A longtime favorite on South Congress, Jo's opened a second location in the downtown area to join the ranks of the ever popular 2nd Street District. This casual coffee shop is bustling all day long, first with the morning crowd of caffeine addicts, followed by writers, grad students and WiFi worshipers, and finally, filling up in the evenings with friends gathering to grab a drink after work. The highlight of Jo's downtown locale is the spacious patio. Grab a seat at one of their high tables to nurse a beer or munch on a famous Jo's Chicken Burger. Jo's exemplifies Austin's easygoing disposition and would be a great stop for out-of-town guests and first-time visitors.
Roppolo's Pizzeria and Italian Garden Cafe is as authentic as it comes in downtown Austin when searching for a gourmet Italian eatery. Roppolo's Pizzeria is especially popular for their handmade pizzas that can be purchased either in its entirety or by the slice. There are some specialty pies but building your own pizza is the real appeal here. Pizza is what they're known for but that's not the only thing they have to offer. The calzones are worth trying and you're able to build your own with up to three ingredients.
This restaurant is famous for its variety of frozen margaritas, especially the purple margarita! The most telling fact about the purple margarita is that they can only serve a maximum of two per customer. They're known for containing a bit too much liquor, which is the reason for the rule. Baby A's is a Tex-Mex restaurant, with happy hour specials every day and the occasional live music set on the weekends. The prices are reasonable, as most plates are under USD10 or even less if you show up for the happy hour deals. So if you're looking for a place to hang out with friends and get some food in your tummy, you can't go wrong by coming to Baby A's.
This restaurant and bar is a great place for groups of friends who're looking for a good time while enjoying the view. It is conveniently located by Lake Austin, with a fabulous view of the lake and the gorgeous houses on the other side. Though be aware that its popularity might mean you have to wait to be seated, especially if you want to sit outside. Great drinks are served daily accompanied by snacks and appetizers. Their prices are affordable, and the happy hour is especially popular with the college crowd.
A national chain, and headquartered in Austin, Mama Fu's has various dishes to choose from! to try? Additionally, lunch combos/specials include an appetizer and an entree in the fixed price, as well as appropriate portion sizes. Please note, the hot mustard sauce is akin to the Japanese wasabi (a sort of horseradish). Too much can cause short pangs of extreme discomfort. Various black and/or green teas are nearby to help cool off.