The 1886 was once the gathering point for pretty much all of Austin. With its diner-cafe feel, most flocked to The Driskill's lobby for wholesome food, the quality bar and the friendly atmosphere. The now revived 1886 Cafe and Bakery is no different. Walk across the chequered tile floor and take a seat beneath the art-deco chandeliers. The 1886 Bakery opens early and offers great chocolate croissants, muffins and aromatic coffee. If you're in for breakfast, the skillets or Benedicts are just what you need. The lunch and dinner menus cover a good range of pasta, salads and steaks. It may say 1886, but step in and you know, it's still Austin chic.
No matter your style, you won't be disappointed at Cru, A Wine Bar. This small chain is a great addition to Austin's lively 2nd Street District. An alluring al fresco sidewalk patio draws crowds for wine flights and sharing plates, while the breezy French doors lure parties inside for a sit-down dinner. Cru pours over 50 wines by the glass and has hundreds of high-dollar bottles waiting on the wine racks to be uncorked. Their menu is contemporary cuisine and pays particular attention to food from France, Asia, and the Wine Country. Try a wine flight as you people-watch or splurge on their poached salmon and a bottle of Patz & Hall chardonnay.
Great food, awesome brews and a fantastic vibe sums up Banger's in short. For the long form, this beer garden on historic Rainey Street offers quality pints as well as artisanal farm-to-table food. With an endless list of refreshing beers that accompany the comfort food on its menu, Banger's is easily one of the most popular joints iin Austin. Additionally, the outdoor beer garden with long tables is reminiscent of those in Munich and when the weather is right, its a great place to take one or two of Banger's 30 or so housemade sausages alongside a frosty pint.
All restaurants could do with a famous patron, but the owners of Güero's Taco Bar proudly have a whole heap to choose from. The restaurant has a couple of dining rooms, one of which is built around the kitchen, giving it a very homely feel, and the outdoor bar is especially popular anytime the weather is nice (which is often). Check out the fish taco and the queso flameado, or the breakfast tacos. Don't forget to chug down the famous margaritas made with fresh lime juice or have a shot of first-class tequila.
So one wants coffee and the other beer? No problem! Thunderbird Coffee serves both, along with an eclectic menu of delicious dishes. A favorite spot of locals in Cherrywood, this cafe has a zen vibe and is superb for working or studying while sipping on a sinful brew. Everything at Thunderbird gravitates towards comfort, from the interiors to the seating to the food. Come here with old friends, meet new friends, and have a grand old time! Call or see the website for more information.