Second Helpings: Sandwiches, Wraps, Burritos

Thundercloud Subs

Since 1975, Thundercloud Subs has served up "fresh, fast and healthy" sandwiches of every stripe to hungry, frugal Austinites. There's nothing fancy about Thundercloud's ingredients or preparation, but when you're feeling too greased out for burgers and fries, nothing beats a turkey or veggie sub on whole wheat. And the knowledge that you're keeping your money local instead of feeding some multinational corporate behemoth makes every bite taste that much better.

Delaware Sub Shop

Mon-Sat, 10:30am-9pm; Sun, 11am-8pm

Though justifiably famous for their Philly cheesesteak and its cousin, the Chicken Philly, Delaware Sub Shop delivers above-average sandwiches all around. The Italian Gourmet comes fully loaded with genoa salami, three kinds of ham, and a spicy pepper relish that can't be beat. Delaware Subs is also one of the few places in town where you can end your meal with the East Coast dessert favorite known as Tastykakes.

Texadelphia

Mon-Sat, 11am-9pm; Sun, 11am-6pm

Ever since Texadelphia opened its doors on the Drag in 1985, hordes of UT students have graduated hopelessly addicted to the odd combination of Philly cheesesteak with a side of tortilla chips and salsa. Don't ask why, but it works. Texadelphia uses Black Angus sirloin for its cheesesteaks and offers toppings ranging from mushrooms to marinara to barbecue sauce. They also serve chicken cheesesteaks, burgers, and a handful of deli subs.

Gene's New Orleans Style Poboys & Deli

Mon-Sat, 6:30am-7pm

When Gene says po-boys, he means the authentic New Orleans-style article on half a loaf of French bread, swimming in a delectable mess of shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise. If you need an extra kick, add a few shots of Louisiana Hot Sauce. Shrimp, smoked sausage, oyster, and catfish po-boys share the stage with traditional deli favorites like turkey, ham, and roast beef. Sandwiches run between $4-7, and Gene even throws in a free soft drink with most orders. Daily Soul Food Specials include red beans and rice with smoked sausage and cornbread (Mondays, $5.75) and smothered pork chops with collard greens (Thursdays, $6.75).

Freebirds World Burrito

Sun-Thu, 11am-10:30pm, Fri-Sat, 11am-11pm

Fresh out of College Station, Freebirds is the best thing to come from our college-town rival. Never mind that a burrito as thick as your arm is like gourmet dining to an Aggie, or that part of the appeal is that there's no silverware required. Don't be fooled: It's not just the displaced Aggies who keep this spot going. Fresh ingredients, a fun, casual atmosphere, and their patented "Bad Ass BBQ Sauce" make this place a must-try. But be forewarned: Plan early for the lunch hour, when lines are out the door.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Daily 11am-10pm

Though having a Denver-based Mexican food chain set up shop in Austin may seem like a kamikaze mission to some, Chipotle manages to deliver several varieties of tasty burritos for under $5, including steak, chicken, carnitas, and vegetarian. They may not match the epic proportion of burritos in San Francisco's Mission District, but they fill you up fast without the grease intake inherent in most Tex-Mex repasts.