Restaurants Near Zilker

Estimated meal cost per person:

$=<$10

$$=$10-25

$$$=$25-40

$$$$=$40+

1) TEX-MEX: Chuy's Barton Springs With 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 Friendly and popular juice bar near Barton Springs offering 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 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' brew, Austin Java offers an array of sustenance plus luscious desserts. 1608 Barton Springs Rd., 482-9450. www.austinjava.com. $$

6) BAKERY/COFFEEHOUSE: Flipnotics At this coffeehouse you'll find baked goods, sandwiches, and friendly service. 2009 "Best of Austin" Critics Pick for Best Outdoor Seating, its three new decks are a great place to rest your feet and ears after a day at ACL. 1601 Barton Springs Rd., 480-8646. www.flipnotics.com. $

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 homebrew on tap. 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.romeosrestaurants.com. $$

9) BARBECUE: Green Mesquite BBQ 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, Buddy's Grilled Chicken, 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) BAKERY/COFFEEHOUSE: Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Enjoy sandwiches, pastries, and free wi-fi at this new Zilker-area coffeehouse. 221 S. Lamar, 351-8680. www.coffeebeanaustin.com. $

12) FINE DINING: Paggi House An eclectic interpretation of American regional cuisine in a sophisticated, revamped setting makes this old favorite a Downtown destination. Make sure to try it for brunch. 200 Lee Barton Dr., 473-3700. www.paggihouse.com. $$$

13) TEX-MEX: El Chilito Tacos y Cafe You'll find the same fresh, festive food here as you've enjoyed at the original Manor Road location. Don't miss the cochinita pibil. 1025 Barton Springs Rd., 609-8923. www.elchilito.com. $

14) 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 and an updated wine list. 1003 Barton Springs Rd., 482-8484. $$

15) BURGER JOINT: Sandy's Hamburgers They say the corn dogs and fries are the tastiest in South Austin, and others say the burgers are the best buy in town. 603 Barton Springs Rd., 478-6322. $

16) SOUTHERN/DOWN-HOME: Threadgill's World HQ Just a shout away from the former Armadillo World Headquarters, you can get several music and food combos on the menu and a gospel brunch on Sundays. 301 W. Riverside, 472-9304. www.threadgills.com. $$

17) AMERICAN CAFE: Zax Pints & Plates Find American bistro cuisine here: fluffy crab cakes, classic Caesar salads, 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. $$

18) PUB GRUB: Aussie's Bar & Grill 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. $

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

20) 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. $$

21) DELIVERY, PIZZA: Austin's Pizza This local 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. $$

22) DESSERTS: Pie Slice The pastry case is resplendent with tall, elegant layer cakes and fruit pies in flaky crusts under clouds of sweet whipped cream. This place also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 2024 S. Lamar, 444-6644. www.pieslicebakery.com. $

23) BAKERY/COFFEEHOUSE, WINE BAR: Music Cafe Listen to Austin's finest musicians while enjoying chocolate fondue and sake. 2050 S. Lamar, 326-8742. www.austinmusiccafe.com. $

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

25) AMERICAN CAFE: Kerbey Lane Cafe Offering famously fabulous breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this place is a favorite of the late-night set. 2700 S. Lamar, 445-4451. www.kerbeylanecafe.com. $$

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Find more great places to eat, even farther away from ACL Fest, at austinchronicle.com/restaurantguide.