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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Vino Vino: Celebrate The Grape

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

Opal Divine’s: A Happy Hour Hotspot

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

Crawfish Shack and Oyster Bar: Back to the Bayou

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

Inka Chicken: Peruvian Fusion Fare

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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