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24 Diner: Austin Comfort Food

February 6, 2014 by

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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The Bonneville: Sophisticated New American Cuisine

January 30, 2014 by

Take a date to The Bonneville, a classy restaurant in downtown Austin offering sophisticated New American cuisine. Most dishes are gourmet updates on everyday favorites, like the popular Bacon and Egg Ravioli appetizer — tender dumplings served in a creamy brown butter sauce. Diners also recommend the Grilled Pizza as a starter. (Try the lamb pizza with a spicy eggplant puree, mint, Manchego cheese, and a drizzle of lemon yogurt sauce.) There is a handful of entrees to choose from. The Toasted Orrecchiette Pasta with house-made veal meatballs is a crowd pleaser. Don't skip dessert at The Bonneville; the Lemon Buttermilk Pudding with blackberry compote is out of this world.

A full bar features craft cocktails, like a Habanero Margarita. Stop by during the daily happy hour from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and take advantage of $3 discounts on cocktails and wine by the glass. The ambiance is ideal for a date — a mix of wood and contemporary brick make it sophisticated, yet simple; modern, yet inviting.

The Bonneville
202 W. Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 428-4643
http://www.thebonnevilleaustin.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-bonneville-austin

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

January 9, 2014 by

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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Cork and Co: Austin’s Intimate Wine Bar

December 31, 2013 by

A bottle of white, a bottle of red….meet up at Cork and Co. to unwind after work. This downtown Austin wine bar offers a relaxing and intimate space; walls lined with bottles are offset with dim lighting to give the restaurant a wine cellar effect. Traditional tables, a bar, and couches provide a variety of seating options. There are plenty of wines available by the glass and bottle, and knowledgeable bartenders can guide you to the right selection. Try several in a flight, and if you find something you like, take a bottle home for 25% off.

On Wednesdays, Cork and Co. features a different red, white, and sparkling wine, and glasses are just $5. The kitchen offers light sandwiches, but many customers opt for cheese and charcuterie selections to snack on while they imbibe. Prices are always reasonable here, but are even better during the daily happy hour until 7 p.m., when glasses of wine are discounted $3. Cork and Co. is great for late night too, as kitchen is open until 1 a.m.

Cork and Co.
308 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 474-2675
http://www.corkandco.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cork-and-co-austin

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Quattro Gatti: Italian Cuisine Complemented by the Capitol Building

December 12, 2013 by

Take a date to Quattro Gatti in downtown Austin for an Italian meal in the shadow of the Capitol building. Its ambiance is intimate, yet cheerful. Bright yellow walls are offset by an antique wooden bar, and tables are topped with romantic candles. Many regulars come for the thin crust pizza. Try the Montanara, a pizza topped with prosciutto, arugula, and two cheeses.

Quattro Gatti's menu also offers formal Italian dishes, including plenty of pasta and main course items. Try the Rigatoni aella Nonna, replete with tomato sauce eggplant, mozzarella, and basil or the Lombatina di Vitello, a grilled veal chop seasoned with olive oil and rosemary. Customers find the prices reasonable for the generous portions.

Quattro Gatti
908 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 476-3131
http://www.quattrogattiaustin.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/quattro-gatti-austin

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Lick Ice Creams: Frozen Treats in South Austin

December 4, 2013 by

Seeking a sweet, frozen treat in South Austin? One top pick might be Lick Ice Creams. Go there to sample of few of their innovative flavors, before you choose a couple that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Their flavors are based on what’s fresh and local and all of their milk and cream is sourced from nearby dairies. They love to mix tastes in unique ways, combining fruits, herbs and even vegetables in the mix. In summertime you’ll find flavors like Blackberry, Lime & Basil, Mexican Marigold & Blueberry Swirl, Strawberry Basil, Lemon Lavender, and Honeyed Peaches with Rosemary. Year-round flavors include Fresh Mint & Chocolate, Hill Country Honey & Vanilla Bean, Caramel Salt Lick, Goat Cheese, Thyme & Honey and Roasted Beets & Fresh Mint. Open every day.

Lick Ice Creams
2032 S. Lamar
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 363-5622
http://www.ilikelick.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lick-ice-creams-austin

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Arro: A Trendy Destination for Austin Foodies

November 27, 2013 by

Austin foodies with a love of French cuisine are flocking to Arro, the trendy sister restaurant to Easy Tiger Bake Shop. The seasonal menu features a mix of traditional French cuisine (Duck Confit) and more unusual items (Grilled Antelope). If you're new to French cuisine, the three-course menu for $25 is a great way to experience Arro. Diners can choose from several options, and favorites include the Lobster Bisque to start, Mussels and Fries as a main course, and the Lemon Goat Cheese Tart for dessert.

A full bar offers sophisticated cocktails and French wine. Renovations to the restaurant's warehouse setting have preserved the building's open, industrial feel, and large windows offer great urban views of 6th street. Arro's ambiance is ideal for a classy, yet casual, date.

Arro
601 W. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 992-2776
http://www.arroaustin.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/arro-austin

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Over 100 Tequilas Have a Home at Iron Cactus

October 30, 2013 by

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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Ranch 616: Southwestern Flavors

September 18, 2013 by

Ranch 616's innovative menu embraces southwestern flavors from the Gulf of Mexico to the border towns of Texas, with prime cuts of beef and super-fresh seafood served whole. The ambiance is fun, funky and relaxed, perfect for chilling out with friends and family. Start off your meal with one of their custom cocktails like The Pink Taco, with vodka, freshly squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice and a cherry. Pair your drink with a tasty appetizer like Buttermilk Battered Calamari, Chili Lime Grilled Prawns or the Quesadilla of the Day. Grilled Duck Breast with Thai noodles, Jalapeno Grilled Chicken with chipotle tartar sauce, and a Texas Black Angus Ribeye served with enchiladas, beans and rice are among the entrée choices. Open for lunch and dinner.

Ranch 616
616 Nueces Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 479-7616
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ranch-616-austin

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Swift’s Attic: Up the Stairs

September 12, 2013 by

Head up the stairs in the historic downtown Austin Building and discover Swift's Attic. Farm to table is the name of the game here, and the menu features a changing roster of dishes that rely on what’s fresh from local purveyors. Fourteen draft beers and a plentiful wine supply are supplemented by some delectable cocktails. Try the playfully named Champampaloma Ba Wom Bam Boom made from citrus liqueur, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and champagne. Bar snacks include Market Pickles, House-Made Bar Nuts, and Old World Olives. Lunch offerings feature some delicious ‘sammiches’. Dinnertime rolls out entrees like Warm Niman Ranch Pork Cheeks, Broken Arrow Ranch Antelope Steak and Lockhart Quail.

Swift's Attic
315 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 482-8200
http://www.yelp.com/biz/swifts-attic-austin

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