Savor Sweet Corn Sorbet at Uchiko

The gourmet Japanese creations that Uchiko's chefs craft for dessert almost outshine the inventive fare they serve for the main course, at least according to online reviews. Fans rave about the sweet corn sorbet, an entirely unique sweet that comes with polenta custard, caramel salt, and just a dash of lemon. The fried milk garners wide acclaim, too, a mix of chocolate milk, toasted milk, and iced milk sherbet. Olive gelato, tobacco cream, and seasonal sorbets round out the selection of treats.

Before you get to the sweets, though, you should indulge in an entree or a few small plates. They're inspired by Japanese cuisine, but feature farm-fresh fare. Try the cook-it-yourself Wagyu beef or Atlantic salmon served with dinosaur kale, Asian pear, and yuzu. Uchiko also dishes out inventive sushi and maki rolls, like the Ham and Eggs makimono with katsu pork belly, yolk custard, and espelette.

Uchiko
4200 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 916-4808
www.uchiaustin.com/uchiko
www.yelp.com/biz/uchiko-austin

Salata: Making Lunchtime a Little Healthier With Salads and Wraps

If you’re looking for a place to make your lunchtime meals a bit healthier, Salata is a great option in the North Austin area. This grab-and-go salad bar offers customizable salads, wraps, and made-in-house dressings and sauces that give everything major flavor. All of the veggies and proteins are prepped fresh daily, and everything on the menu is gluten free.

Salata runs like a well-oiled machine, with friendly employees tossing large salad bowls from behind a long, colorful salad bar filled with greens, vegetables, and an assortment of toppings. There are a number of different soups that change from day to day, and the selection of fresh juices complements the eatery's health-conscious menu.

Inside, Salata’s bright green dining room features light wood booths and tables where guests can enjoy both the lunch and the free Wi-Fi. Customers can even order their meals online and pick them up in person for added convenience on a busy work day!

Salata
10515 N. Mopac Expressway
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 487-5497
www.salata.com
www.yelp.com/biz/salata-austin

Sonora Hot Dogs: Get the Frank Con Todo

Sonora Hot Dogs may look like a mere food truck at first glance—and that assessment isn't entirely wrong. But the Sonoran-style hot dogs, fully loaded burritos, and gooey quesadillas that come from its kitchen on wheels are a few notches above your typical fast food. The gourmet versions of American comfort food have won the acclaim of local publications like Eater Austin and even the food critics from nationwide restaurant encyclopedia Zagat.

Regulars highly recommend getting the Sonoran-style hot dog "con todo," topped with everything from mustard and mayo to crispy strips of bacon. Sonora also offers a meat-free veggie dog version zig-zagged with Vegenaise. You can also opt for an overstuffed carne asada burrito, which features not only the grilled steak, but also mashed avocado and freshly made pico de gallo. Get the carne asada as a quesadilla if you're craving cheese.

Sonora Hot Dogs
5715 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 994-8982
www.tlocs.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sonora-hot-dogs-austin

Donut 7: Get Your Morning Off to a Sweet Start

Whether you have a sweet tooth or you’re craving a hearty, bacon-topped breakfast sandwich, Donut 7 is a dependable choice for a casual breakfast in the North Austin area. Since 1983, this small bakery and cafe has given hungry early risers a place to grab breakfast tacos, breakfast sandwiches, and freshly baked doughnuts and kolaches in the wee morning hours.

Stop in before work to pick up a dozen glazed doughnuts for the office, or treat yourself to an apple fritter or a cinnamon roll. Those who prefer savory fare can go for a kolache, which arrive stuffed with cheese, sausage, and jalapenos. The breakfast sandwiches also receive high marks. These handheld creations layer egg, cheese, and breakfast meats between your choice of croissant or biscuit. Of course, no order at Donut 7 is complete without a piping-hot cup of coffee, and this Austin eatery has plenty to go around!

Donut 7 is open 6 a.m. to noon Mondays through Saturdays.

Donut 7
11005 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 837-9221
www.donut7austin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/donut-7-austin

Mother’s Cafe: Sink Your Teeth Into a Bueno Burger

Long before vegetarianism and veganism went mainstream, Mother's Cafe was already on board. It opened in Austin back in 1980 with a completely meat-free menu. Plant-based eating may be commonplace today, but back then, this eatery was blazing a new trail.

Perhaps that's why it's continued to thrive in the years since; vegetarians and vegans know that they can count on a fresh, carefully prepared meal here. Even if you're a meat-eater, you'll still be able to appreciate the fact that Mother's uses healthy ingredients such as non-GMO canola oil and offers purified water (which chefs also use when cooking). Locals suggest you try the Bueno burger, which showcases a patty made of veggies, grains, seeds, and tofu tucked inside a vegan whole-wheat sesame bun with tomato, pickle, red onion, and lettuce. Add vegan cheese or guacamole for some extra flavor. The artichoke enchiladas are a big hit, too, so opt for these if you're craving something spicy.

Mother's Cafe
4215 Duval Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 451-3994
www.motherscafeaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mothers-cafe-and-garden-austin

Have You Tried the Chile Relleno at Mesa Rosa Mexican Restaurant?

There are ample opportunities to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in Austin, but Mesa Rosa Mexican Restaurant is a local favorite that’s certainly worth checking out. This casual eatery offers sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos made with high quality meats, cheeses, and vegetables, and they come in a variety of different styles. If you’re looking for something more filling, you might enjoy the combination platters or a traditional entree (don't skip the chile relleno!), or if you’re feeling a bit less adventurous, opt for a juicy hamburger or chicken tender platter.

Mesa Rosa offers large portions for reasonable prices, and the daily lunch specials make it even more affordable. Pair your meal with an icy margarita or the famous Austin Iced Tea, and be sure to stop by during the festive weekday happy hour.

Mesa Rosa Mexican Restaurant
10700 Anderson Mill Road
Austin, TX 78750
(512) 335-3335
www.mesarosa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mesa-rosa-restaurant-austin

Enjoy Fish Tacos at Cabo Bobs Burritos

What brings people back to Cabo Bob’s Burritos time and time again is simple: some of the best fish tacos anywhere in the city. Upon your first visit, you might be a little intimidated by the line from the counter, which can stretch all the way to the door on busy days. But have patience and you will be rewarded!

These tacos are made with perfectly fried fish slathered in chipotle crema and served with a mango pico de gallo salsa that’s sweet and spicy. When you’re ready to move on and try the rest of the menu, some other dishes that win raves from regulars include the great brisket burritos, which fold slow-cooked beef in an ancho chile tortilla with cheese, rice, beans and the house special "66 red" sauce.

Cabo Bobs Burritos
500 E. Ben White Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 432-1111
www.cabobobs.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cabo-bobs-burritos-austin

Don’t Skip the Naan Wraps at Chicken Lollypop in Austin

Chicken Lollypop combines the cuisines of two cultures to create a flavor-filled dining experience in Austin. This small cafe serves Chinese-Indian fusion fare, boasting a succinct menu of sandwiches, wraps, soups, signature entrees, and fried rice.

The naan wraps are a popular choice here. Chef Imitiaz Shaikh cooks chicken or paneer (Indian cheese) in a Szechuan sauce and wraps it in naan with green chutney and a yogurt sauce. The chef also cooks chicken breast in a house ginger sauce and pairs shrimp with spicy Manchurian sauce. You can add such signature house items as sautéed spinach and herbs and Bombay potatoes with green peas and spices. While the flavor in each dish is great, the price is even better. Menu items are $10.99 and below.

You’ll find Chicken Lollypop inside the East Braker Lane Food Mart. The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Chicken Lollypop
1005 E. Braker Lane
Austin, TX 78753
(512) 909-9826
www.facebook.com/pages/Chicken-Lollypop/619479071400593
www.yelp.com/biz/chicken-lollypop-austin

Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant: Order Dumplings to Your Doorstep

On those nights when you’re just too tired to cook and all you want is a relaxing evening at home, consider ordering delivery from Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant. This popular Austin eatery offers both dine-in and delivery options on a wide variety of Chinese fare favorites, from crab puffs and fried dumplings to classic sesame chicken, egg drop soup, and lo mein noodles.

Regulars say that the food is generously portioned, and that prices aren't too hard on the wallet (go for a meal combo if you want the best deal!).

Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekends.

Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant
14735 Bratton Lane
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 251-0827
www.fourseasonschinese.com

Chago’s: Taste Puerto Rican Cuisine in Austin

Taste Puerto Rican cuisine in Austin at Chago's. Chef Chago creates an authentic take on the cuisine, building a menu that features dishes like fried pork chop with rice and beans, beer braised chicken with sweet plantains, and slow roasted pulled pork with pigeon peas. You can’t leave Chago’s without trying the Mofongo, which is made from mashed fried green plantains and pork crackling. If you come in for lunch, you may also want to try the restaurant’s Cuban sandwich, winner of Austin Chronicle’s 2012 “Critics Cuban Sandwich Smackdown.” (There are gluten free options available, as well.)

Come in for lunch, dinner, or a pina colada. The family-owned and -operated restaurant opens at 11 a.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Visit its website to find out more.

Chago’s
7301 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 275-6013
www.chagos.biz
www.yelp.com/biz/chagos-austin

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