Lucky Robot on South Congress Credit: photo Gracie Salem

South Congress’ Lucky Robot wants guests to take advantage of their sidewalk seating now that the weather has warmed. They’ve added several new dishes inspired by Japanese street food to get the ball rolling.

Sidewalk seating at Lucky Robot Credit: photo Gracie Salem

The new items are indeed light in nature, tasty, and fun. Steamed Pork Buns with pickles, cilantro, tender pork belly, and hoisin ($8.50) are a handheld delight. Karaage Chicken ($8), crispy bites of tender white meat over steamed rice with bunches of bright herbs and a spicy chile sauce, makes for a satisfying meal, whatever the temperature.

Grab one of the four fusion tacos, such as the Love Replica ($4.95) with ahi tuna, cranberries, avocado, and a wasabi aioli or the all-veggie Happy Hippie ($3.50) with shiitake mushroom “bacon.” An iced jasmine green tea or one of the fun sake cocktail rounds out a quick and refreshing outdoor stop. The full menu, of course, is available.

With its always-friendly, menu-smart staff and plenty of inviting options, Lucky Robot is quickly becoming a personal favorite.

Chicken Karaage entree Credit: photo Gracie Salem

Lucky Robot

1303 S. Congress, 512/444-8081

www.luckyrobotrestaurant.com

Mon.-Fri. 11am-10pm; Sat.-Sun. 10am-10pm

This article appears in April 4 • 2014.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US

Gracie Salem has written about Austin's restaurants and chefs since 2000. In addition to contributing to The Austin Chronicle, she has published work in Tribeza and Edible Austin. She is a local veteran of the industry and operates a catering business with her husband and daughter.