Arro: A Trendy Destination for Austin Foodies

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

Pinthouse Pizza: A Homegrown Brew Pub

The name might say Pinthouse Pizza, but here, beer is the star. Located on Burnet Road across from the Sunshine Community Gardens, Pinthouse Pizza doubles as a brewery. Classic flavors are made alongside seasonal brews that are available to enjoy right in the brew pub. If you’re new to the place, do yourself a favor and get a beer flight, four different brews that can give you a good idea of the flavors in Pinthouse’s arsenal (make sure to check out the calendar of special beers). The ambiance of the Pinthouse is pure beer garden, with long bench tables just right for hanging out with friends. And then, there’s the classic pizza and specialty pies, all tasty and made with fresh ingredients. The Pepperoni Pizza is a favorite among regulars.

Pinthouse Pizza
4729 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 436-9605
http://pinthousepizza.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pinthouse-pizza-austin

Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar: Homestyle Italian Cuisine

Good Italian food is easy to find in Rosedale – just come to the Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. Located on Burnet Road across from the Sunshine Community Garden, Gusto stands for fun and enjoyment in Italian. Here at Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, you’ll enjoy both the ambiance and the food. The restaurant has a quiet and casual atmosphere with subdued lighting, making it a nice place to go for a date. It’s also a good happy hour spot, with a nice selection of beers on tap and wines (try the house-made sangria), along with deals on apps and pizzas. And you can’t go wrong with the freshly made antipastos, pastas, and pizzas! Folks really like the signature polenta fries and the risotto. Try to come on the weekends for the brunch buffet!

Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar
4800 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 458-1100
http://www.gustoitaliankitchen.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/gusto-italian-kitchen-and-wine-bar-austin

Sushi Nini: Try the Blue Midnight Roll

Good sushi is only part of the reason to stop by Sushi Nini restaurant. Located in the shopping center where N. Interstate 35 meets Louis Henna Boulevard in Round Rock, Sushi Nini is the place to go for fresh and affordable sushi. But it’s also a good spot to meet up with friends! At the sushi bar, you can watch your order being made by experienced chefs. Good sushi is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, but regulars really like the signature Blue Midnight roll. There’s always a deal here! For lunch, selected rolls are half price. Dinner for two with appetizers, main course, and dessert is just $29.99. Now that’s a deal! The Monday to Friday happy hour offers $2 deals on beer, sake, and well drinks. With a big screen TV, you can even catch the game. 

Sushi Nini
117 Louis Henna Boulevard, Suite 160
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 671-6464
http://www.sushinini.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-nini-round-rock

Morelia Mexican Grill: Not Your Typical Tex-Mex Cuisine

Morelia Mexican Grill in Round Rock is not your typical Tex-Mex food. The family hails from Morelia, Mexico and the menu offers traditional and authentic food.  Of course you can find your favorite Mexican items like Burritos and Tacos, but what makes Morelia stand out is a varied menu with more options than is typical of Mexican food.  In addition to standard beef, chicken and shrimp fajitas, the grill offers combos that feature quail and ribs.  If you like enchiladas, they have 10 to choose from, including crawfish enchiladas with a cajun cream sauce. In fact, their special sauces are found throughout the menu and range from ranchero to mole and spicy cream. The atmosphere is casual and murals transform the walls making the bar look like Mayan carved stone. Bar beverages are more than just margaritas and include traditional drinks like a Charro Negro, a refreshing combination of Tequila and Coke.

Morelia Mexican Grill
920 Palm Valley Boulevard
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 255-0511
www.yelp.com/biz/morelia-grill-round-rock

The Frisco: Dine in Retro Style in Austin

The Frisco is everything a diner should be, retro decor, comfort food, and breakfast served all day.  The last surviving restaurant of the historic Night Hawk chain, it has been feeding Austin for 60 years.  The large menu offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites from flakey biscuits to beefy burgers.  Customers love the chicken fried steak, with a good breading ratio and light gravy.  Homemade pies show off in glass cases – don’t skip out on their famous coconut cream pie.  Whether you sit at the counter or in a booth, service is consistent and friendly at The Frisco.  Take a walk around the restaurant and check out the Austin memorabilia that lines the walls.

The Frisco
6801 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 459-6279
www.thefriscoaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-frisco-austin

Japanese Cuisine Favorites at Akira Sushi Grill and Wok

Akira Sushi Grill and Wok is a causal Japanese and Chinese restaurant in Round Rock.  Their Japanese menu features many regular and specialty rolls as well as an array of raw fish nigiri and sashimi.  A customer favorite is the orange blossom roll; a several types of fish, avocado, and unagi sauce in a beautiful presentation.   Although the ingredients sound like an odd combination, regulars swear by the Akai roll with broiled unagi, cream cheese, and avocado topped with strawberries.  Many customers come for the Japanese dishes, but Akira makes great Chinese food as well, like General Tso’s and Mongolian stir-frys.  There are several tofu options for vegetarian customers.  Stop in for generously portion bento boxes and discounted wok specialties.

Akira Sushi Grill and Wok
16420 RR-620
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 671-4788
www.akirasushigrill.com
www.yelp.com/biz/akira-sushi-grill-and-wok-round-rock

Fusion Fare at Austin’s Roll On Sushi Diner

Roll On Sushi Diner embraces fusion fare in diner-themed style, right in Austin, Texas. This casual and fun Sushi bar in Allandale has plenty of Austin twists to their specialty rolls. The Cholesta roll is the most popular, with chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, and green beans rolled up together and served with gravy. Another favorite is the Beefy Texan with beef brisket, wasabi cole slaw, avocado, and spicy bbq mayo. There are plenty of traditional options too – try the sunshine roll – a California roll topped with salmon. For dessert, consider the Tempura fried ice cream. Everything is reasonably priced here with easy by-the-plate-color pricing between $4.50 and $7.50. Roll On continues the fun and affordability during happy hour which features $5 sake bombs and discounted snacks, like the Japanese pork dumplings. It’s a happy and upbeat atmosphere and friendly staff make everyone feel welcome.

Roll On Sushi Diner
5350 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 454-7655
www.rollonsushidiner.com
www.yelp.com/biz/roll-on-sushi-diner-austin

 

Tasty Chicken and More at Pluckers Wing Bar

Want to watch the game? Head to Pluckers Wing Bar in Round Rock, just a few minutes from The Marquis at Canyon Ridge. This place loves to use their fryers! Pluckers has 19 zesty sauces to coat their crispy and juicy wings, like the Hallelujah, sweet sauce with a kick, and Spicy Mandarin, for a flavorful twist. If you want to challenge your taste buds, try Fire In The Hole, their hottest sauce.  Those that manage to put away 25 wings will appear on their “wall of flame.” (If you do, make sure to cool off with some sweet tea.) Other fried favorites are the pickles, fried mac and cheese, and thick-cut homemade potato chips with warm blue cheese dressing. Burgers and sandwiches round out their menu, along with several sides including twice baked potato casserole, waffle fries, and mac and cheese — which many people swear is the best they’ve had. So what are you waiting for?

Pluckers Wing Bar
300 Mays Crossing
Round Rock, TX 78662
(512) 671-9464
www.yelp.com/biz/pluckers-wing-bar-round-rock

 

Asti Trattoria: Italian Cuisine in a Casual Austin Ambiance

Asti Trattoria in Austin’s Hyde Park neighborhood offers, casual bistro-style Italian food.  Meals start with crusty and chewy complimentary bread and the cheese and antipasto plates are popular appetizers, offering a variety of cheeses, cured meats, fruit and nuts. Many diners indulge in Asti’s gourmet pizzas and the Bianca topped with three cheeses, sage and drizzled in truffle oil is a customer favorite. Homemade sausage is featured throughout their pasta dishes, like the orecchiette with broccoli rabe. Traditional main dishes round out the entree selection, try the braised lamb shank with polenta. Customers note the portions are deceptive; they look small but will definitely satisfy. Don’t overlook dessert, diners love the sweet finish of beignets with vanilla bean gelato. Asti’s extensive wine list has many by the glass and half bottle selections, including dessert wine and aperitifs. The decor mixes contemporary updates with a 50s diner vibe; red enameled tables and a counter facing the open kitchen create a fun trendy atmosphere for a casual meal. 

Asti Trattoria
408 E. 43rd Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 451-1218
www.astiaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/asti-trattoria-austin

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