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 Fresh and creative Italian dishes |
408C East 43rd Street Austin, TX 78751 United States +1 512 451 1218 http://www.astiaustin.com |
Located in the heart of Hyde Park, this classy Italian restaurant will dazzle your taste buds. The decor is modern with contemporary features. Large windows allow light to shine in and give warmth to the space. It is upscale, clean and comfortable, with dimmed lighting in the evening. Start with the Oven Roasted Mussels spiced with white wine, tomato and garlic. Or try the Semolina Fried Calamari, served with its own special sauce. The restaurant offers a selection of pizzas including a White Pizza with truffle oil mozzarella, fontina and provolone cheese with fried sage leaves. Another favorite is the Grilled Eggplant Pizza with fontina & oregano. Main dishes include several pasta and meat selections. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Casey Woods |
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Melting pot of fine food |
1101 W Fifth St Austin, TX 78703 United States +1 512 476 0728 http://www.castlehillcafe.com |
The menu at Castle Hill Cafe defies categorization at this eclectic spot. Asian, Southwestern, Caribbean and European cuisines are blended to create unusual dishes that stimulate your sense of adventure as well as your palate. Lucinda's Basil Cheese Torta is an old favorite, and so is the Sausage and Duck Gumbo. For something new and different, try the Firecracker Shrimp Fettuccini. Some entrees are offered without meat for vegetarians. The menu changes every few weeks as the chefs try out new creations. New menu items are updated on the restaurant's Web site. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: natalie lin |
 Photo: natalie lin |
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Tex-Mex |
1728 Barton Springs Road Austin, TX 78704-1037 United States +1 512 474 4452 http://www.chuys.com/ |
Equal parts Tex-Mex restaurant and Elvis Presley shrine, this place combines south-of-the-border dining with a Graceland atmosphere, all for a well-affordable price. The wait staff, friendly and helpful, have been voted as the fastest in town by 'Austin Chronicle' readers. Given the competition, it is no small accomplishment that this is commonly considered the best Tex-Mex restaurant in town. The Elvis homage, oddly enough, works. Hubcaps and images of the rock icon set the stage for a dining experience that is pleasant and casual. The menu features a variety of Mexican dishes (the house special, an overstuffed chicken-and-green-chile confection called a Chuychanga, is especially recommended), steaks and burgers, and features a selection of cold beers and mixed drinks to help wash down the hearty meals. Other branches are found at 10520 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78753 (+1 512 836 3218) and at 11680 Research Boulevard, Austin, TX 78759 (+1 512 342 0011). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Anna Feruglio Dal Dan  |
 Photo: Frank Boosman |
 Photo: Nathan Bittinger |
 Photo: Anna Feruglio Dal Dan |
 Photo: Lori Wright |
 Photo: Ryan Sciaino |
 Photo: Julia Mills |
 Photo: Paul Woodruff |
 Photo: Paul Rutowski |
 Photo: Adam Cutler |
 Photo: Kyle Johnston |
 Photo: Jan Berry |
 Photo: gabriel liberman |
 Shopping and sightseeing |
Bounded by W 6th & 10th Sts, W Lynn & Waterston Austin, TX 78703 United States |
Wander through the residential neighborhood behind the busy shops and see some of Austin's most fantastic historical homes. If you are looking for an area that shows off a little bit of every part of Austin's eclectic style, this neighborhood is perfect. You will also find many restaurants to dine in when you take a break from all of the shopping. For many years, this beautiful neighborhood was considered the outskirts of the city. Now, sitting just west of downtown and centrally located, it is a bustling shopping district with fabulous boutiques and wonderful eateries. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Neff |
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Historic business district |
Congress Avenue (from 1st to 11th Streets) Austin, TX 78701 United States |
As one of Austin's most important streets, Congress Avenue's entire district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The buildings that frame the street are full of distinctive beauty. The oldest documented building is the Robinson-Rosner Building at 504 Congress (1856). Starting at the Capitol, the street continues south, passing fabulous little shops and eateries. Stop in at Hickory Street for a quick lunch, check out The State Theater or Paramount Theater to see what fantastic production is going on in the evening, or wander into Star bucks for coffee and treats. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Norman Francis |
 Photo: Michael Lovitt |
 Photo: Christopher Murphy |
 Photo: Hao Chao |
 Photo: Jonathan Arehart |
 Photo: sisterbean |
 Photo: Juliet Dervin |
 Photo: Philip Korshak |
 Photo: Terri Yu |
 Photo: aeddubh |
 Photo: Ken Liu |
 Photo: David O. Conrad |
 Photo: Raymond |
 Photo: Shelley & Grant McDaniel |
 Photo: librarygroover |
 Photo: kendrakim13 |
 Photo: Dan Morales |
 Photo: Rene Flores |
 Photo: eabenes |
 Photo: Khildram |
 Photo: Danila Daniloff |
 Photo: Kimberly Coutts |
 Photo: Yulie Reutovich |
 Photo: Jeremiah Adams |
 Photo: Sarah Polkinghorne |
 Photo: Manuel Delgado Tenorio |
 Photo: Andy Davy |
 Photo: Chad W Beckerman |
 Photo: Elizabeth Yockel |
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Gelato, espresso, spirits |
4222 Duval St Austin, TX 78751 United States +1 512 323 2686 |
Dolce Vita Gelato & Espresso Bar is truly a decadent destination, blending the sinful sweetness of Italian ice cream and the jolt of espresso with a fully stocked shot bar. The rich gelatos and delicate ices are made in house, with selections changing daily. Additionally, Dolce Vita offers some 30 single malt scotches and 40 liqueurs to accompany or top the fabulous desserts. With seating inside or on their small patio streetside, this makes for an experience like no other. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Festive atmosphere |
214 W 4th St Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 457 0172 http://www.fadoirishpub.com |
One of Austin's most crowded bars on the weekends. Fado pronounced (Fuh-DOH) translates to "long ago" in Celtic. The bar contains everything from Celtic designs to polished wood blocks and glass cabinets. If you can find a table grab it and watch the crowd meander around the bar, which is centered in the middle, or head outside to the small patio with its own bar and enjoy a Guinness. Handicapped parking is available behind the pub, in the alley. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chad Richard Smalley |
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Great brew pub |
304 W 4th St Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 473 8801 http://www.gingermanpub.com |
With occasional live music, a great jukebox, pool tables, darts and over 80 draft beers to choose from, it is no wonder this is a popular hangout. Enjoy the atmosphere inside this pub setting with couches and comfortable table gatherings. During cooler months, the outdoor patio is a wonderful place to gather with friends and try the great variety of beers offered here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rob Trent |
 Photo: mrprkr |
 Photo: Rob Trent |
 Photo: Kimberly J Murray |
 Photo: laura wyatt |
 Photo: optimusprym8 |
 Photo: Fairy Brutal |
 Photo: Ben Darlow |
 Photo: Angelique Garcia |
 Photo: John Coogan |
 Photo: Voodoow |
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Favorite American restaurant |
4206 Duval Street Austin, TX 78751 United States +1 512 458 3168 |
This is a perennial Austin favorite. Some come for the battered fries served with pepper-and-onion-spiked mayonnaise; others for the Chicken-fried Steak with its crispy exterior topped with luscious cream gravy. Everyone has a favorite here. But it is not just the reliably tasty food that attracts folks; it is the laid-back, friendly atmosphere, the people-watching and the late hours. Grilled Fish and salads are on the menu, along with the heartier Chicken-fried Steak and tasty, acclaimed burgers. You may be too full for dessert, although you will be missing out, if you skip it. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lauren |
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Fine dining mainstay |
1204 West Lynn Street Austin, TX 78703 United States +1 512 477 5584 |
This Clarksville restaurant, opened in 1975, manages to stay on Austin's dining forefront because of the innovative cuisine created by chef David Garrido. Begin with one of his signature appetizers, perhaps Oysters on Yucca Root Chips with Habanero-Honey Aioli, follow with a Latin-American inspired entree such as Lamb with Orange Flan and Guajillo Mole, and top it off with a Lemon Cajeta Ice Box Cake. The menu is imaginative, the execution perfect, the service professional and the atmosphere comfortably elegant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Tex-Mex food and live music |
1619 S 1st St Austin, TX 78704 United States +1 512 447 7825 |
Delicious Tex-Mex is served at this long-time South Austin diner. The environment is casual, with Mexican art and murals adorning the walls. Three separate dining areas are available, one being an enclosed patio. It offers a range of breakfast tacos, combination plates and a la carte items. Juan's Plate, the Vegetarian Plate, and the Carne Guisada are highly recommended. This popular hangout showcases well-known local musicians several evenings a week at happy hour and beyond. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Carlos Lowry |
 Photo: Dan Phiffer |
 Photo: Ron Baker |
 Photo: Tim Thompson |
 Photo: A. C. Ellison |
 Photo: Lori Deemer |
 Photo: (Brian) |
 Traditional Japanese cuisine |
315 Congress Ave Suite 200 Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 482 0903 |
A sushi bar provides counter seating for those who want to watch the chefs do their work, transforming fresh seafood and other ingredients into sushi, sashimi, yakitori and kushiyaki. Alongside the bar, there is Western-style table service. But in a separate dining room, you can go completely traditional and sit on tatami mats at low tables. Either way, the food is fresh and authentic. Try the kushiyaki (skewered, charcoal-broiled meat and vegetables) as an accompaniment to your sushi, or get a seafood platter. And do not miss the light, crispy tempura. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brandon Burkett |
 Photo: Brandon Burkett |
 Photo: Kerri Carson |
 Photo: Greg Weaver |
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Tapas, Spanish food |
208 West Fourth St Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 236 8020 |
This upscale tapas bar features traditional sample plates of Spanish favorites and a wide variety of wine available by the glass. Vegetable empanadas are flaky, rich packages filled with spinach and ricotta or a daily special filling. The Arroz Con Pollo, chicken with a tasty saffron rice, is not to be missed. The slick atmosphere belies the comfortable feel. After work, this is a happening place for downtown types. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Great Tex-Mex |
310 Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 472 7555 http://www.manuels.com/ |
With all the black leather, neon and jazz here, one might be suspicious. Is this a trendy Mexican joint where the food takes a back seat to the slick atmosphere? The answer is a resounding "no". One bite of the Chile Relleno en Nogada is the proof; tender Pork Picadillo studded with raisins and stuffed into a roasted poblano pepper, then sauced with walnut cream. Or try the Enchiladas, Gorditas and Flautas; all make excellent choices. Sunday brunch, with live jazz, is a winner, but dinner and happy hour are the real standout events. The second location is on Jollyville Road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Clayton Snodgrass |
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Vegetarian comfort food |
4215 Duval St Austin, TX 78751 United States +1 512 451 3994 http://www.motherscafeaustin.com/ |
Vegetarian food may not have the Texas pedigree of barbecued ribs or tacos al carbon, but at Mother's Cafe and Garden at Hyde Park, it is as toothsome as any native cuisine. Besides, this is as vegetarian a town as Texas can boast, so sampling spinach lasagna or even tofu barbecue is an essential part of the Austin experience. The menu runs the gamut from butter-and-cheese-laden dishes to skinnier choices, such as brown rice and vegetables. Such an accommodating list of dishes is an indication of the laid-back, cozy atmosphere here, where everyone is welcome, and everyone leaves satisfied. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Fun Italian place |
1500 Barton Springs Road Austin, TX 78704 United States +1 512 476 1090 http://www.austinromeos.com/ho... |
This restaurant is billed as "Italian food with an attitude" and serves excellent dishes at a reasonable price. The menu is a combination of the classic and the imaginative, with appetizers like grilled portabella mushrooms, and entrees like gourmet pizzas and "angry pasta" ;fettuccine with white wine sauce, ham, tomatoes and mushrooms. Several seafood items are also available. Expect a typical meal with a glass of wine. As far as the atmosphere, think elegant yet unpretentious. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Megan Myers |
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Coffee and tunes |
3601 S Congress Ste D-200 Austin, TX 78704 United States +1 512 707 9637 / +1 512 472 9638 http://rutamaya.net |
In the heart of the Warehouse district, Ruta Maya provides an electric mix of coffee and tunes from Central America. Sit outside on the steps and watch the people parade by, or sit inside at a funky table on the wide hard-wooded floors. Enjoy some of the best coffee and tea in Austin while listening to local and foreign bands perform. Pastries are available, as well as bottled juice drinks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jenna and Tim Dickinson and Inklebarger |
 Photo: Andrew Elder |
 Photo: Samantha Rickman |
 Photo: Wende Wood |
 Photo: F.E. Forster IV |
 Photo: Kariem Ali |
 Photo: Paige Maguire |
 Photo: Dave Chudnov |
 Photo: Jevon Hull |
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Casual restaurant with great patio |
1624 Barton Springs Road Austin, TX 78704 United States +1 512 474 9991 http://www.theshadygrove.com/ |
Sit at a patio table under the huge oaks and you will discover why this spot is called Shady Grove. One of the best patios ever created is reason enough to stop by, and the consistently tasty, crowd-pleasing food is a great bonus. Happy hour is offered Monday through Friday 4pm to 7p. A menu standard is the Hippie Sandwich, a concoction of sautéed vegetables, cheese and a sub-style roll. Add a chicken breast and you have got the Hippie Chick. Kids love the chicken fingers and the burgers are great, too. Plus, this place has personality - just check out the bathroom (housed in an old Airstream trailer). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pete L. |
 Photo: Pete L. |
 Photo: pixy led |
 Photo: Brad Ehney |
 Photo: Erin Stoll |
 Photo: CassidayCaitlin |
 Photo: ritzy periwinkle |
 Photo: neal williams |
 Photo: Jens Zalzala |
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Family-friendly Italian |
117 West Fourth St Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 476 4059 |
For a family-friendly Italian dinner, wander downtown to the Spaghetti Warehouse. Upon entering, the smell of garlic perfumes the air. The 15-layer lasagna is a sight to behold, served with a little Italian flag to stabilize the tower of delicious pasta and sauce. Unlimited salad and fresh baked sourdough bread is served throughout your meal. It is conveniently located within walking distance of the Sixth Street entertainment area and in the heart of the Warehouse District. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sean Coon |
 Photo: Chris Tingom |
 Photo: tina_kolesnik |
 Photo: Jodi Paul |
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Speakeasy |
412D Congress Ave Austin, TX 78701 United States 512-47PARTY http://www.speakeasyaustin.com |
This multi-level club is situated in the Warehouse district of Austin. After entering through the alleyway behind Congress Avenue, listen to various live swing bands. Swing lessons are taught on Tuesdays at 7:30p. The elegant wood panels and top-shelf bar attract a sophisticated crowd. Upstairs patrons enjoy a pleasant garden atmosphere on the roof with an excellent view of downtown Austin and the Colorado River. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Elke Sisco |
 Photo: Cameron Childress |
 Photo: Jonathan Reibsamen |
 Photo: Emily Anderson |
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Classy place with steaks and jazz |
300 Colorado St Suite 200 Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 495 6504 http://www.sullivansteakhouse.... |
This premiere bar and restaurant located in the Warehouse district is by far a first choice for one of the best steaks available in Austin. Besides a great steak, they host live jazz in their New York-style jazz bar. Bring a date and sit around one of the many cozy tables or up front right below the elevated band. If you just want to grab a top-shelf cocktail, head over to the separate bar and enjoy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kyle Tsui |
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Fresh-baked goodies |
1120 W 6th St Austin, TX 78703 United States +1 512 472 1347 / +1 512 472 7370 http://www.sweetishhill.com |
Founded in 1975, the concept of Sweetish Hill Bakery is a marriage of the Viennese coffeehouse with the French boulangerie. Located in a bright, airy space with a great patio in the middle of Old Pecan Street (West Sixth) shops, the bakers produce over 80 items daily. The selection of breads, created using European techniques, is unrivaled in town. There is also a great selection of pastries, cakes, homemade soups and lunch fare, including 20 sandwiches and 12 green and side salads. This is a great spot to relax over a light bite or grab something quick and delicious to go. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jeremy Alan Wall |
 Photo: Jeremy Alan Wall |
 Photo: Donald Mason |
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The heart of Texas |
1100 Congress Ave Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 463 0063 http://www.capitol.state.tx.us... |
The slogan states that "everything is bigger in Texas," and if you look at our Capitol, the phrase rings true. Standing a stately 309 feet and modeled after the nation's Capitol in Washington D.C., this is the nation's tallest. Designed by architect Elijah E. Myers and constructed of red granite, the Capitol took more than seven years to complete. It was finished in 1888, at a total cost of more than three million dollars, an extravagant price even by today's standards. The perfectly landscaped grounds reflect the languid pace of life under the Texas sun, inviting you for a quiet stroll or a lazy day under a tree. Tours: Daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day. Allow 30-45 minutes for the tour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mike Gonyou |
 Photo: Hugo Rodriguez |
 Photo: novak rogic |
 Photo: J. Sulaeman |
 Photo: Faramarz S |
 Photo: Chris Anderson |
 Photo: Patrick McLeod |
 Photo: Dave Wilson |
 Photo: Kelly Donaldson |
 Photo: J Wynia |
 Photo: Irene C. |
 Photo: Pete Fuller |
 Photo: Ken Shanaberger |
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Southern home cooking |
6416 North Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78752 United States +1 512 451 5440 http://www.threadgills.com/ |
Neon beer signs and vintage clocks line the walls of this Austin institution, a gas station-turned-restaurant that also offers up live music. If comfort food is your pleasure, this is the right place, and if you like your vegetables, you will be in heaven. Whatever the entree, seconds on vegetables come free. Pork roast and fried chicken are great, but the chicken-fried steak is not to be missed. The San Antonio Squash will please even those who turn up their noses at the vegetable. And of course, the mashed potatoes and black-eyed peas are heavenly. Rich, crumbly cornbread comes free, but white-flour rolls are extra (and worth it). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rusty Blazenhoff |
 Photo: Karen Miller |
 Photo: Jamie Campbell |
 Photo: Sarah Maravetz |
 Photo: Rusty Blazenhoff |
 Photo: Mark Bryant |
 Photo: Carlos Lowry |
 Photo: Brian Biediger |
 Photo: Tobias Carroll |
 Photo: Brian Bolding |
 Photo: Glen Campbell |
 Photo: Jim Howard |
 Photo: James Melly |
 Photo: goteampugh |
 Photo: Jill Khoury |
 Photo: Leah Eggers |
 Photo: Deliah Greenslet |
 Photo: Ryan Hargrave |
 Photo: Bruce Jones |
 Photo: Peter Tung |
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Vicci Conquers |
404 Colorado St Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 476 7799 http://www.vicciaustin.com/ |
Heralded as sporting the hottest dance club in Austin, go to Vicci for Vegas-themed trendy, wall-to-wall action. Although the line is often long, it's worth the wait. Vicci boasts 5 bars in 10,000 square feet, a VIP area and the Di Lusso Lounge below. The drinks can be a bit pricey, and the staff have a reputation for being "curt", but if you want to dance and be seen in the Warehouse District's busiest spot, look no further. Review © 2007, Wcities |