Food
Restaurants
1920s Club (C86) 918 Congress, 479-7979. Don't let the sophisticated elegance intimidate you, slacker – this easygoing gay speakeasy is as hometown and downtown as it gets, plying you with smooth martinis and flapper jazz.
5th St. Caboose (L17) 1120 W. Fifth, 708-1120. This new choo-choo ain't no gravy train – just a good cafe serving breakfast and lunch for take-out, delivery, or dining in. Featuring breakfast tacos, scones, homemade soups, and daily specials.
Alamo Drafthouse (W15) 409 Colorado, 867-1839. With beer, wine, and a full menu for your viewing pleasure, Alamo offers a first-class ticket to second-run films.
Ancho's Restaurant (N54) 701 Brazos, 320-5858. This pleasant dining room in the soaring atrium of the Omni Hotel offers a Southwestern menu and a dynamite Sunday brunch with waffle and omelette stations.
Arturo's Cafe & Bakery (N16) 314 W. 17th, 469-0380. Arturo's is a hidden, cozy cafe that serves wonderful breakfast and lunch items. The kind of place that's a true "find."
Austin Java Co. (L71) 1206 Parkway, 476-1829. Not just for that morning cup o' brown-brew, the Austin Java House offers an array of sustenance, including some luscious desserts to eat in or take out.
Austin Land & Cattle Co. (L74) 1205 N. Lamar, 472-1813. Rollin' rollin' rollin', keep those beefsteakes rollin', though my belly's swollen, rawhide! They also carry chicken, fish, lobster, shrimp, and all other meats to meet a carnivore's needs.
Babes/Babes Stageside (S3) 208 E. Sixth, 473-2262. Our favorite downtown spot for great, juicy burgers and Don Walser for free on Monday nights.
Basil's (L59) 900 W. Tenth, 477-5576. Nestled on the banks of Shoal Creek in a cozy cottage, Basil's is one of the city's favorite Italian restaurants. Equally popular with the Lege and local high rollers, Basil's offers a quiet setting for a sensitive business deal or a romantic tete-à-tete over dinner.
Bertram's (N14) 1601 Guadalupe, 476-2743. Chef Miguel Ravago and partners Buckner Hightower and Greg Schurr serve inspired Hispanic Texas cuisine in this restored 1860 building.
Bitter End (W12) 311 Colorado, 478-2337. Austinite wannabe Ethan Hawke borrowed this name for the lovelorn bar of his premiere novel, but few leave unsatisfied after wading in this brewpub oasis or sampling some of chef Kathryn Mathis' sublime culinary creations.
The Boiling Pot (S43) 700 E. Sixth, 472-0985. Like its sister restaurant on the Texas Coast, this joint serves up fresh boiled seafood of every variety. They've got great shrimp, blue crabs, oysters on the half shell, crawfish (in season), boudin, gumbo, and red beans & rice.
Brick Oven Restaurant (E79) 1209 Red River, 477-7006. Primavera, rigatoni, fettucine... pizza, stromboli, lasagne... wine, wine, wine. If these words mean anything to you, check out these eats. While you're at it check out the new seats, too. Brick O has just installed a new sidewalk cafe.
BW3 (S5) 218 E. Sixth, 472-7227. Buffalo wings of all heat levels; plus a good selection of veggie fare. But what the hell is "weck"?
The Cafe at the Four Seasons (E5) 98 San Jacinto, 478-4500. We love the new bar area in this well-appointed dining room and found the new fireplace very inviting. The seasonal Southwestern menus make use of many local products and are a cut above customary hotel restaurant food, putting this restaurant on par with the best fine dining venues in the city.
Cafe Josie (L11) 1200-B W. Sixth, 322-9226. Specializes in tropic-inspired, mesquite-grilled, fresh seafood served in a colorful, open atmosphere.
Calle Ocho (C71) 706 Congress, 474-6605. Whether it's steaming platefuls of delicious Tex-Mex, or steaming salsa and merengue in the dance hall upstairs, this joint is jumpin'.
Capitol Cafe (N67) 300 E. 11th, 478-8773. Americana. You local office folks, keep in mind that these guys deliver.
Capitol Lunch (C41) 811 Congress, 499-8113. Possibly the only place in town where you can get American charbroiled cheeseburgers, Thai currys, Vietnamese noodles, and Cambodian soups under the same roof.
Carmelo's Italian Restaurant (S69) 504 E. Fifth, 477-7497. The recent exterior renovations and addition of what has to be the most elegant parking lot in the city have given this reliable downtown eatery a fresh appeal. Carmelo's signature Sicilian menu specialties are popular for business lunches, dinner parties, and wedding receptions in this restored 19th-century hotel.
Casino El Camino (S59) 517 E. Sixth, 469-9330. The burgers have such a loyal following, we heard howls of protest when we overlooked them in last year's burger survey. Now that we've tried them, we understand what all the fuss was about.
Castle Hill Cafe (L19) 1101 W. Fifth, 476-0728. Frequently changing menus unleash the copious creativity of the chefs. Try to imagine the the beauty of just one of their current specials: linguini pasta with garlic-grilled shrimp, in a crab-brie sauce, pistachio-sweet chile pesto, and charred red pepper puree.
Iron Works
photograph by Kenny BraunCedar Street (W23) 208 W. Fourth, 708-8811. See related story.
Chez Nous (S78) 510 Neches, 473-2413. For years, the casual home of French country cuisine in Austin. We love it for the prix fixe menu, the salade Lyonnaise, and the waiters' sexy accents.
The Chicken Bowl (N11) 1610 Lavaca, 474-9003. Don't be fooled by the name; serving carne guisada, Thai salad, and varieties of teriyaki, The Chicken Bowl serves up more than meets the eye.
China on the Avenue (C83) 908 Congress, 474-0137. Reasonably priced Asian fare offers great lunch specials and a step up from the ordinary wok 'n' go.
Chinatown (S115) 215 E. Sixth, 320-8018. Chinatown owner Ronald Chang designed several quick and light grill items for the menu of his downtown outlet.
City Grill (E49) 401 Sabine, 479-0817. This place has a very loyal clientele, completely devoted to the creative appetizers and fresh seafood served in a casual, relaxing atmosphere. The deck overlooking Waller Creek is a pleasant spot to while away the hours after work.
Commodore Plaza Food Court (N61) 800 Brazos. When you can't decide what to eat, the food court's the thing for grazing. Home of the Texas Tea Room, Buns-N-Stuff and El Plato Caliente.
Copper Tank (S99) 504 Trinity, 478-8444. Try the salmon. It's yummy.
Dan McKlusky's (S98) 301 E. Sixth, 473-8924. Known primarily for steaks, but they do feature a full menu. Sorry, the one with the music is north, off Research.
Dave's Place (N65) 1013 Brazos, 494-0606. Serving breakfast and lunch. Dave says the food is excellent.
District Bar & Grill (W76) 301 W. Sixth, 476-2399. Italian-American faves and traditional pub fare priced right for lunch, dinner, or a light snack after the show. Check out the 100-inch-screen TV!
Dog & Duck Pub (N20) 406 W. 17th, 479-0598. The best fish & chips in Austin with many, many beverage options to accompany it.
Driskill Grill (S1) 604 Brazos, 474-5911. The fine-dining venue in the recently remodeled Grand Dame of Austin hotels. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
El Mercado (N7) 1700 Lavaca, 477-7689. Don't recognize the name? It's the Tex-Mex restaurant with the outrageous jalapeño chile sign.
El Plato Caliente (N61) 800 Brazos, 474-8756. Simple and tasty Tex-Mex breakfast and lunch, all under $5, offers a terrific alternative to fast food.
El Rinconcito (L62) 1014 N. Lamar, 476-5277. Chef Lalo Garland's diverse menu includes dishes from the interior of Mexico, Central America, and his native Peru complemented by an interesting selection of South American wines.
Empanada Parlour (S76) 500 E. Fourth, 480-8902. You may have sampled the Parlour's wares at your local coffee house. These baked pies are not boring little pastries – they're leaping with spicy chicken, potato and cilantro pesto, corn, and red bell peppers, and an assortment of fruit flavors. The creamy chipotle sauce on the side can make these feisty little numbers downright fiery.
Eva's Mexican Food (S114) 217 E. Sixth, 495-9656. Just the place to satisfy that recurring Tex-Mex craving while walking the Sixth Street circuit.
Fadó Irish Pub (W24) 214 W. Fourth, 457-0172. We're partial to the cozy atmosphere and the lilting brogues of the services staff. Hearty Irish inspired food and the only place in town that serves Guinness on draught and Guinness Ice Cream.
Frank & Angie's Pizza (W38) 508 West, 472-3534. Where the proprietors of Hut's prove they can make pizza and cannoli as well as they do burgers and fries.
Fresh Planet Cafe (L45) 601 N. Lamar, 476-0902. The bill of fare here is filled with plenty of fresh, light, healthy dishes priced for family dining. Enjoy the noodle bowls, tacos, or our favorite crispy tuna wrap while the rest of the world is busy shopping downstairs at Whole Foods.
G/M Steakhouse (L44) 626 N. Lamar, 472-2172. Forget about all those pretenders to the throne, this is the closest thing that Austin has to a real diner. Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock used to come in weekly for a cup of fresh coffee, some gree-z steak and eggs, and the input of a proprietor who doesn't mince words.
Gilligan's (W14) 407 Colorado, 474-7474. No men in grass skirts, no bumbling Bob Denver – just some of the city's most delectable seafood in a classic setting. Ginger would surely approve.
House Park BBQ
photograph by Kenny BraunGitanos Restaurant and Deli (E1) Brazos & Cesar Chavez, in Franklin Plaza, 482-8822. Breakfast and lunch for on-the-go types; sandwiches and a fajita bar. Deliveries.
Hickory Street Bar & Grille (C77) 800 Congress, 477-8968. All-you-can-eat with style: salad, soup, and potato bars in a homey, tranquil setting.
HighLife Cafe (S20) 407 E. Seventh, 474-5338. A comfortable place to relax with coffee and the newspaper or a bottle of wine and friends. In a very short time, chef/owner Mary Hall Rodman has developed a reputation for breakfast dishes that are well beyond the ordinary.
The Hoffbrau (W56) 613 W. Sixth, 472-0822. One of the city's longest-running success stories, The Hoffbrau has been slinging steaks since 1934. Though all kinds of trendy new places have grown up around it, the Hoffbrau is still the same as it ever was.
House Park Bar-B-Q (L78) 900 W. 12th, 472-9621. Owner Joe Sullivan's chopped beef and pork roast are required courses for lots of students at ACC's Rio Grande campus and many denizens of the nearby legal ghetto.
Hut's Hamburgers (W39) 807 W. Sixth, 472-0693. The legendary Hut's rests not on its laurels but often atop beefeaters' picks for Best Boiger. Notorious for their two-for-one specials.
Il Refugio (S51) 621-A E. Sixth. Italian and Belgian cuisine under one roof. Coming soon.
International House of Pancakes (E41) 707 E. Cesar Chavez, 478-1188.
Iron Cactus (S16) 606 Trinity, 472-9240. Enjoy lunch or dinner from their eclectic Mexican and Southwestern menu on the deck overlooking Sixth & Trinity.
Iron Works Bar-B-Cue (E27) 100 Red River, 478-4855. Accolades for this cherished BBQer just keep piling up. In 1997, editors at the national magazine Smart Money rated Iron Works' ribs the best they'd tasted, and the Works' shipping orders went through the roof. Meanwhile, the Works retains its neighborly charm, with modest prices and self-serve beer offered from tin coolers.
Jaime's Spanish Village (E62) 802 Red River, 476-5149. A downtown stalwart, this unassuming stone shack has kept 'em coming back for better than 60 years, the last 20 under current owner Jamie Tames. A traditional Tex-Mex menu is complemented by the famous Margarita Jaime – a frozen margarita with fresh sangria on top.
Jaime's Spanish Village
photograph by Kenny BraunJazz (S4) 212 E. Sixth, 479-0474. Always fun and festive, Bourbon Street meets Sixth Street in this longtime Cajun/Creole eatery.
Jean-Luc's French Bistro (N46) 705 Colorado, 494-0033. From the romantic lighting and Edith Piaf on the sound system to the single blossoms in pastis bottles on every table, the ambience of this place charms us completely. Add to that exceptional French country cooking and a wine list studded with French regional bargains, and Voila!, the evening is a success.
Katz's (W49) 618 W. Sixth, 472-2037. New York, New York! It's a helluva town! With Top of the Marc up and Katz's down! Austin's own posh-nosh, a sit-down deli for the late-night crowd.
The Kitchen Door (C22) 115 E. Sixth, 472-6700. The Kitchen Door is always open to catering, but come in for lunch anytime. Offers delicious salads and cold and hot sandwiches.
Kyoto Japanese Restaurant (C12) 315 Congress, 482-9010. Scrumptious sushi and other Asian fare in an authentic setting. Leave your shoes at the door.
La Pasadita (L62) 1014-E N. Lamar, 236-8341. Clarksville's newest noshery featuring Texas' favorite way to break its fast.
La Zona Rosa (W61) 612 W. Fourth, 472-2293. The restaurant kitchen seems to have stabilized with the newest incarnation of LZR and the bill of fare is reliable Tex-Mex. We especially like the Gospel Brunch with a substantial Mexican buffet and the Asylum Street Spankers in the amen corner.
Las Manitas (C7) 211 Congress, 472-9357. If celebrity visits, political hobnobs, and amiable service don't explain the weekend wait, one taste of their Migas Especiales con Hongos surely will.
Logan's on Sixth (S2) 200 E. Sixth, 236-0300. New upscale restaurant/tavern serving gourmet pub grub.
Louie's 106 (C23) 106 E. Sixth, 476-2010. Crisp, elegant setting for Austin's original tapas.
Manuel's (C49) 310 Congress, 472-7555. Mexican food with a flair, in a posh, mood-lit setting. Great interior specialties include several seafood dishes. Great appetizers, too; half-price at happy hour.
Marisco Grill (S118) 211 E. Sixth, 474-7372. Marisco is Spanish for "seafood" and this place features a full Mexican menu in addition to their delicious seafood with a Mexican twist.
Mars (N29) 1610 San Antonio, 472-3901. Mars specializes in Asian and Mediterranean cuisine; venture inside to find out exactly why it's called Mars.
McGillicuddy's (C30) 619 Congress, 476-4764. No frills here – just a friendly staff and some good, honest Irish pub grub.
Mezzaluna (W10) 310 Colorado, 472-6770. Chef George Powell's upscale Italian offerings make sure this longtime city favorite stays one.
Miguel's la Bodega (W16) 415 Colorado, 472-2369. Those who only think of Miguel's as a hot, happening place to drink and dance the merengue are missing out on half the fun. Chef John Mims is in the kitchen whipping up meals as spicy and enticing as the music.
Mike's Pub (C31) 108 E. Seventh, 479-6424. Climb the winding staircase and indulge in one of Mike's legendary greasy hamburgers. Loyal clients swear they are the best, and who are we to disagree?
Momma's Diner (C51) 314 Congress, 469-9369. When Oilcan's and the Rainbow Cattle Co., shut down for the evening, the crowd heads right for Momma's. We learned at presstime that Momma has closed down the kitchen and shut down for good. We're sad to see you go, old girl.
Mongolian BBQ (E21) 117 San Jacinto, 476-3938. Have it your way, the Mongolian way. Choose your meat, choose your vegetables and sauce, and they'll fry it all up before your eyes. Hey, don't we go to restaurants to have someone more skilled than ourselves make the meal? On the other hand, how much culinary refinement do you usually get for $5? (Dinners are $7.50).
Nancy's Cafe (N128) 1801 Brazos, 476-6431. Inside the Employees Retirement System of Texas building.
New China Restaurant (L75) 908-D W. 12th, 478-1163. Chinese delivery. Dinner buffets, too.
Ninfa's (W50) 612 W. Sixth, 476-0612. The proprietors of this Ninfa's outlet grew up in the original Houston location on Navigation Street and are working hard to bring the Lorenzo family's famous Tex-Mex fare to downtown Austin.
Olde Pecan Street Cafe (S11) 310 E. Sixth, 478-2491. For more than 25 years, Pecan Street has been serving crêpes and salads, Fat Chocolate cake, and wonderful coffee to a loyal clientele. These days they're equally famous for their wedding cakes and off-premise catering.
Palmeras Restaurant & Club (C9) 217 Congress, 479-5002. Home of the formidable Bombarita, this festive dance club and sinfully rich Tex-Mex restaurant offers live mariachi weekends and a free food buffet during happy hour.
Pao's Mandarin House (N61) 800 Brazos, 482-8100. Open 24 hours M-F, this Mandarin restaurant offers daily lunch and dinner specials.
The Pit (S72) 501 E. Fifth, 478-1166. BBQ plates and sandwiches. Counter service.
Rooftop Cafe – Bernie's Place (S49) 500 N. I-35, 480-8181. The Sheraton's 18th-story restaurant and bar offer a wide-open view of downtown and a free pool table.
Scholz Garten (N131) 1607 San Jacinto, 474-1958. Political hangout, historical landmark, setting for The Gay Place ...Scholz's boasts one of the most storied drinking patios on thisor any other side of the Pecos. Lift one for the ages. Since 1866.
Serrano's at Symphony Square (E75) 1111 Red River, 322-9922. Muchas margaritas and full service Tex-Mex overlooking the Symphony Square amphitheatre.
Sfuzzi (W74) 311 W. Sixth, 476-8100. When the Coco Pazzo group from New York bought the Sfuzzi chain last year, they planned to remodel and made other changes that didn't sit too well with local patrons. The good news is that all changes are off, the Bellinis, the romano-crusted chicken, and the wonderful Sunday brunch will be back in a matter of weeks.
Shoal Creek Saloon (L54) 909 N. Lamar, 477-0600. A recent facelift has boosted this old Austin hangout to hidden-treasure status. Try the étoufée, Bud is kickin' some cajun butt in the kitchen.
Shoreline Grill (E4) 98 San Jacinto Blvd., 477-3300. Featuring a James Beard Award-winning bone-in tenderloin with ancho cajeta sauce for your money. Signature crème brûlée, seafood delicacies, and the largest cache of single-malt scotches in the city. The Town Lake view offers bat-watching at its finest.
Spaghetti Warehouse (W13) 117 W. Fourth, 476-4059. This kid-tested, mother-approved Italian restaurant is a sure-fire hit with the munchkins. But their generous portions are anything but child's play.
Stubb's Bar-B-Q (E61) 801 Red River, 480-8341. In under two years, Stubb's has grown from precocious upstart to one of Austin's premier rhythm-and-grub joints. And why not? Damn good barbecue and even better music. (Did we mention the leopard-skin curtains?)
Sullivan's (W11) 300 Colorado, 495-6504. Succulent steaks, cooked to perfection, along with top-notch martinis and mixed drinks make this elegant restaurant an exquisite slide into a den of decadence.
The Tavern (L73) 922 W. 12th, 474-7496. Hamburgers, nachos, quesadillas, sandwiches, salads, and so much more. Not only are they open 'til 2am, they're also air-conditioned.
Ted's Greek Corner (C18) 417 Congress, 472-4494. This is the real thing. People come from out of town just to sample Ted's authentic gyros.
Texas Chili Parlor (N102) 1409 Lavaca, 472-2828. Good chili and burgers but no foo foo drinks, no draft beer, no BS, no foolin' for 20 years now.
Texas Picnic Company (S44) 603 Sabine, 473-2518. The breakfast items and hearty sandwiches made on homemade bread are very popular with hungry office workers and the folks at the cop shop just across the street.
TGI Friday's (C3) 111 E. Cesar Chavez at the Radisson, 478-2991. This outlet of the Dallas-based chain is located in the Radisson hotel with a great view of the lake and our famous bat bridge. It offers a recognizable, diverse American cafe menu that is comforting to business travelers.
Thai Passion (C69) 620 Congress, 472-1244. Delicate and delectable, this recently opened Asian restaurant adds a touch of class to their passion.
Thai Soon (W17) 121 W. Fifth, 476-2356. In the middle of the flashy retro-district, this modest Thai restaurant has been steadily gaining a loyal following for exactly what it is: tasty, unassuming, and affordable. Sadly, it is closing soon. Thai soon.
Tocai (W53) 601 W. Sixth, 457-8880. This snazzy new Mediterranean restaurant with Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern specialties boasts an eclectic wine list with plenty of interesting vintages by the bottle and the glass.
Waterloo Brewing Co. (W32) 401 Guadalupe, 477-1836. One of our town's finest brewpubs and certainly one of the friendliest. Shoot some pool, toss some darts, sit upstairs on the roof, and hang out with your friends. Come find out if Ed's Bitter!
Waterloo Ice House (L42) 600 N. Lamar, 472-5400. Hand-cut fries, chocolate-cinnamon shakes, and live music on the weekend draws a comfortable, mixed crowd.
Wylie's (S21) 400 E. Sixth, 472-3712. Founded in 1978, Wylie's was serving good food and drinks to the downtown crowd long before anyone referred to Sixth Street as an "entertainment district."
Z-Tejas Grill (L1) 1110 W. Sixth, 478-5355. Every dish on the menu has a suprise inside – some unique combination of ingredients that fills the time between ordering and the first bite with heavy anticipation: blackberry wasabi sauce or pecan butter pâté, for example.
Z-Tejas Grill (L1) 1112 W. Sixth, 478-5355. Banquet and expansion space in the old Brio building.
Cafes/Desserts
15th Street Cafe (N104) 303 W. 15th, 478-7000. Located inside the Doubletree Guest Suites, the Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Try the crab-stuffed mushrooms. They also have a moderately priced Sunday brunch.
Amy's Ice Cream (L40) 1012 W. Sixth, 480-0673. All-natural Austin legend.
Apple Annie's Cafe Express (W77) 221 W. Sixth, 472-1884. "Underground" in the Bank One building, this convenient local eatery has a lovely outdoor courtyard for lunchtime relaxation.
BBs Mexican Cafe (N37) 616 Nueces, 472-8646. Always busy BBs boasts the best breakfast in Austin. Their soups, enchiladas, and chalupas are also available for take-out. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, and Saturday from 7am until 1:59pm.
Buns-N-Stuff (N61) 800 Brazos, 474-8055. Burgers and a variety of other quick and easy foods, from down home to the Far East.
Coffee Exchange (L10) 1200 W. Sixth, 474-5300. They don't serve just joe here, they've created their own micro-roast. Charming shop also carries chocolates, truffles, pastries, teas, and coffee paraphernalia.
Gitanos Cafe (C4) 111 Congress, 482-8822. Inside Franklin plaza.
HighLife Cafe (S20) 407 E. Seventh, 474-5338. A comfortable place to relax with coffee and the newspaper and breakfast dishes that are well beyond the ordinary.
Hot Jumbo Bagel (W30) 307 W. Fifth, 477-1137. The King of the Noshing Hill! Hot Jumbo has prevailed for over a decade amidst so many neighbors coming and going – including a recently vacated bagel chain right next door! Good riddance, we say! Long live Hot Jumbo!
Jim Jim's Water Ice (S54) 615-A E. Sixth. With the kind of winter we've been having, they could probably drum up some business, but they are closed for the season. Reopens in March when the sun starts threatening to get vicious.
KT's Deli (N123) 300 W. 15th, 495-9313. Housed in the bottom floor of the William P. Clements Jr. State Building, this cafeteria-style eatery boasts good food and low prices. Open for breakfast and lunch.
Lamme's Candies (C66) One American Center, 478-0855. Local confectioner has been satisfying Austin's sweet tooth for over 100 years.
Little City (C85) 916 Congress, 476-2489. Casual art-deco atmosphere and some of Austin's best coffee make this one of the city's most treasured cups of joe.
Milano's (W3) 217 W. Fourth, 326-9492. Yummy Italian Ice in many combinations of flavors. Personally, we think chocolate + lemon spells "a-m-o-r-e."
Milano's
photograph by Kenny BraunNeWorlDeli (C56) 416 Congress, 236-8075. This concept cafe stresses customer comfort – that starts with offering lunch under $5.
Old World Bakery (L88) 814 W. 12th, 474-4822. Especially good kolaches, fresh baked bread, and other pastries. Get there early – they sell out fast.
Royal Cafe (N120) 400 W. 15th, 457-9917. The daily lunch specials, posted at the entrance to the First State Bank parking garage, feature a choice of sandwich, plus tea, chips, and the food of kings, pickles – all under $4.
Ruta Maya Coffee House (W25) 218 W. Fourth, 472-9637. The hub. The heart. The soul of the warehouse district. There would be no warehouse district without this venerable coffee haus.
Starbuck's (C65) 600 Congress, 499-0250.
Sweetish Hill Bakery (C87) 922 Congress, 477-2441. Choose from a fresh and delicious selection of pastries, breads, fruits, and sandwiches – pre-made or made-to-order.
Sweetish Hill Bakery (L5) 1120 W. Sixth, 472-1347. Austin's oldest French bakery. Their bags say it all. "Guaranteed to make those who partake a lot happier and more fulfilled than those who get there too late."
Texas Tea Room (N61) 800 Brazos, 478-5700. Reliable weekday spot for breakfast and lunch in the basement food court.
The Fruitstand (C55) 416 Congress, 322-9778. Fresh smoothies and wraps.
Delivery/Take Out/Chains
5th St. Caboose (L17) 1120 W. Fifth, 708-1120. This new choo-choo ain't no gravy train – just a good cafe serving breakfast and lunch for take-out, delivery or dining in. Featuring breakfast tacos, scones, homemade soups, and daily specials.
Arby's (N19) 1715 Guadalupe, 472-1582.
Bohemian Wrapcity (S62) 511 E. Sixth, 457-9727. Wraps for both vegans and those not afraid to take advantage of the fact that they are perched atop the food chain.
Cambridge Deli (N1) 1801 Lavaca, Suite 101, 476-3870. Its proximity to the campus and the capitol make this a lunchtime favorite.
Choices Deli Under the Avenue (C63) 522 Congress, 472-8040. Inexpensive lunch fare, with dependable sandwiches, soups, and vegetarian dishes.
Cozzoli's Pizza (C70) 704 Congress, 480-8440.
Delaware Sub Shop (C59) 107 W. Fifth, 473-2319. The great state of Delaware may not be known for its great subs – but this place is.
Domenick's Pizza (S25) 414 E. Sixth, 477-5877. Nothing beats a hot slice when you're making the nightly rounds on Sixth.
Downtown Deli (E10) 408 Brazos, 473-2800. Full-service commercial catering.
Einstein Bros. Bagels (L65) 1112-D N. Lamar, 320-8033.
G&M Catering (N58) 200 E. Eighth, 929-8035. This is strictly a catering kitchen with no on-site service. However, they'll gladly set up food for a breakfast meeting, deliver box lunches, provide appetizers, drinks, and bartenders for the office cocktail party and even cater weddings.
Hill Country Gourmet Deli & Catering (N129)
1700 San Jacinto, 479-0355. Sayonara, Hill Country Gourmet. Hello... parking garage? Yes indeed. The state has exercised eminent domain on our erstwhile sammich-makers, evicting them to make way for a spanking new parking garage. Look for HCG in a new location in the near future.Hoek's Pizza (S14) 320 E. Sixth, 708-8484. Of the many Sixth Street pie dealers, this wins for the most fun to say. And they have the best lighting.
Longhorn Po-Boys (C82) 906 Congress, 476-7735. The deli that made "falafel" a household word also offers stuffed grape leaves and hearty sub sandwiches.
Mr. Gatti's (L89) 800 W. 12th, 459-2222.
O'Shucks Tamales (S42) 618 E. Sixth, 472-0985. Designer tamales to eat in or take out.
Subway (C40) 809 Congress, 480-9102.
Thundercloud Subs (N51) 112 E. Seventh, 474-7827.
Thundercloud Subs (C32) 112 Seventh, 474-7827.
Thundercloud Subs (L81) 903 W. 12th, 322-0154.
Thundercloud Subs (N12) 1608 Lavaca, 478-3281.
Thundercloud Subs-Headquarters (N88) 1205 San Antonio, 474-2363. Headquarters for the famous sandwich joints is tucked off the road in a nondescript house.
Roppolo's Pizzeria (S13) 316 E. Sixth, 476-1490. We rejoiced when we heard Roppolo's had finally brought their thin, crisp crust downtown!
Schlotzsky's Deli (C24) 106 E. Sixth St., 477-2867. The deli behemoth's newest and downtown-iest location, opening any day now.
Word of Mouth (L79) 919 W. 12th, 472-9500. Austin's top-of-the-line caterers for several years. They moved their commisary kitchen and offices to the former Run-Tex building in 1997 and plan to open a gourmet take-out shop in the former Amandine bakery space sometime in 1998.
Whole Foods (L45) 601 N. Lamar, 476-1206. An Austin original. Whole Foods has grown nationally into a chain standard by which other natural grocers are measured.
Periodically listings will be updated for pertinent changes.
Please send corrections for listings (addresses, phone numbers, URLs or email addresses) to: guide@auschron.com
Original publication date: 1/30/98
Last udpated online: 1/30/98
