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Chago’s: Taste Puerto Rican Cuisine in Austin

June 2, 2015 by

Taste Puerto Rican cuisine in Austin at Chago's. Chef Chago creates an authentic take on the cuisine, building a menu that features dishes like fried pork chop with rice and beans, beer braised chicken with sweet plantains, and slow roasted pulled pork with pigeon peas. You can’t leave Chago’s without trying the Mofongo, which is made from mashed fried green plantains and pork crackling. If you come in for lunch, you may also want to try the restaurant’s Cuban sandwich, winner of Austin Chronicle’s 2012 “Critics Cuban Sandwich Smackdown.” (There are gluten free options available, as well.)

Come in for lunch, dinner, or a pina colada. The family-owned and -operated restaurant opens at 11 a.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Visit its website to find out more.

Chago’s
7301 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 275-6013
www.chagos.biz
www.yelp.com/biz/chagos-austin

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Mills Pond: Relax by a Countryside Pond

May 26, 2015 by

Mills Pond is a tranquil oasis tucked into the middle of Austin’s Lakes at Wells Branch subdivision, and locals say it's a great spot to gather with friends and family. The pond offers a pier for anglers who want to try their hand at catching the local fish, as well as a floating boat dock for use by any non-motorized boats.

Winding trails around the pond's perimeter offer scenic views and the chance to glimpse local ducks, geese, and cranes, as well as the opportunity for a bit of exercise (joggers and bikers are both welcome). Sunny, grassy fields nearby are ideal for spreading out a blanket and sharing a picnic, reading a book, or just enjoying the fresh air.

Whether you decide to enjoy the view from a park bench on the bank, or climb into a canoe to explore the pond itself, you can expect a quiet, peaceful visit to Mills Pond.

Mills Pond
15108 Wells Port Drive
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 251-9814
www.wellsbranchmud.com/parks/mills-pond.html
www.yelp.com/biz/mills-pond-austin

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Front Porch Frozen Desserts: Not Your Typical Fro-Yo Shop

May 19, 2015 by

While most cities have their fair share of chain frozen yogurt shops, Austin’s Front Porch Frozen Desserts is a family-owned operation with a whole lot more charm. This stylish shop serves sorbet and frozen yogurt made with real milk and fruit purees and sourced from Honey Hill Farms, and the yogurt is certified to contain live and active cultures. Front Porch also offers more than 90 different topping choices to jazz up your already delicious yogurt, from fresh fruits to syrups and even crushed candy pieces.

The shop itself is just as high quality as its yogurt, featuring walls constructed out of reclaimed wood from all over Texas and tables handcrafted out of reclaimed long leaf pine to create a uniquely modern, rustic look. Front Porch Frozen Desserts does a great job of creating a casual, welcoming atmosphere while still taking the quality of its desserts extremely seriously.

Front Porch Desserts is open noon to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and noon to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday hours are 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Front Porch Frozen Desserts
3107 South IH 35
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 388-6330
www.frontporchrr.com
www.yelp.com/biz/front-porch-frozen-desserts-round-rock

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The Stonehouse Wood Fire Grill: Al Fresco Dining in Austin

May 12, 2015 by

In January 2012, The Stonehouse Wood Fire Grill brought the newest outdoor dining concept to Austin. The restaurant serves up a variety of American, Mediterranean, and Spanish fare flavors. Visit the outdoor picnic area and dine on Mediterranean fare such as veggie pitas or fire-grilled kabobs of tender lamb, marinated chicken, or spicy garlic mushrooms. There’s also a selection of burgers made with seven-ounce patties hand-formed using fresh-ground Angus beef and set atop a locally baked bun.

Every third Wednesday, stop in for SteakNights, one of the many monthly events at The Stonehouse Wood Fire Grill. Other events may have you enjoying your meal with live music or yard games. If you want to take the party to your own special event, try the restaurant’s catering services!

The Stonehouse Wood Fire Grill
5400 Balcones Drive
Austin, TX 78731
(512) 769-6478
www.thestonehousegrill.com
www.yelp.com/biz/stonehouse-wood-fire-grill-austin

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Truluck’s: Fete a Special Occasion Over Steak and Seafood

May 5, 2015 by

The next time you’re celebrating a special occasion, consider making a reservation at Truluck’s. This upscale steak and seafood restaurant in Austin has a festive feel, from its light-covered marquee and beautiful stone patio to its romantic, old-fashioned interior. The eatery is very large and features a dark wooden bar and spacious tables that can accommodate the whole family.

On the menu, Truluck’s offers premium cuts of steak, Florida stone crab, and Chilean seabass, and its extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails pair perfectly with any entree. Appetizers like the famous smoking shrimp cocktail start the meal off right, while the dessert martinis and extravagant cakes conclude every meal on a sweet note.

Truluck’s serves dinner seven days a week. Happy hour is held between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. daily.

Truluck’s
10225 Research Boulevard
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 794-8300
www.trulucks.com
www.yelp.com/biz/trulucks-austin-2

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Donut 7: Get Your Morning Off to a Sweet Start

April 28, 2015 by

Whether you have a sweet tooth or you’re craving a hearty, bacon-topped breakfast sandwich, Donut 7 is a dependable choice for a casual breakfast in the North Austin area. Since 1983, this small bakery and cafe has given hungry early risers a place to grab breakfast tacos, breakfast sandwiches, and freshly baked doughnuts and kolaches in the wee morning hours.

Stop in before work to pick up a dozen glazed doughnuts for the office, or treat yourself to an apple fritter or a cinnamon roll. Those who prefer savory fare can go for a kolache, which arrive stuffed with cheese, sausage, and jalapenos. The breakfast sandwiches also receive high marks. These handheld creations layer egg, cheese, and breakfast meats between your choice of croissant or biscuit. Of course, no order at Donut 7 is complete without a piping-hot cup of coffee, and this Austin eatery has plenty to go around!

Donut 7 is open 6 a.m. to noon Mondays through Saturdays.

Donut 7
11005 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 837-9221
www.donut7austin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/donut-7-austin

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Tap Your Foot to the Beat at The Roost in Austin

April 21, 2015 by

Many music lovers say that few things in this world are better than an evening of foot-stomping, hand-clapping live music, and that's just what The Roost delivers. Once you visit this Austin club, you'll likely understand exactly why it’s such a local hotspot. Shows range from blues performers to rock bands, small local acts to internationally-known musicians, so there's something to suit just about everyone's taste.

With professional lighting that creates a concert-like atmosphere, several bars located throughout the venue, and a lively, dancing crowd, The Roost cultivates a festival-like atmosphere. Yelp reviewers say that sight lines and acoustics are top-notch, and there's plenty of seating available for music aficionados who prefer to sit and relax. The Roost does not serve food, but patrons are welcome to bring in snacks from the neighboring taqueria or crawfish shack.

Check the website for a current calendar of shows and to buy your tickets before they sell out.

The Roost
2113 Wells Branch Parkway
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 394-5727
www.theroostaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-roost-austin

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Where to Shop Quirky Gifts and Novelties in Austin, Texas

April 14, 2015 by

Austin is one of the quirkiest cities in the country, so it only makes sense that it would be filled with lots of shops selling strange curiosities. Whether you want to decorate your home or find something unique to wear, you’ll find it all from Austin’s weird and wonderful purveyors. Here are two of the city’s must-see shopping destinations.

Parts & Labour
If you prefer your quirky trinkets with a cute flair, you’ll want just about everything in Parts & Labour. This local boutique sells things that you wouldn’t imagine in even your most adorable daydreams, from stuffed animal taxidermy and colorful t-shirts to geeky greeting cards. The shop is open and airy and perfect for browsing, which you’ll likely want to do for the better part of an afternoon.
1117 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704; (512) 326-1648

Uncommon Objects
Just like its name suggests, Uncommon Objects is Austin’s go-to spot for everything creepy, eclectic, and just plain strange. The shop itself is an organized mess of antiques and oddities, including wall mounted armadillos, authentic Texan belt buckles, and more costume jewelry than you’ll have time to root through. Ideal for the antique lover who loves a good hunt, you truly never know what you’ll find at this artistic shop.
1512 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704; (512) 442-4000

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Ng BMT: Banh Mi and More in Austin

April 7, 2015 by

Although its name sounds like a secret code that only Austin locals understand, Ng BMT is actually a Vietnamese sandwich spot located within the Hong Kong Supermarket. This unique sandwich cafe-meets-bakery serves traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches on fresh-baked baguettes.

Each banh mi is available with your choice of peppered shrimp, tofu, pork, or other meats to accommodate both meat eaters and vegetarian guests. Diners new to the banh mi might enjoy the pork banh mi, which sandwiches slices of marinated pork within a warm baguette with creamy mayo, pickled carrots, cilantro, and, for a little spicy kick, jalapeno peppers! Counter the heat with the chilled sweet tofu dessert.

Ng BMT is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Regulars note that the prices at Ng BMT are easy on the wallet, so you can grab a cheap lunch that’s bit out of the ordinary.

Ng BMT
8557 Research Boulevard
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 931-1088
www.ngbmt.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ng-bmt-austin

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Mother’s Cafe: Eclectic Vegetarian Fare in a Colorful Atmosphere

March 24, 2015 by

From its colorful outdoor patio tables to its equally bright, cheery interior, Mother’s Cafe is an eclectic eatery through and through, and a visit here is sure to brighten your mood. The menu is entirely vegetarian or vegan, but each dish is thoughtfully prepared and very filling. Soups and salads are made with fresh vegetables and spices, and the restaurant offers a number of different types of meat-free enchiladas. Specialty dishes, such as ravioli marinara and mushroom stroganoff, come in heartier portions that are great for dinner, while the quiches and sandwiches make great grab-and-go items for takeout.

Mother’s Cafe also offers a full wine and beer selection, while the eatery's made-from-scratch desserts are some of the restaurant’s most popular items. Add in convenient parking, friendly service and affordable prices and Mother’s Cafe will quickly become a staple on any Austin vegetarian or vegan’s go-to restaurant list.

Mother’s Cafe is open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Brunch is served 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.

Mother’s Cafe
4215 Duval Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 451-3994
www.motherscafeaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mothers-cafe-and-garden-austin

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,
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