but its brick and mortar location is the ideal blend of Austin’s signature eclectic decor and a sleek, modern flair.

The menu is very small, but each dish is so expertly prepared that you won’t even think of anything else. Plates and sandwiches made with chopped beef, pulled pork, sausage, and other smoked meats are served with your choice of pinto beans, slaw, or potato salad, and Franklin Barbecue has sold out of its famous pulled pork every day since its opening in 2009.

Hailed as one of the top barbecue restaurants in the country by Bon Appetit, the New York Times, Southern Living, and many other esteemed publications, Franklin Barbecue is an absolute must-try Austin restaurant.

Franklin Barbecue
900 E. 11th Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 653-1187
www.franklinbarbecue.com
www.yelp.com/biz/franklin-barbecue-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

Koriente: Fresh Fare in Austin

Koriente serves Korean cuisine and more to Austin diners. All dishes are house-made and are prepared without MSG or preservatives, using only natural sweeteners and without excess fat. The ambiance is classically uncluttered and simply elegant with a comfortable, relaxed vibe.

Appetizers include edamame, soups, Korean pickled vegetables, and summer rolls. Featured entrees include pan-seared ahi tuna, sweet potato or mung bean noodles loaded with vegetables, bowls filled with your choice of protein, mushrooms, broccoli and carrots over rice, and traditional Bibimbap. Party trays for your next event can be ordered in advance and include all dishes served on the menu. All dishes can be prepared gluten-free and dietary requests can be accommodated.

Koriete is open 11 a.m. to to 9:30 p.m. Sundays through Fridays and 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturdays.

Koriente
621 E. Seventh Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 275-0852
www.koriente.com
www.yelp.com/biz/koriente-austin

Turf N’ Surf Po Boy: Take a Bite Out of This Classic New Orleans Fare

The famous po' boy is a sandwich made famous in Louisiana, but Austin’s Turf N’ Surf Po Boy does a great job of imitating the sandwich's crispy French bread, fried seafood, and generous toppings. This dark, nondescript restaurant looks unassuming from the street, and the inside is decorated with eclectic wall art and industrial decor that is fairly standard in the Austin area.

It's the food that really makes Turf N’ Surf Stand out, however, and the menu lists fried favorites that are served piping hot and positively packed with seasonings. The hush puppies are arguably the most popular menu items, but the fish tacos and, of course, the po' boy sandwiches come in close behind. The menu also includes fresh fish salads, cilantro fries, and pulled pork platters that are equally as tasty.

If you’re looking for a taste of New Orleans in the Austin area, this is the place to get it.

Turf N' Surf Po Boy
407 Lavaca Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 276-2763
www.facebook.com/pages/Turf-N-Surf-Po-Boy/364351950938
www.yelp.com/biz/turf-n-surf-po-boy-austin

Enjoy Farm to Table Cuisine and Delightful Cocktails at Austin’s Salty Sow

Harold Marmulstein grew up with a love for high quality food. His father owned a bakery in upstate New York where Harold spent many early mornings and late nights developing a deep appreciation for cuisine. That passion drove him to the Culinary Institute of New York, and, over the course of his career, to the kitchens of more than 30 high-end dining establishments throughout the country where he worked as executive chef.

He finally landed at Salty Sow in Austin, where he's more than just the executive chef—he's also a partner. This means Harold has a voice in creating its menu of farm-to-table fare that utilizes the ingredients of local purveyors. Regular diners praise the Salty Sow's duck fat fries, a small plate that exemplifies the French food influences of this place's New American cuisine menu. The menu also encompasses bacon-wrapped filet mignon, asiago-crusted halibut, and a double cheeseburger.

Some customers suggest that the main draw is Salty Sow's cocktail list. Visit and you can sip a glass of the sparkling sangria or a Rosemary's Piglet cocktail (bubbly pomegranate juice and rosemary syrup) while you dine on tasty French-American food!

Salty Sow
1917 Manor Road
Austin, TX 78722
(512) 391-2337
www.saltysow.com/#/home
www.yelp.com/biz/salty-sow-austin

Wink Restaurant & Wine Bar: Fresh Food and Fine Wine in Austin

Austin’s Wink Restaurant & Wine Bar believes in supporting small farms and sustainable agriculture, and it is a member of the international slow food movement. Wink sources more than 75% of its menu items from within 100 miles of the restaurant, and the menu changes daily depending on what ingredients are fresh and available.

For diners who want to take a tasty tour of the day’s best offerings, Wink features a daily chef’s tasting menu of five or seven courses. Wink also features a daily farm and garden vegetarian tasting menu. Appropriate wine-pairings enhance each course. The elegant and intimate restaurant space fills up quickly, so reservations are recommended. Guests can also enjoy the full menu, and a more casual environment, in the Wine Bar.

The Wine Bar opens at 5 p.m. daily. The dining room opens its doors to dinner guests from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from 5:30 p.m. ‘til 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Wink Restaurant & Wine Bar
1014 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 482-8868
www.winkrestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/wink-austin

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill: Modern American Food and Drink

The Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill was revamped in time to open its doors in 2003. This Austin establishment offers modern American food and libations in a laid back atmosphere.

The bar serves classic cocktails, including house-made moonshine and hard lemonade as part of the extensive full bar menu. Start your meal with the corndog shrimp, the creamy and hot bacon dip, or a steaming bowl of spicy chicken tortilla soup. Overstuffed sandwiches and salads are loaded with only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. The platters are known to be hearty and feature Southern favorites such as chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, large, classic cowboy flat-iron steaks and baby back ribs smothered in the restaurant's secret barbecue sauce.

If you’re interested in letting Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill host your next event, check out the banquet facilities that are available for private parties.

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
303 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 236-9599
www.moonshinegrill.com
www.yelp.com/biz/moonshine-patio-bar-and-grill-austin

Chez Nous: An Austin French Restaurant

Chez Nous’s romantic, candle-lit ambiance and authentic French dishes like foie gras, escargots, and house-made pâté can whisk diners away on a culinary journey.

Visit and you can try the sautéed veal sweetbreads with button mushrooms, or check out the pepper crusted beef tenderloin with a brandy and demi-glaze reduction. All entrees are served with warm French bread, pommesdauphines (crispy potato puffs), and fresh vegetables. At $29.50, many customers praise the affordability and variety of Chez Nous’s three-course prix-fixe dinner menu.

Chez Nous’s downtown location and quiet and intimate atmosphere make it a great go-to spot for business-colleague lunches or catch-up night with friends, or date-night with that special someone. Chez Nous provides hungry patrons with lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday, serves dinner Saturday and Sunday, and is closed Mondays.

Chez Nous
510 Neches Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 473-2413
www.cheznousaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/chez-nous-austin

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