1911-A E. Riverside
Austin, 78741-1332
512/442-8402
Hours: Tue.-Sun., 7am-10pm
Reasonably priced Mexican cuisine and a relaxed setting make this a great place for a quick, no-hassles meal.
The bill of fare features some Tex-Mex dishes, several Interior specialties, and a number of good vegetarian options.
1809 Manor Rd., 512/457-9900
The "cathedral of seafood" is a jaw-dropper. The menu is half seafood and half grilled, meat-centric Norteño. Try the tostada de pulpo, a pile of tender, griddled octopus with scallions and pepper.
2711 E. Cesar Chavez, 512/476-7878
The barbacoa is top notch, while the picadillo is mind-numbingly good, made from minced – not ground – beef. What sucked us in originally was the promise of chivo (goat barbacoa), which melts in your mouth with intensely good flavor and isn't too gamey. The carne guisada is tender and smothered in a rich, beefy, comino-kissed sauce, while the pork carnitas are tender and unctuous. When it all settles out, La Fruta has vaulted into rarified territory as one of the best taquerias in town.
3124 Manor Rd., 512/961-5013