Restaurants Near Zilker

Estimated Meal Cost per Person

$ <$10

$$ $10-25

$$$ $25-40

$$$$ $40+

1) TEX-MEX: Chuy's Barton Springs 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. www.chuys.com. $$

2) TEX-MEX: Baby Acapulco No. 2 Try this place for great enchiladas and multiflavored margaritas that should come with warning stickers: "Muy bueno!" 1628 Barton Springs Rd., 474-8774. www.babyacapulco.com. $$

3) JUICE BAR, VEGETARIAN/VEGAN: Daily Juice This friendly and popular juice bar near Barton Springs offers 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. www.dailyjuice.org. $

4) 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. www.theshadygrove.com. $$

5) 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. www.austinjava.com. $$

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) BARBECUE: Uncle Billy's Brew & Que The barbecue sauce is outstanding on tender sausage and ribs. After a day at Zilker Park, enjoy great service and cold beer on tap by the folks at Live Oak Brewery. 1530 Barton Springs Rd., 476-0100. www.unclebillysaustin.com. $

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. www.austinromeos.com. $$

9) BARBECUE: Green Mesquite BBQ & More One of Austin's favorite barbecue dives – it may look seedy, but the menu is extensive, and the food is terrific. 1400 Barton Springs Rd., 479-0485. www.greenmesquite.net. $$

10) BURGER JOINT: P. Terry's Burger Stand Find burgers fashioned from hormone- and antibiotic-free Black Angus beef, grilled chicken (Buddy's), fresh-cut fries, and milkshakes. Sit at a picnic table on the patio. Dogs get a free biscuit. 404 S. Lamar, 473-2217. www.pterrys.com. $

11) JAPANESE: Uchi The sushi ranges from fresh scallops, tuna, and seafood to negitoro rolls, seaweed, and chicken salad, and all is highly rated. 801 S. Lamar, 916-4808. www.uchiaustin.com. $$$$

12) ITALIAN: Gypsy Italian Bistro Northern Italian like you've never had it. The veal, fish, and beef dishes are complemented by vegetarian options and a nice selection of salads. Don't miss the jalapeño cornbread panzanella. 1025 Barton Springs Rd., 499-0200. www.go2gypsy.com. $$$

13) ITALIAN: Vinny's Italian Cafe All the pasta dishes you'd expect, as well as a number of specialty pizzas. Vinny's offers 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 and the neon sign, not to mention the sinful smell of decades of sublimely greasy burgers, transports us back in time. 603 Barton Springs Rd., 478-6322. $

15) SOUTHERN/DOWN-HOME: Threadgill's World HQ It's 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. www.threadgills.com. $$

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. www.zaxaustin.com. $$

17) PUB GRUB: Aussie's Grill & Beach Bar In addition to great appetizers and pub fare, Aussie's offers big-screen TVs and beach-volleyball courts out back. 306 Barton Springs Rd., 480-0952. www.aussiesbar.com. $

18) INTERIOR MEXICAN: Sazón With a grade of "A" for the chile relleno, you should feel adventurous for the rest of the menu. For fans of dishes made with the corn fungus huitlacoche, this place is a must. 1816 S. Lamar, 326-4395. www.sazonaustin.com. $$

19) DELIVERY, PIZZA: Austin's Pizza This upstart takes aim at the big delivery chains by offering large two-topping pizzas – with gourmet ingredients and good crust – for $10.99. 1817 S. Lamar, 795-8888. www.austinspizza.com. $$

20) AMERICAN CAFE: Olivia Excellent American regional cuisine based on what's fresh from local farmers and ranchers. Full bar. 2043 S. Lamar, 804-2700. www.olivia-austin.com. $$$

21) AMERICAN CAFE: Kerbey Lane Cafe Famously fabulous breakfast, lunch, and dinner and a favorite of the late-night set. 2700 S. Lamar, 445-4451. www.kerbeylanecafe.com. $$