A break from the fried food, burgers and pizza near the downtown bars, Koriente offers fresh, healthy food in the heart of the Red River bar scene. Open late on weekends, the Asian-inspired restaurant has a diverse clientele, from health-conscious diners to late-night snackers. The menu features lots of fresh vegetables, noodles and spicy dishes like curries and bibambap. Snacks include summer rolls, tapioca wraps and edamame. To drink, Koriente offers an extensive tea list featuring greens, blacks, reds and herbals. Bubble tea, the chilled drink with delightfully chewy tapioca pearls suspended in it, is also available in a variety of fruit or yogurt flavors.
The Moonshine Grill sits in the oldest building in Austin, and the decor tastefully reflects the same. The sweeping arches and exquisite mirrors on the brick and stone walls, not to mention the warm fire place all make for a cozy setting. The starters everyone raves about are the corn dog shrimp, which are skewered shrimp in cornmeal batter, served with honey and blueberry mustard. The choice entrées are the broiled rainbow trout and Texas flat iron steak. Behind the main restaurant is a refurbished carriage converted into a bar, making the Moonshine Grill an ideal setting, no matter what the occasion.
Take an exquisite lake view, add in a spacious deck, a glass of carrot juice and a double latte, and what do you have? This king of all coffeehouses, where coffee drinks and desserts can be had in one building and, across the deck in the juice bar, a yogurt smoothie or fresh vegetable juice. Caffeine addicts and natural food buffs can mingle and soak up the view, while music lovers can enjoy the live music Wednesdays through Sundays. This coffee room attracts a varied crowd, from early morning exercise nuts to late-night conversationalists. Others simply kick back, relax, and smell the coffee.
If you think that Bouldin Creek Coffee House serves only coffee and breakfast, then you're wrong. Boulder Creek serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but the menu here is strictly vegetarian. For drinks, try the chai latte and the honey lemonade. Leslie Martin, the owner offers the best multi-cultural menu at reasonable prices.
Whip In has Indian-infused breakfast items available until 2 p.m., perfect for late risers. Naan (Indian flatbread), scrambled eggs, cheese and your choice of chutney (a spiced, Indian condiment) makes up the breakfast naan (cilantro chutney is rather appetizing). As if that wasn't enough, they also have an impressive beer selection on tap, a vegan/vegetarian grocery aisle, a wine and beer area, and a tobacconist with Indian candles & incense.
Serving macrobiotic food in a community setting, this restaurant offers natural, organic, vegan meals. One complete, balanced macrobiotic meal is created for lunch and another completely different meal will be offered for dinner. You will not find a menu, as the chef plans meals daily based on the seasons. The cooks work continuously during each meal to keep the fresh food coming, as you may go back for seconds as often as you like. The fresh steamed greens with almond sauce are a favorite of many patrons. Its environment is spacious and airy with many windows surrounding the dining area. There is even a silent table, where guests may eat without being disturbed.
At Gloria's Latin Cuisine, delicious Latin-American cuisine is served in a warm, cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Here you get to taste a little of everything from tamales, plantains, papas to fajitas, enchiladas and more, everything is served with salsa and warm black bean dip, which is heavenly. The menu is dominated by Latin-American specials with few Mexican dishes. They are also known to serve some of the best margaritas in town and they also house a full bar. Their waiters and staff are really friendly, warm and welcoming, known to make you feel as ease as soon as you enter. On Saturday nights, the place turns into a dancing hub as they push aside the tables to make room for you to welcome you weekends.
Downtown Austin is home to Chef Andrew Curren's Italic known for its superior quality of Italian offerings perfectly paired with Italian wines. The menu features an eclectic selection of cured meats, Italian cheeses, olives and home-made focaccia. Guests can choose from an array of rustic wood-fired pizzas and farm-to-table selection of pastas made from the freshest seasonal ingredients. To top it all, pamper your sweet-tooth with gelatos and other Italian sweet confections crafted by Chef Mary Catherine Curren.
If you have a craving for a meaty burger at 2:00a in the morning Svante's is the place to go! The patty is made from grass-fed beef accompanied by soft buns. Space Jam is the superstar burger on the menu which is made with alapeno havarati and becon-onion jam and is totally delectable and you could club it with the Space Jam fries which are equally delicious. You can enjoy your favorite burger sitting at their outdoor seating under the clear Austin sky.
True to its name, Chi'Lantro features a fusion of Korean and Mexican cuisine with a mobile food service across Austin. Follow the schedule of their friendly food truck to sample their creative take on traditional flavors. As the inventors of kimchi fries, this dish is a must have with French fries topped with caramelized kimchi, seasonings and Korean BBQ. Other specialties include the Korean burger, spicy pork tacos, Seoul burrito and beef rice bowl. They also offer catering facilities for your parties and private events.
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.
Elegantly appointed with intricate ceilings and plush furnishings, The Driskill Grill is indeed one of those places to dine for special occasions. This elite steakhouse serves sublime steaks and seafood that are indeed feast to the eyes and palate. The candle-lit ambiance ensures, that a romantic dinner is also a fabulous option. Reservations are highly recommended.