If you're anywhere near East Austin's Manor Road, El Chilito is the perfect morning pit stop. This refreshingly simple cafe serves patrons through a walk-up window and offers outdoor seating only. Piping hot breakfast tacos are their claim to fame, but the migas plate and the cochinita pibil burrito (braised pork) are also delicious. The ever-crowded eatery also stocks paletas—Mexican ice popsicles made with fruit or flavored cream. While you wait, watch the speed at which the cooks prepare made-to-order plates or relax on the shady covered patio. East Austinites spend mornings at El Chilito, sipping coffee and reading the newspaper, usually with a dog under their feet. Go early on Saturdays to beat the crowd: an El Chilito breakfast taco is a favorite hangover food. -Sarah Murray
Kick Butt Coffee, is famous for its freshly roasted coffees which they have to offer. The taste of every coffee will wake you up from the sleepy mood you're in. Apart from the variety in their coffee menu, they do have a full bar not to mention snacks like pizzas et al. With a clean and a comfy ambiance, the staff provides you with good service. Stand-up acts, Wi-fi and a big screen television to add to the customer's entertainment and satisfaction.
Austin has several Thai restaurants to choose from, and Titaya's is among the best. The food is reliably delicious, and the ingredients are always fresh. The large menu includes a wide selection of appetizers, salads, and several freshly made soups, most of which are available in a pot served flaming at your table. Catering to a broad clientele, the menu boasts a large selection of vegetarian choices and a wide variety of seafood dishes. Entrees include curries and noodle stir-fries with varying degrees of spice, from very mild to tongue-searing. Do not miss the desserts, which are decadent without being heavy, like the black rice pudding, served warm and topped with coconut sauce.
With tons of Chinese restaurants scattered around the city, Din Ho offers something that few others do: traditional Chinese cuisine. Eschewing more Americanized Chinese fare, the expansive menu lists dishes bursting with Chinese vegetables like bitter squash and snow pea leaves, hot pots (meats and veggies served in a hot clay pot), fried tofu dishes, offal and plenty of seafood. One of the specialties of the house is the barbecue - juicy pork and duck served with a sweet and savory, shiny coating. The sounds of the barbecue being freshly chopped add to the atmosphere of Din Ho’s dining room. While there are no dessert offerings, fresh orange segments provide a sweet finish to meals.
Unlike the ubiquitous joints that serve enchiladas covered with neon-orange "cheese," Sazon celebrates Yucatan-inspired Mexican cuisine using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all offered either in the dining room or on the patio on South Lamar. Classics include the conchita pibil, pork baked in a spiced sauce; and chiles rellenos, roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese or meat. Sazon is one of the few restaurants in Austin that serves huitlacoche, also called the corn truffle. The kitchen stuffs them into empanadas and folds them into delicate omelets at brunch. Drinks are strong and made with freshly squeezed juices. For non-drinkers, fresh aguas frescas are available.
One of the several trailer dining options on trendy South Congress, The Mighty Cone is an extension of the upscale Hudson's on the Bend restaurant near Lake Travis. After their cones became one of the most popular food items at the Austin City Limits music festival, Hudson's decided to make them available year-round in a more budget-friendly and casual space. Cones are made up of tempura-fried chicken, shrimp or avocado and a spicy slaw in a soft tortilla. Homemade beef and veggie sliders and fries offer another option. Desserts include hand-dipped Blue Bell milkshakes, ice cream floats and the Death by Chocolate brownie.