If you are a fan of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisines then drop by at the Troy Restaurant. The eatery has a relaxed and comforting atmosphere and offers homemade food to its guests. On the food menu they serve a variety of Mediterranean and Turkish style vegetarian dishes, Turkish style chicken and beef dishes, kebabs to name a few. Guests are allowed to bring their own drinks and they can enjoy it with their meals. After a hearty meal do try their Turkish coffee and homemade cakes.
For a mouthful of the real Texas, head down to The Salt Lick barbeque restaurant. The scenery and the rustic restaurant building all add to that perfect Southern flavor. Try the mammoth sized sandwiches or the family style meals (inclusive of pork ribs, brisket, sausage, potato salad, cole slaw, beans, pickles, onions and bread). Dig into the delicious smoky sausages or the moist briskets all made with special Salt Lick sauces. You have to leave place for the irresistible homemade desserts. It must be noted though that the restaurant is located in a dry precinct so you have to carry your own alcohol. Great barbeque, melt in the mouth desserts and a drink of your choice!
You know an authentic restaurant is a good bet if its patrons are largely locals or of the region and nationality of that particular cuisine. The Habeñero Mexican Cafe does great on both counts, although Hispanics tend to outnumber the Austin locals. The servers are bilingual and efficient, to the extent of advising you on the gorditas to rating the spice in the salsa. The huevos rancheros and migas make for a great breakfast. What makes the carnitas, fajitas and carne asada substantial and flavorful is the mesquite. As usual, when in doubt look around or ask the Mexican family next to you. They'll be glad to help.
Whoever said that nothing good ever came out of a food trailer has never tried Gourdough's amazing donuts. Located on 1st Street, this small but thriving business has amassed a lot of regular customers. They offer a wide selection of donuts with a collage of flavors that practically explode in your mouth, sending you to a state of happiness that most could only dream of. There is also a create-your-own option for those who are creative enough to build something exotic. The seating area, which is shared with two other trailers, is perfect for groups, but they also try to accommodate visitors during the colder time of the year by providing a coal fire. Gourdough's is great for families, couples, and teens.
There are three TacoDeli locations throughout Austin proper: one north at Burnet, one central at North Lamar, and one south at Spyglass. Daily specials are indeed 'special', rotating frequently to serve exotic dishes not on the regular menu, such as the Tacolomo (pork loin, pasilla garlic mojo sauce, red cabbage pico de gallo, and roasted peppers) and the Scallops Tacos (shellfish, roasted red and poblano peppers, grilled corn, and garlic lime mojo sauce). Salsas range from mild tomatillo to super spicy habanero, and beverages include fresh aguas frescas and Austin's own Buddha's Brew kombucha. Also, TacoDeli ambassadors set up shop at the Downtown Farmer's Market on Saturday morning and at The Triangle Farmer's Market on Wednesday afternoon to serve a limited, but special menu.