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, Mozart's Coffee Roasters. Here coffee, drinks, and desserts can all be had in one venue. Sit across the deck and enjoy a yogurt smoothie or an espresso shake. Caffeine addicts and nature enthusiasts can mingle and soak up the view, while music lovers can enjoy live music. This coffee room attracts a varied crowd, from early-morning exercise buffs 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.
Step inside this hacienda-style restaurant and find yourself whisked south of the border by the Mexican interior, where fine food is served in a charming colonial atmosphere. Chef Roberto Sabatinez has added his own creative dishes to the menu of old favorites, including a wonderfully imaginative chile relleno that employs an ancho chile rather than the usual poblano. Traditional dishes are well prepared and the desserts go beyond the flan usually offered at many Mexican restaurants. Brunch is not to be missed; especially for those who love the Mexican custom of making the late morning meal a long, leisurely affair.
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.
Kerbey Lane Cafe has been cloned several times now, but the original location of this Austin icon is still a local favorite. Its wonderfully diverse menu is a sight to behold for vegetarians. The vegetables are homegrown and pesticide-free, and the beef and chicken are free-range. Breakfast features omelets, pancakes and great breakfast tacos. The restaurant is open 24 hours between Thursday and Sunday, perfect for your late night weekend eats. No wonder it is an institution here.
Renowned for its mouthwatering smoked meats and long lines, Franklin Barbecue, in Austin, is a legendary destination for barbecue aficionados. Franklin Barbecue is open only for lunch from 11 a until it is sold out, which is usually even before it opens. This is the reason you'll see a serpentine line outside the restaurant right at 8 a. From perfectly charred brisket to succulent ribs and tender sausages, every bite here is a revelation of flavor. Despite the wait, the atmosphere is electric, with the tantalizing aroma of slow-cooked meats filling the air and creating an unforgettable experience. For those seeking the true essence of Texas barbecue, Franklin Barbecue on East 11th Street is a must-visit culinary pilgrimage.
Alimentari 28 is an Italian eatery and cafe that serves an array of breakfast and lunch items that includes authentic Italian pastries, baked goods, espresso drinks, gelato, juices, paninis, etc. They also have a full bar and offer its customers happy hours, brunch, dinner and after-dinner cocktails. It is an ideal place for the happy-hour crowds and patrons looking to grab a quick bite.
Akin to its name, this place can be called Asia’s melting pot of culture. Here you will get a chance to relish Chinese, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Thai, and Southeast Asian flavors cooked in a unique style. The dining room spans 6,000 square-foot and exudes a Zen-like vibe. The interiors are elegant yet minimalistic and feature wooden accents and plant embellishments. 1618 is also quite affordable and does not put much weight on your pocket.
Stop by for lunch or call in an order for a dinner party. This spot uses 100% semolina flour and fresh farm eggs to make pastas in a large assortment of flavors and shapes. You may also purchase small batches of ravioli including Herbed Goat Cheese or Rosemary Chicken. Sauces are also on the to-go list, with five tomato-based sauces, four cream-based sauces and two types of pesto. A variety of frozen entrees are offered, including Italian dishes made without added preservatives and vegetarian options like Eggplant Parmesan. Larger portions can be ordered and the staff will even prepare the meals in your dishes.
For Austinites, the drive to Pflugerville is worth it to dine at Taste of Ethiopia. Family-run, the restaurant serves lovingly cooked Ethiopian specialties, pleasing both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Like most Ethiopian restaurants, meals are served family-style at Taste of Ethiopia. Stews are ladled onto a thin round of injera, or Ethiopian sourdough flatbread, on a platter placed in the center of the table along with rolled up injera. Diners pick up morsels of stew with the bread. Delicately spiced, stews range from mild to spicy and include beef, chicken and lentils, along with lots of vegetables. To try a wide selection, opt for a sampler platter or try the lunch buffet, 11a-2p on weekdays.
Located inn the East Austin neighborhood, Micklethwait Craft Meats is a caravan-driven barbecue restaurant. Opened in December 2012, the menu on offer features house-style dishes of sausage, brisket, and sliced pork shoulder along with small plates of Brisket Frito Pie and sandwiches. The in-house specialty of the restaurant is jalapeño cheese grits. The restaurant has been acclaimed in The Austin Chronicle's Beef Rib Smackdown 2014, The Jimmy Kimmel Show, the Cooking Channel's Eat Street, and the Discovery Channel's show Barbecue Paradise along with print media like The Wall Street Journal, Esquire and Texas Monthly.