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Tarka Indian Kitchen: Indian Cuisine in Austin’s Allandale Neighborhood

July 16, 2013 by

Tarka Indian Kitchen is a quick and inexpensive to satisfy an Indian food craving from Biryanis to Kabobs, Curries to Lassis.  Run by the same owners as popular Clay Pit, there are three area locations, including in north Austin’s Allandale neighborhood.  The casual Indian cafe with counter ordering is popular even among Indian cuisine experts.  The menu offers traditional items like Tikka Masala as well as innovative twists like the “Naaninis” – a panini style sandwich made with naan.  Pair your favorite dish with soft and fluffy garlic naan and a mango lemonade with free refills.  Everything on the menu is under $10; you can dine in, take out, or have delivery through Dine on Demand.  Check out their iPhone app for online ordering.  Tarka has even been recognized as a “Green Restaurant” by the City of Austin for their environmentally friendly practices – just another reason you can feel good about giving in to that craving. 

Tarka Indian Cuisine
2525 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 323-0955
www.tarkaindiankitchen.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tarka-indian-kitchen-austin-2

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The Parlor: A Vegan Pizza Lover’s Paradise in Austin

July 11, 2013 by

Meat-lovers and vegans can both agree that The Parlor does pizza right.  This north Austin spot is half pizzeria half bar with a neighborhood dive vibe.  Parlor pizza has fluffy and chewy crust with many specialty pies to choose from – which can all be made vegan.  If one of those doesn’t tempt your taste-buds, you can build your own with plenty of traditional and gourmet toppings to choose from, including house-made vegan meats like mock chicken, pepperoni and sausage.  Try the Gunnar with artichoke hearts, spinach, garlic, and jalapenos.  Their pizza is perfect with beer and if you come before 7 p.m. you’ll get happy hour discounts on pints and pitchers.  A jukebox plays funky tunes and a well-maintained pinball machine make for an entertaining evening.  Although the pizza is on the pricey side, regulars agree its worth the price and reheats well if you have leftovers.  

The Parlor
4301 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 323-0440
www.theparloraustin.wordpress.com/pizza
www.yelp.com/biz/the-parlor-austin-2

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Vino Vino: Celebrate The Grape

June 18, 2013 by

Celebrate the grape at Vino Vino, one of Austin’s favorite wine bars. Their selection has been recognized with many awards including the 2012 Austin Chronicle’s Restaurant Poll Award for favorite wine list. Hundreds of bottles are displayed along the walls, and warm woods including exposed beams create a wine-cellar feel. A quaint outdoor patio with a fireplace and strands of soft twinkle lights is perfect for a romantic date. Servers are knowledgeable and are happy to make a bottle recommendation at any price point. The menu offers a variety of small and large plates, including cheese and charcuterie plates. The mussels and fries with white wine and tarragon aioli are a customer favorite, as are the crab gnocchi and Wagyu slider. Vino Vino is one of Hyde Park’s hottest happy hours, and features $2 off any glass of wine and several half-priced appetizers.    

Vino Vino
4119 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 465-9282
www.vinovinoaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/vino-vino-austin

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Opal Divine’s: A Happy Hour Hotspot

June 11, 2013 by

Discounts abound at Opal Divine’s! With four locations, including their “Marina” location in north Austin, you’re never too far from a great bar special. 

Every night of the week you can find a great deal to enjoy with friends on their large patio.  Celebrate Texas on Wednesdays with $2.50 Texas brews all day and a pulled pork sandwich. If you’re feeling fancy, Sunday evenings offer a great deal on top-shelf margaritas. Their bar also features over 60 varieties of scotch, many imported and craft beer on tap, and half price appetizers M-F from 4-7 p.m. The bar isn’t the only place you’ll find specials — Monday is buy one burger, get one at half price. Other favorites include their fish and chips, and basket of cracked pepper fries, which come with your choice of dipping sauce like chipotle ranch. They also have an express lunch menu which guarantees your lunch in 15 minutes.  Check their website for a full list of their daily deals.

Opal Divine’s
12709 Mopac Expressway
Austin, TX 78727
(512) 733-5353
www.yelp.com/biz/opal-divines-marina-austin

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Cork and Co.: The Mighty Grape

May 28, 2013 by

Aficionados of the mighty grape congregate at Cork and Co., where a plentiful supply of wine from around the globe is arrayed for imbibing. Order a wine flight to sample an array of varietals. Each flight contains three 2-ounce pours of your choosing. Accompany your libations with something yummy for your tummy, like the Antipasto, Cheese & Charcuterie Plate with a sampling of goodies of your choosing. Other food choices include Baby Zach’s Smoked BBQ Hummus Plate and a Piccante Italiana Panini with peppered salami, prosciutto di Parma, smoked provolone and spicy cherry peppers. Increase your knowledge and appreciation of wine with one of their fun, informative classes. Upcoming choices include Wines of California, Wines of Oregon and Lone Star Wines. Open Monday through Saturday.

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

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Crawfish Shack and Oyster Bar: Back to the Bayou

May 21, 2013 by

Next time you’re looking for a casual and flavorful seafood meal, consider stopping at Crawfish Shack and Oyster Bar.  This neighborhood restaurant offers simple cajun dishes like catfish po’boys, hushpuppies, and live crawfish cooked to order. The prices are reasonable and portions are generous.  Many regulars always start their meal with the Crawfish Shack’s homemade gumbo, others swear by the crab legs.  Their seasoning is on the mild side, so if you are looking to give your tastebuds a big kick, order your meal spicy.  The decor is fun and casual, and with quick service, the Crawfish Shack makes a great lunch spot!  They also offer take out, if you’d rather make a buttery mess of yourself at home. Their menu is almost entirely seafood, but definitely fresh. There is free wifi and several TVs to catch the game.

Crawfish Shack and Oyster Bar
2013 Wells Branch Parkway
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 252-7556
www.yelp.com/biz/crawfish-shack-and-oyster-bar-austin

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Inka Chicken: Peruvian Fusion Fare

May 14, 2013 by

Inka Chicken is Austin’s Peruvian fusion restaurant serving up one main dish – charcoal rotisserie chicken.  Although they only offer the chicken entree, you won’t be disappointed – the meat is moist and flavorful.  Ordering is easy and you can choose from several combinations of chicken portions, sides and sauces.   American side choices include steak fries, rice, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, and a veggie medley.  If you want more authentic South American fare, choose the yucca fries and fried plantains.  Order tortillas, rice and a veggie medley to create a wrap.  Their desserts are also authentic – try the tres leches cake.  Casual dining is enhanced with a smokey aroma from the charcoal rotisserie.  Service is friendly and happy to help explain the menu and cooking process.  With a drive through, you’ll never go back to the supermarket version!

Inka Chicken
1707 Wells Branch Parkway
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 252-2222
www.yelp.com/biz/inka-chicken-austin

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Dine Back in Time at Top Notch Hamburgers

April 10, 2013 by

Step back in time at Top Notch Hamburgers in Austin. Since 1971, this family-owned drive-in has been serving burgers and fried chicken that’ll knock your socks off. The menu is simple and straight-forward – no fancy toppings or “aioli” here. Charcoal broiling imparts old-fashioned flavor, and you can’t go wrong with the Longhorn Special; two beef patties and a special sauce. The fried chicken is breaded on site, and comes out hot and juicy. They offer shakes and malts as well as a nice variety of fried sides including tater tots, fried okra, and onion rings from scratch. You can enjoy your meal in the car while watching a movie on their white-wall “screen.” Not only do you get the vintage atmosphere – you get a vintage price too!

Top Notch Hamburgers
7525 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 452-2181
www.yelp.com/biz/top-notch-austin

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The Backspace: Gastropub Goodness

March 26, 2013 by

The Backspace is a great little gastro-pub is helmed by revered Austin chef Shawn Cirkiel. His small, Italian-themed menu is eclectic, giving diners some yummy options for antipasti, pizzas and desserts to pair with wine, beer and cocktails. Order yourself a fruity chardonnay or rich cabernet sauvignon alongside an antipasti like Lamb & Pork Meatballs with stewed tomatoes, Baked Ricotta with lemon poached tomato, Farm Greens Salad with pecorino romano, or Brussel Sprouts & Fontina. The pizza selection includes the classic Margherita with mozzarella, basil & tomato, the Bianco with arugula, mozzarella & ricotta and the Roasted Mushroom with ricotta, tomato, capers & thyme. Delectable desserts include Hazelnut Chocolate Budino, Salted Caramel Panna Cotta and Ricotta Cheesecake. Open Monday through Sunday from 5p.m until 11p.m.

The Backspace
507 San Jacinto St
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-9899
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-backspace-austin

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The Little Deli is Big on Pizza

March 19, 2013 by

The Little Deli brings New York to Austin. 

Although this place has Deli in the name, what the pizza makes it a gem. It's thin-crust New York-style, with homemade dough hand-tossed and baked on a two inch stone hearth to create a chewy crust. You can order by the slice, or whole pie. If you’re ordering a whole pizza, you can create your own from their long list of toppings with traditional veggies and more artisan options such as roasted eggplant, sun dried tomatoes, and pesto sauce. Or, you can try one of their specialties like the Bacon Blue that is topped with Gorgonzola and red bell peppers. There is limited seating inside, but outdoor seating is plentiful. 

The Little Deli is BYOB so you can place your order and then pick up a beverage at the supermarket next door. It can get busy for lunch — regulars suggest calling ahead to place your order if you want to avoid a wait.

The Little Deli
7101-A Woodrow Avenue
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 467-7402
www.yelp.com/biz/little-deli-and-pizzeria-austin

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