Roaring Fork: Taste the Wood-Fired Flavor of Classic America

The Roaring Fork was created with the idea of old-fashioned American cuisine in mind, cooked over an open fire and bursting with bold, smoky flavor. Each dish is cooked over a wood fire rotisserie to capture this essence, and you’ll even find it in the restaurant’s aesthetic. From the hardwood floors and cozy booths to the sleek, modern light fixtures, every part of the Roaring Fork’s dining room combines elegance and rustic charm.

Regulars rave about meat creations like the stacked-high burgers, roasted chicken, and bacon wrapped tenderloin, while sides like fried avocado are the perfect accompaniments. The handcrafted cocktails and happy hour specials are a delight to of-age guests, and the Roaring Fork also boasts a hearty Sunday brunch that’s been touted as one of the best in the area.

The Roaring Fork is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Happy hour starts at 4 p.m.

Roaring Fork
10850 Stonelake Boulevard
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 342-2700
www.roaringfork.com
www.yelp.com/biz/roaring-fork-austin-3

The Clay Pit: An Austin Indian Restaurant

A warm, inviting ambiance with cinnamon-hued walls greets you when you enter The Clay Pit. The menu features a flavorful selection of Indian fare served attentively in an upscale setting. Order a beer or glass of wine from their extensive selection and a delightful appetizer like Veggie Samosas, Clay Pit Pakoras, Curried Crab Cakes or Coriander Calamari.

The Clay Pit's signature curry dishes include Jeera Saag – pureed spinach with spices, Vindaloo with bell pepper, onion & potatoes, and Mirch Masala with jalapenos, garlic, ginger & onions. Other dishes include Kabuli Chicken with korma sauce, Goat Saag with pureed spinach, Rack of Lamb in yogurt masala, and Lamb Roganjosh with creamy onion sauce. Stop by at lunchtime to feast on the flavorful array of dishes on the buffet table.

This Austin Indian restaurant is open every day.

The Clay Pit
1601 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 322-5131
http://claypit.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-clay-pit-austin

Wink Restaurant & Wine Bar: Fresh Food and Fine Wine in Austin

Austin’s Wink Restaurant & Wine Bar believes in supporting small farms and sustainable agriculture, and it is a member of the international slow food movement. Wink sources more than 75% of its menu items from within 100 miles of the restaurant, and the menu changes daily depending on what ingredients are fresh and available.

For diners who want to take a tasty tour of the day’s best offerings, Wink features a daily chef’s tasting menu of five or seven courses. Wink also features a daily farm and garden vegetarian tasting menu. Appropriate wine-pairings enhance each course. The elegant and intimate restaurant space fills up quickly, so reservations are recommended. Guests can also enjoy the full menu, and a more casual environment, in the Wine Bar.

The Wine Bar opens at 5 p.m. daily. The dining room opens its doors to dinner guests from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from 5:30 p.m. ‘til 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Wink Restaurant & Wine Bar
1014 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 482-8868
www.winkrestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/wink-austin

Upper Crust Bakery: Breads, Pastries, and More

With more than 28 years in the bakery business in Austin, Upper Crust Bakery has earned itself a bevy of loyal fans who flock there for freshly brewed coffee and yummy breads and pastries. Croissants are available here in a dizzying array of flavors, including cinnamon almond, marzipan, ham and cheese, and chocolate. Also in the pastry case are muffins, scones, cookies, cinnamon rolls and turnovers. Brioche, baguettes, rye, whole grain, and ricotta herb are among the bread options.

Stop by Upper Crust at lunchtime for a bowl of Italian stew with spicy Italian sausage, potatoes, garlic, mushrooms, and herbs. An apple, goat cheese, and pecan salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing is a fresh and healthy option. Sandwiches include chicken salad with pecans and grapes, tuna salad, smoked turkey, and avocado with vinaigrette.

Just a short drive from The Marquis at Canyon Ridge in Austin, Upper Crust Bakery is open every day.

Upper Crust Bakery
4508 Burnet Rd
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 467-0102
uppercrustbakery.com

Read the reviews on Yelp.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/khawkins04

Expect Live Music, Organic Coffee at Austin’s Monkey Nest

If you’re looking to start your day with a great cup of coffee, skip the chains and head to the Monkey Nest. This popular locally-owned cafe takes a socially responsible approach to its menu, serving only organic coffee and eclectic, internationally-influenced food.

The drinks here range from traditional espresso and drip coffees to some more unique concoctions. Try the Spicy Monkey Mocha, made with chocolate, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Monkey Nest also boasts a solid selection of teas if you’re not a coffee drinker. For food, the breakfast tacos can’t be beat; it's made fresh to order. The tuna and feta sandwich also wins raves.

Live music on the weekends draws a significant crowd, and the booking here is super diverse. From day to day you can see jazz, bluegrass, and even Eastern European dance music, a testament to the ethnic and cultural diversity of Austin. Best of all, there’s plenty of parking.

Monkey Nest
5353 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 505-8033
www.monkeynestcoffee.com
www.yelp.com/biz/monkey-nest-austin

Chez Nous: French Cuisine in the Heart of Austin

Thirty years after three Parisians decided that Austin needed an authentic French eatery, Chez Nous is still serving delectable fare. This casual French bistro features a flavorful array of dishes, with expert service and a cozy, romantic ambiance.

Start your meal with a flavorful appetizer like Escargot de Bourgogne – sautéed snails with button mushrooms, Chèvre Chaud Sur Canapé – baked goat cheese on baguette, or Assiette de fromages – assorted cheeses with fresh fruit. The Salade Lyonnaise is a delectable choice, with lettuce, grape tomatoes, poached local farm egg and Dijon vinaigrette. Entrée options include Entrecôte béarnaise – grilled Ribeye with béarnaise sauce, Bar Cari – grilled striped bass with curry coconut milk sauce, and Côtes d’agneau Manon – grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops.

Chez Nous is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Chez Nous
510 Neches Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 473-2413
http://www.cheznousaustin.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chez-nous-austin

Hill-Berts Burgers: Home to Some of Austin’s Best Burgers and Wings

Since 1973, the Maldonaldo family has been building upon a burger legacy in the Austin area, and their dedication to creating fast food with great quality and fair prices has made them legendary.

Here, award-winning burgers are made to order from excellent ingredients, and locals rave about the food. Preparation is simple: Juicy patties are nestled atop grilled buns with lettuce, tomato, and onions, but simplicity is a virtue when it comes to burgers. Thick-cut french fries are perfectly prepared, as well. If you feel like branching out, the fried chicken sandwich is out of this world, and Hill-Berts is home to some of the best hot wings in town. (These wings are called "Dallas Wings" because “nobody in Austin likes Buffalo.”) Save some room for a “butter-fat” milkshakes, made with real ice cream.

The original Hill-Berts location on Burnet Road is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Delivery is offered.

Hill-Berts Burgers
7211 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 452-2317
www.hill-bertsburgers.com
www.yelp.com/biz/hill-berts-burgers-austin-3

Daisies Café: Tasty Austin Diner Fare

Daisies Café is the perfect stopping spot for a tasty breakfast or lunch in a cute, friendly Austin setting. Breakfast Tacos are a favorite on this restaurant's menu, served with your choice of fillings that include eggs, potatoes, cheese, bacon, chorizo, avocado, onions & peppers.

Other breakfast choices include the Rosedale Fried Egg Sandwich with bacon & swiss cheese, Crème Brulee French Toast, and Longhorn Migas with scrambled eggs, tortillas, bacon & cheddar cheese. If you visit later in the day, the lunch menu includes offerings like Chicken & Dumplings Soup, an Ahi Tuna Burger, a Vegan Hamburger, Chicken Shawarma, Chicken Fried Chicken with hatch chile mashed potatoes, a Vegan Hippy Hot Dog, Blue Eyed Burger with melted bleu cheese, and the Gobbler & Swine Sandwich with turkey & bacon.

Daisies is open Mondays through Saturdays in Austin.

Daisies Café
2320 Hancock Drive
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 524-1904
https://www.facebook.com/daisiescafeaustin
http://www.yelp.com/biz/daisies-cafe-austin

Public Domain/Public Domain

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

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

Public Domain/Public Domain

Billy’s on Burnet: An Austin Gastropub

Looking for a relaxing Austin spot where you can enjoy a beer and a burger? Billy’s on Burnet is a favorite spot to do just that in a friendly setting.

Stop by for what they say is the "Happiest Hour" around, with great specials on drinks and food. Their tasty draft beer selection includes Avery Maharajah Imperial IPA, Blue Moon Belgian White, Austin Beerworks Pearl Snap, and Hops and Grain Greenhouse Hoppy Brown. Pair your beer with a dish like Fried Zucchini, Chips & Salsa, Fried Okra, Chili Cheese Fries, or Chips & Queso. The big burger menu includes choices like the Billy Burger with double meat & cheese, and the Cobra Burger with bacon, grilled jalapenos, cheddar & chipotle mayo. There’s also plenty to eat for vegetarians, including a Veggie Burger, a Veggie Dog and an Avocado Reuben.

Billy's on Burnet is open daily in Austin.

Billy's on Burnet
4526 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 524-4740
http://www.billysonburnet.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/billys-on-burnet-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/stu_spivack

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