Affordable, fragrant Indian specialties abound here, on a very complete buffet for lunch and Sunday brunch, and à la carte for dinner. The space may not be fancy, but it is spotless. And service is friendly and helpful. An excellent choice for takeout.
801 E. William Cannon #205
512/445-3435
www.asianaindiancuisine.com
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This eclectic Mediterranean-inspired joint might not be on the radar of folks who live north of the river, but it should be. Despite rave reviews of the house-made pasta, brisket ravioli, and unusual desserts (chocolate chili créme brûlée, anyone?), this 3-year-old shop has yet to shake off its best-kept-secret status. Pro tip: Go for lunch and enjoy high-end plates at a reasonable price point.
3421 W. William Cannon
512/853-9584
www.cafemaltaaustin.com
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John Anderson
Photo by Jana Birchum
The aromas of Cajun/Creole cooking seasoned with the thumping backbeat of swamp rock and zydeco transport guests to southwest Louisiana as soon as they cross the threshold. The food is authentic, the drinks are generous, and the hospitality is genuine. The good times always roll.
8106 Brodie Ln.
512/282-2586
evangelinecafe.com
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Way down yonder in the far Southside bustles a pleasant surprise: a strip mall spot with a chef-created menu perfect for takeaway or dining in. They've got a full deli case, scratch soups, and house focaccia paninis. Nightly dinner specials are a star attraction and regularly include meats from local ranches and organic veggies.
CLOSED
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photo by John Anderson
An encyclopedic menu begs you to venture beyond pad thai. Sap's generously spiced Thai dishes are deliciously made from fresh ingredients (owner Sap grows a lot of his own herbs and spices.). Both locations are visually stunning and comfortable, with plenty of options for the vegetarians, but we're still loyal to the original.
4514 West Gate Blvd.
512/899-8525
www.sapsthai.com
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Uchi's DNA continues to infiltrate the Austin restaurant gene pool. The most recent offshoot is their pizza-centric palace in Sunset Valley. In addition to the wood-fired pies, other menu standouts include luscious meatballs, inventive brunch dishes, and an outstanding interpretation of a Twix bar in the bakeshop.
CLOSED
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John Anderson
Six years in food-trailer years is like, what, 120 dog years? Founder and co-owner Reyna Vazquez clearly tapped into some latent taco need among Austinites through an insistence on quality and freshness. While the migas taco is the gold standard here, you really can't go wrong with anything on the Queen's menu. All three locations are great, but we like the one at Radio Coffee & Beer the best.
4208 Menchaca Rd.
512/629-8238
veracruzallnatural.com
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Did you know that this Austin institution supplies many of your favorite restaurants with fresh Gulf seafood? Even better, their own menu will satisfy just about any seafood craving you’ve got: peel-n-eat shrimp, grilled Texas black drum, and buttery lobster. Plus, they’ve got that family reunion-style mac & cheese you not-so-secretly love. Inducted in 2017.
5621 Airport
512/452-3820
qualityseafoodmarket.com
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