What’s not to love about a down-home little outdoor pizza stand located smack-dab next to a gas station? South Austin's Giovanni’s has earned a host of fans who adore the thin-crust, sizzling pies turned out of this friendly little eatery. There are a few tables for sitting, but most pies go home with their new owners. Yummy toppings include portabella mushrooms, gorgonzola cheese, chipotle pesto, roasted eggplant, steak, kalamata olives and shrimp. Stop by at lunchtime for their bargain special and get a slice of pizza with two toppings, and soup or salad for $5.49. Pasta is also on the menu and their daily soup is reportedly super-tasty. Cruise by in the a.m. for some hearty breakfast tacos and fajitas. Giovanni's Pizza Stand is open Mondays through Saturdays.

Giovanni's Pizza Stand
2900B S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 442-7033
http://www.giovannispizzastand.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/giovannis-pizza-stand-austin-2

Accolades abound for Parkside, a casually sophisticated eatery showcasing a tasty menu of seasonal American fare. Stop into the expansive bar and lounge area for a glass of wine, an artisan beer or a creative cocktail like the El Charrito with tequila, Campari, gingersnap liqueur and orange peel. Have a nosh from the oyster bar or an appetizer like Potato Gnocchi, Crispy Sweetbreads, Fried Oysters, or Crab Fritters. The raw bar features Salmon with citrus & sweet peppercorns and Classic Ceviche with avocado. Entrees include Braised Lamb Shanks with Israeli couscous, Seared Salmon with bacon cider vinaigrette, Grilled New York Strip Steak with brown butter puree, and Marinated Pork Blade Steak with foraged mushrooms. Open Monday through Sunday from 5p.m. until 12a.m.

Parkside
301 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78701
Neighborhood: Downtown
(512) 474-9898
http://www.yelp.com/biz/parkside-austin

Taking its cue from the lush Spanish city on the Costa Del Sol, Malaga Tapas & Bar features a plentiful array of drinks and small plates served in a romantic setting. Authentic dishes include Albondigas in Salsa Brava – baked beef & pork meatballs in spicy tomato sauce, Marmitako – fisherman’s stew with tomato broth & potatoes, Empanadas Salamanca – spinach turnovers with mushrooms & cheese, and Plato de Quesos Y Frutas – a plate of assorted cheeses & fruit. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10a.m. until 2p.m. with delectable fare that includes Baked Egg on Creamy Polenta, Veggie Scramble, and Torrijas – Spanish-style French Toast served with honey & lavender. Stop in on Wednesday nights for live flamenco. Open every day.

Malaga Tapas & Bar
440 W 2nd St
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 236-8020
http://www.yelp.com/biz/malaga-tapas-and-bar-austin-2