Restaurants Near Zilker
Fri., Sept. 15, 2006
The Fifties diner setting is as comforting as the usual Chinese menu choices such as eggdrop soup, eggrolls, and lots of choices for main dishes.
1806 Barton Springs Rd., 478-3535 $$2) TEX-MEX: Chuy's
Hubcaps, colored lights, and a velvet Elvis; this is Austin-style Tex-Mex at its tacky, funky best. Almost always busy.
1728 Barton Springs Rd., 474-4452 $$3) TEX-MEX: Baby Acapulco's No. 2
Try this place for great enchiladas and multiple-flavored margaritas that should come with warning stickers: "Muy bueno!"
1628 Barton Springs Rd., 474-8774 $$4) JUICE BAR, VEGETARIAN/VEGAN: The Daily Juice
Friendly and popular juice bar near Barton Springs, offering fresh juices, smoothies, froths, and nondairy ice cream. You'll feel better on the way out than you did going in.
1625 Barton Springs Rd., 480-9501 $5) AMERICAN CAFE: Shady Grove
A beautiful outdoor seating area and hot dogs all year round. We're partial to the green chile cheeseburgers with mountains of onion rings.
1624 Barton Springs Rd., 474-9991 $$6) BAKERY/COFFEEHOUSE: Flipnotics Coffeespace
Upstairs find baked goods, sandwiches, and friendly service. In the shop below find great vintage and not-so-vintage finds. It's worth a stop.
1601 Barton Springs Rd., 480-8646 $7) AMERICAN CAFE, BAKERY/COFFEEHOUSE: Austin Java Cafe & Bar
Not just for that morning cup o' brown brew, the Austin Java Co. offers an array of sustenance, plus luscious desserts.
1608 Barton Springs Rd., 482-9450 $$8) ITALIAN: Romeo's
Familiar Americanized Italian food in a fun, romantically retro dining room. Choose from rich pastas, a low-carb menu, and pizzas. Full bar and weekend brunches.
1500 Barton Springs Rd., 476-1090 $$9) BARBECUE: Green Mesquite BBQ & More
One of Austin's favorite barbecue dives – it may look seedy, but the food is exceptional. Bluegrass on the patio, too.
1400 Barton Springs Rd., 479-0485 $$10) BURGER JOINT: P. Terry's Burger Stand
Find burgers fashioned from hormone- and antibiotic-free Harris Ranch beef, grilled chicken (Buddy's), fresh-cut fries, and milk shakes. Sit at a picnic table on the patio.
404 S. Lamar, 473-2217 $11) FINE DINING: Paggi House
This restored and revamped favorite caters to the young and hip with unique cocktails, small portions of New American dishes, and a casual atmosphere. Check out the patio and decks.
200 Lee Barton Dr., 499-8835 $$$12) AMERICAN CAFE: Rockhound's Cafe
Located in the old Castleberry's location, look for a selection of sandwiches, salads, and soups. Try the bagels with lox.
1025 Barton Springs Rd., 476-9800 $13) ITALIAN: Vinny's Italian Cafe
All the pasta dishes you'd expect, as well as a number of specialty pizzas. They offer lunch on Saturdays, as well as an updated wine list.
1003 Barton Springs Rd., 482-8484 $$14) BURGER JOINT: Sandy's Frozen Custard & Root Beer
The cool relief of a chocolate-vanilla swirl cone the neon sign, not to mention the sinful smell of decades of sublimely greasy burgers, and transport us back in time.
603 Barton Springs Rd., 478-6322 $15) SOUTHERN/DOWN-HOME: Threadgill's World HQ
Just a shout away from the former Armadillo World Headquarters; there are several music and food combos on the menu here, including a gospel brunch on Sundays.
301 W. Riverside, 472-9304 $$16) AMERICAN CAFE: Zax Pints & Plates
Find American bistro cuisine here: fluffy crab cakes, classic Caesar salad, and meaty burgers with blue cheese. Also known for a large selection of great beers on tap.
312 Barton Springs Rd., 481-0100 $$17) AMERICAN CAFE, CHAIN: Bennigan's
The Irish-themed grill and tavern has a lengthy menu with something for just about everyone.
301 Barton Springs Rd., 472-7902 $$18) PUB GRUB: Aussie's Volleybar & Grill
In addition to great appetizers and pub fare, they offer big-screen TVs and beach volleyball courts out back.
306 Barton Springs Rd., 480-0952 $
