Hopdoddy is a restaurant specializing in high quality burgers and beers, located in South Austin. Hopdoddy features fresh ground beef burgers daily available with classic as well as new and inventive topping combinations, like the Terlingua burger, which is topped with Chile con Carne, corn fritos and a generous dollop of cheddar, or the Janis Joplin burger, which is a hemp seed veggie pattie with avocado, sunflower sprouts and cheddar, again. For those who want to be a little more health conscious, they have salad bowls available with all their different types of patties (beef, buffalo, tuna, turkey or veggie). In addition to the solid foods, they also offer delicious milkshakes, available with various types of liquor to spike them with, and a good selection of craft beers.
Bridget Dunlap's Italian restaurant dishes out authentic Roman-Style pizzas, with toppings like fontina, truffle oil, chicory and sausage. Served over an uber-thin base that is prepared using minimal yeast and fermented dough, these pizzas are a tribute to classic Italian mastery and skill in the kitchen. The menu focuses on the regional cuisines of central and southern Italy, with a few northern Italian favorites for an added touch of warmth in winter. Pasta, salads and delicious mains like beef cheeks with Roman-style potato puree are also served, alongside a splendid bar selection including cocktails, beer and wine. Sleek and modern, yet classically Italian, Burn offers its guests the best of both worlds.
Elizabeth Street Café is the brainchild of Thomas Moorman and Larry McGuire. This quaint cafe, restaurant and bar offers Vietnamese and French delights. Reminiscent of French Colonial Hanoi, it has a lovely landscaped garden and vibrant interiors that are decked with artworks and antiques. Savor their spicy curries, pho, pastries and baked goodies. Enjoy their happy hours with a choice drink.
Walking into the Crown & Anchor is like walking into the University of Texas boathouse. The HD screens showcasing games, burgers and fries and a good selection of beer make the pub a popular hangout among college students and professors too. For the wagering kind, there's the dartboard and pool tables to win a few bucks. If you don't worry about parking and enjoy being a part of a boisterous crowd then spend an evening at this unofficial Austin Institution.
The Spider House, located close to UT, is an unusual establishment open from breakfast until late night. Largely populated by students in search of coffee drinks, light food and solitude by day, this quiet spot gets decidedly more upbeat at night when beer and wine are the more common fare. Based in an old house complete with wooden floors, exposed brick walls and wrap-around porch, the interior is comfortable and serene with tables and chairs for lounging. Outside, there is a fabulous patio with strings of festive lights and mismatched funky furniture. The food menu features a host of scrumptious sandwiches, pizzas and a host of Mexican-inspired dishes.
A local watering hole through and through, the School House Pub has gained much popularity owing to its fantastic drinks and delectable pub-style fare. Opened in 2013, this pub is known for its tantalizing drinks and the drinks menu is so tempting that you will find it difficult to settle down for one order. Choose from a variety of crafty cocktails, fine wines, local and international beers, and other libations. To accompany your tipples, they offer a food menu that features burgers, salads, pub staples like mac n cheese, chorizo, and sandwiches. Choose to sit in their cozy, beautifully lit interiors or their warm patio. School House Pub is dog friendly, so, get your poodle along as well.